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Tower of Osaka Castle

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Tower of Osaka Castle

It was rebuilt with donations from Osaka citizens and is now a museum, holding permanent and special exhibitions.

4.33 31

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Supervised by :  Osaka Castle Management Co., Ltd.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who unified the country during the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568-1600), began construction of the tower of Osaka Castle in 1583 and completed it in 1585. The castle was later destroyed during the Osaka Natsu no Jin（summer campaign of Osaka） in 1615, but was rebuilt by the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1626. However, the castle keep was destroyed by lightning in 1665. In 1931, the castle tower of the Toyotomi period was reconstructed with donations from Osaka citizens. In 1955, the Osaka Castle area was designated as a Special Historic Site, and after the Heisei renovation from 1995 to 1997, it was designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property.

The inside of the building is used as a historical museum, with permanent exhibits such as the "Miniature Natsu-no-jin", a reproduction of the Osaka Natsu no Jin（summer campaign of Osaka） screen in figure form, and a full-scale model of the golden tea room that Hideyoshi loved. In addition, special exhibitions are held as needed.

The top floor is an observatory where you can see the entire city of Osaka. There is also a museum store on the first floor, where you can buy original items related to the warlords as souvenirs. The museum also offers a replica of a warrior's armor helmet and a women's kosode (short sleeves) for visitors to try on for 500 yen per person.

Highlights

  • A symbol of Osaka designated as a registered tangible cultural property.
  • From the Tenshukaku Observatory, you can enjoy a panoramic view of downtown Osaka.
  • A variety of historical materials are displayed in the museum.

Photos

  • Tower of Osaka Castle, a popular spot for viewing cherry blossoms.

    Tower of Osaka Castle, a popular spot for viewing cherry blossoms.

  • Panoramic view of downtown Osaka from the 8th floor observatory.

    Panoramic view of downtown Osaka from the 8th floor observatory.

  • Miniature Natsu-no-jin

    Miniature Natsu-no-jin

  • Exhibition in the museum

    Exhibition in the museum

  • Full-scale replicas of the Shachi and Fushitora are on display.

    Full-scale replicas of the Shachi and Fushitora are on display.

  • 1st Floor Museum Shop

    1st Floor Museum Shop

Reviews

31

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Linda Liao
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    Osaka Castle is one of Osaka's most iconic historical landmarks. Construction was originally begun by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1583, and it served as an important base after he unified the country. After being damaged in war and rebuilt, the castle tower seen today is not the original structure from the Toyotomi era but a reconstruction completed in 1931, with an exterior that preserves the familiar appearance of the castle. The castle tower is not the only highlight. The expansive castle park, moat, and towering stone walls are also quite impressive, and walking through the grounds gives you a sense of the castle's former scale. When the cherry blossoms bloom in spring, it also becomes one of Osaka's most popular cherry blossom viewing spots.

  • Gina C
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    Osaka Castle is one of Osaka's most iconic historical attractions and a must-visit for many tourists. You can see the majestic castle tower from a distance. Its white exterior walls, green roof tiles, and gold decorations look very impressive and are full of the distinctive features of historic Japanese architecture. Once you enter Osaka Castle Park, you can also enjoy the spacious grounds and surrounding natural scenery, which create an atmosphere completely different from downtown Osaka.

    The most appealing part of Osaka Castle is its spectacular castle tower. The exterior is quite distinctive, especially the gold decorations on the roof, which are particularly eye-catching in the sunlight. The grounds are very large, so you can take a leisurely walk and enjoy the scenery along the way. There are also plenty of good spots for photos. Walking through Osaka Castle Park, you can not only feel its strong historical atmosphere but also see many tourists visiting, making it lively and full of sightseeing activity.

    When I visited Osaka Castle Park this time, it wasn't cherry blossom season, which was a little disappointing! I had really hoped to see the beautiful view of the cherry blossoms alongside Osaka Castle. I've heard that when the cherry blossoms bloom in spring, the entire park becomes even more magical and is also a very popular cherry blossom viewing spot.

    Although I wasn't able to enjoy the cherry blossoms in full bloom this time, seeing Osaka Castle in person was still well worth it! If I have the chance to visit Osaka again, I'll definitely come during cherry blossom season to see the captivating view of Osaka Castle with the pink blossoms and make a different kind of memory from the trip.

  • wendy
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    Osaka Castle is a place you shouldn't miss when visiting Osaka, and it is also one of Japan's three famous castles. Construction began under Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1583, and it now has a history of more than 400 years, having witnessed many important events in Osaka's history.

    The main castle tower seen today was rebuilt in 1931, and the interior has been converted into a history museum where you can learn about Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the history of Osaka Castle as you explore. From the observation deck on the 8th floor, you can also look out over downtown Osaka, with a very expansive view.

    Osaka Castle is surrounded by Osaka Castle Park, which is also a well-known cherry blossom viewing spot in Osaka. Even on weekdays, there are still many visitors, and it is one of the must-visit photo spots.

  • BobbyJenny
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    It was my first time visiting Osaka Castle, and even from a distance, the castle tower looked truly imposing! After entering Osaka Castle Park, the expansive greenery, impressive stone walls, and moat created a strong sense of history.
    Standing near the castle tower and taking in the view of the entire castle, the contrast between the historic architecture and modern Osaka cityscape was especially striking.

  • Jk
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    Whenever you visit Osaka, if you want to soak up the rich historical atmosphere and enjoy beautiful views over the city, the historic landmark Osaka Castle is an absolute must-see! As soon as you enter the expansive park, the first things that catch your eye are the imposing moat and towering stone walls built from enormous rocks. Just strolling through the lush green grounds is very relaxing and pleasant.
    At the center stands the main castle tower, with white walls, green roof tiles, and dazzling gold decorations that give it a grand and magnificent appearance. Inside, the castle tower has been converted into a modern history museum featuring a rich collection of Edo-period artifacts, samurai armor, and models depicting battles at Osaka Castle. The vivid exhibits offer a glimpse into the struggle for power between Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu.
    After making the tiring climb to the observation deck on the top floor, you're rewarded with sweeping views of Osaka Castle's green park and the modern cityscape filled with high-rises. The view is incredibly expansive. The surrounding scenery is even more beautiful during cherry blossom season in spring or when the leaves change color in fall.
    I highly recommend adding Osaka Castle to your sightseeing and walking itinerary when visiting Osaka. Whether you want to take beautiful photos, enjoy the fresh forest air, or experience the appeal of Japan's Sengoku-period history, this is a timeless attraction that never disappoints!

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Details

Name in Japanese
大阪城天守閣
Postal Code
540-0002
Address
1-1 Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka
Tel
06-6941-3044
Closed
December 28th-January 1st
Business Hours
9:00am - 6:00pm (Admission allowed until 5:30pm), extended opening hours during cherry blossom season, Golden Week, and summer vacation (last entry 30 minutes before closing).
Admission
Adults:1,200yen
University and high school students:600yen
Junior high school students and younger:Free (junior high school students need to show proof such as a student ID book)
Access
1) Approximately 18 minutes walk from Tanimachi 4-chome Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line and Chuo Line.
2) 18-minute walk from Tenmabashi Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line or Keihan Railway.
3) Approx. 19 minutes walk from Morinomiya Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line, Osaka Metro Chuo Line, and Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line.
4) Approx. 18 minutes walk from Osaka Business Park Station on the Osaka Metro Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line.
5) Approx. 16 minutes walk from Osakajokoen Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line.
6) Approx. 20 minutes walk from Osakajokitazume Station on the JR Tozai Line
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official Website
Official Website(Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa