Osaka castle is one of must-visit-place in Osaka, Japan. It attracts you with the interesting history, mystery, and pretty appearance. Here are a guide ant tips for you when travel there 🙂
History of Osaka Castle
Osaka castle was originally built by order from Hideyoshi Toyotomi in 1583, and it took 15 years to complete, and it was 4 to 5 times bigger scale than current one. Although it was burn down by The Summer War in 1615, and the government (Edo era) started rebuilding it in 1620.
In 1665, the castle tower got burnt down again by lightening. but it wasn’t rebuild. In 1886, most of things around the castle tower were burnt down, sadly.
Finally in 1931, it was started to rebuild by the suggestion from the government of Osaka at the time, and citizen donated for that too.
Osaka Castle Guide
Huge Stone by the Gate
Nearby Sakuradamon Gate, you can find the huge rock that people are wondering how they brought this.
Big Cannon
Just right before getting inside of Main Castle, you will find the big cannon. It was made in 1863 (Edo era), and moved to current location in Meiji era. It is very rare as a canon made in Japan in Edo era.
Main Castle
You can get an elevator to get 5th floor, and then use stairs to get 8th floor (top).
On 8th floor, you can go to the balcony and walk around enjoying the view from 50 meters high, you can find a lot of famous buildings. There is a small souvenir shop at this floor too.
On 3rd & 4th floors, they have a temporary exhibition.
You can get to know more about Osaka castle on 2nd floor, where you can see some of the replicas.
On ground floor, there are theater room that you can learn the life of Hideyoshi Toyotomi, and a souvenir shop where you can find something to bring back home if you’d like.
Rules at Osaka Castle
One way
There are signs that you can go “up” or “down” at stairs, and you need to follow it since these stairs are too narrow to pass by someone.
Photography
Prohibited at some specific floors, but besides that, you can take pictures.
Tips for Visiting Osaka Castle
Go Early on Weekdays
If you’d like to take time to look around, you should go early. A lot of students visit as a school trip.
The Best Season : Spring & Autumn
There are many of cherry blossom trees around Osaka castle, where people visit for Hanami (Sakura watching) in Spring. Also it is beautiful in Autumn when the leaves change its color.
Information for Osaka Castle
Ticket Price
600 yen / adult
How To Buy Tickets?
You can buy tickets online in Japanese, or you can buy it there with cash (japanese yen), credit card (Visa/master), etc.
Hope you enjoy visiting Osaka castle!
