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A symbol of Osaka and one of Japan's largest reconstructed castles. Originally built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1583. The castle tower was reconstructed in 1931 and underwent major renovation during 1995-97 and serves as a very modern history museum. Closest station is Osaka-jo Koen Station.
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The original Osaka Castle built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi was actually buried (smothered) by the Tokugawa and a new castle was built on it. Aoya-mon Gate 青屋門. Rebuilt in 1970.
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Aoya-mon GateRebuilt in 1970. Although this is not the main or front gate, it is the closest castle gate to Osaka-jo Koen Station.
青屋門
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Inner moat
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In 2006, a rare folding screen painting showing Osaka Castle during Hideyoshi's years in early 17th century was found at Schloss Eggenberg Castle in Austria.http://www.museum-joanneum.at/en/schloss_eggenberg/saka-zu-bybu-1
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Gokuraku-bashi BridgeMeans Paradise Bridge. The original bridge was wooden. Rebuilt in 1965. It connects the Yamazato-maru section with the Ninomaru section.
極楽橋
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Gokuraku-bashi Bridge
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Gokuraku-bashi Bridge
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Osaka Castle was built on the foundations of Ishiyama Honganji, a fortress-like temple.
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Path to castle tower
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Slope to castle tower
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About the castle
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Castle map
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Castle towerIt is modeled after the tower built by the Tokugawa shogunate who made it bigger than the castle Toyotomi Hideyoshi had built. One reason why it's such a big castle.
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Castle tower, reconstructed in 1931, was renovated in 1995-97.The exterior walls are gleaming white and bright gold ornaments shine in the sun.
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Osaka Castle tower closeup
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Castle tower
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Kadomatsu at castle tower entranceNew Year's decoration
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Castle tower
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Castle tower entrance
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Inside castle tower
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Inside castle tower
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Castle tower balcony
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Castle tower balcony
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Castle tower balcony
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View of Nishinomaru Garden from castle tower
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View from castle tower
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Shachihoko
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Expo '70 Time CapsuleThe plaque reads that the time capsule is to be opened in 5000 years or the year 6970. It can also be opened at the start of each century. I wonder if it was opened in 2001.
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Sakura-mon Gate with kadomatsu New Year's decoration
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Kadomatsu New Year's decorationLeft side of Sakura-mon Gate.
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Kadomatsu New Year's decorationRight side of Sakura-mon Gate.
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Tamon Yagura Turret and Daimon GateJapan's largest turret of this type where the turret above is integrated with the gate below. First built in 1628, reconstructed in 1848 and renovated in 1969.
多聞櫓と大門
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Tamon Yagura Turret and Daimon Gate
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The castle's fourth and fifth largest stones.Brought by the Tokugawa during construction. Next to Tamon Yagura Turret and Daimon Gate.
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Otemon Gate大手門
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Near Otemon Gate
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Near Otemon Gate
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Sengan Turret near Otemon GateOne of the castle's oldest remaining buildings built in 1620. Underwent major restoration in 1961. Overlooking the outer moat.
千貴櫓
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Otemon Gate in the distance
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Outer moat and Sengan Turret
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Castle towerThis picture was taken before the 1995-97 renovation.
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Castle tower
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Castle tower
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Castle tower
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One of the largest stones
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Stone wall pattern
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Stone wall pattern
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Stone wall pattern
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Moat
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View of castle from Nakanoshima
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