It’s a must visit if you’re visiting Osaka!!
Osaka Castle is surrounded by Osaka Castle Park, a vast park located in the heart of the city. With excellent accessibility, the park is easily reached from nine nearby stations. In spring, cherry and plum blossoms bloom, while in autumn, the park is adorned with vibrant autumn leaves and ginkgo trees. Each season offers breathtaking scenery for you to enjoy.
Osaka Castle is expansive, requiring a lot of walking to explore fully. By reading my blog, you’ll learn efficient ways to navigate the castle grounds and discover the must-see highlights. My tips will help you make the most of your visit without missing out on any key attractions.
Osaka Castle Travel Guide
I visited here on a sunny weekday morning at the beginning of December. Even though it was the autumn foliage season, it wasn’t too crowded because it was a weekday morning. However, weekends and holidays (especially during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons) can get very crowded, so it’s best to avoid those times if possible.
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About Osaka Castle
The main tower of Osaka Castle stands five stories on the outside and eight stories on the inside. It is surrounded by secondary citadels, gates, turrets, impressive stone walls, and moats. The current structure is a modern reconstruction completed in 1931 after the original castle was destroyed several times due to wars and fires. The castle tower now houses a museum, showcasing artifacts and exhibits related to the castle’s history and Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s life.
Historical Background
Osaka Castle was constructed to demonstrate Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s power and to serve as a stronghold. In 1583, Toyotomi Hideyoshi began the construction of Osaka Castle on the site of the former Ishiyama Hongan-ji Temple, which had flourished as the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu sect. Hideyoshi aimed to build a castle that surpassed Oda Nobunaga’s Azuchi Castle in every aspect.
Amazingly, within just eighteen months, the main tower—embellished with luxurious and exquisite decorations—was finished in 1585. At that time, Hideyoshi’s regime was still unstable, so he was eager to complete the symbol of his power swiftly.
Construction continued intermittently, and it took 15 years to build the impregnable fortress. The Osaka Castle of that era, including the outermost defenses called “sogamae,” covered approximately 4.2 million square meters, which is about four times the size of the current Osaka Castle Park. It was surrounded by four layers of moats, making it the largest castle in Japan.
After Hideyoshi’s death, his son Toyotomi Hideyori moved into the castle with his mother, Yodo-dono. However, after the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, the real power shifted to Tokugawa Ieyasu. In 1615, during the Summer Siege of Osaka, the castle fell, and the Toyotomi clan was extinguished.
Inside Osaka Castle
Since you’re here, why not take the opportunity to explore inside Osaka Castle?
The interior of Osaka Castle features a historical museum and an observation deck. While the exterior maintains its traditional appearance, the inside is a modern structure made of reinforced concrete. The castle has eight floors, with the museum displaying replicas of the shachihoko (mythical carp with a tiger’s head) and fukuko (crouching tiger), as well as folding screens, all of which help visitors learn about the history of Osaka Castle. There’s an experience corner where you can try on samurai helmets, kimonos, and jinbaori (battle surcoats), and you can also take commemorative photos.
The top floor offers an observation deck with panoramic views of Osaka’s cityscape. From here, you can see famous landmarks such as Abeno Harukas, Tsutenkaku Tower, and the red Ferris wheel at HEP Five in Umeda. Spotting these sights adds to the fun of the visit.
【Estimated Time】
- 40 – 60 minutes
【Tickets】
- Adults: 600 yen
- Middle school students and younger: Free
【Opening Hours】
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM)
【Holidays】
- New Year holidays (12/28 – 1/1)
Access
Two Most Convenient Stations
Osakajokoen Station – JR Osaka Loop Line
This station is directly connected to the park, and as soon as you step off the train, you’ll find Jo-Terrace Osaka. This convenient facility houses restaurants, souvenir shops, and an information center. After a stroll in Osaka Castle Park, you can enjoy a leisurely lunch or shop for souvenirs. Jo-Terrace Osaka also has lockers where you can store your belongings while you explore. Additionally, this is where you can board the road train.
Morinomiya Station – JR Osaka Loop Line, Subway Chuo Line, Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line
If you’re coming from JR Loop Line “Morinomiya Station,” exit the north gate and you’ll find Osaka Castle Park diagonally across from the exit. Right upon entering, you’ll see flower beds and a large fountain. Around the fountain, there are Lawson, Starbucks, and R Baker, making it a great spot for a picnic on the benches. There’s also a large playground for children and a Bornelund, ensuring fun for the entire family.
Transportation Within the Park
Walking:
The most common way to explore the park is on foot. There are well-maintained pathways that allow you to enjoy the natural beauty and historic sites at your own pace.
Road Train:
For those who prefer a more leisurely tour, there is a road train available. This train takes you around the park, providing a comfortable and convenient way to see the key attractions without too much walking. You can board and alight the road train at four designated orange points on the map(OSAKA CASTLE PARK MAP). It operates at 30-minute intervals.
Ticket Prices:
- Adults (Junior high school students and above, under 65 years old): JPY 400 per ride
- Children (3 years old to elementary school students): JPY 200 per ride
- Seniors (65 years and older): JPY 100 per ride
- Disabled Persons (with disability certificate): Free
- Caregivers for Disabled Persons: Regular fare JPY 300 per ride
- All-day Pass for Adults: JPY 1,000
- All-day Pass for Children/Seniors (65 years and older): JPY 600
Half-Day Plan
This is my recommended half-day course. It covers the must-see points and allows you to explore efficiently and leisurely. Please consider it as a reference.
8:30 am : Start from JR Morinomiya Station!
If you’re coming from JR Loop Line “Morinomiya Station,” exit the north gate and you’ll find Osaka Castle Park diagonally across from the exit. Upon entering, you’ll see flower beds and a large fountain. Around the fountain, there are cafes, convenience stores, and a children’s playground. This is also where you can catch the road train that runs through the park. But not yet! Let’s eat and then walk around.
Breakfast at R Baker
First, fuel up at a delicious bakery. Osaka Castle Park is vast, so it’s good to start with a full stomach. The bakery offers a wide selection of tasty breads, including Japan’s unique rice flour croissants. Sweet potato anpan and curry bread are also popular choices. You can relax inside the cafe or take your food to go for a picnic.
Next to the bakery is a Starbucks. Passing by the Starbucks and walking for a few minutes, you’ll reach the Maple Garden. Here, you’ll find bright red and just-turning-orange maple leaves under the blue sky. Absolutely stunning!
Visit Hokoku Shrine
After enjoying the Maple Garden, you’ll find a set of stairs on your left. Climb the stairs to reach Hokoku Shrine. Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who is enshrined as the deity, rose from a humble farmer to become a ruler of the nation. As a result, Hokoku Shrine is known as a deity of success and good fortune.
10:00 am : Osaka Castle!
Opposite Hokoku Shrine is the Sakuramon Gate, the main entrance to Osaka Castle. Enter here to reach the castle tower. After paying the admission fee, explore the castle.
Take a Break at Miraiza
Once you’ve explored the castle, take a break at Miraiza, located in front of Osaka Castle. Here, you’ll find numerous Japanese souvenirs and a ninja shop. Various snacks such as matcha, wagyu beef sushi, and takoyaki are available.
Ride the Gozabune Boat
Next, head to Gokurakubashi Bridge to board the Gozabune, a type of luxurious Japanese boat traditionally used by feudal lords and samurai for official purposes or ceremonies. After crossing the bridge, you’ll find the Gozabune boarding area nearby. Purchase your tickets there.
Experience the impressive size of the stone walls and the vastness of the inner moat. Operating hours are from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with departures every 10 minutes. The boat ride lasts approximately 20 minutes.
Ticket Prices:
- Adults (16 years and older, high school students and above): JPY 1,500
- Seniors (65 years and older): JPY 1,000
- Children (elementary and junior high school students): JPY 750
- Infants and toddlers: Free
- Disabled persons: JPY 750 (same price for the person with the disability and their caregiver)
Take the Road Train to Jo-Terrace Osaka
If you still have some energy left, you can walk to Jo-Terrace. However, I recommend hopping on the road train for a comfortable ride from Gokurakubashi. It offers a comfortable way to travel around the park without tiring yourself out, especially after a long walk. Perfect for recharging your energy between sightseeing spots!
1:00 pm : Lunch Time!
Jo-Terrace is a great place to have lunch. There are stylish restaurants and cafes that give the impression of a modern castle town. You can also find souvenir shops to remember your visit to Osaka Castle.
Osaka Castle presents a variety of beautiful scenes throughout the different seasons. Please use this blog as a reference and be sure to visit!
