Château d'Osaka

OVERVIEW

Osaka shines as one of Japan's most modern cities, yet it holds its past dear, as you'll discover by touring the Osaka Castle. Depart from the pier and enjoy a nearly 1-hour drive to the impressive Osaka Castle, which was first built in 1583 and now serves as the symbol for the city. Although the original castle was destroyed over the years, many of the key features of the complex still remain, including turrets and sections of the walls that border the surrounding moat. The existing version of the castle itself was built in 1931 to replicate the original. The steep, stone walls at its base are particularly noteworthy, as they rise nearly 100 feet, an architectural rarity in Japan.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.