Osaka Castle Vibes!, Japan

Osaka Castle (大阪城, Ōsakajō) is one of Japan’s most popular tourist attractions, with millions of people visiting the iconic landmark each year, particularly during cherry blossom season when there are special hanami parties and night illuminations. I’ve had the chance to visit both during sakura season and regular times of year, and will share some of my thoughts and tips for Osaka Castle in this post. Construction of Osaka Castle began in 1583 on the site where Ishiyama Honganji Temple had been destroyed. Toyotomi Hideyoshi intended for Osaka Castle to become the center of a new, unified Japan under Toyotomi rule. Once completed, Osaka Castle was the largest castle in Japan. After Hideyoshi’s death, Osaka Castle was destroyed. It was subsequently rebuilt in the 1620s, only to be struck by lightning and burnt down in 1665. Today’s Osaka Castle is a reconstruction that was built in 1931, and it highly modernized on the inside. During our first experience with Osaka Castle, I was taken aback and even a bit disappointed by this. Having since visited Nijo Castle and Himeji Castle, I no longer feel that way. In fact, after visiting more preserved historical points of interest in Japan, I have a greater appreciation for the change of pace that Osaka Castle offers. If Osaka Castle were the only castle in Japan I visited on a once-in-a-lifetime trip, I’d probably be disappointed. Once you go inside, it loses the aura of authenticity, and feels like a reproduction. However, if you visit either Nijo or Himeji Castles (both of which are in this general region), Osaka Castle can be viewed as more of a complementary experience.What those castles lack in expository information and displays due to their more historical character, Osaka Castle makes up for. There’s a wealth of information on display in its multi-level galleries, and it offers some interesting insight into Japanese history. When viewed as a “hybrid museum” housed inside of beautiful architecture, I think it’s quite easy to have a very favorable opinion of Osaka Castle. #travelsnacks#travelinspiration#nyedestinations#unforgettableexperiences#awesomepic#historicculture#museumquest#culturalattractions#nationalpark