10 Must-Visit Spots for Osaka Castle Sightseeing! Plenty of Attractions Including the Main Tower and Gardens

Osaka Castle has many attractions. Among them, we will introduce a selection of particularly popular spots that I, who has visited Osaka Castle many times, can recommend.

The Symbol of Osaka! “Main Tower”

When it comes to Osaka Castle, the main tower is an absolute must-see. It is the symbol of Osaka Castle and a must-visit tourist spot.

The main tower of Osaka Castle is the symbol of the magnificent castle built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The interior is a museum where you can see valuable exhibits related to Hideyoshi. From the top floor of the main tower, you can get a panoramic view of Osaka city and enjoy the stunning scenery. It is a representative tourist spot in Osaka where you can experience Japanese history and culture along with the scenery of the four seasons.

Spectacular Views from the Water! “Gozabune Boat”

The Gozabune boat that circles the moat of Osaka Castle is a popular tourist attraction where you can elegantly tour the castle town. It takes about 20 minutes to go around the inner moat of Osaka Castle. From the boat, you can view the magnificent appearance of Osaka Castle from a different angle than usual and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the four seasons. You can also listen to a guide’s commentary about Osaka Castle, allowing you to spend a romantic time while coming into contact with history.

In particular, the reflection of Osaka Castle on the water’s surface is stunningly beautiful. The Gozabune boat is a cruise that allows you to enjoy such a beautiful Osaka Castle from the best seats.

Famous Spot for Cherry Blossoms and Autumn Leaves “Nishinomaru Garden”

Nishinomaru Garden is a vast Japanese garden located on the west side of the main tower of Osaka Castle. In spring, about 300 cherry trees are in full bloom, making it a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing.

Especially during the cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn foliage season, a spectacular view unfolds, and it is a recommended spot where you can fully enjoy the atmospheric landscape of the garden along with Osaka Castle.

During the spring season, a barbecue area is set up, so you can enjoy an open-air barbecue under the cherry blossoms or fresh greenery with Osaka Castle in the background.

The Turret that Defended Osaka Castle “Tamon Turret”

The Tamon Turret, located in the northwest of Osaka Castle, is an important national cultural property built in 1620. It was constructed to prevent enemy intrusion, and inside you can see features that give a glimpse of the conditions at the time, such as gun emplacement windows and hidden staircases.

The Tamon Turret of Osaka Castle is one of the largest existing turrets in Japan, conveying the grandeur of the castle at that time to the present day. The interior is an art museum where you can view valuable materials such as weapons like swords and armor, as well as models of the castle. It is a must-see attraction for history fans and a spot where you can experience the historical value of Osaka Castle.

The Oldest Turret in Osaka Castle “Sengan Turret”

The Sengan Turret is an important cultural property that retains the vestiges of the Warring States period and is one of the oldest buildings in Osaka Castle. The beautiful appearance of pure Japanese architecture is a must-see, and inside you can closely observe the structure of the turret and the techniques used at the time. It has a different historical value from the main tower and is recommended as a spot where you can deeply understand the charm of Osaka Castle.

Enshrining Toyotomi Hideyoshi “Osaka Castle Toyokuni Shrine”

Osaka Castle Toyokuni Shrine is a shrine dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, located within Osaka Castle Park. The historical buildings create a gorgeous atmosphere, and items related to Hideyoshi are also on display.

Furthermore, shrine goods such as Goshuin-cho (seal books) and amulets are popular among tourists. In particular, the amulets said to bring good fortune for success are popular not only with tourists but also with local people.

In the shrine grounds, there is a gallant statue of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, making it a must-visit spot when sightseeing at Osaka Castle.

Right Next to the Main Tower “MIRAIZA OSAKA”

MIRAIZA OSAKA is a complex facility located right next to the main tower.

MIRAIZA OSAKA has restaurants and cafes where you can dine while viewing the main tower, perfect for taking a break. The selection of souvenirs is also extensive.

You can visit the “Kaiyodo Figure Museum” where over 3,000 figures are on display, and also experience being a ninja or samurai, such as throwing shuriken.

Plenty of Restaurants and Cafes “JO-TERRACE OSAKA”

JO-TERRACE OSAKA is a commercial facility located within Osaka Castle Park, a popular spot where you can enjoy shopping and gourmet food. In addition to its prime location overlooking Osaka Castle, it boasts stylish cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, and more. It’s the perfect place to take a break from walking in the park and indulge in Osaka’s gourmet offerings.

Learning about Peace from War “Peace Osaka: Osaka International Peace Center”

Peace Osaka: Osaka International Peace Center is a museum that conveys the tragedy of war and the preciousness of peace. Through valuable exhibits such as records of the Osaka Air Raids and testimonies of war survivors, you can learn about peace. It is adjacent to Osaka Castle Park, making it easy to stop by during sightseeing, and it provides an opportunity to think about history and peace, making it a meaningful facility.

The Key to Comfortably Sightseeing Osaka Castle is Starting Early! Have Breakfast at Nearby Cafes

Osaka Castle’s opening hours start at 9:00 AM. As Osaka Castle is a popular tourist spot, it bustles with many tourists. If you want to leisurely explore Osaka Castle, it is recommended to go from the less crowded morning hours.

There are cafes near Osaka Castle where you can have breakfast. By having breakfast there and then heading to Osaka Castle at the opening time of 9:00 AM, you can sightsee Osaka Castle during the least crowded time slot.

Below, we have compiled a list of cafes near Otemon Gate, the main entrance of Osaka Castle, assuming that you will tour Osaka Castle from Otemon Gate.

Sightseeing Plan to Fully Enjoy the Charm of Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle is a popular tourist spot packed with attractions such as the main tower, Nishinomaru Garden, Tamon Turret, and Sengan Turret. You can enjoy a variety of charms, from historical buildings to beautiful scenery, shopping, and gourmet food. At Peace Osaka, you can also learn about war and peace.

To efficiently sightsee Osaka Castle, it is recommended to have breakfast and then enter the castle at the opening time of 9:00 AM. Make effective use of the less crowded morning hours.

If you visit the popular Osaka Castle sightseeing spots introduced this time, following the sightseeing plan and route below will be time-efficient.

Visit the attractions of Osaka Castle and fully savor the history and culture of Osaka.