Why
Osaka Castle
is special

This imposing stronghold in Osaka was once Japan's mightiest and grandest castle.

---

Osaka Castle
tips & 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 - 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.

---

Top 10 Wonders of Japan

World's Top 100 Wonders

World's Top 1000 Wonders

Site map

---

---

Japan National Tourism Office

---

Photo ©JNTO

---

Explore my
candid country, region
and other travel guides
Click links for tips & insights

©2012 HQP - Hillman Quality Publications / hillmanwonders.com