Ōsaka Castle is classified as a flatland castle (its layout: Rinkakushiki), and is located in Ōsaka. During the pre-modern age, it found itself within the borders of Settsu Province. It is associated with the Toyotomi, Tokugawa clans. Dates in use: 1583 - 1868.

Built on the site of the former temple of the troublesome warrior monks, the Ikko Ikki, Toyotomi Hideyoshi built a truly lavish & seemingly impregnable castle that surpassed all others. The Tokugawa clan reduced it to rubble in 1615 & five years later had succeeded in removing almost every trace of Hideyoshi's efforts & replaced it with an even mightier fortress.

This truly is a spectacular castle to visit. Initially, the fact that the main tower was a concrete reconstruction lowered its estimation in my eyes but the sheer scale is breathtaking. Also, Ōsaka castle is still in possession of nine buildings that date from the Edo period. Those nine buildings & a well have been designated Important Cultural Properties.

Timeline

1583	Hideyoshi started building what would be the grandest castle of its day.
1585	The central defensive structures were competed.
1598	The outer defensive structures were completed.
1614	Osaka was laid siege to by the forces of the Tokugawa Shogunate. A truce was stuck with the defending Toyotomi armies after some hostilities.
1615	Once again the castle was laid siege to. The result this time was a outright victory for the Tokugawa clan.
1620	The Tokugawa incarnation of Osaka castle was completed.
1660	Lightning strikes & destroys a gunpowder magazine.
1665	Lightning strikes twice. The main tower gets toasted.
1843	The Tokugawa Shogunate passes the hat around to raise funds to repair the dilapidated castle.
1868	Much of the castle was damaged by fire due to civil unrest and not someone smoking in bed as was first thought.
1928	The main tower, a concrete reconstruction, was unveiled.
1945	Several buildings, including the ... Turret and the Kyōbashi gate complex, burnt to the ground following a U.S. bombing raid.

Historical recognition

Site	Special National Historic Site
Ōte Gate	Important Cultural Property
Sakura Gate	Important Cultural Property
Tamon Turret	Important Cultural Property
Sengan Turret	Important Cultural Property
Inui Turret	Important Cultural Property
Rokuban Turret	Important Cultural Property
Ichiban Turret	Important Cultural Property
Enshogura Gunpowder Magazine	Important Cultural Property
Kanagura Treasure house	Important Cultural Property
Kinmeisui Well	Important Cultural Property
Walls (x3)	Important Cultural Properties