Osaka Castle is one of Japan’s most popular tourist attractions and offers a chance to experience the country’s rich history and culture. It was constructed by the famous warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi starting in 1583, and boasts a majestic main tower, precious exhibits, and an observation deck with sweeping views of Osaka city.
If you’re planning a trip to Osaka and Osaka Castle, this guide will help you to enjoy the unique features of each floor, access information, and how to make the most of your visit!
1.What Is Osaka Castle?
Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s premier tourist attractions, was constructed by warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi on the site of Ishiyama Hongan-ji Temple in 1583. Born into poverty in 1537, he rose to prominence under the powerful lord Oda Nobunaga, eventually unifying Japan after more than a century of warfare.
While the stone walls, moats, gates, and turrets seen today were built during the Edo period, Osaka Castle has endured multiple destructions and reconstructions due to war and other events. Completed in 1931 with funds donated by the public, the current main tower is the third reconstruction. The structure is now designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. Additionally, the castle grounds are recognized as a Special Historic Site, and many of its architectural elements are Important Cultural Properties.
Most exhibits inside the castle focus on Toyotomi Hideyoshi. A tour of Osaka Castle typically takes about 50 to 60 minutes.
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2.Inside Osaka Castle: A Guide to Exploring Its Interior
Visitors can explore the interior of Osaka Castle either by taking an elevator to the 8th floor and descending one floor at a time or by ascending the floors via stairs. We recommend taking the elevator to the 8th floor and descending gradually in order to avoid fatigue. Below is a guide to the highlights of each floor.
2-1.Entrance
After passing through the Sakuramon Gate, the main gate of Osaka Castle’s inner keep, you’ll find the ticket booth located on your right. Tickets can also be purchased online in advance. Starting in spring 2025, ticket prices are set to increase from ¥600 to ¥1,200 to fund the opening of new facilities showcasing stone walls from the Toyotomi period.
There are no coin lockers inside the building. However, luggage storage is available at the ticket booth for ¥100 per item. Storage is available from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and luggage must be retrieved by 5:00 PM.
2-2.8th Floor
To reach the 8th floor, take the elevator to the 5th floor and then use the stairs to ascend. The 8th floor features an observation deck, a museum shop, and a stereoscope display. The observation deck is the highlight of this floor, and offers panoramic views of Osaka city and the surrounding area. You can also spot the castle’s golden shachihoko—a mythical creature with a tiger’s head and a fish’s body—on the rooftop.
2-3.7th Floor
The 7th floor focuses on the life of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and features exhibits which feature dioramas depicting 19 key scenes from his life. Each scene takes about 1–2 minutes to view and offers insight into significant moments in Hideyoshi’s career.
2-4.5th Floor
The 6th floor is not accessible to visitors.
The 5th floor is dedicated to the Battle of Osaka, which was a decisive series of conflicts between the Toyotomi and Tokugawa forces that culminated in the Tokugawa victory. Exhibits include miniature models and a panoramic video display that vividly portray the intensity of these battles. The video’s dramatic visuals and sound effects shouldn’t be missed. Panels listing the names of key samurai involved in the battle are displayed in both Japanese and English.
2-5.4th Floor
Photography is prohibited on the 4th floor, which showcases artifacts related to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, materials from the Sengoku (Warring States) period, and items linked to Osaka Castle. Some highlights include Hideyoshi’s letters, military flags, and folding screens depicting old Osaka. Exhibits rotate periodically, ensuring there’s always something new to see.
2-6.3rd Floor
As on the 4th floor, photography is prohibited here.The 3rd floor features displays of samurai armor and helmets, videos about Osaka Castle’s history, and a life-size replica of the Golden Tea Room—a glittering space which reflects Hideyoshi’s love for gold. Models of Osaka Castle in its Toyotomi and Tokugawa iterations allow visitors to compare the two versions.
2-7.2nd Floor
Photography is allowed on the 2nd floor, which includes panels detailing Osaka Castle’s history from the Meiji era onward. The try-on corner, which allows visitors to don replicas of samurai helmets and surcoats, is a populat attraction. Nearby, you’ll find photo areas featuring life-size replicas of the castle’s golden tigers and shachihoko.
2-8.1st Floor
The 1st floor serves as the museum’s entrance and includes a shop, a theater room, an information counter, and an audio guide desk. The museum shop sells Osaka-themed souvenirs and Osaka Castle merchandise.
The theater room screens five programs about Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Osaka Castle, with subtitles in Japanese, English, Korean, and Chinese. Audio guides are also available in these four languages. The elevator on this floor goes directly to the 5th floor and is for ascending only.
3.Five Reasons to Visit the Interior of Osaka Castle
1. Easy Access
Located in central Osaka, Osaka Castle is easily accessible. Several train stations are nearby, including Morinomiya, Tanimachi 4-chome, Osaka Business Park, Tenmabashi, Osaka Castle Park, and Osaka Castle North Gate stations.
2. Unique Exhibits
From grand paintings and short films to dioramas and historical artifacts, the exhibits at Osaka Castle offer a fascinating glimpse into the Sengoku period’s culture and background.
3. Learn About History
The displays provide a detailed look at the castle’s origins, the lives of people who lived nearby, and the grim realities of the battles fought there, particularly the Summer Siege of Osaka.
4. Stunning Views
The 360-degree observation deck on the 8th floor offers spectacular views of Osaka city and the castle grounds. Outside the castle, you can capture beautiful,Japan-inspired photos with the historic structure as your backdrop.
5. Samurai Helmet and Armor Try-On Experience
The 2nd floor’s try-on corner allows visitors to dress as famous samurai such as Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Sanada Yukimura, and others. This experience is especially popular for sharing photos on social media.
Conclusion
Filled with exhibits that bring Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the Sengoku period to life, Osaka Castle offers a rich and memorable experience. In addition, you’re sure to enjoy the stunning views on the 8th floor and unique hands-on experiences such as trying on samurai armor.
If you’re planning a trip to Osaka, make sure to include a visit to Osaka Castle. By exploring its history and cultural significance, you’ll leave with memories that will make your trip truly special.
*This article is based on information available as of November 2024.
