Osaka Castle

The Osaka Castle is a Japanese castle in Osaka, Japan; One of Japan most famous castles, Osaka’s most famous landmark and symbol of the city. The castle was built in 1583 by Hideyasu Toyotomi to become the center of the new, unified Japan under his rule, it suffered several destructions through its history, and the current castle was built in 1931 in the image of Toyotomi’s castle. The main tower underwent major renovations and repairs in 1997, providing the castle more modern facilities like an elevator. The Japanese government has designated the main tower as a tangible cultural property.

The castle grounds cover an area of approximately 60,000 square meters, although the main tower is of recent construction, thirteen structures remain in original condition and have been designated Important Cultural Assets by the Japanese Government. The main tower, situated on an elevated platform of landfill, is suported by walls of cut rock surrounded by a moat.

The main tower is five levels on the outside and eight on the inside, with a museum with several historical objects on display.

Several of the castle ornaments like the tiger’s reliefs, the dolphins, and roof ornaments are glided with gold.

There is an observation deck at the 8th floor providing an unmatchable view. The Osaka castle Hall, the Osaka Business Park and the surrounding area can be fully appreciated from the deck.

The Kinmeisui well was originally called Ogonsui (golden water), and according to the legend, Hideyoshi sank gold bars on the well to eliminate Miasma, however it was established by investigation by Osaka University in1959, that the current well was dug in during the Tokugawa Shogunate when rebuilding the castle.

 

The beauty and historical significance of the castle made a visit indispensable if you visit Osaka

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City of Nagoya

Nagoya city in the Aichi prefecture is Japan’s third city. Many of the Japanese Automotive companies are based in greater Nagoya.




The Nagoya castle is one of the main attractions of the city. Completed in 1612 to be the residence of the Tokugawa clan, it was lost to fire during the war. The current dojon was rebuilt in 1959. The city is currently planning to restore the Nagoya Castle Hommaru Palace.



Nagoya TV tower in the Sakae area, with 180 m of height is the oldest TV tower in Japan completed in 1954, with two observation decks and a restaurant and gallery. The tower has been designated a national tangible cultural property.




Recently added in 2002 in the sakae area is Oasis 21, a park and open air-underground complex, where various events are held.

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Kururi Castle ruins

The Kururi castle in Kimitsu Chiba prefecture, was built in 1540 during the Muromachi period by Mariyatsu Takeda. The castle was used as a modern fortress until the Meiji restoration period in the late 18th century, when it was destroyed.


The remains are now a park. In 1975 the observation tower of the castle was reconstructed out of concrete and is used now as an exhibition center, it is however significantly different from the original.

Official Site (Japanese)

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