Osaka Castle Japan: Travel Tips & Review

Osaka Castle Japan is one of Osaka’s best-loved landmarks, presenting Japanese architectural and cultural quintessence.

I visited this castle on my trip to Osaka and had a great time exploring it. 

In this article, you can find my review and tips for your visit, including how to get there, admission fees, opening hours, and things to see and do. 

About Osaka Castle Japan

Osaka Castle was built on the old grounds of the Ishiyama Honganji Temple in 1583. At that time, Osaka Castle was the largest castle in the land of cherry blossoms.

However, the castle was destroyed by the Tokugawa army. Lord Tokugawa Hidetada rebuilt it in 1620, but the main tower was burned by lightning in 1665.

Statue of Samurai Toyotomi Hideyoshi
Statue of Samurai Toyotomi Hideyoshi

Osaka Castle was also renovated many times. Currently, the inside of the castle is very modern, but the exterior architecture remains the traditional style.

You can take an elevator to go between the floors in Osaka Castle Keep.

Osaka Castle Japan

Osaka Castle Keep’s entrance fee

The admission fee of Osaka Castle Keep is 600 Yen per adult and free for everyone under junior high school age.

You can skip waiting in long lines to get physical tickets when you book Osaka Castle tickets online. It’s convenient and hassle-free. Just show the mobile voucher, and you’re already in.

Osaka Japan

Opening hours

Osaka Castle opens from 9 am to 5 pm, with the latest admission at 16:30.

However, the visit time will be longer during the cherry blossom season, Golden Week, and the summer holidays.

The castle is closed from December 28 to January 1.

Best places to stay in Osaka

Where to stay in Osaka?

For accommodation in Osaka, I suggest staying close to the Osaka station or Osaka-Namba station if you’d like to take day trips to other cities such as Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe.

I stayed at a great budget hotel named Stay Osaka.

The location is very convenient as it’s close to the stations. Kuromon Market is just a 3-minute walk, and a Dōtonbori entertainment district is just 10 minutes away.

The staff was friendly, and the room was clean and tidy.

How to get to Osaka Castle?

There are two easiest options to get to Osaka Castle: from Osaka station or Tanimachi Yonchome station.

I recommend buying YOKOSO! Osaka ticket or ICOCA card to travel easier. 

YOKOSO! Osaka ticket includes a day’s use of the Osaka Municipal Subway, New Tram, and bus with unlimited rides. You can get discounts at 32 tourist spots in Osaka as well. 

Starting from Osaka Station

To get to Osaka Castle from Osaka station, you can take a train to Osakajokoen Station, the last station of the Osaka Loop Line.

The travel time is about 10 minutes, and the ticket fee is 160 Yen.

Going to the tower of Osaka Castle

Another option is to get to Tanimachi Yonchome station, which is quite close to the main gate of Osaka Castle.

Also, Tanimachi Yonchome Station is close to the Osaka History Museum – one of the tourist attractions in Osaka.

Osaka Japan

Things to see and do in Osaka Castle

1. Osaka Castle Park

Leaving Osakajokoen Station, I headed to Osaka Castle Park. 

Osaka Castle Park is one of the most beautiful parks I’ve been to. This park is huge, including different areas such as Castle Keep, Nishinomaru Garden, and Osaka History Museum.

I followed the sign to Osaka Castle. It took about 15 minutes to walk to the wall. Along the way, I could see the wall protecting the castle and the pond.

Osaka Castle Japan
Many other buildings around Osaka Castle have been designated a National Heritage by the Japanese government, including the towers and gate.

2. The Sakura-mon Gate

I finally reached the Sakura-mon Gate. Located in the southern area, this is the main gate for visitors to enter the site inside Osaka Castle.

It was crowded on the day I visited, but everyone lined up, so it was fast to go inside the castle.

Osaka Castle gate

I then wandered around the area, took tons of photos. The temperature was pleasant, and there were plenty of shades, so I bought ice cream, sat down, and enjoyed people-watching.

Osaka Castle Japan

3. Osaka Castle Keep

The Castle Keep was the busiest area, with many groups trying to take photos in front of it. After taking a few pictures, I purchased a ticket and went inside.

The first to the seventh floor displays historical documents of the era of Toyotomi Hideyoshi – the person who built Osaka Castle.

Here, I found the model of restoring the castle. Weapons such as armor, swords, and miniature figures recreated the battle scene.

The 8th floor offered a fabulous panoramic view of the Castle and Osaka city.

Osaka Castle Japan

Tips:

There is usually a long queue for the elevators, so you should take the lift to the 8th floor, then work your way down, stopping on each floor.

4. Miraiza shopping mall

Next to Osaka Castle is the Miraiza shopping mall. The mall has a Ninja theme, so the staff is wearing ninja clothes.

Osaka Castle Miraiza shopping mall
The building looks very modern!

5. Nishinomaru Garden

Nishinomaru Garden is a fantastic place to admire the beautiful scenery of Osaka Castle in the distance.

Also, it’s a famous cherry blossom viewing spot with about 300 cherry trees and other flowers.

Opening hours

Nishinomaru Garden opens from 9 am to 5 pm, with the latest entry at 16:30 from November to February.

The garden opens until 8 pm during the cherry blossom season. It’s closed on Mondays or the next day if Monday is a national holiday.

Entrance fee

It costs 200 yen on most days and costs 350 yen during the opening hours for the cherry blossom season.

Ueno Sakura Tokyo Japan

6. Osaka History Museum

If you love history, don’t forget to visit Osaka History Museum. The combined ticket (900 Yen) will be useful in this case.

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