Origins and Construction of Kishiwada Castle
The Kusunoki Clan and Wada Takaiye
The origins of Kishiwada Castle date back to 1334. According to tradition, Wada Takaiye, a member of the family of Kusunoki Masashige, built a castle in what is now Noda-cho, east of the present castle.
This early fortification was not yet a full-scale castle. It primarily served as a defensive stronghold in the area.
Major Reconstruction by Koide Hidemasa
In 1585, during Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s campaign against Negoro-ji Temple in Kishu, Koide Hidemasa, Hideyoshi’s uncle, became lord of Kishiwada Castle.
Hidemasa transformed the previously simple fortification into a substantial castle with a five-story keep, laying the foundation for Kishiwada Castle as a major feudal stronghold.
Further Development under the Okabe Clan
In 1619, Matsudaira Yasushige and Yasuaki became lords of the castle. From 1640, the castle was controlled by the Okabe clan.
Okabe Nobukatsu carried out further improvements, completing the castle’s development into a full-scale early modern Japanese castle. The Okabe clan governed Kishiwada for 13 generations until the Meiji Restoration.
Kishiwada Castle in the Modern Era
Loss of the Original Keep and Reconstruction
In 1827, the original castle keep was destroyed by a lightning strike.
At the time of the Meiji Restoration, the lord of the castle ordered the destruction of towers, gates, and other castle structures. As a result, very little of the pre-modern architecture survived apart from the moats and stone walls.
The present keep was built in 1954 as a reconstructed three-story, three-level imitation castle keep. Major renovation work was carried out in 1992, giving the keep much of its present appearance.
A Historic Site and Public Park
Today, the ruins of Kishiwada Castle are designated as a Historic Site by Osaka Prefecture, while the garden within the main bailey is designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government.
Approximately 4.9 hectares covering the main and second baileys are managed by Kishiwada City as Chikiri Park, providing a pleasant green space for local residents and visitors.
The Main Bailey
The Castle Keep
The present keep has a three-tier connected watchtower-style design. However, the historical “Map of Kishiwada Castle in Senshu”, submitted to the shogunate during the Shoho era, depicts a five-story castle keep.
The original keep was destroyed by lightning and was never rebuilt during the Edo period. It was finally reconstructed in 1954 with donations from local residents and at the request of the former Okabe clan.
A major renovation was carried out in 1992, resulting in the castle keep seen today.
Inubashiri Defensive Terrace
The stone walls of the main bailey feature a narrow embankment known as an “inubashiri.” Although such a structure could be considered disadvantageous from a defensive standpoint, it was deliberately constructed here.
One theory is that it was built to help prevent the collapse of the relatively fragile Senshu sandstone used in the castle walls.
Hachijin Garden
Hachijin Garden was designed in 1953 by renowned garden designer Mirei Shigemori.
The garden’s distinctive composition is based on the Eight Formations, a military formation associated with the famous Chinese strategist Zhuge Liang.
In 2014, Hachijin Garden was designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government. Its appearance changes with the seasons, and it is particularly attractive in spring when cherry blossoms bloom around the castle grounds.
The Second Bailey
The second bailey once contained structures including the Ninomaru Palace and Fushimi Turret. It is thought to have functioned as the main bailey during the Warring States period and covered approximately 8,000 square meters.
Gofuso Garden
The area known as the Second Enclosure once contained numerous castle-related facilities. Today, part of the historic area is home to Gofuso, a traditional Japanese strolling garden that visitors can explore.
The Third Bailey
The third bailey once contained structures such as the North Gate, Sakaguchi Gate, and Accounting Office. Very little of these original structures remains today.
The Town and Outer Enclosures
Hama Stone Walls
Along the northwestern edge of the town and outer enclosures were the Hama Stone Walls. They extended for approximately 800 meters along the coastline of the time.
The walls served both as coastal defenses and as protection against high water. Most of them were removed after the Meiji period, but a small section remains near Nakamachi Children’s Park.
Features and Highlights of Kishiwada Castle
Why Is It Also Called “Chikiri Castle”?
Kishiwada Castle was built on a small hill formerly known as Ibusé-yama. The combined shape of the main and second baileys is said to resemble a traditional Japanese weaving tool called a chikiri, used for winding the warp threads.
This resemblance is believed to be the origin of the castle’s alternative name, Chikiri Castle.
Kishiki Shrine: A Place Associated with Love and Relationships
Kishiki Shrine, located within the castle grounds, is also known as a shrine for good relationships and matchmaking.
The name “Chikiri” is associated in Japanese with the word “chigiri,” meaning a bond, promise, or connection between people. Because of this association, the shrine is visited by people praying for good relationships.
The Beautiful Hachijin Garden
Inside the main bailey, Hachijin Garden offers beautiful scenery throughout the year. The garden is particularly popular in spring, when cherry trees bloom and the castle grounds become a popular cherry-blossom viewing location.
Its unique design is based on the legendary military formations attributed to Zhuge Liang, making it an unusual combination of Japanese garden aesthetics, Chinese military history, and castle architecture.
One of Japan’s 100 Continued Top Castles
Kishiwada Castle was not included in the original 100 Famous Castles of Japan selection. However, on April 6, 2017, it was selected as Castle No. 161 on the Continued 100 Famous Castles of Japan list.
This recognition highlights the castle’s historical significance as an important surviving castle site in Osaka.
Discover the History of Kishiwada Castle
Kishiwada Castle is one of Osaka’s historic castles, with a long history of development under successive castle lords from the Warring States period through the early modern era.
Although the original castle keep was lost, the site preserves important elements of its former layout, including moats, stone walls, castle ruins, and the beautifully designed Hachijin Garden.
The reconstructed keep and seasonal scenery make Kishiwada Castle an attractive place to explore Japanese castle history while enjoying the atmosphere of a traditional castle town in southern Osaka.