- How to walk around Osaka Castle's castle tower without fail
- Avoid lining up to buy tickets or climbing the stairs up the 8-story castle tower, and tour Osaka Castle in comfort.
Osaka Castle Hōkoku Shrine
Osaka Castle Hōkoku Shrine is a shrine located within Osaka Castle. It was built at the idea of Emperor Meiji to enshrine Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who greatly contributed to the unification of Japan. Until 1873 (Meiji 6), the head office and shrine building were in Kyoto, and in 1880 (Meiji 13), it was moved to Nakanoshima, Kita Ward, Osaka City. It was moved to its current location in 1936 (Showa 11).
The precincts include the main hall and worship hall where Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Toyotomi Hideyori, and Toyotomi Hidenaga are enshrined, a statue of Hideyoshi, and the Shusekitei garden.
Also popular are amulets that are said to bring good luck in matchmaking and improving performance in the arts.
- Visiting hours
- 24 hours (9:00 am to 5:00 pm for fortune slips, amulets, stamps, etc.)
- Visiting hours
- 24 hours (9:00 am to 5:00 pm for fortune slips, amulets, stamps, etc.)
- Regular holiday
- 7 days a week
- Telephone number
- +081-6-6941-0229
- Official site
- https://www.osaka-hokokujinja.org
- Parking
- Nothing at the shrine. Use the coin parking lot outside Osaka Castle.
- How to visit
- 12 minutes walk from Tanimachi 4-chome Station (Subway Tanimachi Line or Chuo Line)
- If you take the Tanimachi Line, exit 1-B or 2. On the Chuo Line, exit 9 is the closest exit.
- Address
- 2-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002
The symbol of Osaka Hōkoku Shrine! Statue of Hideyoshi looking towards the unification of the country with his powerful eyes
In the center of the precincts is a statue of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
The statue of Toyotomi Hideyoshi is known as the symbol of Osaka Castle. Its majestic appearance continues to fascinate many people.
The original version of this statue is actually the one he erected in Osaka Castle in 1898 (Meiji 36). It was later moved to Nakanoshima, Kita Ward, Osaka City, but was lost during World War II due to the supply of metal to the Japanese government. However, thanks to the enthusiasm of many people, it was faithfully restored in 2007 (Heisei 19), and continues to exist today.
The creator of the statue is Shinya Nakamura, a representative figure in the Japanese sculpture world. It was created with great attention to detail, based on photographs of old statues.
Lord Hideyoshi, holding a military guard in his hand and wearing a jinbaori and armor, gazes powerfully into the distance. It seems that you can feel the charisma and unwavering confidence that helped unify the country.
Ninotorii Gate
Ninotorii Gate is an important structure that stands at the entrance to a shrine. This torii gate marks the boundary for worshipers as they proceed to the sacred area, and serves as an entrance to the sacred space.
If you go through the Ninotorii gate, you will reach the worship hall.
Worship Hall
Inside the shrine, statues of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Toyotomi Hideyori, Toyotomi Hidenaga, and others are enshrined.
The gable roof is made of thick wood, giving it a solid feel.
Before going to Osaka Castle, let’s say hello to Toyotomi Hideyoshi!
The precincts of Hōkoku Shrine are compact, so it’s a great spot to stop by if you’re going to Osaka Castle. Because the site is compact, it doesn’t take much time to stop by Hōkoku Shrine. You can see all the sights including the main shrine in just 10 minutes.
At the main entrance to Hōkoku Shrine, Omote Torii, there are regular stalls and it is always crowded with people.
Hōkoku Shrine is located within the grounds of Osaka Castle, right next to the Sakuramon Gate, which is the entrance to the main enclosure of Osaka Castle.
However, even though you can easily go there to greet Lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, it is surprisingly unknown to tourists.
Head to Hōkoku Shrine, where Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the lord of Osaka Castle, is enshrined. Before entering Osaka Castle, why not say hello to Toyotomi Hideyoshi?
