What other travelers are saying about Osaka Castle
Can’t really miss coming to the Castle if you’re in Osaka. It’s beautiful and iconic. I walked from Namba to the Castle and it allowed me to explore different neighbourhoods. I recommend buying tickets online as it can hasten your waiting time a little bit, but you still need to queue.
When entering the castle, you have to decide if you go left (to the elevator) or right (the stairs). Take the stairs. They are easy to climb and on each floor you have exhibitions. Unfortunately, no photography is allowed on two of those floors.
Also, I found the available bathrooms tiny. Maybe use those near the shops and cafés on your right when entering and facing the castle from the grounds.
The souvenir shop has some cute gifts, such as lego-like mini Japanese shops, restaurants and facilities. I bought two for my brother who loves Lego.
The views from the top are amazing and I believe it’s even better than at Umeda Sky Building.
Also, visit the gardens (200 yen). They are peaceful and although you don’t find beautiful flowers there like in French gardens for example, you can take beautiful pictures of the castle from different perspectives.
10/10 would recommend if you want to learn more about Japanese history and experience beautiful cultural architecture.
This site is also wheelchair accessible with an elevator to the 5th floor but I am not sure if there was one all the way to the 8th floor which is where you get to look out around the entire site. We had to climb stairs up to each level from the 5th floor to experience all the different exhibits on each level which wasn’t difficult for us. We quite enjoyed the history.
Also, it was a beautiful view all around the castle grounds and an experience to remember for a lifetime.
We would suggest accessing this site using the Osaka Amazing pass if you can get it from Klook. Much more affordable and there are many attractions close by that can also be enjoyed with the same pass.
Super fun experience, it was so amazing to see and be able to walk inside of the castle. There was so much to read about its history within.
It was a very quiet place inside apart from some people's children making some noise, fairly crowded when we went in late September/early October but it wasn't too bad.
It was easy to navigate to and the grounds were cool to walk especially after being able to see inside and learn more about points of interest and how the castle was made!
Very cool castle to visit! The exterior is very beautiful, and the ground surrounding the area are full of things to interact with such as the gardens, or just a general nice stroll. The inside of the castle has been structured to be more of a museum, so there is a lot of good history and unique articles to peruse and check out as well. The top floor also has a fantastic view of Osaka in general, you get some good panoramas!
Lovely to see something very historical, cultural and traditional in a city of modernity. Castle is very big about seven floors and each floor has something historical to show like a museum. There was also a spot where you get to dress up as a samurai and take photographs which me and my husband absolutely love doing. The top floor also has viewings of the Osaka skyline. Used the Osaka amazing pass to skip the queue.
Before visiting, check the castle's opening hours and entrance fees. The castle tower and Nishinomaru Garden require admission fees, but other areas of the castle grounds are free to enter. Special events or holidays may extend opening hours.
Osaka Castle Park highlights include the central Castle Tower, Nishinomaru Garden with cherry trees, the Osaka Castle Museum, and the Plum Grove.
You can enjoy traditional tea ceremonies, kimono rentals, and seasonal festivals at Osaka Castle.
Osaka Castle and its vicinity offer a range of dining options, from cafes within the park to diverse restaurants nearby.
Arrive early, wear comfortable shoes, check the event schedule, and consider the Osaka Amazing Pass for added value and convenience.
