Gokuraku-bashi (Paradise Bridge), Osaka

Gokuraku-bashi, also known as Paradise Bridge, provides an entrance to Osaka Castle. Paradise Bridge crosses the northeast moat and provides a spectacular view of the castle jutting through the tops of the trees.

Paradise Bridge was first built in 1626 when Osaka Castle was restored. The bridge, originally made of wood, was necessary because of the deep moats and tall fortification walls, added by the Tokugawa Shogunate, the military government of Japan during the Edo period from 1603 to 1868.

The first bridge burned along with the castle in 1868. It took nearly 100 years for a new bridge to take its place. In 1965, when Osaka Castle was declared a Special Historic Site, Gokuraku-bashi was added.

Coming from the north, visitors will walk through Osaka Castle Park from Paradise Bridge to reach the castle itself. A blend of old and new architecture can be seen from the bridge as the north view shows the skyscrapers of Osaka, while the southern view captures Osaka Castle in all of its glory.