Hideyoshi Toyotomi set to work on the construction of a large-scale castle to show his authority and power as the “Tenkabito (the ruler of the nation).” He began building of the castle at the site of the former Honganji Temple in 1583. After his death the castle was, however, burned down during the Summer War of Osaka in 1615. The second Shogun, Hidetada Tokugawa ordered the reconstruction and the Main Tower was completed in 1626, which is said to have been burned down again by the strokes of lightening only 39 years after the completion. In 1931, supported by the earnest requests of Osaka citizens, the Main Tower was restored at last. The newly restored tower is a steel-frame and reinforced concrete construction with a height of 55 meters from the ground. The Tower had remained undamaged during the World War II, and a large-scale renovation was carried out in 1997. The tower features its pure white outer walls, the unique structure in the traditional Japanese architectural style, and above all its enormous height of 55 meters. A lot of visitors come to sightsee every day. The Tower is an eight-story construction, and serves as a history museum now. A lot of documents and historical materials concerning Osaka Castle and Hideyoshi Toyotomi are displayed on each floor. From the Observation Deck on the top floor, the view of the city of Osaka in all directions is marvelous.