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Osaka Castle

, Osaka, Osaka

Description

Osaka Castle was built at the end of the 16th century on large grounds (6.1ha) dotted with various monuments and surrounded by a wide moat. It underwent extensive renovations after burning down during the Meiji Restoration and bombed during WW2. At five stories tall (seen from outside but there are 8 stories inside), it is one of the landmarks of the city. Inside, it is essentially a museum introducing the life of Toyotomi Hideyoshi (who built Osaka Castle), decorative artworks, warrior weapons, and information about the city and its role throughout Japan's history. The top floor includes an observation deck.

Access & Transport

The castle is just southeast of the Ōkawa river bend and Kita ward. It can easily be accessed by metro with Morinomiya Station (Chuo, Osaka Loop and Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi lines) at the southeast corner of the moat. Alternatively, the Tanimachiyonchome Station (Chuo and Tanimachi lines) are close to the southwest corner, next to the Osaka Museum of History.

Instructions & Recommendations

We suggest combining this attraction with the Osaka Museum of History which is just outside of the moat, at the southwest corner. There is a combined ticket option (1,000 yen)

Meta review

One of the most recognizable sights in the city and invariably featured in travel guides and magazines, online visitors describe the castle as majestic but it is the park and the depth and size of the surrounding moat that impresses the most. Opinions about the content are a little mixed between those who value the cultural exhibits and those who wished it had remained more historically authentic. However, no such dissent to describe the panoramic views over the city from the top floor!

Environmental & Social

Low carbon footprint (electricity consumption). Part of the city's architectural and historical heritages.

Conclusion

We strongly recommend a visit of the Osaka Castle grounds, starting with the stunning moat and an extensive walk through the park. Whether you go inside the castle itself depends on your personal interests, we do think it is worth it but do not expect anything medieval-looking inside.

Key positive

Very large and enjoyable grounds

Photogenic main building

Key negative

None

Suitability

Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility (lift inside)

About this Rating

TYPE

Onsite

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Last entry is 30mins before closing. Closed for NY break 28 Dec - 01 Jan

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:1h 30m

Regulated hours

Monday09:00 - 17:00

Tuesday09:00 - 17:00

Wednesday09:00 - 17:00

Thursday09:00 - 17:00

Friday09:00 - 17:00

Saturday09:00 - 17:00

Sunday09:00 - 17:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
JP¥600
Adult
16 - 64
JP¥600
Child
3 - 15
JP¥0
Infant
0 - 2
JP¥0

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