Visiting Osaka Castle, The Most Iconic Attraction in Osaka, Japan.

One of the most iconic images of Osaka is of course, the Osaka Castle (or Osaka-jo in Japanese). This is one of the most famous places to visit in Osaka, so you’ll want to make sure that you don’t overlook this place.

On a recent trip to Japan, I spent the afternoon here and it was really a beautiful place as not only is Osaka Castle a well… castle, but it also doubles as a park, making Osaka Castle a perfect place to relax or have a picnic amongst a historically significant landmark!

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The History of Osaka Castle

osaka castle history — *The text might be too small to read but don’t worry, I’ll explain it for you*

The current Osaka Castle that you see isn’t actually the original Osaka Castle, no the Japanese aren’t lying to you, it's just because the original construction was burned down and destroyed many times since the beginning of its construction in 1583.

The original castle was built during 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi as he intended for the castle to be the center of a new unified Japan.

in 1615, in the Tokugawa period, the castle was destroyed and was rebuilt again in the 1620s. The castle was AGAIN destroyed and burnt down by a lightning strike in 1665.

After that no one touched the castle until 1931 when Osaka Castle was rebuilt using new modern construction materials.

Osaka Castle survived through many bombing raids during the Second World War and was given a facelift in 1997, which is the version you see today.

The interiors of the castle is entirely modern with a museum showcasing the castle’s history. There’s even a fancy (well not “fancy” fancy) elevator installed to climb up the many levels of the Osaka Castle Tower!

Exploring the Remains of Osaka Castle

osaka castle transport — *I wouldn’t want to walk in the scorching heat either…*

Firstly if you are spending a considerable amount of time traveling to various attractions in Osaka, I recommend you purchase an Amazing Osaka Pass. It’s basically day (or two) pass that gives you unlimited free access to public transportation, and free entry to many of Osaka’s attractions. The Amazing Osaka Pass also includes coupons and guidebooks for you to use. The pass will run you 20 USD for a day pass and 25 USD for 2 days.

Alright, so before you even enter the Osaka castle, you’ll need to purchase a entrance ticket which will cost you 600 JYP for adults, for children entry is free.

The Osaka Castle is not just a castle but a large complex with various parks and points of interests. The entrance to the Castle park is quite a walk away from the actual Osaka Castle itself, but don’t worry as there are little go-cart things that drive around to bring you to the castle.

You’ll have to purchase a ticket for these go-carts though, and the ticket is one way. I don’t quite remember how much is the fare but I do remember it being quite expensive, perhaps around 600 JYP. It’s worth it if you think the walk will be tired but other than that, I’d say that it feels like a tourist trap…

And walking through the park is quite enjoyable anyways.

osaka castle park map — *This place isn’t just a castle, there’s so many random things to be found here as well*

There are 4 entrances to Osaka Castle Park, two entrances in the front and two in the back, I recommend you enter through the Otemon Gate or the Tamatsukuri Gate which is on the bottom left or right if you look at the picture of the map above.

The route you’ll take will provide you with a gorgeous frontal view of the Osaka Castle Tower as you are coming in.

Within the complex you’ll also find many interesting landmarks like ruined turrets, a teahouse, plum groves, and even a martial arts training hall.

osaka castle park wall — *Imagine back in the medieval Japan, these walls must’ve been intimidating*

The majority of the surrounding gardens and areas of the Osaka Castle Park is public space, although certain areas like the Nishinomaru Garden, a garden with 600 cherry blossoms, require you to pay an entrance fee.

If you come here during the cherry blossom season (March - April) you’ll definitely notice a lot of families and couples come here to have picnics, that’s because the Osaka Castle Park is one of the most popular places in Osaka to participate in “Hanami”, a traditional Japanese activity of just simply enjoying the beautiful flowers and the natural environment.

osaka castle park entrance — *It’s like the Castle tower is judging you*

The Osaka Castle tower itself is located within a secondary wall, surrounded by a moat and you’ll have to cross a very scenic bridge to get inside.

I love the aesthetics of the entrance by the way. As you are walking through the gate, you’ll see the Osaka Castle tower standing tall and perfectly center through the opening of the gate.

Upon reaching the grounds of the Osaka Castle, you can’t help but admire it’s pristine white and pale green colors.

The current version of the Osaka Castle you are seeing is a concrete restoration of the original that was completed in 1997. Even after almost 30 years since then, the castle still remains as clean and elegant as ever.

The Osaka Castle tower consists of 8 floors divided into 5 tiers, each floor is decorated into a museum, you can explore these 8 floors, as there is an elevator that will take you to the top.

You’ll have to buy a ticket to enter the interiors though, but if you have an Amazing Osaka Pass with you, entrance is free.

osaka castle cafe — *I wonder about the history of this building, it’s so out of place…*

To the right side of the Castle there is this European style building that really contrasts the traditional Japanese architecture in the area.

This building is more of a tourist center with souvenir shops, cafes, and even a action figure museum for some reason…?

If you want to take a rest and enjoy a cup of coffee head over here, but be warned though, a lot of the coffee shops in there are cramp and packed full of tourists.

Details About Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle is one of the most iconic attractions in Osaka, Japan and is a landmark in the area. I recommend coming here during the cherry blossom season when all the trees will be pink and the atmosphere is immaculate.

Location: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan

Opening Hours: 9:00AM - 5:00PM | Mon - Sun

Entrance Fee: 600 JPY for adults, free entry for children

How to get to Osaka Castle

I recommend taking the JR train to the Osakajokoen Station via the Osaka Loop Line, the station’s exit is right on the Osaka Castle Park and is only a 10 minute walk to the Castle Tower. However this will put you behind the Castle, and you’ll have to walk further if you want to enter through the front entrance.

Alternatively you can take the JR Train via the Chuo Line and exit at Morinomiya Station this will put you at the front right entrance to Osaka Castle Park, where you can enter through the front Tamatsukuri Gate which is one of the two gates I recommend entry from.

If you have a JR Pass or a JR West Pass, the Osaka Loop Line will be covered.

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