Osaka Castle Gardens

If you are planning a trip in Osaka the Castle is a "must see".

Osaka Castle was built more than 400 years ago, when the military commander Hideyoshi Toyotomi completed the military unification of the country. Toyotomi commenced the construction of the Castle in 1583, and it took two years to completed it. The life of the Castle has not been easy. In 1598 the statesman Tokugawa Ieyasu destroyed the Castle, which was soon rebuilt by Tokugawa clan, and 40 years later the castle tower was burned down. The current castle tower was rebuilt in 1931 thanks to donations of citizens. Major renovations were also carried out in 1995, to restore the castle tower to its former splendour.

The tower is surrounded by secondary citadels, gates, turrets, stone walls and gardens. The grounds cover approximately 60,000 square metres. The park is one of Osaka's most popular spot during the cherry blossom, which usually takes place in April. The Castle is lit up everyday until 23.00, giving it a mysterious atmosphere for a walk after the sunset.