Osaka Castle, Japanese castle in Osaka, Japan
Osaka Castle is a Japanese fortress in the city of Osaka that rises eight floors above thick stone foundations. The white plastered walls and dark copper roofs give the wooden structure a classic appearance that is visible from a distance.
Toyotomi Hideyoshi ordered the construction in 1583, but the structure was destroyed and rebuilt several times. The current building dates from 1931 and replaces earlier versions lost to wars and fires.
The building now serves as a museum where visitors can see armor worn by samurai, old weapons, and documents from the Toyotomi era. Many Japanese families come here to teach their children about the country's past and walk together through the exhibition halls.
The fortress opens every day, with the busiest times in late morning when tour groups arrive. Visitors planning to climb to the upper floors should allow time for the stairs, as there is no elevator to the very top.
The grounds hold around 600 cherry trees that bloom in spring and draw thousands of visitors for hanami. During these weeks, the park becomes a meeting place for locals who gather for picnics beneath the blossoms.
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