Affectionately known as “Osaka-jo”, Osaka Castle is one of Osaka’s most famous attractions — and is visited by more than 2.5 million people each year! It’s also known as one of Japan’s three finest castles, alongside Himeji Castle and Matsumoto Castle.

General Toyotomi Hideyoshi constructed the castle in 1583, with a desire for it to be the largest castle in Japan at that time. The size of the castle was a symbol of his power and authority, and took three years to complete. However, the history of the castle was rather tumultuous: it was destroyed by soldiers in 1614, and was even burnt to the ground during the Tokugawa conquest.

The castle was then rebuilt in 1620, with the addition of large stone walls for protection. Alas, the castle was once again hit by tragedy in 1660, when lighting caused a fire that burnt down most of the castle once again. It was rebuilt in 1843, and burnt down again in 1868.

Osaka Castle was also destroyed by American forces during World War II, and was finally restored in 1997. One of its distinctive features is the wide moat that surrounds it, built for the purpose of keeping intruders away.

The castle itself has eight floors, and can be accessed via elevator. We recommend taking the elevator all the way up to the top, before working your way back down to the bottom. The castle is more like a museum of sorts: the first seven floors showcase various artefacts and documents from the era of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who was the very person that built Osaka Castle. You can even play dress-up with replicas of samurai helmets and armour, as well as a replica of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s helmet.

Marvel at a panoramic view from the observation deck on the eighth floor. See if you can spot the gold shachi, a mythical creature, with the body of a carp and the head of a tiger, that’s said to protect the castle against any fires.

Do set aside at least two to three hours to explore the complex: Osaka Castle is surrounded by a gigantic park (called Osaka Castle Park, or Osaka-jo Koen), which spans a total of two square kilometres.

Enjoy the sprawling lawns, a jogging track, and a baseball field. You might also chance upon an ongoing martial arts class! Weekends see the popping up of various street food stalls, complete with live music buskers.

Don’t miss out on the 20-minute boat ride on a Gozebune boat (that resembles a Japanese warship) around the castle. There’s even a mall within the park called Miraiza Osaka-Jo, which is home to a couple of restaurants, cafés, and souvenir shops.

The castle is also illuminated from sunset to 11pm every day. 

The grounds are especially beautiful in spring, as the park is home to over 600 cherry trees! Autumn is also a great time to visit, where the park will become awash with stunning hues of red, yellow, and orange.

How to get to Osaka Castle

Take a train to Tanimachi 4-Chome station or Osaka-jo-koen station — the castle can be reached within 10 to 15 minutes on foot from either station.

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (last entry at 4.30pm) every day; closed from 28th December to 1st January each year

Fee: JPY600 (~SGD6); free for children younger than 15 years old