Highlights and access methods of Osaka Castle (Osaka Prefecture)

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Osaka Castle is located within Osaka Castle Park in the center of Osaka city. Within the grounds of Osaka Castle, there are historical structures, including the main Osaka Castle Tower, as well as Nishinomaru Garden, known for its cherry blossoms. Additionally, there's "Miraiza Osaka-jo," a mixed-use facility that houses restaurants and cafes within the former Fourth Division Headquarters building. Within Osaka Castle Park, there are also facilities like Osaka Castle Hall and Osaka Castle Music Hall.

In this article, we will explain the attractions of Osaka Castle in Osaka Prefecture and how to access it for those who are traveling to Japan from overseas.

(Last modified: 2024-05-07)

(Prefecture : Osaka , Category : Castles)

Highlights of Osaka Castle

We will introduce the highlights of Osaka Castle.

About Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle was originally built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi (referred to as Toyotomi Osaka Castle). However, it fell during the Battle of Osaka Summer Campaign against the Tokugawa clan, and nothing of the original Osaka Castle remains today. Later, during the Edo period, a new Osaka Castle was constructed by Tokugawa Hidetada (referred to as Tokugawa Osaka Castle). The existing structures like the Otemon Gate and the Sengan-Yagura all belong to the Edo period's Osaka Castle.

For a long time, the castle tower was lost to fire, but in 1931, it was reconstructed thanks to donations from citizens. Today, it is open to the public as a historical museum called "Osaka Castle Tower."

Otemon Gate

The main gate of Osaka Castle is the Otemon Gate. This Otemon Gate, built in the early Edo period, still stands today and has been designated as a national Important Cultural Property.

Inside the Otemon Gate is a large "Masugata", and atop the second gate, called the Daimon, is a Tamon Yagura. A Tamon Yagura refers to a longhouse-shaped turret built on gates or stone walls. It was used to attack invading enemies. Although it was constructed around the same time as the Otemon Gate, it later burned down. The current structure was rebuilt in 1848.

To the south of the "Ooteguchi Masugata", there used to be Tamon-Yagura in both the east-west and north-south directions. However, they have since burned down, leaving only their foundation stones remaining.

Megaliths

Many megaliths are used in the stone walls of Osaka Castle. For example, in the Sakuramon Masugata, there are stones such as the Tako-ishi and the Furisode-ishi. In the Kyobashimon Masugata, there is the Higo-ishi, and in the Otemon Masugata, there is the Otemitsuke-ishi.

For more detailed information about Osaka Castle Megaliths highlights, please see 「Complete guide to the highlights of Osaka Castle Megaliths」.

Megaliths in Sakuramon Masugata:

Megaliths in Kyobashimon Masugata:

Megaliths in Otemon Masugata:

Nishinomaru Garden

The Nishinomaru Garden is a lawn garden located where it used to be called the Nishinomaru during the era of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Osaka Castle. In Nishinomaru Garden, you can view the magnificent Osaka Castle Tower from the vast lawn square, and you can also see historical buildings such as the Enshougura, the Sengan-Yagura, and the Inui-Yagura. It is also known as a famous spot for cherry blossoms, and it becomes bustling with many spectators in the spring.

For more detailed information about Nishinomaru Garden highlights, please see 「Complete guide to the highlights of Osaka Castle Nishinomaru Garden」.

Sakuramon Gate

The Sakuramon Gate was rebuilt in 1887 during the Meiji era. Just beyond the Sakuramon Gate, you can get a clear view of both the Tako-ishi, the largest boulder in Osaka Castle, and the Osaka Castle Tower, making it a popular photography spot.

Sengan-Yagura

From the bridge leading to the Otemon gate, on the left side, you can see the Sengan-Yagura. It was built around the same time as Osaka Castle during the Edo period and, along with the Inui-Yagura, is one of the oldest existing structures in Osaka Castle.

Former Fourth Division Command Office

Once you pass the Sakuramon Gate, on your right is the former Fourth Division Command Office. After the war, it was used as a police facility and served for a long time as the Osaka City Museum. Now, it operates under the name 「Miraiza Osaka Castle」, housing restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and other establishments as a multi-purpose facility.

Osaka Castle Tower

The castle tower (Tenshukaku) had been destroyed by fire for a long time, but in Showa 6 (1931), it was rebuilt with donations from the citizens. In the reconstruction, the design aimed to replicate the castle tower from the Toyotomi period, not the Tokugawa period. Due to the lack of materials from that time, resources like the "Osaka Natuno-Jin Zu Byoubu" were used as references for its construction.

The Osaka Castle Tower is now a historical museum, and inside, there are exhibits related to Osaka Castle. The top floor serves as an observation deck, where visitors can walk around and enjoy panoramic views of the city of Osaka.

Place where Toyotomi Hideyori and Yodo-dono committed suicide Monument

On the north side of the Tenshukaku, within the Yamazato-maru area, there is a monument called "The Site Where Toyotomi Hideyori and Yodo-dono committed suicide". It is said that Toyotomi Hideyori and Yodo-dono, cornered by the Tokugawa forces during the Siege of Osaka in summer, met their end inside a yagura located in Yamazato-maru.

Gozabune

The Gozabune is a sightseeing boat that cruises around the inner moat of Osaka Castle. After crossing the Gokuraku Bridge from the Tenshukaku, the boarding point is on the left side. Tickets can be purchased at the shop in front of the platform.

Houkoku Shrine

Inside the grounds of Osaka Castle, there is Hokoku Shrine, where "Lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi," "Lord Toyotomi Hideyori," and "Lord Toyotomi Hidenaga" are enshrined as deities.

Within the shrine grounds, there is a statue of Lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The original statue, unfortunately, was lost during wartime contributions, but it was reconstructed in 2007.

List of photos related to Osaka Castle

Please see below for a list of photos related to Osaka Castle.

Address and access method of Osaka Castle

Address of Osaka Castle

The address of Osaka Castle is "1-1 Osaka Castle, Chuo Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture".

Access method of Osaka Castle

I will explain how to get to Osaka Castle from Shin-Osaka Station.

Attractions near Osaka Castle

Several notable attractions are located near Osaka Castle:

Shinsaibashi
Located in the Chuo Ward of Osaka, Shinsaibashi is a vibrant shopping district close to Osaka Castle. It is best known for the Shinsaibashi-suji shopping street, where you can find a plethora of diverse stores. From the latest fashions to traditional goods, this lively spot offers an authentic Osaka shopping experience. Alongside retail, visitors can indulge in Osaka's iconic dishes, such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki, at various eateries.

Tsutenkaku Tower
Situated in the Naniwa Ward, the Tsutenkaku Tower stands at 103 meters and offers a nostalgic glimpse into Showa-era Japan with its retro design. Visitors can ascend to the observation deck for panoramic views of the city. At the base of the tower lies the Shinsekai district, renowned for its local delicacies like kushikatsu and oden, offering a delightful taste of Osaka's culinary traditions.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Positioned near Osaka's port, the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is one of the largest and most impressive aquariums globally. It showcases marine life from various regions of the world in meticulously crafted habitats. The massive central tank, inhabited by species like the whale shark and manta rays, is a sight to behold. Easily accessible from Osaka Castle, it's a must-visit for families and marine enthusiasts.

Umeda Sky Building
Located in the Kita Ward, the Umeda Sky Building stands tall at 173 meters. A prominent feature of the city's skyline, its Floating Garden Observatory on the rooftop offers sweeping views of Osaka. By day, you can witness the sprawling urban expanse, while nighttime brings forth a mesmerizing play of lights. Within the building, various restaurants and shops cater to a myriad of tastes, making it a well-rounded attraction.

Other information about Osaka Castle

Official site (Japanese only) about Osaka Castle :

https://www.osakacastle.net/

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