How can a stone tell a story? This stone marks a piece of Osaka’s past. It is part of the NANIWA PALACE SITE. This site reveals Osaka’s time as Japan’s capital.
The NANIWA PALACE SITE whispers tales of emperors and ancient halls. Once, grand palaces stood here. These palaces were central to the Asuka and Nara periods. The NANIWA PALACE SITE holds secrets of these times.
Imagine Emperor Kotoku in 645. After the Taika Reforms, he moved the capital to Naniwa. He built Naniwa no Nagara no Toyosaki no Miya Palace. It had an earthfast and thatched roof. This palace was completed in 652.
Later, Empress Saimei returned the capital to Asuka. But Naniwa’s story did not end. Emperor Shomu later appointed FUJIWARA no Umakai to build Naniwa-kyo. Naniwa-kyo would be a dual capital with Heijo-kyo. Chinese techniques shaped the new palace. It featured cornerstones and tiled roofs. In 744, the capital briefly moved to Naniwa.
The NANIWA PALACE SITE was not always known. Its location remained a mystery until after World War II. In 1913, roof tiles were found. These tiles had unique designs. Few paid attention at the time.
In 1953, a Shibi tile was unearthed. This find sparked renewed interest. Tokutaro YAMANE led excavations. Slowly, the palace ruins emerged. In 1958, older pillars were found. Scorched earth showed a fire had occurred. Records say Naniwa no Miya Palace burned down in 686. Emperor Kotoku’s palace was lost. A new palace was built for Emperor Tenmu. These are known as the early NANIWA PALACE SITE.
In 1961, Yamane’s team found Daigokuden remains. This was part of Emperor Shomu’s late NANIWA PALACE SITE. Yamane famously said he saw the vision of Daigokuden.
Today, part of the NANIWA PALACE SITE is now Naniwa no Miya Historical Park. It sits south of Osaka-jo Castle. The site stretches to NHK Osaka and the Osaka Museum of History. The museum’s basement displays the archaeological site.
Near the museum is a replica of a stilt warehouse. These warehouses were vital to Naniwa no tsu port. This port predates the NANIWA PALACE SITE.
In 2006, a mokkan was found. This wooden strip dates to the mid-seventh century. It uses Manyo-gana script. The mokkan says “Harukusa no Hajime no toshi.” Experts believe it dates to the early NANIWA PALACE SITE. This find changed ideas about Manyo-gana’s origins.
Even modern infrastructure respects this history. The Hanshin Expressway has a street-level section. This design preserves the NANIWA PALACE SITE ruins. It also maintains the view between the park and Osaka-jo Castle.
Standing here, you are connected to emperors, scholars, and builders. The NANIWA PALACE SITE shows Osaka’s vital role in Japan’s ancient history.