Are you traveling to Japan soon? Grab your travel guide and write down a must-see place: Osaka Castle. Alluding to its name, this Japanese castle is located in the city of Osaka, it is known as Ōzaka-jō (in Japanese) and is one of the most famous castles in Japan, especially for its importance during the Azuchi-Momoyama period of the 16th century.
Osaka Castle covers an area of approximately 2 square kilometers across a public park, making it ideal for walking and getting in touch with nature. There are also plenty of green areas for practicing sports, and the Osaka Stadium and the beautiful Nishinomaru Gardens, as well as the tea house, are located there.
As for the construction, it is arranged in a total of 8 interior floors (which can be accessed using an elevator) and 5 exterior floors. And it was built on a high stone base for safety.
Inside we find a convention hall, the Toyokuni Altar ( Toyotomi Hideyoshi ) and a museum that we also recommend you visit.
Also… did you know that Osaka Castle is a popular meeting point for Hanami celebrations? This happens when the Japanese cherry blossoms bloom and is a typical custom that usually takes place between the end of March and the beginning of April in Japan.
The history of Osaka Castle dates back to 1583, when Toyotomi Hideyoshi ordered its construction. It was to have 5 floors, another 3 below ground level and with gold leaf on the sides of the tower. The result was simply spectacular. The work was not completed until 1598.
However, things would become complicated in 1615. At that time the Castle fell into the hands of the Tokugawa. 5 years later it would be rebuilt with a tower of 5 floors on the outside and 8 floors on the inside. Later, in 1843 it would be remodeled again. But the successive civil conflicts and the bombing of Osaka during World War II in 1945 would again damage the main tower.
In 1995, the Government approved a project to restore and remodel it. Two years later, the restoration was completed, reproducing the original castle.
Today, we find it in good condition to see and visit and, seeing the number of people who usually visit it (we can attest to this), we can say that it is one of the essential corners of Japan.
Not only is it very modern, but it also offers a great view of Osaka city. Of course, to do so, you’ll have to go up to the top floor of the Castle!
To finish off your visit, we recommend you take a stroll around the surrounding gardens; apart from being beautiful and green, you can mingle with many locals who go there for a picnic or just to have a good time.
If you want to visit it on your own, you can get there by subway using the JR Osaka Circle Line. Remember that with the Japan Rail Pass you will save money on transportation in Japan.
You can also do it on a private tour of Osaka that will allow you to discover this and other places in the city with a guide in Spanish.
