Osaka Castle Samurai Pilgrimage: Private Guided Bushido Tour with Armor!

Overview

Discover the legends of Osaka Castle with a special tour led by a "rekijo" history enthusiast — all while wearing samurai armor!

Explore hidden places of interest known only to experts and those familiar with the literature, including the "Yodo-kun's Cenotaph for 32 Martyrs" and its associated curse, the empty moat, and the legend of Yukimura Sanada's loophole. This pilgrimage takes you to the sacred site where the samurai were defeated in the last great battle of the war in Osaka, allowing you to experience the castle's fall while wearing armor and helmets as if you were in battle.

Don a hakama or kimono, and explore Osaka Castle's hidden spots with a knowledgeable guide. Experience the thrill of wearing samurai armor, learn about the castle's legends, and enjoy a welcome drink of matcha, all while immersing yourself in the history of the Warring States period.

Highlights

• Try the only fully-immersive samurai armor experience near Osaka Castle!
• Experience the samurai spirit in a hakama set for men or a kimono set for women
• Discover Osaka Castle urban legends from the Warring States period with a knowledgeable guide
• Enjoy a nighttime pilgrimage to the holy land of the samurai
• Book with a Rakuten account to earn points for each reservation!

Important Information

Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled time to change into your kimono and prepare for your appointment

Suitable for ages 6+

Please bring undershirts and underpants (t-shirts are acceptable) to wear as innerwear for hakama and kimono; we have a few innerwear available for loan, but sizes are limited

Staff who can speak two or three languages (English, Spanish, and Japanese) will provide interpretation

A welcome drink is provided: taste matcha, a traditional Japanese popular beverage (quench your thirst with iced green matcha during the summer months)

We provide a set of essential tools to enhance your samurai armor experience

What to Bring

Undergarments to wear beneath samurai outfit (e.g. t-shirt and underpants)

Your “booking confirmed” email from Rakuten Travel Experiences

Meeting Point

Samurai Honor, Excellence Takayama 1F

Venue Address

Excellence Takayama, 2-3-19 Shiginonishi, Joto-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, Ōsaka Prefecture, Japan, 536-0014

Cancellation Policy

No-show: You pay 100% of experience price

Same day: You pay 100% of experience price

Previous day: Free cancellation

Description

Immerse in the history of Osaka Castle with our unique samurai pilgrimage tour! Led by a knowledgeable "rekijo" guide specializing in the Warring States period, this experience takes you beyond the typical tourist spots to uncover hidden legends and historical secrets.

The samurai pilgrimage to Osaka Castle offers a unique experience that changes with the seasons. Whether it's the plum blossoms, peach blossoms, cherry blossoms, or autumn leaves, the castle tower provides a stunning backdrop. Book the evening tour to see it lit up at night!

More than just a history lesson about the Warring States period, you'll engage your senses as you see, hear, imagine, and walk through the castle grounds, bringing the era to life before your eyes.

Your journey begins at the Samurai Honor signboard meeting point, from where you'll embark on a pilgrimage to various sacred spots within and around Osaka Castle. Key locations include these sacred spots:

Aoyamon Gate: View the towering castle tower from this strategic vantage point, offering a close-up perspective of the Honmaru (innermost circle of defense).

Gokurakubashi Bridge: Cross this bridge, named after the Amida Hall (Paradise) that once stood here as part of Ishiyama Honganji Temple before Osaka Castle was built.

Monument at the place where Hideyori, Yododono & others committed suicide: Pay respects at this poignant site.

Statue of Yodo-kun (Sei Kannon Bosatsu): Visit the statue dedicated to Yodo-kun.

Imprinted Stone Plaza: Discover stones bearing historical markings.

Hidden Circle (Marks of the Izushi and Ozu Clans): Uncover the hidden symbols of these influential clans.

Karahori (The Battle of Osaka - The Phantom Flood): Learn about the strategic use of the moat in the Battle of Osaka.

Tenshukaku (castle tower): Marvel at the imposing castle tower, renowned for its formidable defenses. 55 meters above the ground, with five levels and eight stories, this castle is the most difficult to attack in Japan. Even with an army of 200,000 troops from the Tokugawa side, they were unable to break the Osaka Castle's defenses. The golden ornamentation everywhere shines brilliantly.

Honmaru Japanese Garden: Capture a stunning photo of Osaka Castle reflected upside down in the garden's serene waters.

Sakura-mon Gate: Explore this historic gate.

6-gun gun narrow and arrow hangers: Examine the defensive structures.

Toyokuni Shrine: Visit this shrine dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

Statue of Lord Hideyoshi: See the statue honoring this key historical figure.

Osaka Castle Plum Grove: Stroll through the grove featuring approximately 1,245 plum trees of 105 varieties (seasonal).

The tour then ends back at Samurai Honor!