Osaka Castle

Overview

Osaka Castle is the city's most iconic landmark — a towering white-and-green castle surrounded by moats and sprawling cherry-blossom-filled parkland, offering panoramic views from its top-floor observation deck.

Highlights

• Main Tower: The reconstructed 8-story tower houses a museum of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's life and Osaka's feudal history.
• Castle Park: Over 600 cherry trees bloom spectacularly each spring in Nishinomaru Garden.
• Stone Walls: Massive, perfectly fitted stones — some weighing over 100 tons — form the fortress walls.

History

Built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1583 during Japan's unification, the castle was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. The current tower dates from a 1931 reconstruction, extensively renovated in 1997.

Visitor Tips

• Cherry Blossom Season: Late March to early April is magical — Nishinomaru Garden charges ¥200 entry during this period.
• Evening Illumination: The castle is beautifully lit at night.
• Duration: 2 hours.