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Osaka History Walk 1: Naniwa Palace | Tracing Ancient Osaka Around Osaka Castle

On an autumn holiday, I went for a walk around Osaka Castle with my son. This area is filled with historic sites dating back to ancient times, making it truly one of the great stages of Osaka’s history. Taking a leisurely day together, we traced the story of Osaka from ancient times to the present. So, starting with this post, I would like to write about Osaka’s history in several parts. First, let’s begin with ancient Osaka.


▼ The remains of Naniwa Palace, at Naniwa Palace Site Park. This is the foundation platform of the Daigokuden, the main state hall.

Osaka History Walk 1: Naniwa Palace

▼ A palace like this is said to have once stood here.

Osaka History Walk 1: Naniwa Palace

▼ These are court ladies inside the palace.

Osaka History Walk 1: Naniwa Palace Osaka History Walk 1: Naniwa Palace

▼ And here is a civil official as well.

Osaka History Walk 1: Naniwa Palace

▲ Actually, this civil official is me! This is my first appearance on the blog 😅


On that day, the Osaka Museum of History was holding an event where visitors could try on ceremonial clothing from that period. At many hands-on events like this, the costumes are often the kind you simply fasten with Velcro and say, “There you go, all done!” But here, the outfit was much more authentic, with proper layers of kimono worn one over another. I had not experienced such careful dressing since my wedding day, which was quite a long time ago now. It was a truly precious experience.

By the way, my son was too embarrassed to try it on himself — well, that’s the age he was at — and he watched his enthusiastic father with rather cool eyes 😅


Osaka History Walk

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