Toward the top of the eighth panel, Byodoin Hoodo and the bridged Uji River are painted. On the river is a boat carrying firewood. The Uji River and a “firewood boat” are commonly coupled together to depict Uji Byodoin Temple; for example, a phrase, “firewood boat on Uji” appears in Kokin Wakashu, the classic anthology of Japanese poetry of ancient and modern times. (Photo provided by Byodoin)

Following the Yodo River upstream from Osaka, Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine can be found in the present Hachiman city, Kyoto. Visitors to the shrine cross the Ango bridge over the Hojo River, go through the first shrine gate, and head to the main shrine at the top of the mountain. The eighth panel of the Osaka-zu byobu, on the far left, shows historic landmarks on the Osaka-side outskirts of Kyoto.

The notably tall mountain in the lower left corner is believed to be Mt. Tenno, where the famous battle in which Toyotomi Hideyoshi defeated Akechi Mitsuhide took place. The tower at the foot of the mountain is the three-storied pagoda of Hoshakuji Temple, one of the most historic temples in the Yamazaki region (halfway between Osaka and Kyoto).

The five-layered Castle Tower, representative of the Osaka Castle, and the Paradise Bridge, which is enclosed by a roof and walls, are illustrated. The Boro style that can be seen in the top layer of the Tower, embellished with a cornice and railing, is a testimonial of the fact that the Osaka Castle captured on the screen is that of the Toyotomi period. The magnificent Paradise Bridge, adorned with flower patterns, is described in the Jesuit missionaries' reports.

Shitennoji Temple is believed to have been constructed by Shotoku Taishi. While the temple buildings are simplified, the stone shrine gate is illustrated distinctively. The shrine gate was built in 1294 by Ninsho, the chief priest at the Shitennoji Temple.

Sumiyoshi Shrine is well-known as one of the most prestigious shrines in the Settsu region (current the Osaka/Hyogo area). Although the illustration of the shrine grounds here is somewhat inaccurate, the iconic arched bridge and the stone stage verify the identity of this shrine. The people parading in front of the shrine are participating in a purification ritual in the Sumiyoshi Festival, which still takes place on August 1.

During the Edo Period, Hachiken-ya was a thriving port on the Yodogawa River trade route between Osaka and Heian-Kyo (present Kyoto). Although the details about this port during the Toyotomi era are mostly unknown, the Osaka-zu byobu depicts a lively scene around Hachiken-ya with a number of boats going by. Hachiken-ya currently serves as a water bus terminal.

East Yokohori River was drilled in 1585 as the west side of the moat, surrounding Toyotomi’s Osaka Castle. The precious remains which attest to the grand scale of the Osaka Castle, is now shaded by Hanshin Expressway, which runs above the river.