Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle is one of the most illustrious castles in Japan, was first built in 1583. Osaka Castle was almost completely destroyed during world war two. The restoration project started in 1995 and was completed in two years. The castle is a concrete replica of the original design. It has since been rebuilt, featuring amazing parks and gardens, and inside the castle itself is a museum with fantastic exhibits that will entertain the whole family.

The Osaka Castle museum has a fine collection of historical exhibits including many valuable historical items dating back hundreds of years. They are accompanied with English and Chinese translations. Finally there is a great view of the city from the top of the castle, and if you don't enter the castle itself, the top level of the castle grounds also has great observations of the city. A moat and garden with cherry blossom trees surround the castle, which has an amazing display for photography at cherry blossom time in spring. There is also an illumination of the Castle every day from sunset to 11pm. This is a great time for taking photographs.

There are artifacts and screen displays which will interest all visitors including children. There is a diorama with 19 scenes of Hideyoshi Toyotomi, who was a samurai warrior, army general, and a politician during the Sengoku period. He was regarded as a great man that helped unify Japan. The Diorama includes English, Chinese and Korean subtitles. There is also a Theater Room on the 1st floor with subtitles.

The top floor has an observation deck with a full 360-degree panoramic view of the gardens of the castle and Osaka city. Views can be seen all the way to Ikoma Mountain in the east, and Akashi Kaikyo Suspension Bridge to the west on a clear day.

9am to 5pm

Last Admission is 4.30pm

Closed for maintenance between 28^th December to 1^st January

Admission Price for an Adult is 600 yen or 540 yen for groups of 15 or more.

Children aged 15 or younger are admitted for free.

For an extra 300 yen you are able to have your photograph taken with a kimono and samurai warrior helmet.

The castle gardens are never locked. Therefore it is a great place to go after dark on a summer’s night for a romantic stroll and to have something to eat and drink. However the castle will be closed at this time. Even though Japan is a fairly safe country to be outside at night, this is a very quiet area of the city after dark. So caution should be exercised if planning to visit after dark. It is better earlier in the evening to catch the sunset and illumination of the Castle early into the evening.

There are a number of ways to get to Osaka Castle. It is surround by train stations on all sides. The main entrance to Osaka Castle is Ote-mon Gate, which is a 10-minute walk northeast from Tanimachi-Yon chome Station.

Osakajo koen Station is another popular location, which will get you near the rear entrance, where there is a great walk through the lower gardens.

〒540-0002 1-1, Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka City