🗺️ Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle is a famous landmark in Osaka, with a history of over 400 years. It is known as one of Japan's three great castles, alongside Nagoya Castle and Himeji Castle. In addition to having thirteen buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan, it also features museums and experiential facilities. In spring, it is a representative cherry blossom viewing spot for Osaka, offering continuous highlights. The history of Osaka Castle dates back to the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568-1600) in Japan. Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who completed the unification of Japan, began constructing castles across the country in 1583, and Osaka Castle, along with its main keep (tenshu), was completed in 1585. However, Osaka Castle was set ablaze during the Summer Siege of Osaka in 1615. After entering the Edo period, the Tokugawa shogunate rebuilt Osaka Castle, and the second main keep was completed in 1626. Unfortunately, it was struck by lightning and burned down again in 1665. For a long time afterward, the main keep did not exist. It wasn't until 1931 that citizens of Osaka raised funds to reconstruct a replica of the main keep from the Toyotomi Hideyoshi era. In 1955, the Osaka Castle ruins were designated as a national special historic site, and after the "Heisei Era Major Renovation" from 1995 to 1997, it was designated as a national tangible cultural property. Inside the main keep, there is a history museum. The permanent exhibition features a "Miniature Model of the Summer Siege," vividly recreating the battle scenes depicted in the "Summer Siege of Osaka" folding screen. There is also a life-size restoration model of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's favorite golden tea room, and various planned exhibitions and special displays are regularly held. The top floor of the main keep offers an observation deck with panoramic views of Osaka city. The first floor has a museum shop where visitors can purchase a variety of original merchandise themed around samurai, making it perfect for souvenirs. There is also a very popular costume experience area where visitors can try on replicas of the helmets and armor of Sengoku-era samurai, as well as traditional Japanese women's clothing called "kosode." *The costume experience area in the museum shop charges 500 yen per person.

Osaka Castle, also known as "Kinjo" or "Nishiki Castle," is a landmark of Osaka and has been designated as a national tangible cultural property. Osaka Castle is renowned alongside Nagoya Castle and Himeji Castle as one of Japan's three great castles. Spring is a season that represents Osaka's cherry blossom viewing spots. From the observation deck of the tenshu (main keep), one can take in the entire view of Osaka city. The historical museum inside the tenshu showcases various precious historical materials and also features an experiential area.