Osaka Castle

Why Osaka Castle is special
This imposing stronghold in Osaka was once Japan's mightiest and grandest castle.

Osaka Castle tips and insights
Today's keep (main tower)

• It's the icon of Osaka city. Because the surrounding land is flat, the central tower (keep) can be seen from afar.
  
• At night, it's illuminated, creating a magnificent scene for local residents.
  
• The top floor rises 30 meters (100 feet). It offers a panoramic view of Osaka city and beyond.
  
• Other floors feature an exhibition-style museum.

Moats and walls
The moat is wide and flanked with massive defensive walls made with mortar-less interlocking stones.

History in brief

• 1583
  Built by powerful ruler Hideyoshi Toyotomi
  
• 1615
  Destroyed in battle with the conquering Shogun Iseyasu Tokugawa
  
• 1620
  Rebuilt on even a grander scale by Tokugawa.
  
• 1665
  Destroyed by lightning, then slowly deteriorates through neglect and fighting.
  
• 1931
  Main tower reconstructed, but by using cement instead of original materials.
  
• 1997
  1997 - Site undergoes major needed repair work.

Osaka Castle is not Japan's best castle
The somewhat similar looking Himeji Castle near Nara wins the "best" honor. It's a reconditioned original while the Osaka tower is mainly a 20th-century cement replica.

Location in Japan