Osaka Castle - Osaka

Located in Chuo-ku, Osaka Prefecture in Japan, Osaka Castle ( 大坂城 or 大阪城, Ōsaka-jō ) is one of Japan's most famous castles. It also played a major role in the unification of Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama period. Under the command of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Osaka Castle was built in 1563 on the site of the Ikko-ikki Temple of Ishiyama Hogan-ji. Toyotomi wanted the castle to look like that of the Azuchi Castle (Oda Nobunaga's headquarters) but it turned out much better. Osaka Castle was completed sometime in 1597, however, Toyotomi Hideyoshi died soon after. The castle was then passed to his son Toyotomi Hideyori. Map of Osaka Castle Park Gate going to the castle Eating ice cream at one of the stalls near the gate The Expo '70 Time Capsule Details of the capsule's opening date. Osaka Castle was built on two raised platforms of landfill supported by sheer walls of cut rock. The central castle building is five stories tall with an additional t