When it comes to sightseeing spots in Osaka, this is the place! Introducing the highlights of Osaka Castle Park

Centered around the Osaka Castle Main Tower, which is known as a symbol of Osaka, Osaka Castle Park is an urban park consisting of facilities such as Osaka-jo Hall, a baseball stadium, an open-air concert hall, a plum grove, shrines, and a Japanese garden. With its beautiful seasonal scenery and nationally famous cultural facilities, many people have probably visited at least once. This time, we’ll carefully select and introduce the must-see spots in Osaka Castle Park. If you are planning to visit, please refer to this article.

1. “Osaka Castle Main Tower” offering a view of Osaka’s history

One of Osaka’s top tourist attractions, Osaka Castle, was built in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. It was later destroyed in the 1615 “Summer Siege of Osaka.” Rebuilt during the Tokugawa era, it was once again destroyed by lightning. The current main tower is the third generation, reconstructed after 266 years. This massive 55-meter-tall tower is designated as a national cultural property.

The interior of Osaka Castle is an eight-story museum equipped with a theater room and exhibition rooms. Exhibits include materials related to the life of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, historical artifacts about Osaka Castle, and items from the Sengoku period. There is also a museum shop and an observation deck, making it well worth a visit. The observation deck, in particular, is a must-see.

From the top floor on the 8th floor, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Osaka City. To the northeast, the office district is dominated by the glass-walled Crystal Tower, while to the northwest, you can see the Umeda cityscape. Using the stereoscope “Naniwa Scenery” to compare old and modern Osaka is also quite fun. Don’t miss the museum shop with its original merchandise!

2. The commercial complex “Miraiza Osaka-jo”

Miraiza Osaka-jo is a commercial complex equipped with shops, restaurants, and a museum. Originally built as the Fourth Division Headquarters and later used as the Osaka City Museum for many years, it was renovated and reopened as “Miraiza Osaka-jo” in 2017.

On the first basement floor, the “Samurai & Ninja Experience” allows visitors to receive instruction in sword fighting (tate) from an instructor. Starting with basic movements such as sitting in seiza and bowing, it culminates in performing a scene with a samurai, offering an authentic experience. Recently, it has become extremely popular with foreign tourists fascinated by ninja and samurai culture.

“THE KONAMON BAR RIKYU” is a slightly stylish takoyaki shop. Though simple, they are particular about the ingredients, and once you try it, you’ll definitely be hooked. Be sure to also try the “Rikyu-yaki,” a recreation of the original “Fu-no-Yaki,” the ancestor of konamon.

3. A famous cherry blossom spot in spring: “Nishinomaru Garden”

Nishinomaru Garden, located on the west side of the Main Tower, was once the site of the residence of Kita-no-Mandokoro, the legal wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Spanning approximately 6.5 hectares, it is a renowned cherry blossom spot where over 300 Somei Yoshino trees bloom in spring. Starting from late March, when the blossoms are at their peak, the garden is illuminated at night, allowing visitors to enjoy night cherry blossoms with Osaka Castle as the backdrop.

Within the garden, there are also many highlights such as the Guest House, the tea room “Hōshō-an,” Sengan Turret, Inui Turret, and the Gunpowder Storehouse. In the lounge opposite the Guest House, a replica of the “Golden Tea Room” is displayed, making it a popular photo spot.

4. Check if there’s an event! “Osaka-jo Hall”

Osaka-jo Hall is a dome-shaped multipurpose arena located in Osaka Castle Park. It has a maximum capacity of 16,000 people. Its appeal lies in its ability to host a wide variety of events, including concerts, ceremonies, exhibitions, and seminars, with numerous events held throughout the year.

Detailed schedules are posted on the official website, so it’s a good idea to check and participate in an event that coincides with your visit to Osaka. From concerts by famous artists to shows for children, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

5. About other facilities

Osaka Castle Music Hall is an outdoor music facility that can accommodate about 3,000 people. Despite being outdoors, it is well-equipped with dressing rooms and rehearsal rooms. In the summer of 2019, it even planned to host the “Light Music Festival” for high school students from across Japan and the Kansai region’s largest jazz event, the “Osaka Castle Jazz Festival.”

The “Hōshō-an” tea room in Nishinomaru Garden was built by Konosuke Matsushita (founder of what is now Panasonic) with the hope of fostering greater familiarity with tea in connection with Osaka Castle’s tea culture. While it is used only for formal tea ceremonies, even beginners can use it if accompanied by an instructor. The view of Osaka Castle from the “Shiro-no-ma” room is a must-see.

Also, be sure to visit the “Osaka Castle Plum Grove,” with over 1,200 plum trees planted; the “Osaka Castle Baseball Stadium,” which also supports night games; the “Fragrant Forest,” where you can enjoy the scent of seasonal flowers; the “Time Capsule” buried during the 1970 Osaka Expo; the power spot “Hōkoku Shrine”; and the “Road Train,” which tours the park.

◎ Finally: Access to Osaka Castle Park

Osaka Castle Park is very large, and reaching the Main Tower requires about an 18–20 minute walk. There are a total of six nearby stations, and walking times from each are almost the same.

【Subway】

・Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line: “Tanimachi 4-chome” Station Exit 1-B / “Temmabashi” Station Exit 3
・Osaka Metro Chuo Line: “Tanimachi 4-chome” Station Exit 9 / “Morinomiya” Station Exit 1 or Exit 3-B
・Osaka Metro Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line: “Morinomiya” Station Exit 3-B / “Osaka Business Park” Station Exit 1

【JR / Keihan】

・JR Osaka Loop Line: “Morinomiya” Station North Gate / “Osakajokoen” Station North Gate
・JR Tozai Line: “Osakajokitazume” Station

【Bus】

・Osaka City Bus bound for Sumiyoshi Garage (Route 62): Get off at “Osaka Castle Otemae” / “Baba-cho”

【Water Bus】

・Aqua-Liner: “Osaka Castle” Port / “Hachikenyahama” Dock
・Suijo-go Aqua-mini: “Osaka Castle” Port
・Himawari: “Hachikenyahama” Dock

If you are visiting by car, please use either the “Osakajokoen Ekimae Parking Lot” or the “Morinomiya Parking Lot.”