When I visited Osaka Castle and Osaka Castle Park the other day I found other things, curious things, in the park near the main tower of Osaka Castle. This Osaka City Museum Building was one of them. It's located in the open space in front of the main tower and stood out, as it was a 'Western' building when everything else seemed 'Japanese' there. Intrigued, I explored the building from outside (it's not open to the public). It turned out this building has a long, unique history; it was first built as the headquarters of the fourth division of the Imperial Army, was bombed heavily during WWII due to its military cennections, yet survived, then was confiscated by GHQ but was returned to Japan in 1948. It was then used as the Osaka Prefectural Police office till 1958, then turned into a city museum. In 2001, when the new Osaka Museum of History opened just outside the Osaka Castle Park it finished its role as a museum and was closed down forever. Like Osaka Castle, this western building also survived turbulent times and still stands strong!
- 1 min read
Osaka City Museum Building
Ex-HQ of the 4th Division of the Imperial Japanese Army
Community writer
Join the discussion
Yuna Gena
8 years ago
I have been to Osaka Castle two times and I been always intrigued by this building. Always wondering why it had different appearance and style with the other buildings surround. This building was outstanding there. now I know it. :)
1 comment in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
First Sakura Forecast Released for 2025
News -
2
Akita: Art and Culture
Akita - Sponsored -
3
Beyond the Crowds: A Guide to Exploring Japan Responsibly
Culture - Sponsored -
4
Kamenoi Hotel Nachi-Katsuura and Wakayama Sightseeing
Wakayama - Sponsored -
5
TripAdvisor Names Osaka, Kyoto Top Solo Travel Spots
News -
6
Akita: Nature and Akita Inu
Akita - Sponsored -
7
Akita: Gastronomy and Onsen
Akita - Sponsored -
8
Miyoko Schinner’s Vegan Japan Tour
Culture -
9
Special Experience in Shinjuku Gyoen
Tokyo - Sponsored -
10
Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo’s New Executive Lounge and “The Pagoda in the Clouds”
Tokyo - Sponsored
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
Tokyo Auto Salon
Chiba -
3
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
4
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5
January Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
6
Nabana no Sato Illumination
Mie -
7
Tokyo Christmas Market
Tokyo -
8
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
9
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
10
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture