History of Osaka-jo Castle
Originally built as the residence for the priests belonging to the Ishiyama- Honganji sect of Buddhism, Osaka-jo Castle had been the symbol of power and authority of one feudal lord vying for the control of Japan, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. After his demise, however, it was attacked by his rival, Tokugawa Ieyasu, who eventually acquired the rein of the nation, and the castle was burnt down. In the Edo period (1603-1867) it was rebuilt step by step by the Tokugawa Shogunate government. Afterwards, however, the castle was destroyed by fires and natural disasters many times and repairs followed.The present castle building was completely rebuilt in 1931, although some parts of the structure were damaged in World War Ⅱ. The building is now under the administration of Osaka city government.
Foods of Osaka
Since Osaka-jo Castle is located in the heart of Osaka city, you can enjoy shopping, eating and strolling in and around the city. Osaka has been known as the city of "Kuidaore", meaning you can spend all your money eating. "Okonomiyaki" pancake and "Takoyaki" octopus dumpling are especially famous as the popular cuisine for ordinary people there. Their prices are reasonable and you can relish the real taste of Osaka. People can have a happy time drinking beer, while eating these specialty food in a friendly atmosphere at a small restaurant.
What Osaka is
Osaka is the city of bustling merchants whose greetings usually begin with "Are you making Money ?", instead of "How are you ?" There are many entertainment facilities in and around Umeda district popularly called "Kita" on one hand and in the area centering Namba widely known as "Minami" on the other, where you can spend all day long shopping and eating.
How Osaka people talk
Osaka is in the hub of Kansai region where people speak with the dialect a bit different from that in Kanto area including and surrounding Tokyo metropolis. You may find they talk in milder and softer tones than those in Kanto do. For example, they say "Ahou", meaning "You idiot," rather than uttering "Bakayarou", which sounds pretty strong.
Let`s enjoy visiting Osaka. I will take you wherever you wish to go.
Tour of Osaka-jo Castle is here.