Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle is located in the middle of Osaka, Japan, in Chuo Ward. It stands on a hill and rises above the city’s modern office buildings, offering a striking contrast between ancient and modern architecture. The castle is a famous spot in Osaka, so you can see it from many places in the city. Since it’s in the middle of everything, it’s easy to visit while you’re exploring other parts of the city.

The best times to visit Osaka Castle are in the spring and fall. In spring, the castle grounds are filled with beautiful cherry blossoms that make the place look amazing. In the fall, you'll be able to see the stunning view of changing foliage and falling leaves.

These seasons are very popular with visitors, so you'll get to see some of the most beautiful sights during these times. For a more private experience, try visiting in the morning on weekdays to avoid the peak time with many visitors.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi began the construction of Osaka Castle in 1583 to help unify Japan in the Sengoku period. It was the largest castle in Japan at that time. Osaka Castle has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout history. It was initially built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1583 and was subsequently destroyed and rebuilt. The main castle tower was destroyed again when it was struck by lightning and burned down in 1665. It was also destroyed during the Boshin War in 1868 and again during air raids in World War II. The castle was completely restored in 1931, and its exterior maintains its traditional appearance.

Now, Osaka Castle is eight stories tall, surrounded by a six-level moat and huge stone walls. With its amazing history, beautiful architecture, and stunning views, Osaka Castle is still one of the most popular places to visit in Japan.

You can walk around the beautiful Osaka Castle Park without a ticket. However, to explore inside the castle, you'll need to pay a small fee. There's an admission fee (¥600) to visit the main keep and the Ninomaru Garden (¥200). Book a ticket on Klook in advance to skip long lines and enter one of Japan's famous landmarks with a rich history directly!

Plan to spend 2 to 3 hours at Osaka Castle. This will give you enough time to explore the entire castle grounds and the main building and enjoy the city views from the observation deck. During peak seasons like the cherry blossom season and the autumn season, you may need more time to enjoy the seasonal attractions and cultural displays. It's worth walking around the surrounding park to take in the natural beauty of Japan.

To reach Osaka Castle, depart from Osaka Station on the JR to Morinomiya Station. This will bring you to the southeast side of the park. Another option is to get off at Osakajokoen Station, which is on the northeast side.

You could also walk from Tanimachi Yonchome Station on the Chuo and Tanimachi Metro lines, part of the JR loop line, to the main entrance at the Otemon Gate. Osaka Castle is easily accessible from some subway stations and train stations, making it a must-visit stop on your Osaka trip.

There are many hotels near Osaka Castle. We recommend DoubleTree by Hilton Osaka Castle, which is located in the heart of Osaka and is a 5-minute drive away from Osaka Castle. In some rooms, you'll have a clear view of Osaka Castle. If you are looking for a more affordable option, you can choose the Osaka Castle Hotel.