Osaka Castle YAGURA Turret Special Exhibit

The “Special Opening of Osaka Castle’s Important Cultural Property Turrets (YAGURA)” is a limited public viewing event that allows visitors to experience Osaka Castle’s history through restricted access to its Important Cultural Properties: Tamon Yagura, Sengan Yagura, and the Enshogura (gunpowder storehouse). These surviving historical structures escaped destruction from the major fire during the turmoil of the Meiji Restoration and from air raids in World War II. Tamon Yagura refers to a long, narrow turret-like structure built atop the ramparts, designed to repel enemies who breached the Otemon Gate. Osaka Castle’s Tamon Yagura was originally built in 1628, burned down after a lightning strike in 1783, and was rebuilt in 1848. Sengan Yagura is a corner turret constructed in 1620 to defend the Otemon Gate from the north and is among the oldest existing buildings in Osaka Castle Park, alongside the Inui Yagura. The Enshogura was used to store gunpowder for firearms and cannons; while several existed within the castle grounds, they were repeatedly rebuilt due to lightning and deterioration. The existing Enshogura dates to 1685 and uses granite for its floors, walls, ceiling, and beams, forming an exceptionally fire-resistant, durable, and waterproof powder magazine.