16/06/2025
4.9 / 5
Discover the rich history and stunning architecture of Osaka Castle, a must-visit landmark in Japan. Learn about its significance, visitor information, and more.
Osaka Castle, or Osaka-jo, is one of Japan's most famous landmarks, renowned for its historical significance and stunning architecture. Located in Chūō-ku, Osaka, this castle is a symbol of the city and attracts millions of visitors each year.
Originally built in the late 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Osaka Castle played a crucial role in the unification of Japan. The castle has undergone numerous renovations and reconstructions over the centuries, particularly after being destroyed during the Siege of Osaka in the early 17th century.
The castle is famous for its impressive five-story main tower, which stands at 58 meters tall. The tower features a beautiful golden shachihoko (a mythical creature) on its roof, symbolizing prosperity and protection.
Visitors can explore the castle grounds, which are surrounded by a moat and lush gardens. The castle park is particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season, attracting photographers and nature lovers alike.
Inside the castle, there is a museum that showcases artifacts from the castle's history, including armor, weapons, and historical documents. The top floor offers panoramic views of Osaka city, making it a perfect spot for photography.
Osaka Castle is easily accessible via public transport. The nearest station is Osaka Business Park Station on the Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line. From there, it's a short walk to the castle grounds.
Osaka Castle is not just a historical site; it's a cultural treasure that offers insights into Japan's past. Whether you're a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a beautiful place to visit, Osaka Castle is a must-see destination in Japan.
Jim Lin
5/5
We were truly impressed by how stunning the view was in the evening. If you have the time, we highly recommend visiting after sunset—it's absolutely beautiful and even more atmospheric at night. Although many people visit during the day, we couldn’t fit it into our schedule. Instead, we chose to take an evening walk around the castle—and it turned out to be the perfect decision. The illuminated castle within the peaceful surroundings felt almost magical. For us, the evening view was even more enjoyable than a daytime visit.
Burçin Boyacı
5/5
Osaka Castle is a stunning historic site with beautiful grounds and a rich cultural atmosphere. Exploring the castle interior with a ticket offers great views and fascinating exhibits about Japan’s past. Visiting on a quieter weekday makes the experience even more enjoyable, allowing you to take your time and fully appreciate the surroundings without the crowds.
Cody P
4/5
Osaka Castle is the glistening star that watches over Osaka. We visited in the morning to try and avoid the crowds, though there were crowds already starting to form that day. After waiting in line for tickets and once inside, the experience was still a bit crowded, but not as bad as if we would have waited even a few hours. The outside of the castle is much more impressive than the inside, with the inside feeling much more modern than how the outside looks. Be prepared for stairs. The top of the castle offers nice views of the surrounding area. The rest of our time here was exploring the different floors of history, though we sped through it because lots of it didn’t have English descriptions and the crowds were getting worse. Maybe there was an audio guide option that I missed? Most of the floors were dioramas or screens showing the history of what has happened surrounding Osaka Castle, one floor did have some cool samurai armor. Note that not every floor of the castle allows for photos to be taken, only a few floors and the top floor balcony. Finally at the end there was a little gift shop where I picked up a cool magnet for my fridge. I was a little disappointed of the inside of castle, that being said, I’m still glad I did it. We took some more time afterwards just admiring the beautiful architecture of the castle before departing for lunch. If you plan to go inside the castle, allow at least 2 hours to enjoy it.
Average Rating: ⭐ 4.9/5