Kishiwada Castle

Overview

Kishiwada Castle is a flatland castle located in Kishiwada City, Osaka Prefecture. It once flourished as a 53,000-koku castle. Built by the Okabe clan during the Warring States and Edo periods, it is believed that a full-fledged castle was constructed after the Siege of Osaka. However, the keep was lost after the Meiji period. The current keep was rebuilt in 1954 thanks to donations from citizens and the request of descendants of the former castle lord, the Okabe clan. The three-story, three-tiered keep is a connected-style lookout-type structure; it is believed that the original keep had five stories. From the keep, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kishiwada's cityscape and distant mountains – a truly magnificent sight. The Honmaru (main enclosure) also features the Hachijin-no-Niwa (Garden of Eight Formations), a karesansui (dry landscape) garden designed by Shigemori Mirei. Based on Zhuge Liang's Eight Formations, the garden features stone arrangements representing the central commander and the eight formations (Heaven, Earth, Wind, Cloud, Bird, Snake, Dragon, and Tiger), inviting you into a world of tranquility. Kishiwada Castle is recommended not only for history buffs, but also for those who enjoy strolling through the castle town and experiencing the changing scenery throughout the four seasons, including cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage. In spring, the castle is painted pink with blooming cherry blossoms, and in autumn, the castle town is adorned with beautiful autumn leaves. Kishiwada Castle is a beautiful castle where history and nature harmonize. Be sure to visit!