Last updated on September 24th, 2024
Osaka Castle is a must-visit attraction in Osaka. Discover its rich history, learn how to access Osaka Castle, find out where to buy tickets, and get useful tips in this comprehensive Osaka Castle Travel Guide blog.
Osaka Castle is a stunning Japanese castle located in Osaka City in Japan’s Kansai region. While there are many things to do in Osaka, it’s highly recommended for travelers to visit Osaka Castle. The castle is easily accessible by public transport and is a popular attraction in the city. Although it is not a preserved castle, it still retains its beauty. It’s a great option for travelers to get a glimpse of Japanese Samurai history.
We visited Osaka Castle a few times during our visit to the city. Here, we are sharing one of our visits in this detailed Osaka Castle travel guide to help you plan for your visit.
Introduction: Osaka Castle
Located in the heart of the city, Osaka Castle (大阪城, Ōsakajō) is one of the most iconic buildings in Osaka. Built around 1583, it has witnessed several transitions during Japan’s samurai periods. Toyotomi Hideyoshi, known as the second of the three Great Unifiers, was one of the influential figures associated with the castle.
Osaka Castle underwent extensive renovations in 1997, which included major repair works, giving it a modern touch. Today, Osaka Castle is equipped with elevators, an outside light show, and Wi-Fi, making it one of the most modern castles in Japan.
Nowadays, Osaka Castle houses museums and exhibitions showcasing the history of Japan. Visitors can immerse themselves in the castle’s history and learn about the unification of Japan. It’s also a great opportunity to gain insights into the feudal lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Additionally, visitors can ascend to the top floor of castle tower to enjoy a magnificent view of the Osaka skyline.
How To Get to Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle can be reached by using city public transport. To access the area, you can use several metro stations, JR train, or even bus routes. Once you arrive, it will take some time to walk to the castle grounds.
By JR train: The closest JR station to Osaka Castle is Osakajokoen Station on the JR Loop Line. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the castle. The JR Osaka Loop line is covered by the JR Pass and JR Regional Passes.
By Metro Line: The closest station is Tanimachi Yonchome Station along the Tanimachi and Chuo subway lines. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from Tanimachi 4-chome Station, exit at #1B and #9. Alternatively, you can use Morinomiya Station, exiting at #1 and #3B.
We would recommend you get the Osaka Metro Pass for 1 or 2 Days based on your need for unlimited rides on the subway.
Osaka Castle Garden
Upon entering the Castle Complex, you will find yourself at Osaka Castle Park (Osaka-jo-koen). This park is the largest in Osaka, covering approximately two square kilometers of green space. It offers numerous activities and is well worth exploring on its own.
The park covers a large area and is great for sightseeing and walking. Local residents enjoy activities like jogging, exercising, cycling, and leisurely strolls. You can take nice photos of the castle from the park and see the moat around the castle area. The moat is impressively wide, and the walls are majestic. Additionally, buggy services are available for a fee if you get tired.
Osaka Castle Park is especially beautiful during the Sakura period. It hosts many festivals throughout the year, providing visitors with the opportunity to partake in the various festivities.
How To Buy Osaka Castle Ticket
The castle grounds are extensive and access to Osaka Castle requires admission tickets.
The entry to the castle park is free of charge. However, there is an admission fee of ¥600 to enter Osaka Castle. Children under the age of 15 can enter for free. If you wish to visit Nishinomaru Garden, there is an additional cost of ¥200.
Osaka Castle Ticket can be purchased at the entrance or online. It is advisable to purchase your tickets online to save a significant amount of time, avoiding the long lines at the entrance for ticket purchase. Online tickets for Osaka Castle can be bought up to three months in advance. There are no date restrictions, making this a recommended option.
Additionally, the Osaka Amazing Pass also grants free entry to Osaka Castle.
Osaka Castle
Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan
Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 to 17:00 (Last Admission at 16:30)
Admission Fee: ¥600 (Get your Osaka Castle Ticket from Klook)
Pro Tips: The admission to Osaka Castle is free with Osaka Amazing Pass.
Inside the Castle Tower
The castle tower is a multi-level structure with 8 floors. The first 7 floors house a museum with artifacts, while the top floor serves as an observation deck for viewing the Osaka cityscape. The castle is surrounded by citadels, gates, turrets, impressive stone walls, and moats. The interior is very modern, resembling a contemporary museum rather than the traditional castle we had expected.
Due to crowd control logistics, be prepared to walk the stairs. The elevators only provide access to the 5th floor and are reserved for elderly and disabled individuals. Visitors can choose to climb all the way or take the elevator to the 5th floor to save some energy. Just follow the queue to enter the Osaka Castle.
The castle has informative displays on most floors, showcasing the history of the castle and the surrounding area. The museum houses a variety of items, including screen prints depicting historical battle scenes and military techniques, suits of samurai armor, weapons to defend the castle, and many more.
The exhibits are labeled in English, but the movies and 3D art are only in Japanese. Please note that photography is not allowed on certain floors.
Lastly, go to the highest floor of the tower. The top floor offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city from the observatory deck. Many people are busy taking photos and enjoying the city view.
More Osaka Castle Travel Tips
The castle has varying opening hours depending on the season, so make sure to check the times when planning your visit. Note that the Osaka Castle is closed during the New Year period, from December 28th to January 1st.
It’s beautiful at any time of the year, but it’s especially picturesque in spring. If you’re visiting Osaka in late March to early April, it’s a terrific place to see the cherry blossoms.
You can purchase tickets at the gate or in advance through Klook. Be aware that the line can be extremely long, so getting the ticket ahead of time is highly recommended. You can visit Osaka Castle on your own. If you’d prefer to go with a guide, you can book a tour through Klook, KKdays, or Get Your Guide.
We would recommend wearing comfortable and grippy shoes in this area, as there is a bit of a ramp and some rocky areas to climb for nice views of Osaka.
If you’re interested in visiting more castles in Japan, be sure to check out Himeji Castle.
Overall: A Visit to Osaka Castle
All in all, visiting Osaka Castle is an absolute delight, offering a glimpse of one of Japan’s most beautiful structures. The stunning architecture and peaceful park make it a must-see destination. However, be sure to allow enough time for your visit as the castle is vast and requires quite a bit of walking. Plan your itinerary wisely!
Lastly, this travel guide to Osaka Castle is part of travel blog in Kansai region. Free feel to continue to read on our Kansai trip to other interesting places including Osaka, Kyoto, and Uji.
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