Osaka Castle Park: A Blend of History and Nature
Explore Osaka's iconic castle and sprawling park, a vibrant blend of history, nature, and recreation in the heart of the city.
Osaka Castle Park is a sprawling public park and historical site in the heart of Osaka. Covering approximately 105.6 hectares, the park provides a green refuge from the surrounding urban landscape. The park's grounds have a rich history, once home to the Ishiyama Hongan-ji Temple in the 15th century. In 1583, Toyotomi Hideyoshi replaced the temple with Osaka Castle, envisioning it as the center of a unified Japan. Over the centuries, the castle has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. The current castle tower was reconstructed in 1931. Today, the park features various attractions, including the Osaka Castle Museum inside the main tower, the Nishinomaru Garden, a plum grove with over 1,000 trees, and the Osaka Castle Hall. The park also contains 13 important cultural assets, such as the Otemon gate and Sengan-yagura turret. Visitors can explore historical monuments, enjoy seasonal flowers, and participate in various events and activities. The park is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in the spring and offers stunning views of the city from the castle tower. With its blend of history, nature, and recreation, Osaka Castle Park provides a multifaceted experience for all who visit.
Local tips
- Visit during plum blossom (mid-February to early March) or cherry blossom season (late March to early April) for stunning floral displays.
- Take advantage of the free admission to the park and explore the grounds, but note that some facilities like the castle tower and Nishinomaru Garden require separate admission fees.
- Consider purchasing Osaka Castle tickets online in advance to avoid lines, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the park is quite large and requires a good amount of walking.
- Check the event schedule for concerts, festivals, and other activities happening in the park.
A brief summary to Osaka Castle Park
- 1-1 Osakajo, Osaka, Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, JP
- +816-6755-4146
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Getting There
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Public Transport
Several train and subway stations provide access to Osaka Castle Park. * **JR Osaka Loop Line:** Osakajokoen Station is directly connected to the park. * **Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line & Chuo Line:** Tanimachi 4-chome Station is a short walk away. Take exit 2 and follow Hommachi-Dori Street uphill. * **Osaka Metro Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line:** Morinomiya Station is also within walking distance. A single subway fare in Osaka typically costs between ¥180 and ¥370, depending on the distance.
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Walking
From the Osaka Museum of History, cross the large intersection diagonally and enter Osaka Castle Park. The lawn area stretches out to the north to the main entrance gate of Osaka Castle. Walking within the park is free, allowing you to explore the various gardens, historical sites, and event spaces.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Osaka. A short taxi ride from Osaka Station to Osaka Castle Park will cost approximately ¥1,500 - ¥2,000, depending on traffic conditions. Note that there may be surcharges during peak hours. The first 2km in a taxi is ¥750, with additional charges every 237m.
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Driving
There are parking facilities available at Osaka Castle Park. Parking fees typically cost ¥400 for 60 minutes during the day on weekdays, and ¥500 for 60 minutes on weekends and holidays. A full day of parking can cost around ¥1200. Parking lot reservations are not accepted. If the park's parking lots are full, use nearby parking lots.
Attractions Nearby to Osaka Castle Park
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Kimmeisui Well Roof (Osaka Castle)
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Miraiza Osaka-Jo
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Osaka Castle
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Osaka Castle Main Tower (Osaka Castle Museum)
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Huge Stones at Sakuramon-masugata Square (Takoishi)
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Site of Tenshushita-shikirimon Gate
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Kakushi-kuruwa Bailey
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Pine tree on the branch of which Priest Rennyo put his clothes
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Osaka Castle’s Plum Grove
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Nishinomaru Garden
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Gokuraku-bashi Bridge (Osaka Castle)
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Otemon Gate
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Site of Haunted House
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Forest of Memories
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Forest of Memorial Trees
Landmarks nearby to Osaka Castle Park
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Hokoku Shrine
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South Outer Moat
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World Peace & Federation Statue
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Naniwa-no-Miya-Ato Park (Naniwanomiya Palace Site Park)
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Site of South Gate of CHODOIN, part of the Imperial Naniwa Palace
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Gempachi Bridge
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Bank of Japan Osaka Old Building
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Entsuin
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Shingonzaka
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Shinsaibashi
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Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau
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Osaka City Datum
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Tombori River walk
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Shinsaibashi Shopping Street Promotion Association
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Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street