A Guide to MIRAIZA OSAKA-JO – The Latest Hot Spot at Osaka Castle Park
The former military headquarters of the 4th Division of the Imperial Japanese Army, which is a historical building located within the compound of Osaka Castle Park, has been transformed into the new sightseeing spot called MIRAIZA OSAKA-JO, open from Autumn of 2017. Read on and delve into the appealing aspects of its facilities that have been attracting a lot of attention as of late.
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What is MIRAIZA OSAKA-JO?
MIRAIZA OSAKA-JO is a complex that is situated right beside the tower of Osaka Castle – Osaka’s famous sightseeing spot – that opened in October 2017. Housed in the renovated Western-style building of the former military headquarters of the 4th Division of the Imperial Japanese Army that was built 86 years ago, this complex offers restaurants, bars, and shops perfect for souvenir hunting inside. It also boasts the best location for gazing at the castle tower up close, so you are guaranteed a marvelous time while feeling the history of the building.
What is the Former 4th Division Headquarters?
It is a historic building that was built in 1931 as the military headquarters of the 4th Division of the then Imperial Japanese Army. It managed to escape getting damaged from the air raids in the Pacific War that lasted until the end of the war, so it remains intact today. After World War II, the building was used as the Osaka City Police Headquarters and the Osaka Prefecture Police Headquarters. It also housed the Osaka City Museum from 1960 – 2001 after being refurbished.
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If you come to MIRAIZA OSAKA-JO, then you must take note of its building architecture that will make you feel like you are inside an old castle in Medieval Europe. It adopts the dignified Romanesque style, and the characteristics of this style can be seen aspects such as the design at the top of the walls, and the towers at the entrance and in the four corners. The inside has been renovated into a modern interior while keeping the classic vibe of the place. The stairs, building walls, ceiling arches, lighting, window frames and many other parts of the building have not been changed from how they were when first built, so guests are sure to feel the history of the building.
Introduction of Facilities in the Complex
1st Floor
On the 1st floor of this complex, you will find two eating establishments where you can casually dine – THE KONAMON BAR RIKYU that lets customers season their own takoyaki (octopus fried in batter balls) and a branch of the Tully’s Coffee chain. Meanwhile, Osaka-jo Honjin is a shop where you can buy miniature Osaka Castles, magnets, boxed sweets and other souvenirs, and you can even take out matcha green tea sweets and other light snacks. At Shinobi-ya that sells ninja goods, accessories and other items, there is an annexed interactive corner called the Shuriken Arena where you can try your hand at throwing the ninja weapon called shuriken (ninja star). You must also visit the Exhibition Room that showcases the history of Osaka Castle Ruins and its attractions.
2nd – 3rd Floors
The 2nd and 3rd floors of this complex are collectively called THE LANDMARK SQUARE OSAKA. The LANDMARK SQUARE is a series of facilities such as restaurants, bars and events inside and outside Japan that has redefined the meaning of cool in Japan and given it a more contemporary feel. Found on the 2nd floor is a cross-field with TERRACE LOUNGE, a dining spot that incorporates Asian and ethnic elements into its dishes that are based on Italian cuisine, while on the 3rd floor, there is Restaurant RASPBERRY with MOON BAR where you can taste French-style creative dishes. Its bar space on the 3rd floor was designed based on the image of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who built Osaka Castle, drinking sake while looking at the moon from golden room in the castle tower, so its interior has a gold theme.
The Rooftop Terrace Opening
The restaurant Blue Birds ROOF TOP TERRACE (open only from March through October) will open at the rooftop of THE LANDMARK SQUARE OSAKA in March 2018. It will mark the first time that the roof of this building will be open to the public. From the rooftop, you will enjoy a panoramic view of the Osaka Castle tower and the park. While gazing at the scenery that changes with each season, you can enjoy a barbecue and a buffet, making for a very luxurious time. It is also recommended that you visit at night to witness the sight of the castle tower all lit up, magically rising.
When you visit Osaka Castle, make sure to drop by MIRAIZA OSAKA-JO and enjoy the classical ambience of the building while savoring delicious dishes or doing some shopping.
The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.
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