Osaka Castle was started in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and was intended to become the center of a new unified Japan.
After its destruction in 1615 by the Tokugawa family, the castle was rebuilt by Tokugawa Hidetada in the 1620s. However, in 1665, the castle tower was struck by lightning and burned down.
The current ferro-concrete structure was built in 1931. Miraculously, the castle survived the city wide bombings of World War II. In 1997 the castle underwent major repairs that added modern features (elevator, air-conditioning, museum).
The castle complex is vast with citadels, gates, turrets, and impressive stone walls and moats. In addition, the “western citadel” contains the Nishinomaru Garden, a lawn garden with 600 cherry trees, a tea house, the former Osaka Guest House, and excellent views of the castle tower from below.
