Your Ultimate Osaka Castle Guide

Osaka may be famous for its vibrant city life, neon lights, and endless street food adventures, but did you know it’s also an important place of history?

Osaka Castle stands as proof. It’s a symbol of the reunification of the Japanese archipelago after centuries of civil war!

Today, it’s one of the city’s top landmarks and easily Osaka’s most recognizable icon. It was originally built in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Japan’s most famous samurai warriors and feudal lords, who played a significant role in Japan’s reunification.

While the original castle was destroyed and rebuilt several times due to war and natural disasters, the main tower you see today is a faithful replica completed in 1931. On the outside, it stays true to its historical design. On the inside, you'll find a modern-designed museum spread across eight floors. Here, you get to explore Japan’s feudal history through exhibits and artifacts featuring armor, weapons, and historical documents. Head straight to the top floor for an observation deck with a panoramic 360-degree view of the city!

You can get your tickets for 1,200 YEN (8.08 USD) for adults and 600 YEN (4.04 USD) for students. Make sure to allot 2 to 3 hours if you aim to explore the inside of the castle. Otherwise, an hour or two would do for a leisurely stroll around the exterior of Osaka Castle and Osaka Castle Park.

You can get your ticket on Klook. This will allow you to skip the long queues that usually form at the ticket counter!

There are plenty of things to do in Osaka Castle aside from a dose of Japanese history. The sprawling castle grounds, Osaka Castle Park, and the castle moat are perfect for all sorts of activities! This guide will help you make the most out of your visit.

Osaka Castle is surrounded by 106 hectares of open park, an oasis in the middle of a bustling city. In spring, the grounds transform into a dreamy canopy of pink cherry blossoms. It’s a beloved spot for hanami, a Japanese tradition of throwing picnics under blooming sakura trees with friends and family. 🌸

But Osaka Castle Park is worth visiting no matter what the season. You can have a picnic at any time of the year! Lay down a blanket, read a good book, grab an ice cream, share a good time with your travel buddies, or just enjoy the view of the grand Osaka castle. If you’re lucky, you might catch street performers showing off their unique talents!

Fitness buffs would also enjoy jogging, walking, or cycling around the perimeter. The outer loop on a dedicated pedestrian path is about 4 km, while the inner ring is about 3 km.

Located on the West side of Osaka Castle’s main tower is a serene garden to give you a more tranquil experience. The Nishinomaru Garden offers a stunning view of the castle. In its northeast corner is a teahouse called “Hoshoan,” one of the most prestigious teahouses in Osaka. Experience an authentic tea ceremony with a view of Osaka Castle! 🍵 

This garden has an extra fee of 200 YEN (1.34 USD), but it’s worth it, especially when you love taking photos.

Ride a Gozabune (traditional Japanese boat) for a tour on the inner moat of Osaka Castle. The boats are modeled after the boats used by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and his men. On board, you can listen to an audio guide about the exclusive sights you get to see as you cruise around. It only takes 20 minutes for such a special experience!

The boat rides operate every 10 to 15 minutes between 10:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (last departure).

Get an Osaka Amazing Pass for all-inclusive tickets to famous Osaka attractions like Osaka Castle and the Osaka Castle Gozabune. You also get unlimited travel on Osaka's subway, private railways, and buses with this pass.

Osaka Castle is located in the Chuo Ward of Osaka. There are many entrances to the park, but the Otemon Gate is considered its main entrance at the park’s southwest corner. The closest station from this entrance is Tanimachi Yonchome Station along the Tanimachi and Chuo subway lines.

However, it's best to enter from Osakajokoen Station during cherry blossom season for a pleasant stroll.

If you’re still not satisfied with your day, the Osaka Museum of History is just close by. Learn more about Osaka’s history in an interactive way through life-sized reconstructions, photographs, scale models, and movies.

For foodies, there are several stalls that serve street food nearby, bringing you classic Japanese dishes. Just a little walk outside and you’d see all the good stuff. After all, Osaka is “The Nation’s Kitchen!”

Osaka Castle is one of Osaka’s iconic landmarks owing to its grandeur and historical significance. It's loved by locals and tourists alike for its huge park, which is especially popular during cherry blossom season in Japan. ✨

Yes, each ticket costs 1,200 YEN (8.08 USD) for adults and 600 YEN (4.04 USD) for students. This does not include other areas or attractions like the Nishinomaru Garden and Gozabune Boat Ride, that’s why it’s recommended to get yourself an Osaka Amazing Pass.

Your time at Osaka Castle and Osaka Castle Park depends on what you’re planning to do. Typically, it takes 2-3 hours to explore the inside of the castle, but only an hour or 2 to stroll the outside area.