Osaka Castle and More: Five Great Landmarks!

Osaka-jo (Osaka Castle) is one of Japan’s most famous landmarks. This beautiful building comes to mind when you think of castles in Japan. However, many other unforgettable structures showcase different styles and periods of Japanese history that tourists need to check out.

We’ve chosen entries based on their popularity and cultural importance inside and outside the country. Here are five iconic landmarks, including Osaka Castle, that you must visit on your trip across Japan!

Osaka Castle

One of Osaka’s most popular tourist attractions, it was modeled after Oda Nobunaga’s Azuchi Castle and built over the Buddhist fortress Ishiyama Hongan-ji. Construction of Osaka Castle under Toyotomi Hideyoshi began in 1583 and finished in 1597.

However, it was destroyed during the Siege of Osaka (1614-1615) and again in the 1660s during an explosion and fire. It wasn’t until 1997 that the castle, surrounding stone walls, and Otemon Gate were rebuilt.

The main building is now a museum displaying artifacts and recreations of key historical events. Each castle tower provides stunning views of the city. Osaka Castle Park features restored buildings and stunning gardens, including Nishinomaru Garden. The castle grounds draw the most crowds during cherry blossom season and are easily accessible via JR West’s Osaka Loop Line. 

Tokyo Tower

Built-in the 1950s for Tachū Naitō NHK public broadcasting, Tokyo Tower was built to withstand powerful earthquakes and typhoons. Made of steel and standing at 1092 feet (332.9 meters), it was the world’s tallest freestanding tower until 2012, when Tokyo Skytree, which stands at 2080 feet (634 meters), was completed. Two radio stations still use it for broadcasting.

While not as popular as Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower still attracts several million visitors yearly. In FootTown, you’ll find museums, galleries, souvenir shops, and restaurants. From there, you can also purchase tickets to visit the Main Observatory and the Special Observatory decks. Tokyo Tower also lights up for different holidays and has appeared in various media, including kaiju (monster) movies starring Godzilla and King Kong.  

Itsukushima Shrine

Located on Itsukushima or Miyajima Island, the original Itsukushima Shrine was built in 593 CE by Governor Saeki no Kuramoto after receiving a sacred message. It was rebuilt in 1168 with a torii gate, and its current structure dates back to 1875. Various dignitaries, including Taira no Kiyomori, visited and patronized Itsukushima Shrine, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

Dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto’s three daughters, this Shinto shrine is best known for its “floating shrine” prominent at high tide. Various cultural treasures are kept here, and there are special events, including noh theater performances. Access to Itsukushima Shrine is via ferry; to preserve the shrine’s purity, passengers who are close to giving birth or dying are forbidden from setting foot on the island.  

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Kinkakuji

One of many Zen Buddhist temples in Kyoto, Kinkakuji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion) stands out due to its gold-painted exterior. Originally a villa and then a complex, it became a temple according to shōgun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu’s final instructions. The fire eventually destroyed all buildings, but the pavilion was later reconstructed. Kinkakuji was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

The temple houses relics of the Buddha, and its interior boasts several different designs. While visitors can’t enter the temple, they can walk through the Rokuon-ji garden, experience a tea ceremony at Sekka-tei Teahouse, and pay their respects at Fudo-do Shrine. Kinkakuji inspired two other Kyoto temples: Ginkakuji (Temple of the Silver Pavilion) and Shōkokuji.

Kobe Port Tower

Our final destination is Kobe’s “Beauty of the Iron Tower.” Completed in 1963, Kobe Port Tower’s distinct features include its red steel lattice structure, resembling a tsuzumi (Japanese hand drum), and 7000 LED lights. It also stands 354 feet (108 meters) high and has undergone several renovations, including one for seismic retrofitting, which ended in April 2024.

Like Tokyo Tower, Kobe Port Tower is home to galleries, museums, stores, and a 360-degree rotating café and bar. Its observation desks boast panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including Mount Rokkō and Osaka Bay. The tower has been lit up several times as a beacon of hope, including on Valentine’s Day 1995 following the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.

Why should I check out iconic landmarks like Osaka Castle? 

Visiting these landmarks is critical to understanding the culture and history of Osaka, Tokyo, and other cities. You’ll leave these tourist attractions with a greater understanding and appreciation.

There are also countless photo opportunities. Tokyo and Kobe Port Towers have amazing aerial shots, while Itsukushima Shrine and Kinkakuji have striking colors. Then there’s also Osaka-jo and the surrounding park, with each season giving you beautiful views of the castle.

Finally, each location hosts special events, including concerts, exhibitions, and natsu matsuri (summer festivals). These are the perfect visiting opportunities if you don’t mind the extra noise and activity. Have you visited any of these landmarks? Which was your favorite? Leave a comment below.