Japan/Honshu: Osaka – Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle is one of the most beautiful and famous imperial castles in Japan (of which there are quite many). The castle is huge, surrounded by multiple layers of stone walls with turrets and many gates and several concentric moats and raised high in a stone foundation, then further rising whopping eight stories. The castle was built in the 16th century and then rebuilt and reconstructed many times over its history. The castle played a major role in the unification of Japan when it was constructed to project strength and power and eventually ushering prosperity and stability under the Tokugawa Shogunate. The castle is truly impressive, and the views from the walls, as well as from the top floor are truly panoramic.
