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Osaka Castle Itinerary: Ultimate Guide for a Quick Visit
When you think of Japanese architecture, shrines and skyscrapers probably pop up first. But there’s another gem—Osaka Castle—that often flies under the radar!
As a Harry Potter fan, I always pictured castles as places like Hogwarts. But visiting Osaka Castle (Osaka-jo) made me realise Japanese castles are equally magical and unique.
Like most tourists , we included this iconic landmark in our Osaka 2 days itinerary and glad we did!
Now, you’re probably wondering, “If everyone goes there, is it overcrowded?”
In this Osaka Castle itinerary guide, I’ll share tips on what to see, hidden viewpoints, and practical advice to avoid crowds.
This way, you’ll be well-prepared to explore this beautiful landmark and make the most of your visit!
Why is Osaka Castle famous in Japan?
Osaka Castle is Osaka’s most iconic landmark, not just for its eye-catching looks but also for its history.
Built in 1583 by the warlord Hideyoshi Toyotomi, it played a big role in unifying Japan. Hideyoshi apparently had a thing for gold, so he made sure to deck the place out with plenty of it—inside and out!
For tourists like us, the castle feels like a fairy tale spot and is great for chilling out, especially since it’s in a massive park.
But once you dig into its story, you realise there’s some serious bloodshed drama behind Osaka-jo.
Story of Osaka Castle
If you’ve been to Kyoto, you might know of Japan’s famous historical couple—Hideyoshi and Nene. At Kyoto’s Kodaji Temple, you’ll even find statues of them together!
But it was Hideyoshi who built Osaka Castle in 1583 to show off his power as a samurai lord.
His wife Nene was only one of his many wives—his other wife, Yodo-dono, lived in the castle with their son, Toyotomi Hideyori.
Hideyoshi built Osaka-jo to show off, so naturally, his enemies were eager to take it down. And they did—twice!
First in 1615 during the Siege of Osaka, and later when lightning struck and set the main tower on fire in 1665.
Today, this shiny, grand white castle may look like something out of a fairy tale, but it hides a pretty intense past. Built again in 1931, it’s seen war, destruction, and a lot of drama over the centuries.
It’s one of those spots where history and beauty just click, and seeing it against a modern skyline makes it even cooler.
Why Visit Osaka-jo ?
Visiting Osaka Castle isn’t just about the history—it’s also a breather from the city buzz. The castle’s stunning architecture, peaceful gardens, and massive moat make it perfect for chilling or people-watching.
Honestly, I didn’t expect to be so wowed, but it’s one of the prettiest spots I saw in Japan!
Plus, with couples doing wedding photoshoots and locals just enjoying the view, there’s always something interesting going on.
It’s this lively mix of beauty and relaxation that makes Osaka-jo a must-see.
Osaka Castle Itinerary : 2 to 3 Hours
Start at Otemon Gate
The main gate of Osaka Castle, called Otemon, stands in the southwest corner.
Walking from Tanimachi Yonchome Station, you’ll pass through one of Osaka’s most modern areas (quite the contrast to Osaka-jo!), as well as the Osaka Museum of History.
Soon, you’ll spot the castle’s top peeking over the trees, reflected in the moat’s waters.
Just five minutes later, the massive gate comes into view, with huge stones at its base and white-painted walls.
Built by the Tokugawa shogunate after Hideyoshi, it took them nine years to finish.
Though not as grand as I expected, the pine trees and gardens make it a lovely entrance to Nishinomaru Garden.
Stroll through Nishinomaru Garden
The 106-hectare park includes the Osaka Castle Tower (which is now the museum), the beautiful Nishinomaru Garden with hundreds of cherry trees, and thousands of ume (plum) trees in the orchards.
You’ll also find Osaka-jo Hall and even a Japanese archery ground in there!
The castle park is massive—around two square kilometres. The castle stands 58 metres tall at its peak.
It’s not as large as Himeji, but it has its own charm, especially with the skyline in the background.
The castle grounds are extensive and free to explore. There are moats, bridges, stone walls, and gardens to check out.
So, no matter which train station you get off at, you’ll have about a 1 km walk to reach the castle.
This walk is one of the best parts of visiting Osaka Castle because you get to stroll through the park.
When we visited on a December afternoon, the park was alive with athletes running, locals walking their Shiba dogs, cyclists, and schoolchildren on their excursions—all scattered around enjoying the space.
From Nishinomaru Garden, take the ramp up towards Sakuramon Gate—the main entrance to Osaka Castle’s central garden.
Here, you’ll get an up-close view of the castle with its striking gold accents, clean white walls, and green roof that feels almost surreal.
Visit the Castle Tower
Osaka Castle has that classic Japanese look with its white plaster walls and golden details that just pop.
We visited in December, and every bit of sun made those gold touches sparkle like crazy!
The castle’s five-storey tower sits on huge stone walls, with an 8-metre moat that made us feel tiny.
The stones themselves are enormous, and seeing them stacked up reminded me of the scale of the pyramids in Egypt.
Even with modern buildings around, Osaka Castle has this timeless vibe—it totally holds its own.
What’s inside the Osaka Castle?
Inside, you’ll find a museum with all kinds of artefacts and stories about the castle and Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
You can explore different rooms, and if you’re up for it, climb to the top for a panoramic view.
When we went, I skipped the interiors and focused more on the grounds – the choice is yours!
How many floors is Osaka-jo?
The castle’s main tower has five floors in total. The total height is about 50 m.
Each floor has different exhibits, and the top floor offers some impressive views of the park and the city.
Six Best Viewpoints of Osaka Castle.
If you’re after Insta-worthy shots of Osaka Castle, here are a 6 stunning viewpoints:
- Ensho-gura (Gunpowder Storehouse) – Castle beyond sturdy stone walls and a wintery moat, framed by a crisp blue sky.
- Japanese Garden – Osaka Castle reflected in a serene garden pond, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers.
- Osaka Castle Park Near Crossfield Restaurant -A close-up of Castle’s intricate green roof and gold embellishments.
- Bullet Marks on Yamazato-maru Bailey’s Stone Walls – from a lower angle, showcasing its grand structure atop the stone wall.
- Gokuraku-bashi Bridge – Photoshoot spot where people in traditional Japanese attire add a festive touch to the historical setting on the bridge.
- Shinshigino Bridge : View of Castle framed by bare trees, with modern elements in the background.
1. Ensho-gura (Gunpowder Storehouse)
Most likely, the first full view of Osaka Castle you’ll get after passing through Otemon Gate is from the Gunpowder Storehouse in Nishinomaru Garden.
Here, you can see the moat, surrounded by large, sturdy stone walls that slant upwards. Part of the castle is partially hidden by the trees, which adds a unique charm. T
he green, layered roof with subtle gold details is visible through the branches, giving it an almost magical feel.
2. Japanese Garden
The most iconic photo spot at Osaka Castle is in the Japanese Garden.
After entering the second gate, Sakuramon, walk about 100 metres and take a left. You’ll easily find this spot—just follow the crowd!
The garden features classic elements of a traditional Japanese setting, including stone lanterns (ishi-doro) similar to those found at Kasuga Shrine in Nara, all beautifully arranged around the pond.
On a clear, windless day, you can capture the perfect reflection of Osaka-jo in the water.
Unfortunately, when we visited, the wind wasn’t on our side, and the water kept rippling the whole time!
3. Osaka Castle Park Near Crossfield Restaurant
The closest view of Osaka Castle, unless you’re heading up inside, is at the main spot in Castle Park near Crossfield Restaurant.
Here, you can admire all the details—the antique ornaments decorating its edges, the intricate designs, and the gold embellishments that give it a truly regal appearance.
With the bright blue sky as a backdrop, the castle looks even more striking.
4. Bullet Marks on Yamazato-maru Bailey’s Stone Walls
Most views of Osaka Castle only show one side, but at Yamazato-maru Bailey’s Stone Walls, you get a unique perspective view of the castle.
Standing near the base wall, you truly realise what Hideyoshi intended—a powerful symbol of his might. The towering structure makes you feel like a tiny ant in comparison.
5. Gokuraku-bashi Bridge
One of my favourite spots at Osaka Castle is Gokuraku Bridge.
It’s the classic Japanese bridge, arching over the moat, with a view of the castle’s tall, sturdy base and its rear side—a perfect backdrop for wedding couple photoshoots.
You’ll often see couples dressed in traditional attire, holding a “Wagasa” (a traditional Japanese paper umbrella which is also a popular souvenir, especially in Kyoto’s older districts.)
Standing at the far end of the bridge, watching them, it feels almost like stepping back into Hideyoshi’s era, centuries ago!
6. Shinshigino Bridge
When you exit towards Osaka Business Park like we did, you’ll cross Shinshigino Bridge. Halfway across, just turn back—you’ll be greeted with a stunning view of Osaka Castle.
The perspective here is quite different from the one at the bullet wall. It’s a perfect blend of modern and traditional architecture, with sleek glass skyscrapers standing next to the historic castle.
Even the bridge itself is a charming mix—not quite historical, yet not fully contemporary either. The tall iron-cast lamps add an extra layer of character to the scene.
Boat Ride on Osaka Castle’s Moat
Another cool feature is the moat around Osaka Castle, where you can take a ride on the golden “Osaka Castle Gozabune” ship.
The 20-minute ride costs 1,500 yen per adult and offers unique views of the castle without all the walking!
The boat rides are popular, so expect a 30-minute wait if buying tickets on-site. You can also book online up to three days in advance.
Rides start at 10 AM, with ticket sales from 9:30 until 4 PM.
As budget travellers, we explored the moat from every possible angle and skipped the boat ride.
But if you’re up for it and have the time, definitely add the Gozabune to your Osaka Castle itinerary for a unique view of the castle!
Tips for Visiting Osaka Castle
Best Time to Visit
Spring (late March/early April) for cherry blossoms and autumn for colourful leaves are the best times to visit Osaka Castle, though these seasons can get crowded.
We went in December, with fewer crowds and a few autumn leaves still lingering.
How to avoid crowd at Osaka Castle
How Long to Spend at Osaka-jo
You’ll need at least two hours if you’re just exploring the park. But if you’re hitting the museum and snapping photos, plan for three to four hours.
We skipped the interior and still spent nearly three hours in the park!
Castle Opening Hours
Osaka Castle is open from 9:00 to 17:00, with last entry at 16:30. It’s closed from December 28 to January 1, so check the dates if you’re visiting around the holidays.
Osaka castle entrance fees
Entry to the castle costs 600 yen for adults. Nishinomaru Garden charges 200 yen, though prices go up during cherry blossom season.
Osaka-jo entry is covered by the Osaka Amazing Pass, but buying it just for the castle isn’t worth it.
How to Buy Tickets
You can buy tickets at the gate like we did. But it was December, not a tourist season.
But if you are in Osaka during Sakura ( April to May) buy the ticket online in prior to avoid standing in long lines.
What to Wear
Wear comfy shoes—there’s a lot of walking! Layers are a must in winter. The cold breeze from the moat is chilling. I wore Uniqlo Heattech pants, a thick woollen shirt, and a winter jacket in December, and it was still freezing.
Accessible Facilities at Osaka Castle
Yes, there’s an elevator inside the castle, but some park paths are uneven, so take it easy if needed.
Where to eat near Osaka castle
There are four restaurants within the castle park, with Crossfield being the most famous with Italian and Japanese cuisine and great views but at a higher price.
For budget-friendly options, eat outside the park at Family Mart like we did.
Or head to Dotonbori for a variety of affordable dining choices – Even the famous Cheesecake at Uncle Rikuro is a good option
How to get to Osaka Castle
The best way to reach Osaka Castle is by subway or train.
Osaka’s subway system is super efficient and less confusing than that of Tokyo, since the city isn’t as sprawling as Tokyo, it’s much simpler to navigate!
Osaka Castle is accessible from five stations, with Otemon Gate as the main entrance. The closest is Tanimachi Yonchome Station on the Tanimachi and Chuo lines.
I recommend taking one route in and a different one out to see more of the park.
We travelled from Dotonbori to Tanimachi Yonchome Station and entered through Otemon Gate.
For our exit, we left near Osaka Business Park (a quiet, family-friendly area to stay in Osaka) and took a train to Umeda.
For easy navigation, use the Japan Transit Planner app and have a good mobile network to check routes.
My Verdict if it Osaka Castle is worth the time.
Visiting Osaka Castle is definitely worth it if you’re nearby and want a blend of history, scenic gardens, and iconic views. Its Japanese architecture set against an urban skyline really makes it stand out, and the park is perfect for a relaxing stroll.
However, if you’re also visiting Himeji Castle, you could skip Osaka—Himeji offers a more original, larger experience.
For me, visiting Osaka Castle was completely worth it. It’s so different from other Japanese buildings.
The gardens and moat, with tree-lined paths, are pure bliss to walk around.
Plus, it’s one of the best places in Osaka for people-watching—athletes running, school groups touring, tourists exploring, and couples in kimonos posing for photos.
I’ve visited three castles in Japan—Hiroshima, Osaka, and Kiyosu in Aichi.
I’d definitely recommend Osaka over Hiroshima Castle, while Kiyosu is unique, reminding me of the Ghibli movie Spirited Away bathhouse!
FAQ
What else can I do around Osaka Castle?
Explore Nishinomaru Garden, take a moat boat ride, and visit the Osaka Museum of History or Osaka Business Park for dining.
Can I bring food and have a picnic at Osaka Castle?
Yes, you can picnic in the park, but can’t eat inside the castle. Dispose of waste properly.
Where to stay near Osaka Castle?
Stay at Hotel New Otani Osaka for luxury and castle views. For mid-range, try Hotel Monterey La Soeur Osaka. Budget travellers can find hostels around the Umeda area, which is easily accessible by subway.
Where to go after Osaka Castle?
Visit Osaka Aquarium for marine life exhibits or explore Umeda Underground Shopping Street for shopping and dining. We enjoyed our time at Dotica, a vibrant underground shopping arcade.
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