Could that be an octopus on a stone? We are standing before the Takoishi Stone. It is also known as the Octopus Stone at Osaka Castle. This massive stone is a sight to behold.
Let’s delve into the history of this impressive megalith. The Octopus Stone is one of the largest stones in Osaka Castle. Its dimensions are 5.5 by 11.7 meters. It weighs over 120 tons. That’s truly gigantic!
Its nickname comes from a unique pattern. Look at the lower-left corner. Doesn’t it resemble an octopus? Hence the name “Octopus Stone”.
Back in 1624, Tadao Ikeda oversaw the rebuilding of this part of the castle. This was after its destruction during the War of Osaka. He had this stone quarried in Bizen. Bizen is now Okayama Prefecture. That’s over 100 kilometers away. Imagine transporting this massive stone such a distance.
The Octopus Stone, or Takoishi, played a crucial role in Osaka Castle’s defenses. To reach the innermost bailey, attackers had to pass through this fortified square. The stone walls here were once topped by wooden galleries. Defenders monitored the Sakuramon Gate from these galleries. The galleries burned down in 1868 during the Meiji Restoration. However, the granite stones remain.
The Octopus Stone stands as a testament to the ingenuity and might of those who built Osaka Castle. Weighing 108 tons it has a visible surface area of nearly 60 square meters. It is the largest stone in the castle complex.
So next time you see an octopus remember this stone. Remember the Takoishi Stone at Osaka Castle. It is a reminder of Osaka’s rich history. It shows the incredible feats of engineering from centuries ago.