Osaka Castle, also called Osaka-jo in Japanese, is one of the famous Japanese Landmarks. Sitting in the middle of a manmade island, this white and with gold ornaments decorated 5 story castle is definitely a must-visit when in Osaka or the Kanto Area.
A little History lesson
With its history dating back almost 450 years, it is hard not to appreciate this majestic castle and its location. Built in 1583 by Hideyoshi Toyotomi, a feudal lord during the Sengoku period. You can still see his love for Gold reflected on both the inside and the exterior of the Castle.
But the building you see nowadays in front of you is not the original castle Hideyoshi built back then. As Osaka Castle has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times. Some of these occasions were because of war, but it was also struck by lightning and burned down.
The current Castle, as it stands before you now, was reconstructed in 1928 and has resisted major damage during World War II. It has been recognized in 1950 as a “Historic Site” by the Japanese Government and has since been a grand testament to Japanese traditional architecture.
Visiting Osaka Castle
To be honest, may visitors just come to take pictures from the outside. As with its beautiful design, stunning location and its white color contrasting the blue Osaka sky make it a great shot.
But if you want to know a bit more about its history, I do recommend entering. You will be surprised as the inside of Osaka Castle has been transformed into a historical museum. The entrance fee is 600 yen but is free for 15 years old and younger. Which makes this great value.
You will find original artifacts displayed on each floor. Giving you that insight into old Japan. The exhibits include old maps and prints a well as armor and weapons. And as an added bonus point most information is available in English.
Also once you reach the top floor prepare yourself for a breathtaking view of Osaka and its surrounding areas. Try to imagine what this might have looked like 400 years ago…
The Park and its surroundings
While the Castle is the main attraction, the Park itself has become very popular for both cherry blossom season in April and for watching the autumn foliage change later in the year.
There are many places to sit down and relax if the weather is lovely. Making this a prime spot to have a small picknick. I also recommend the Restaurant and Cafe right next to the Castle, featuring a terrace that provides great views…
Or why not take a short boat ride? Giving you a chance to see the impressive stone wall up and close. It is estimated that up to 1 million large stones were used to build this enormous 20 m tall and 90 m wide wall.
How to get to Osaka Castle?
This is an easy one. Surrounded by five different stations, no matter where your starting point is, you will get here. But the easiest/closest stations being Morinomiya or Osakajokoen Station. Both just a short walk from Osaka Castle.
Last impressions
Osaka being rather small and easily accessible, visiting Osaka Castle is really a must. And the best part, it can fit into your itinerary, even if you are only visiting for a day. It is a great example of Japanese architecture of that time and a stunning building to see, inside a beautiful park any time of the year!
And now that you have done with the culture part, why not head down to Oskaka’s amusement district Dotonbori or it’s counterpart old-time charm nostalgic Shinsekai?
