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Osaka Castle Main Tower / Osaka Castle

The Osaka Castle Main Tower, originally constructed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, served as the centerpiece of Osaka Castle and symbolized his immense power. The construction of the first Main Tower began in 1583 and was completed in 1585. However, it was destroyed by fire during the Osaka Summer Battle of 1615, marking the end of its history in Hideyoshi's era. Later, the Tokugawa Shogunate rebuilt the Main Tower, establishing it as a key center of Osaka throughout the Edo period. Unfortunately, this second tower was also lost to a fire caused by lightning in 1665. For the following 250 years, Osaka Castle stood without a Main Tower. The current Main Tower was restored in 1931, funded by the generous donations of Osaka's citizens. Although constructed with reinforced concrete, its exterior was designed to reflect the grandeur of the Toyotomi era. The structure survived World War II and has undergone significant restoration work since the 1950s. Today, the Main Tower stands at the heart of Osaka Castle Park and operates as a historical museum. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the history of Osaka Castle, the life of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and the culture and strategies of Japan's Warring States period. The top floor serves as an observation deck, offering stunning panoramic views of Osaka city.


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