Your Guide to Osaka Castle: History, Things to Do, and Nearby Restaurants

Get to know Osaka Castle

Although prior knowledge of Osaka Castle is not necessary to visit the site, knowing its history allows you to explore it from a different perspective. Read on for historical facts and more details on how to enjoy the castle.

The history of Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle was built by samurai and feudal lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi between 1583 and 1598. However, the remains visible today were reconstructed by the Tokugawa clan between 1620 and 1629, following the downfall of the Toyotomi clan.

Under the Meiji government (1868-1912,) Osaka Castle belonged to the local military, which established factories to produce weapons like cannons and military vehicles.

Therefore, the castle became a target for U.S. military bombing raids during the Pacific War (1941-1945,) leading to substantial damage.

Repair work on the castle began in 1948, with the eastern outer moat being completed in 1996. Recognized in 2006 as one of Japan's Top 100 Castles, today, it proudly stands as Osaka’s symbol, drawing curious visitors year-round.

Opening hours and admission

Opening hours are usually from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended hours during the cherry blossom season, Golden Week, and summer holidays.

The regular admission fee is JPY 600 for adults, and free for junior high school students (student ID required) and younger children.

Buy your Osaka Castle ticket conveniently in advance through WAmazing. Skip the queues at the ticket counters on the day of your visit, and simply present your QR code at the entrance for hassle-free entry.

Things to do at Osaka Castle Park

Surrounding Osaka Castle, Osaka Castle Park serves as a spacious oasis amidst the city’s bustling business district. Beyond its lush greenery, the park boasts an array of activities to enjoy. Read on for the highlights.

Osaka’s best spot for viewing cherry blossoms

In spring, Osaka Castle Park transforms into a pastel-pink wonderland thanks to its 3,000 cherry blossom trees. It’s the perfect place for capturing picture-perfect moments of Japan’s most popular flower.

You can also enjoy the view of plum blossoms, which bloom before the cherry blossoms, as well as yae-zakura (double-flowered) cherry blossoms that flower after the common varieties.

The Nishinomaru Garden in Osaka Castle Park is beautifully lit up until 8:00 p.m. during the cherry blossom season. However, note that a small admission fee is required to enter the garden.

Osaka Castle Park
Address: 1 Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture
Official website: https://www.osakacastlepark.jp/?lang=en

Admire the illuminated Osaka Castle

The castle is beautifully lit up daily from sunset until around midnight. The mesmerizing scenery has been selected as a "Night View Heritage of Japan."

Board the golden gozabune pleasure boat and tour the Osaka Castle Moat

Embark on a sightseeing boat cruise in the castle moat. In the past, gozabune were luxury boats exclusively for emperors, feudal lords, and other high-ranking individuals, adorned with around 3,000 sheets of gold leaf.

Gozabune Boat
Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture
Official website: https://www.banpr.co.jp/大阪城御座船/ (in Japanese only)

Enjoy concerts and events at Osaka-Jo Hall

Osaka-Jo Hall is a large multi-purpose arena with a maximum capacity of up to 16,000 spectators. Originally constructed as the main venue for the Osaka 400th Anniversary Festival in 1983, it has become a popular venue for concerts and events.

Osaka-Jo Hall
Address: 3-1 Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture
Official website: https://www.osaka-johall.com/english/

Watch comedy and musicals at Cool Japan Park Osaka

Cool Japan Park Osaka, located inside Osaka Castle Park, is a theater facility and entertainment hub showcasing local and international shows of various genres across three different-sized theaters.

Cool Japan Park Osaka
Address: 3-6 Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture
Official website: https://cjpo.jp/

Stop by for a treat at Jo-Terrace Osaka

Jo-Terrace Osaka is a shopping mall located on the way to Osaka Castle from JR Osakajo-koen Station. It’s designed after a lush modern Japanese castle town.

Here, you’ll find stylish cafes and restaurants, from where you have stunning views of Osaka Castle. It’s a popular spot among both locals and international visitors.

Jo-Terrace Osaka
Address: Part of Osaka Castle Park, 3-1 Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture
Access: Direct access from Osakajokoen Station (JR Osaka Loop Line) by walking west
Official website: https://en.jo-terrace.jp/

Gram Cafe & Pancakes

Gram Cafe & Pancakes is famous for its Premium Smile Pancakes, a stack of three fluffy pancakes with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

The top pancake features fresh fruit, the middle one is filled with whipped cream and chocolate, while the bottom pancake takes on a savory twist with a soft-boiled egg and hollandaise sauce inside. The plate is further garnished with whipped cream and a smiley cookie.

Note that orders for this three-story delight are limited, so you may want to arrive early to get a bite of these sought-after pancakes.

Gram Cafe & Pancakes Osaka Castle Jokamachi Branch
Address: Jo-Terrace Osaka B Terrace 1F, 3-1 Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Prefecture
Access: Direct access from Osakajokoen Station (JR Osaka Loop Line) when walking west
Official website: https://www.cafe-gram.com/en/shop/shop_detail/osakajo.html

Chibo Jo-Terrace Osaka

Indulge in authentic teppanyaki (ingredients prepared on a hot steel plate) and okonomiyaki (savory pancake) dishes, made with the best ingredients and grilling methods. Savor Osaka's soul food while enjoying views of Osaka Castle.

Chibo Jo-Terrace Osaka
Address: Jo-Terrace Osaka E Terrace 102, 3-1 Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture
Official website: https://www.chibo.com/en/

Osaka Castle: Details and access information

Osaka Castle
Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture
Official website: https://www.osakacastle.net/

Osaka Castle is conveniently situated at Osakajokoen Station on the JR Loop Line. Below, you'll find information on accessing it from various directions within Osaka City.

Access from Osaka Station (Umeda Station)

Umeda Station (Hankyu Line) → (on foot) → JR Osaka Station → (Osaka Loop Line) → JR Osakajo-koen Station (total time: 20 mins)

Access from Namba Station

Osaka Metro Namba Station → (Osaka Metro Sennichimae Line) → JR Tsuruhashi Station → (Osaka Loop Line) → JR Osakajo-koen Station (total time: 20 mins)

Access from Shinsaibashi Station

Osaka Metro Shinsaibashi Station → (Osaka Metro Nagahori Tsurumi-Ryokuchi Line) → JR Morinomiya → (Osaka Loop Line) → JR Osakajokoen Station (total time: 20 mins)

Opt for the Kansai Area Pass and enjoy unlimited rides on all JR West Lines and shinkansen in the Kansai Region, including Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe. It includes a one-day pass for Kyoto Municipal Subway and Keihan Electric Railway.

Venture to nearby regions such as Kyoto, Okayama, and Takamatsu by opting for the Kansai Wide Area Pass, which allows unlimited rides on all JR West lines and shinkansen.

Discover Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle is the iconic symbol of this mega city in western Japan. Explore not only the castle tower, but also the expansive Osaka Castle Park as well as popular eateries and attractions in the vicinity. Osaka Castle is a must-see destination during your trip to Osaka.

Explore more of Japan by using one of the many different transportation passes.

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*The information in this article, such as prices and business hours, was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. Please refer to the official website(s) for the latest information.

Osaka Castle Tickets

・Buy your tickets in advance through WAmazing to skip the lines on the day of your visit.
・Present the QR code to redeem your ticket for a smooth and seamless experience.

Kansai Area Pass (1-4 days)

・Unlimited rides on JR trains, limited express "Haruka" and West Japan JR buses in Kansai.
・Includes a 1-day pass for Kyoto Municipal Subway and Keihan Electric Railway.

Kansai Wide Area Pass (5 days)

・Unlimited rides on trains, shinkansen and West Japan JR buses in the Kansai area.
・Tickets can be picked up at ticket machines in JR West stations.