Osaka Castle: Before Japan Had a Name

Most Osaka Castle tours start in the 1500s. This one starts before Japan had a name — because the castle only makes sense once you've stood where it all began. Discover Japan's origin story. Walk the ruins with a resident historian who lives one block away. Travel back in time through 7,000 years of Osaka's human story — from Jomon hunter-gatherers to the final destruction of the Toyotomi clan in 1615. Discover why, for thousands of years, kings, queens, emperors, warlords, farmers and peasants have all considered this landscape, home. Before the tour, I will send GPS-capable historical maps directly to you. After, you will receive a full reference document covering everything we discussed. One continuous story you won't find on any other tour. Leave knowing why this hill has been worth fighting over for seven thousand years.