Let's get to know the history of Osaka Castle, Japan.

Lifestyle and Travel > Let's get to know the history of Osaka Castle, Japan.
24/04/2025 10:23

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Osaka Castle (大阪城 - Ōsaka-jō) is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Osaka, Japan, and also a significant historical symbol of the country.

Osaka Castle was built during Japan's Warring States Period (Sengoku Period) as a center of governance and a display of power by the ruling leader. Today, the castle serves as a museum showcasing various historical exhibitions and is surrounded by a large public park, making it a popular sightseeing and photo spot.

The History of Osaka Castle

Construction began in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a warlord who unified Japan. He built the castle on the former site of Ishiyama Hongan-ji Temple.
Hideyoshi wanted the castle to serve as a power center and to be larger than Oda Nobunaga’s Azuchi Castle.
In 1615, the castle was destroyed by Tokugawa Ieyasu after the Summer War of Osaka.
It was rebuilt during the Tokugawa Shogunate but was damaged by lightning in 1665.
The current structure is a modern reconstruction from 1931 and has undergone renovations to become a modern museum.

Timeline of Osaka Castle’s History

Origins: Sengoku Period

1583: Toyotomi Hideyoshi began construction of Osaka Castle on the site of the old Ishiyama Hongan-ji Temple, which was previously the base of the Jōdo Shinshū sect and destroyed by Oda Nobunaga in 1580.
Hideyoshi built Osaka Castle to demonstrate power and serve as his stronghold for national unification.
The castle was inspired by Azuchi Castle of Oda Nobunaga, but made larger and more fortified.

The Grand Construction

The castle used massive stones and tall stone walls for defense.
Surrounded by double moats and thick walls to prevent attacks.
The main tower (Tenshukaku) was originally 5 stories tall outside (8 stories inside) and offered panoramic views of the city.

The War and Fall of the Toyotomi Clan

1598: Hideyoshi passed away. His son, "Toyotomi Hideyori," inherited the castle.
1614-1615: The Osaka Winter and Summer Campaigns
- Tokugawa Ieyasu launched an attack to eliminate the Toyotomi clan.
- The castle was eventually destroyed, and Toyotomi Hideyori and his mother committed suicide.
- This marked the end of the Toyotomi clan and the start of the peaceful Tokugawa era.

Restoration during Tokugawa Period

1620-1629: The Tokugawa Shogunate restored Osaka Castle completely.
New towers and buildings were constructed, though the castle was no longer a center of power.
1665: The main tower was struck by lightning, caught fire, and collapsed. It was not rebuilt at that time.

Late Edo Period – Meiji Restoration

The castle was used as a military base and armory.
After the Shogunate ended in 1868 and the Meiji Era began, the castle came under control of the Imperial Japanese Army.
Many buildings were dismantled.

Modern Restoration

1931: Osaka City Government rebuilt the main tower using modern steel and concrete structure, with an elevator.
World War II: The area around the castle was bombed and damaged.
1995-1997: Major restoration was done to preserve traditional architecture and convert it into a modern museum.