How would you like to bask in the afternoon sun with fragrant cherry blossoms set against the view of centuries-old castle? Doesn’t it sound like an absolute dream? It is true and it can be experienced at the Osaka Castle Park. The park houses the spectacular castle that warrants a definite visit.
Be sure to visit the museum inside the castle for the in-depth story of the castle and its former owner, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. You won’t be able to resist the allure of the Nishinomaru Garden with almost 600 cherry trees. Can you imagine the picturesque setting of this grand castle set against the most beautiful cherry trees?
The Osaka Castle Park is the heart of the region and attracts crowds in large numbers. This 2-square-km area is the place to be during the cherry blossom season. Everyone brings along a blanket and their picnic basket to relax and breathe in the serene ambiance of this spectacular park.
In 1583, the Osaka Castle was built on the foundation site of the Ishiyama Honganji Temple. This was the biggest castle of the time and was built under the reign of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. He got the castle built with the aim to make it the center of a new, unified Japan. Unfortunately, a couple of years after Toyotomi’s death, in 1615, his lineage was brought to an end by an attack on the Osaka castle by the Tokugawa troops. The castle was rebuilt and restored a couple of times over the years, with the most recent renovations done in 1997. This “modernized” castle features an elevator on the inside for easy access, as well as a contemporary décor.
The nearest station is Tanimachi Yonchome Station along the Tanimachi and Chuo subway lines. And the nearest JR station to Osaka Castle is Osakajokoen Station on the JR Loop Line, a 10-minute ride from JR Osaka Station.
Mnday: 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.
Timings are extended during special exhibitions and holidays.
Closed days: December 28 - January 1
Nishinomaru Garden: Open until 21:00 during the cherry blossom season. Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday), New Year holidays.
Waiting Time
Entrance Fee
Individual
Adults: 600 Yen
Children: Free
Group Discount for Adults:
15 or more: 540 Yen
100 or more: 510 Yen
200 or more: 480 Yen
Nishinomaru Garden
200 Yen (350 Yen in the cherry blossom season)
Time you can spend
Weather
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