One of Japan's most famous landmarks. The castle played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century. It is built on two raised platforms of landfill supported by sheer walls of cut rock, each overlooking a moat. The central castle building is five stories on the outside and eight stories on the inside, and built atop a tall stone foundation. The castle is open to the public and has become a popular spot during festival seasons. Especially during the cherry blossom bloom when the grounds are usually covered with food vendors and taiko drummers. There is also a large indoor arena, Osaka-jō Hall, located within the grounds of the castle park.