Osaka Castle travel guide
Everything you need to know about visiting Osaka’s amazing restored castle
Planning a trip to Osaka? You should definitely include Osaka-jo, or Osaka Castle on your list of places to visit in Japan. This glorious historic castle, which was sadly destroyed in the 1600s, has been painstakingly recreated for both locals and visitors to enjoy. Bookmark this Osaka Castle travel guide to make sure you’re clued up before your visit!
About Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle is one of the most iconic landmarks of Osaka, Japan. Built in 1583 by the daimyo Toyotomi Hideyoshi, it served as a formidable stronghold throughout the region. The castle has stood for centuries and been reconstructed multiple times throughout its long history. The magnificent structure stands imposingly in the center of the city and provides a stunning sight. It is five stories tall and features a six-tier moat and stone walls that reach an impressive height. There are many museums and a viewing deck where visitors can explore the castle grounds and appreciate the captivating views of the city.
Today, Osaka Castle is a national treasure of Japan and one of its most popular tourist attractions. Every day, hundreds of people visit to admire the breathtaking sight and learn more about its illustrious past. There are multiple stone turrets and watchtowers scattered throughout the castle grounds. The large gardens around the exterior also serve as a serene escape from the bustle of city life. Osaka Castle continues to be an enduring symbol of Osaka and is an important cultural symbol to its residents and visitors alike.
When was Osaka Castle built?
Warlord Oda Nobunaga destroyed the Ishiyama Honganji Temple that stood on the current site of Osaka Caslt in 1580, and the contstruction of Osaka Castle began in 1583. It was Toyotomi Hideyoshi's dream for his castle to serve as the epicentre of a new, unified Japan under his authority. Until that point, it had been the largest castle in the world.
Osaka Castle History
Tokugawa troops invaded and demolished the castle in 1615, just a few years after Hideyoshi died, effectively ending the Toyotomi dynasty. Tokugawa Hidetada erected another Osaka Castle in the 1620s, but the castle's main tower was destroyed by lightning in 1665. From that point, only ruins remained until the 20th century.
The current ferro-concrete castle tower reconstruction was not constructed until 1931. Amazingly, it was unharmed by city-wide air raids during World War II. In 1997, extensive renovations restored the castle's former lustre.
The interior of the castle tower has been completely modernised, including the installation of an elevator to make it more convenient for visitors to access. The castle's history and that of Toyotomi Hideyoshi are also on display in the museum.
Are Osaka Castle and Himeji Castle the same thing?
Nope! Osaka Castle is found firmly in the city of Osaka, and Himeji Castle is in the city of Himeji, which is close to Osaka. Osaka Castle is also a reconstruction, whereas Himeji Castle is an original Japanese castle dating from the 1300s.
Read next: 20 cities in Japan you absolutely need to visit
Where is Osaka Castle?
Osaka Castle is located in Osaka Castles park. Toyotomi Hideyoshi Shrine and Osaka Castle Park's multipurpose arena (Osaka-jo Hall) are both located within the park's two square kilometres of green area. During Osaka's cherry blossom season, which begins in early April, the park is extremely popular. Another favourite activity nearby is the Osaka-jo beer festival, which takes place in October each year.
How to get to Osaka Castle
Head through the Otemon Gate located in the park's southwest corner to reach the entrance to Osaka Castle. Tanimachi Yonchome Stop on the Tanimachi and Chuo metro lines is the closest station. Alternatively, take the JR Loop Line from JR Osaka Station to Osakajokoen Station, which takes about 10 minutes.
Osaka Castle cherry blossom
The expansive grounds of Osaka Castle are a great place to visit during Japan’s cherry blossom, with about 4,000 cherry trees turning pink in March and April. Nishinomaru Park in the castle's western citadel is a particularly pleasant spot for a picnic, with spacious lawns, views of the castle tower, and light up in the evening.
Osaka Castle tickets
It’s possible to arrive at Osaka Castle and purchase tickets on the day, but like the rest of Japan’s attractions, expect to wait in line and possibly be turned away if it’s too busy (especially around cherry blossom season). Instead, we always recommend booking your Osaka Castle tickets online, in advance. That way, you can simply head to the front of the queue knowing you won’t be disappointed!
Osaka Castle guided tours
Another great way of seeing Osaka Castle and gaining all those important additional insights is with an Osaka walking guided tour. As tour guides in Japan need to be registered with the government, the quality always tends to be higher, so it’s worth the extra money. You’ll usually find that guides speak excellent English and will be passionate about history, giving you additional facts that you’d probably miss if you decided to visit yourself.
Other attractions near Osaka Castle
Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan is Japan's second Universal Studios theme park, after Tokyo Disney Resort. Popular characters like Shrek, Hello Kitty, and Spiderman make appearances, as do attractions, movie simulators, and parades that appeal to kids of all ages!
Osaka Aquarium
Osaka Aquarium features species from both the Pacific Ring of Fire and other aquatic regions and is one of the world's largest public aquariums. You'll learn about local creatures like Asian otters, gigantic spider crabs, and sea turtles, as well as tropical species like sharks and penguins.
Dotonbori
Dotonbori is a prominent nightlife district in Osaka's Minami neighbourhood. The Dtomborigawa River is flanked with small restaurants, bars, and neon lights that come alive at night. Dotonbori, an area in Tokyo, is noted for its diverse cuisines as well as its giant animated signs.
Tsutenkaku Tower
The Tsutenkaku, Osaka's answer to the Eiffel Tower, is a quirky Osaka feature that’s extremely Japanese. Tsutenkaku, or "tower reaching heaven," was Asia's tallest building at 338 feet when it was completed in 1912. (103 metres). When lit up with neon at night, the tower takes on a corny, yet adorable, 1950s futuristic appearance.
The best hotels near Osaka Castle
St. Regis Osaka
The St. Regis Osaka is the ideal residence for the discerning visitor, located along the historic boulevard of Midosuji, commonly known as the Champs Elysées of Osaka. From gastronomic discoveries to the pinnacle of sumptuous care, every encounter at The St. Regis Osaka will captivate your senses.
Imperial Hotel
On March 15, 1996, the Imperial Hotel in Osaka opened to the public. This luxury Osaka hotel is located in a major downtown neighbourhood overlooking a lovely river, one of Japan's most recognised sites for cherry blossoms. The Imperial Hotel, Osaka has inherited the 123-year-old traditions of Tokyo's legendary Imperial Hotel.
Hotel New Otani
The Hotel New Otani Osaka faces the emerald expanse of Osaka Castle and Park, yet it is also close to the city core and significant visitor spots in Kyoto, Nara, and Himeji. Its naturally illuminated four-story Atrium Lobby immediately informs guests that their stay will be memorable.
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