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The construction of Osaka Castle (大阪城, Ōsakajō) started in 1583 on the former site of the Ishiyama Honganji Temple, which had been destroyed by Oda Nobunaga thirteen years earlier. Toyotomi Hideyoshi intended the castle to become the center of a new, unified Japan under Toyotomi rule. It was the largest castle at the time.
However, a few years after Hideyoshi's death, Tokugawa troops attacked and destroyed the castle and terminated the Toyotomi lineage in 1615. Osaka Castle was rebuilt by Tokugawa Hidetada in the 1620s, but its main castle tower was struck by lightening in 1665 and burnt down.
It was not until 1931 that the present ferro-concrete reconstruction of the castle tower was built. During the war it miraculously survived the city wide air raids. Major repair works gave the castle new glamor in 1997. The castle tower is now entirely modern on the inside and even features an elevator for easier accessibility. It houses an informative museum about the castle's history and Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
The castle tower is surrounded by secondary citadels, gates, turrets, impressive stone walls and moats. The Nishinomaru Garden, encompassing the former "western citadel", is a lawn garden with 600 cherry trees, a tea house, the former Osaka Guest House and nice views of the castle tower from below. Unlike most of the rest of the castle grounds, the garden requires an admission fee.
The entire Osaka Castle Park covers about two square kilometers with lots of green space, sport facilities, a multi-purpose arena (Osakajo Hall) and a shrine dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The park is one of Osaka's most popular hanami spot during the cherry blossom season, which usually takes place in early April.
Nishinomaru Garden during the cherry blossom season
Any Questions? Ask them in our question forum.
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How to get there
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The recommended approach to Osaka Castle is through Otemon Gate at the park's southwestern corner. The closest station is Tanimachi 4-chrome Station along the Tanimachi Subway Line and Chuo Subway Line.
The closest JR station to Osaka Castle is Osakajokoen Station on the JR Loop Line, a 10 minute, 160 yen ride from JR Osaka Station.
How to get to and around Osaka
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Hours and Fees
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| Castle Tower | | Hours: | 9:00 to 17:00 (entrance until 16:30)
Extended hours during various holidays and special exhibitions | | Closed: | December 28 to January 1 | | Admission: | 600 yen |
| Nishinomaru Garden | | Hours: | 9:00 to 17:00 (until 16:30 from November through February)
Longer hours during the cherry blossom season. | | Closed: | Mondays (or following day if Monday is a national holiday) | | Admission: | 200 yen (350 yen during the extended hours of the cherry blossom season) |
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Hotels and Ryokan
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Japan Ryokan Association Kinki
We provide a wealth of information on ryokan in the Kinki area (Osaka, Kyoto and Nara) and offer direct reservations on our site!
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Hotel Ichiei
A comfort modern Japanese hotel located in the center of Osaka. 3 train stations of Namba within a walking distance.
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Osaka Yamatoya Honten
Japanese style budget ryokan. From 5,775yen.
Right next to Dotonbori in Osaka.
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Japan Osaka Ryokan Association
For business or pleasure, search by area for the perfect traditional Japanese ryokan to match your Osaka accommodation needs.
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Kaneyoshi Ryokan
A modern Japanese inn in Dotombori. the center of Osaka. 2 subway stations nearby. Close to many shops and Osaka Castle.
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Travel Community
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Ratings for Osaka Castle:
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japan-guide.com Rating:
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outstanding
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User Rating (by 987 users):
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80/100
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recommended
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Popularity of Osaka Castle:
Users who have been to Osaka: 3410
Users who have been to Osaka Castle: 1775
1st of 16 most visited sights in Osaka.
21st of 726 most visited sights nationwide.
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Tours and Packages
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Osaka Tours
Various tours and travel packages for Osaka and surroundings.
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