The Osaka Castle or Ōsakajō is one of the many landmarks one must visit in Osaka. The castle which was built in 1583, thanks to Hideyoshi Toyotomi, was considered to be the largest castle at that time. In today’s time, the castle was turned to a museum containing information about the castle’s history. Tourists and locals also flock to Osaka Castle Park during cherry blossom season.
There are many food stalls that sells takoyaki or octopus balls, beef on sticks, desserts, and other yummy Japanese food in Osaka Castle Park. Fill your tummies with delicious Japanese street food before you enter Osaka Castle as food and drinks are not permitted inside.
Once you enter the castle you will be pleasantly surprised to know that it has air-conditioning, which is nice during the summer as it can get really hot and humid in Japan, and has an elevator (something my tired feet were thankful for). The panoramic view from the observation deck of the castle was amazing! You may also dress up as a Japanese warrior and have your photo taken. This experience comes with a fee of ¥500.
Hours: Osaka Castle is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. but during holidays and special exhibitions, hours may be extended. It is important to note that Osaka Castle is closed from December 28 to January 1.
Cost: A ticket to enter Osaka Castle is ¥600 or approximately CAD$8 as of August 2016. Anyone aged 15 and under are free to enter.
Address: 〒540-0002 1-1, Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka City
How to get there? You can either get off at Tanimachi 4-chrome Station (Tanimachi Subway Line and Chuo Subway Line) or at Osakajokoen Station (JR loop line).
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Osaka Castle looks so impressive, and with such great history too. I’m writing this morning, my time, and already hungry for some of that Japanese street food! Yummy!
Great article, I am planning to go to Japan and I would love to include Osaka, thanks for sharing !
Cool thing that eminent places like this can easily be reached by public transports. If I plan to go to Osaka, I will surely pay extra to have the panoramic view from its top.
Have yet to make it to Osaka Castle but it looks like a great place to visit. I love that you can also pick up some street food right outside.
I was here too a few months ago and absolutely loved how beautiful the architecture was. The views of the city from the top are also pretty cool. I tried the deep-fried octopus balls, very interesting experience. I remember they had a unique ice cream stall there too! It was very hot on that day and I had walked here all the way from Osaka train station so the first thing I did was reward myself with an ice cream! Lovely memories you’ve brought back, Justine. xx
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Japan is so high on my list of countries to visit and with that Osaka is a place I know I would fall in love to, would be great to visit the castle, I would definitely get a picture as a samurai haha ( I secretly still hold ambitions of being a real samurai, we can all dream haha) I’ve tried octopus before but wasn’t a big fan but would give the balls a go 😀
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haha yeah the walk from the station was pretty long. When did you go? I went there in the summer and it was deadly T_T
Osaka Castle is incredible! But honestly I think I will spend the same amount of time eating outside as I would visiting inside! Thank you for the great tips 😀