Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle played a major role in the unification of Japan in the sixteenth century. In 1583, Toyotomi Hideyoshi began the construction of the castle featuring eight stories, five stories main tower and three stories underground.
Despite it being an iconic landmark of Osaka, it has been rebuilt several times due to sieges and being burnt down multiple times. In 1615, Tokugawa Ieyasu seiged the castle from Toyotomi Hideyori, the heir of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
In 1620, it was reconstructed by Tokugawa Hidetatada, son of
Tokugawa Ieyasu. In 1655, lightning struck the main tower and burned it down. The current castle is a restoration, completed in 1997, representation of the Toyotomi period. The interior is now a museum of the history of Osaka Castle.
Before you is the amazing Osaka Castle. Just kidding. It’s one of the few remaining turrets.
The south half of the inner moat is grass while the north half is filled with water. This was how it was during the Toyotomi period and has remained that way since.
The inner stone wall was built in 1620 and still stands today. The granite boulders, from a rock quarry in Seto Inland Sea Rock, interlock together without mortar.
View of Osaka from the top floor with half of the golden Shachihoko. It is a mythical creature with a dragon head and fish body and symbolizes prestige and authority.
Admission: 600 yen
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