Mito Castle Otemon Gate in Ibaraki, Japan – Free Picture

About the Picture

What can I say? I love Japanese historical architecture and so how could I not be vowed when seeing Mito castle otemon in front of me, just across the Ote-Bashi bridge while visiting Ibaraki prefecture in Japan.

Personally, when I see architecture like this it reminds me of the movies I’m a fan of, older Japanese samurai movies and so on. I just personally love it and I’m impressed, cause it’s not the original structure, it has been reconstructed in 2020.

So if you’re looking for day trips to newly reconstructed historic spots near Tokyo, Mito’s Castle Otemon Gate might be a spot just perfect for you, the City also restored other elements (e.g., Sakashita and Sugiyama gates in 2015; Ninomaru Sumiyagura in 2021), creating a perfect walking circuit for visitors.

Check this article about Mito castle for some more pictures and information about renovations, I will try to add more photos for you to use when time allows.

“Ōtemon” refers to a castle’s main gate. Mito’s Otemon served as the prestigious front entrance to the domain’s core precincts. The original gate was dismantled in the Meiji era; the present structure was reconstructed in 2020 as part of a broader historical landscape project.

When researching about it, its common to find that its one of the largest wooden castle gates in Japan. If you love quiet, history-rich corners just beyond Tokyo, Mito Castle’s Otemon Gate is a gem. You won’t find tourists everywhere you go as in many touristic spots in Tokyo and you might be able to explore the castle’s grounds in total solitude.

These days, when exploring the castle grounds you will find Kindergarden, Junior High School that are currently located there, but also many historical places and beautiful Kodokan park – which is just a neighbour to the Otemon Gate.

Feel free to download this picture and use it in your web articles and blog posts on Japanese castles, Edo history, Ibaraki travel, architecture, articles on day trip ideas from Tokyo or publications that compare castle gates across Japan.