Osaka Castle Travel Guide

The symbol of the city that gave birth to okonomiyaki and takoyaki, Osaka Castle stands tall as one of the most iconic landmarks in all of Japan. Eight stories on the outside and five on the inside, the revitalized Osaka Castle is protected by strong stone foundations and an enormous moat, with its signature green roof tiles twinkling with grand hints of gold. The castle’s Nishinomaru Garden features over 600 cherry blossom trees, its lawns a scenic spot for hanami viewing parties come springtime. Neighbored by Hokoku Jinja Shrine Hall and Osaka-jo Hall around the grounds, the Osaka Museum of History seconds the historical samurai museum within the castle itself.

Lively come festival season, yatai street food stalls sell ice creams and octopus balls, tempting visitors with the idea of a picnic beside the castle’s magnificence with bento boxed snacks. With 360 degrees views from the Osaka Castle observation deck, somewhere off in the distance one of Asia’s largest Ferris wheels spins at Tempozan Habor Village, families design their own ramen at the Cup Noodle Museum, and the futuristic Sky Building arches high in Umeda. Symbolic and magnificent, Osaka Castle is Osaka’s beacon of history, unification, and Kansai cuisine.