Osaka Castle History 

Osaka Castle (大阪城, Ōsakajō) has a rich and complex history. Its construction began in 1583 on the grounds of the former Ishiyama Honganji Temple, which had been destroyed by Oda Nobunaga. Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a powerful warlord, envisioned Osaka Castle as the centerpiece of his plans for a unified Japan. It became the largest castle of its time.

However, after Hideyoshi's death, the Tokugawa clan attacked and demolished the castle in 1615, effectively ending the Toyotomi lineage. Osaka Castle was later rebuilt by Tokugawa Hidetada in the 1620s, but disaster struck when the main castle tower was struck by lightning and burned down in 1665.

In 1931, the castle tower was reconstructed using ferro-concrete, a modern material at the time. Remarkably, it survived the devastating air raids during World War II. In 1997, extensive repairs and renovations brought new splendor to the castle.

Osaka Castle Layout & Buildings

Today, the castle tower stands as a modern structure, featuring an elevator for easy access and an informative museum that delves into the castle's history and the life of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The castle's exterior is surrounded by secondary citadels, gates, turrets, imposing stone walls, and moats, evoking the grandeur of its past. Within the castle grounds, the Nishinomaru Garden, once a western citadel, enchants visitors with its lush lawn, 600 cherry trees, a tea house, and picturesque views of the castle tower.

The vast Osaka Castle Park, spanning approximately two square kilometers, offers ample green spaces, sports facilities, the versatile Osakajo Hall, and a shrine dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi. During the enchanting cherry blossom season in early April, the park becomes a favorite hanami (flower-viewing) spot for locals and tourists alike, as the cherry trees burst into a sea of pink petals.

Nishinomaru Garden Hours and Admission

• 9:00 to 17:00 (until 16:30 from November through February); open until 21:00 during the cherry blossom season.
• Admission 200 yen (350 yen during the extended hours of the cherry blossom season)

How to get there

The recommended approach to Osaka Castle is through Otemon Gate at the park's southwestern corner. The closest station is Tanimachi Yonchome Station along the Tanimachi and Chuo subway lines.The closest JR station to Osaka Castle is Osakajokoen Station on the JR Loop Line, a 10 minute, 170 yen ride from JR Osaka Station.