Highlights Of Osaka

Osaka's glorious past is yours to discover during this tour of some of the ancient city's most historic and beautiful sites.

A drive through the modern of city takes you to historic Osaka Castle. Originally intended to be Japan's strongest and most beautiful castle, this monumental old fortification was built over a 3.5-year period by 30,000 to 40,000 daily laborers, and is enclosed by stone walls 7.5 miles in length. Over the centuries, the castle has been destroyed by wars and natural disasters, and then rebuilt to its original splendor. During your visit, you’ll marvel at Osaka Castle's five-story donjon; it towers 131 feet in height and offers wonderful expansive views and photo opportunities. Other structures, including a two-story tower built in 1620, also remain.

You’ll also visit Shitennoji Temple. Built in 593 AD, Shitennoji Temple is believed to be the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan. Explore the temple's great southern gate, or nandaimon, central gate, or chumon, the pagoda, main hall, or kondoh, and lecture hall, or kodo. All are constructed in the straight-line, Shitennoji Cathedral style.