Osaka Castle (Osaka-jō) dates back to 1583 and was once the largest castle in all of Japan. Today, the castle stands as one of Osaka’s most popular tourist attractions.
Osaka Castle (Osaka-jō) dates back to 1583 and was once the largest castle in all of Japan. Today, it stands as one of Osaka’s most popular tourist attractions.
The castle has a turbulent history, having undergone numerous rebuilds and renovations over the centuries. It was destroyed by the forces of Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1615 and burned down during the Boshin War of 1868. The current main tower dates from 1931 and, remarkably, survived the World War II bombings of 1945 unscathed. The interior was fully refurbished in 1997 and now includes elevators to access the various levels of the museum housed within.
Since 1955, the castle grounds have been designated a Special Historic Site, with several remaining structures recognised as Important Cultural Properties. Inside the castle, visitors will find engaging displays that trace its history from the Toyotomi period to the present day, along with many of Osaka’s most significant historical and cultural artefacts.
For a spectacular view of the city, head up to the observation deck on the 8th floor, which offers brilliant panoramic views of Osaka.
Adjacent to the castle is the former Osaka City Museum, now replaced by the Osaka Museum of History, located at the edge of the castle grounds. This modern museum showcases many of Osaka’s treasures, with exhibits spanning from the Paleolithic Age to the present. It also hosts regular exhibitions and features an excellent gift shop. The museum is connected to the NHK building, which has its own fun gift shop filled with popular characters from NHK television.
Another nearby attraction is the Osaka International Peace Centre, a sobering museum that documents the horrors of World War II. The displays candidly present the pain and destruction Japan experienced and caused during the war, including a moving section on the atomic bombings of 1945. The second floor focuses specifically on the air raids that devastated much of Osaka.
Osaka Castle and its surrounding museums are an easy 15-minute walk from Tanimachi 4-chome Station on the Tanimachi or Chūō Subway Lines.
Official Website:
https://www.osakacastle.net/
