Osaka Castle and Nishinomaru Garden

Osaka Castle looks beautiful from the outside. Inside, it is a modern museum of Japanese history in the Edo period. Originally completed in 1585 by Hideyoshi Toyotomi, the Castle’s Main Tower was lost to fire during the Summer Osaka Wars in 1615.

Rebuilt in 1626, it did not stand for long before it burnt down again in 1665 due to a lightning strike. The Tower that stands today was built in 1931.

On our visit, we had to get there early or it would be very crowded. We arrived before 9.00 am and there were no queues at the ticket machine, so we got in straight away. Along the way through the park, you get many beautiful views and photo-op areas of the Castle.

We took a view as we made our way to the castle. Once you’re there, there are a few shops as well as food stands next to the Castle.

The park surrounding the castle is certainly beautiful, and worth exploring. The castle also looks majestic from afar.

It’s a lovely day and the walk uphill to the castle is not hard. It’s a peaceful place despite the tourists.

This pair of komainu statues, a piece of cultural heritage dates back to Ming Dynasty of China. They were bought to Japan during the war between both countries in the 20th Century and placed on the premises of Osaka Castle where the headquarters of the Japanese Army was then located.

In 1984, they were officially donated to the City of Osaka by the Chinese government and have since served as a symbol of the deepening of amicable relations and friendly ties between the two nations and peoples.

After buying your ticket at a ticket machine, the castle is entered by going up a flight of stone steps. It is best to then start at the 8F Observation Deck with its 360-degree views of Osaka before working your way down the other levels to see the museum exhibits.

This beautiful museum host complete historical, cultural, and religious info related to the castle through valuable relics and exhibits.  The museum has 8 floors and the 6F is closed to visitors.

From 1F Museum Entrance Hall, which hosts a movie theatre, museum shop, and legends and mysteries of Osaka Castle, visitors can choose to take the escalator to the 5F and ascend to 7F and 8F (the Observation Deck) by foot. On 8F (about 50m above ground level), visitors are presented with a breathtaking panoramic view of Osaka City.

On 7F, various exhibits introduced the life of Hideyoshi Toyotomi who built this castle and successfully unified Japan. On 5F, the Summer War in Osaka is visualized as infamous scenes in folding screens, images, and miniature figures. Descending to 4F, visitors will see some artifacts from the Hideyoshi Toyotomi era and Osaka history at a glance.

On 3F, the Osaka Castle history continues with models in the Toyotomi and Tokugawa periods. On 2F, the Osaka Castle history continues, visitors will also see facts and figures about Osaka Castle, full-scale replicas of Shachi (legendary dolphin-shaped fish) and Fusetora (crouching tigers) as shown in the Main Tower, etc

Photography is prohibited on 3F and 4F. But, thoroughly enjoy and appreciate the meticulously organized relics, replicas, and exhibits that walked us through the entire history of Osaka Castle.

There were some stores outside the castle selling snacks. Relax over some snacks and drinks.

Hours and Fees

Hours 

9:00 to 17:00 (entrance until 16:30); extended hours during various holidays and special exhibitions

Closed 

December 28 to January 1

Admission 

• 600 yen
• Osaka Amazing Pass (Free entrance)

Transportation

The recommended approach to Osaka Castle is through Otemon Gate at the park’s southwestern corner. The closest station is Tanimachi 4-chrome Station along the Tanimachi Subway Line and Chuo Subway Line.

The closest JR station to Osaka Castle is Osaka-jokoen Station on the JR Loop Line, a 10-minute, 160 yen ride from JR Osaka Station.