Neighbourhood in Chuo Ward, Osaka
Osaka Castle
大阪城
Osaka's great castle on its stone walls and moats, set in a huge park with a shrine to its builder and a city history museum next door.
- places to see
- 8
- walk past the highlights
- 1.6 km
- Osaka
- Chuo Ward, Osaka
Osaka Castle was begun in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the warlord who unified Japan, on the site of a fortified temple. The castle was destroyed and rebuilt more than once, and the main keep you see today was built in concrete in 1931. Inside it is a museum of the castle's history, with a viewing floor at the top.
The keep is only a small part of the visit. Huge stone walls and wide moats run around Osaka Castle Park, one of the city's favourite spots for plum blossom in February and cherry blossom in spring. Just west are the Osaka Museum of History and the open site of the ancient Naniwa Palace. More of the ward is in our Chuo ward guide.
Don't miss in Osaka Castle
Start with these, then wander the side streets.
1. Osaka Castle
大坂城The castle keep, rebuilt in 1931, with a museum inside and a viewing floor at the top.
2. Osaka Castle Park
大阪城公園The big park around the moats and stone walls, packed with plum and cherry trees in spring.
3. Hokoku Shrine
豊國神社Shrine inside the castle grounds dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the castle's builder.
4. Osaka Museum of History
大阪歴史博物館City history museum just west of the park, with a fine view over the castle from its upper floors.
5. Naniwa Palace Site
難波宮Open grassy site of the ancient Naniwa Palace, where Japan's court stood in the 7th and 8th centuries.
Walk Osaka Castle in order
The highlights as one easy walk, about 1.6 km in all.
Stop 1
Osaka Castle
Start here
Stop 2
Osaka Castle Park
1 min walk
Stop 3
Hokoku Shrine
6 min walk
Stop 4
Naniwa Palace Site
9 min walk
Stop 5
Osaka Museum of History
6 min walk
More around Osaka Castle
Other places within walking distance. Each shows its Japanese name for maps and taxis.
Osaka Castle Main Tower
大阪城天守閣A castle in Osaka, Japan.
Ishiyama Hongan-ji Site
石山本願寺A historic site in Osaka, Japan.
Osaka-jo Ongakudo
大阪城音楽堂A historic site in Osaka, Japan.
Osaka Castle on the map
Every place on this page. Tap a pin for directions.
Questions
Is Osaka Castle the original building?
No. The castle was begun in 1583, but the main keep you see today was rebuilt in concrete in 1931. The stone walls and moats are much older.
How long do I need at Osaka Castle?
About two hours for the keep and a short walk, or half a day with the park, Hokoku Shrine and the Osaka Museum of History.
Sources
We checked the facts on this page against these sources.
More areas in Osaka
- DotonboriOsaka's neon-lit canal street in Namba, packed with giant signboards, takoyaki stands and restaurants from late morning until late at night.
- UmedaOsaka's northern hub around Osaka and Umeda stations, with department stores, underground malls, rooftop views and a few surprising old corners.
- ShinsekaiA retro corner of south Osaka built in 1912 around Tsutenkaku Tower, now known for kushikatsu, colourful signs and an old-school atmosphere.
