Complete guide to the highlights of Osaka Castle Megaliths
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Many megaliths are used in the stone walls of Osaka Castle. All these megaliths are located in the stone walls within the "masugata" such as Sakuramon Masugata, Kyobashimon Masugata, and Otemon Masugata. In this article, we will introduce the highlights of the large stones such as "tako-ishi" and "Higo-ishi" that are used in Osaka Castle.
For a comprehensive overview of the entire Osaka Castle, please refer to 「Highlights and access methods of Osaka Castle (Osaka Prefecture)」.
(Last modified: )
Table of contents
Name and location of megaliths
The main megaliths within Osaka Castle are as follows.
| Rank | Stone name | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Tako-ishi | Sakuramon Masugata |
| 2nd | Higo-ishi | Kyobashimon Masugata |
| 3rd | Furisode-ishi | Sakuramon Masugata |
| 4th | Otemitsuke-ishi | Otemon Masugata |
| 5th | Oteniban-ishi | Otemon Masugata |
| 6th | Goban-ishi | Sakuramon Masugata |
| 7th | Kyobashiguchi-niban-ishi | Kyobashimon Masugata |
| 8th | Otesanban-ishi | Otemon Masugata |
| 9th | Sakuramon-yonban-ishi | Sakuramon Masugata |
| 10th | Tatsu-ishi | Sakuramon Masugata |
| 11th | Tora-ishi | Sakuramon Masugata |
※ The megaliths are ranked based on the size of their surface area.
All of these large stones are located in the stone walls of either the Sakuramon Masugata, Kyobashimon Masugata, or Otemon Masugata.
Megaliths in Sakuramon Masugata
This is a megaliths located in Sakuramon Masugata.
Tako-ishi
Passing through the Sakuramon Gate, on the front stone wall, you’ll find the Tako-ishi, which has the largest surface area among the stones in Osaka Castle. It is said to be called the Tako-ishi because the pattern on the lower left of the stone resembles an octopus.
Goban-ishi
On the same stone wall, immediately to the left of the Tako-ishi, lies the Goban-ishi, which ranks sixth in surface area within Osaka Castle. It is believed to be named the Goban-ishi because the shape of the stone resembles the board used in the game of Go.
Furisode-ishi
On the stone wall to the left of where the Tako-ishi is located, there are two large stones. On the right, there is the Furisode-ishi, which has the third largest surface area in Osaka Castle. It is said to be called the Furisode-ishi because its shape resembles the furisode, a style of kimono with dangling sleeves.
Sakuramon-yonban-ishi
To the left of the Furisode-ishi is the Sakuramon-yonban-ishi, which has the ninth largest surface area within Osaka Castle.
Tatsu-ishi
To the right of the Sakuramon Gate is the Tatsu-ishi, ranking tenth in surface area within Osaka Castle.
Tora-ishi
To the left of the Sakuramon Gate lies the Tora-ishi, with the eleventh largest surface area within Osaka Castle.
Together, the Tatsu-ishi and Tora-ishi are referred to as the Ryuko-ishi. According to the explanatory sign located at the Sakuramon Gate, "During the Edo period, it was said that when it rained, the shapes of a dragon on the right and a tiger on the left would each appear."
Megaliths in Kyobashimon Masugata
This is a megaliths located in Kyobashimon Masugata.
Higo-ishi
Passing through Kyobashi Gate, the stone with the second largest surface area within Osaka Castle is located on the front stone wall, known as the Higo-ishi. It is said to be called the Higo-ishi because it was transported by Kato Kiyomasa from Higo, but in reality, it was transported by Ikeda Tadao.
Kyobashiguchi-niban-ishi
To the left of the stone wall where the Higo-ishi is located is the Kyobashiguchi-niban-ishi, with the seventh largest surface area within Osaka Castle.
Megaliths in Otemon Masugata
This is a megaliths located in Otemon Masugata.
Otemitsuke-ishi
Passing through the Otemon Gate, the front stone wall hosts three megaliths. The one in the center is the Otemitsuke-ishi, holding the fourth largest surface area within Osaka Castle.
Oteniban-ishi
To the left of the Otemitsuke-ishi is the Oteniban-ishi, having the fifth largest surface area within Osaka Castle.
Otesanban-ishi
To the right of the Otemitsuke-ishi is the Otesanban-ishi, with the eighth largest surface area within Osaka Castle.
I have introduced eleven megaliths located within Osaka Castle. Each stone is located in easily identifiable positions, so when you visit Osaka Castle, please make sure to look for them.
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Thank you for reading to the end.
( Written by Tatsuo Ikura )
