The business days/hours are subject to change in order to prevent the spread of infection by COVID-19, the new coronavirus. Please refer to the official website for details. The Osaka Castle Tenshu Tower standing majestically against the blue sky. Construction of Osaka Castle began in 1583 on the site of the Ishiyama Hongan-ji temple by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who was aiming to unify the whole country. The castle tower, which was one of the most central buildings of the main castle was built 2 years later, but was destroyed by fire in 1615 during the summer campaign of the Siege of Osaka, along with the end of the Toyotomi clan. Although it was rebuilt during the Tokugawa period, it was destroyed again by fire in 1665 when it was struck by lightning. Since then, Osaka Castle remained without a castle tower. The current castle tower was restored in 1931 at the request of the mayor Seki for donations from the citizens. The castle was restored after 266 years, and measured 55 meters above ground with 5 tiers and 8 floors. There are glittering gold decorations throughout the castle, such as the Shachi on the top tier roof and the tiger under the railings (registered as national tangible cultural property). Major renovations were carried out from 1995 to 1997. Osaka can be viewed in its entirety from the observation deck on the 8th floor.