is osaka castle worth visiting

Nowadays, the castle grounds are open to the public and make up one of the largest parks in Osaka with plenty of attractions including gardens, fountains, moats and cherry blossom trees. We took an east-bound train from Tempozan Ferris Wheel and alighted at Morinomiya Station, entering Osaka Castle Park from its south-eastern corner. However, if you are a resident in Japan or have enough time on your travels to visit some genuine castles, then you may want to give Osaka Castle a pass. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Text visible in this map is based on information from Map Tiler and may differ from actual geographical names. Interestingly, it is not always the result of war that led to the castles destruction and subsequent reconstruction. Were here for 2 weeks and are heading to Kobe, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Tokyo. This is especially true since there is now a baseball diamond, a few parking lots, and some office buildings in the outer ring of the castle grounds. The main attraction at Osaka Castle is definitely its museum. Skipping Osaka Castle - will I miss out? Osaka Castle is one of the most iconic landmarks in Japan and definitely worth a visit for anyone travelling to Osaka. It is a really pretty building and location and well worth a visit. How could you not visit? While there arent any noteworthy castles in Kobe, Himeji Castle is only an hour away by local trains or around 20 minutes by bullet train. The impressive castle took only three years to complete, thanks to the hard work of around 100,000 workers. I thought this was a very creative way to tell his life story in a fun and interesting way, while keeping it very easy to understand. If you're thinking about planning a ski trip to Japan, let me save, This is one of those articles Ive been waiting to write for a long time. Nishinomaru Garden Winter Illuminations Osaka-jo Hall Visit Osaka Museum of History How to get to the Osaka Castle Park Osaka Castle Osaka Castle is visually stunning from the outside and it is one of the most beautiful castles in Japan. When visiting Osaka, one of the first things you must do is to make a trip to Osaka Castle and explore its surrounding area. The Osaka Castle has different opening times depending on the time of year. Hi, Im Izumi Kenta from Japan. The first thing we saw upon entering the compound was a fountain, or Osaka Castle Park Fountain as it is officially known. 540-0002 1-1 Opening hours: 9am-5pm (last entry 4:30pm) Admission: 16 years old and over: 600 Nearest Transport: Subway: 17-minute walk from exit 1-B of Tanimachi 4-chome Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi and Chuo Lines. Hi! However, if its a nice day and you want to take your time, enjoy the weather, and perhaps have a picnic somewhere, you could easily enjoy nature for an entire day. ""I'm looking for something in particular! In my opinion, going inside Osaka Castle is worth your time and money. This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no cost to you. For the hard and fast traditionalist, this castle just doesnt cut it. By the time we returned to our starting point, i.e. Osaka Castle Area, Washoku There wasnt much to do at the mall, though we did find some decent spots to take some selfies. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The reason why I liked the museum so much is because you were able to learn about the entire history of the castle including the life of the person who built the castle. Closing Days: Please note that Osaka Castle is closed on Mondays and during the year-end New Year holidays. Inside, youll find artifacts and information about the castles history and how it was used throughout the years. Theres really so much to do at Osaka Castle! More than 2,5 million people visit Osaka Castle every year. Therefore, despite wanting to move on quickly to cover more places in Osaka, we were forced to take a rest by the fountain. This is my question: Osaka's attractions per the Japan Guide (which is a fabulous resource) get one 'star' at best out of three. In fact, one of the most significant incidents that led to the destruction of the main castle tower was a devastating fire caused by a lightning storm that struck in 1665. Purpose, Minami (Dotonbori, Namba, Shinsaibashi, Nipponbashi) This is the floor that you entered the museum, so if you didnt have time to explore when you first got here, now is the time. You may also want to note that the prices here be it food or souvenirs seemed to be priced for tourists. Nakanoshima / Honmachi We are some Japanese travel enthusiasts and tourists worldwide working tirelessly here at Visitjapan to answer all your questions about Japan. Japan is known for its unique cuisine that has captured the attention of food enthusiasts around the world. Ramen Luckily, the weather was great and we enjoyed slowing down a bit to soak in the park scenery. 10 Things You Need To Know Before Skiing In Japan. Purpose. And this concludes our visit to Osaka Castle. It is also a popular cherry-blossom viewing spot and known for its impressive plum grove. In this post, Ill go over what youll find on each floor of the museum and give you my top 5 reasons why I think seeing the inside of the castle is worth it. You can enjoy breathtaking views from atop the main tower and learn about different aspects of Japanese culture through exhibits located throughout each floor. Although the castle grounds and its surrounding areas are free to explore, there is an entrance fee if you want to go inside the castle tower. As I mentioned before, you would even be able to watch the sunset if you visited Osaka Castle during the winter months as the sunset time is before the museum closes. As weve previously discussed, the Osaka Castle youll see is just a reconstruction that was finished in the 1930s. Hello from Singapore! Built by the "Napoleon of Japan," imposing Osaka Castle towers over the city. Hiroshima Castle as part of my 2 day Hiroshima Itinerary is one such place! Osaka castle ( Osakajo) is certainly a place worth visiting when travelling in Japan. Osaka Castle In the end, after many bloody battles, the Tokugawa shogunate clan won and overtook Osaka Castle. Osaka Castle has played an important role in the country's history for centuries. The castle itself, be it its structure, colours or backdrop didnt leave us in awe. If you're going to visit Osaka city or even Kyoto it should be on the list of a must-things to see. From this station, it is about a 10-minute walk to the castle. The contents of this page were current at the time it was posted, but may differ from the present. All promotions. The castle is surrounded by a large park and moat, and visitors can explore the castle grounds and enjoy the beautiful gardens. Castle Park has no fees. With a history stretching back to 1333, it is considered one of Japans Three Great Castles alongside Matsumoto Castle and Kumamoto Castle. The bottom line is this if your visit to Japan is short and you dont have time to visit many (or any) other castles, then the Osaka Castle is well worth a visit. Suggested duration More than 3 hours Osaka Castle Park is a large public park surrounding Osaka Castle in Osaka, Japan. Ive written an article about the most relaxing places to go in Tokyo, and if I was to do one in Osaka then Nishinomaru garden would absolutely feature. When the line to the elevator started to die down a little bit, I quickly ran over, hopped in line and took the elevator up to the 5th floor. Himeji Castle is one of my favorites. Building, Okonomiyaki Taking the elevator up to the 5th floor is the least strenuous way to do it, but the line to the elevator can get really long, especially during peak times. Right?. You can pay an extra 200 to get into Nishinomaru Garden (pictures later in the article), and if you need somewhere to rest and the weather is nice, I highly recommend doing so. Located in the city's center and surrounded by green hills, it provides a unique view that . An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. The Osaka castle is another place that can be left out in any one's itinerary if s/he has already visited castles in other Japanese cities like Kyoto or Himeji or Nagoya. I cant really talk about why I do or dont think Osaka Castle is worth visiting without at least briefly mentioning its fairly important role in the unification of Japan. I was so smitten by this castle, exploring every corner and taking photos, that I actually visited 2 times in 3 days when I was there over the summer! I've done the research to bring you the, If it sells any form of retro, vintage, or modern geekery, Im all about it. The stunning architecture, lush gardens, and amazing views all make this a must-see destination. The garden above was taken in Autumn last year. I've left Osaka Castle off the itinerary due to what I've read about it (major reconstruction, grounds are nice but inside not that worth it). This magnificent structure has been standing since 1583 and is one of the most famous castles in all of Japan. If youre a tourist from another country like me, that means you took all this time to travel to Japan. 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This iconic structure has faced various challenges over the years, from natural disasters to wars. I'm Nicole A. Lee and I'm the author/owner of myBeautyCravings. I found the samurai armor to be the most interesting, especially the helmet collection that they had. Many steps later, we passed by Miraiza Osaka-Jo a mall within the castle park. Here's why It's a bit of a cliche, but the castle is full of history. By visiting the museum, you will get a much better sense of what it was like to have lived in or around the castle during the time it was first built. Train: 19-minute walk from Osakajokoen Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line. Osaka Castle is located in the heart of Osaka City, and it is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. This will allow ample time to take in all the sights, including the main keep tower, towers surrounding the castle moat, gardens featuring seasonal plants and flowers as well as cherry blossoms in springtime, gift shops selling souvenirs and snacks, and nearby museums which tell of Osaka Castles history. What I am saying is that both experiences, the museum at Osaka Castle and visiting an original castle like Himeji or Matsumoto are well worth your time. In short, inside the castle, you will find an 8 floor museum (actually 7 floors because although there are 8 floors listed, there is no 6th floor) with exhibits about the castle itself, many exhibits about Toyotomi Hideyoshi the samurai warlord who had the castle built, and an observation deck on the top floor. Select options. Nishinomaru Saryo is a Japanese-style cafe located in the Nishinomaru Garden inside Osaka Castle Park. Cherry Blossoms, Cruise I know its hard to turn down the matcha ice cream, though. Visit the most important historical heritage built in ancient Japan: the Osaka Castle Explore the castle with over 100 years of history and countless precious relics Enjoy access to the castle's 8 floors and see panoramic views of Osaka City from the top Skip waiting in long lines to get physical tickets when you book this convenient e-ticket! The 5th floor is all about the epic Summer War in Osaka, which was a series of battles that took place during the summer campaign in the Siege of Osaka from 1614-1615. Not only does this historic structure offer beautiful views from the top, but it also gives tourists insight into Japanese history and culture. ), especially when visiting a new country and city. In the 17th century, the dynasty was unseated and the castle was basically destroyed. To be honest, the exterior of the building is quite remarkable to see for the first time. By train: Take the JR Osaka Loop Line from either JR Osaka Station (160 yen / 10 minutes) or Tennoji Station (160 yen / 12 minutes) and get off at the Osaka-jo Koen Station. Popular Its grey and dull, has a somewhat tacky gift shop, and is stocked with gachapon. 2.4 Take in a Panorama, or Three. Kushikatsu Daruma is a popular chain of kushikatsu restaurants in Osaka, and there is a location just a few minutes walk from Osaka Castle. Several companies offer sightseeing cruises that travel up and down the Okawa River, which runs along the park. 2) Rich History With such a long history stretching back hundreds of years, theres plenty to learn about at Osaka Castle. I'm Nicole A. Lee and I'm the author/owner of myBeautyCravings. The Osaka Museum of History is located just south of the castle and provides a comprehensive overview of Osakas history, culture, and development. Pro Tip: If you can, get to Osaka Castle as early as you can and visit the observation deck first. Osaka Castle: Worth visiting - See 7,929 traveler reviews, 9,703 candid photos, and great deals for Chuo, Japan, at Tripadvisor. It is a symbol of the city of Osaka and has played an important role in Japans history for centuries. 2.2 Visit One of Japan's Best Chinatowns. It's an iconic landmark and one of the most popular places among tourists visiting Japan. While it looks authentic, it is actually built largely of concrete. Honestly, the best thing about the main floor is the gift shop which contains unique food gifts that you can only find in Osaka. This mall within the park has a handful of gift shops, cafes and restaurants. In addition to the cherry blossoms, Osaka Castle Park is home to a variety of other beautiful gardens, including the Nishinomaru Garden, a Japanese-style garden that features a large pond and beautiful stone bridges. Yes, its a bummer that you have to pay an entrance fee in order to go inside Osaka Castle. He's helped over 300,000 plan their trip so far, and is eager to make that number much bigger! 1) Spectacular Architecture As one of the most famous castles in Japan, Osaka Castle boasts some truly stunning architecture that will take your breath away. Although you will find mixed reviews online, the museum inside Osaka Castle is definitely worth your time and money. Obviously, it cant be helped, but it was a little bit of a disappointment when I found that out. I was probably at the outer moat of castle Saw some deep stone walls. The castle is also famous for its cherry blossom trees, which attract crowds of visitors during the springtime. Plus there are sweeping views of the city from the very top floor. To figure out the question Is it worth visiting Osaka Castle, youll need to answer the following two questions, which also come with a few sub-questions. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, and it has been standing since 1583. But hey, what good attractions dont have queues in Spring? Observatory Osaka Castle: Worth visiting - See 7,959 traveller reviews, 9,785 candid photos, and great deals for Chuo, Japan, at Tripadvisor. The structure which stands there now is a reconstruction built in the 1930s. Today, it stands as one of the most famous castles in all of Japan and attracts millions of visitors each year. , What Is the Wabi Sabi ? Is It Bad Manners to Put Elbows on the Table. I stood here for what seemed like an hour studying every inch of the painted screen because every time I re-scanned a certain area, I would find a new scene that I had skipped over when I first looked at it. Ive visited Akihabara extensively as that is usually my, As someone who loves to travel and loves the outdoors, it's no surprise that I've chosen to write about one of Japan's most beautiful, Ive ridden in more trains, flown on more planes, and walked on more streets in Japan without a plan than Id care to remember., A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to go skiing in Niseko. In my opinion, it is still worth the trip, especially when you consider the other two very good reasons to go to Himeji: Kokoen (gardens next door to the castle); and Engyoji (Mt. Osaka Castle Area So if youre planning a trip to Osaka Castle, here are some of the best things to do while youre there. It has been around since 1583 when Hideyoshi Toyotomi built it during his campaign to unify Japan, making it an . Happy to detour but arent castle buffs xx. Since the line to the elevator was so long, I started to explore the 1st floor while keeping an eye on the line to the elevator. It is likewise famous to others for its impressively well constructed stone wall which is impressive because of its sheer dimensions containing 500,000 1000 000 stones. Tickets for Osaka Castle tickets are 600 yen for adults; children less than 16 can come free. Situated in central Osaka, it stands tall among the city's skyscrapers as a symbol of its history and culture. Osaka Castle Opening Hours: The castle grounds are open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The castles construction included walls up to 29 meters high and a moat 40 meters wide with water supplied by two rivers nearby. The best part is that the observation deck spans all sides of the 8th floor, so youll be able to get a 360 degree view. After exploring outside, stop by at one of several gift shops situated within or near Osaka Castle where you can pick up souvenirs like postcards featuring iconic images from within castle walls or traditional handicrafts made by local artisans. Is Osaka Castle really worth visiting? Tickets can be purchased at the entrance. It's my passion to bring to you Beauty, Travel & Lifestyle contents that you can trust! In conclusion, Osaka Castle is a magnificent castle that is one of Japans most iconic landmarks. Its a bit of a cliche, but the castle is full of history. Yes, a tourist has to do what a tourist does. The castles interior is a museum that showcases the history of the castle and the surrounding area. In addition to these offerings there are plenty of opportunities for shopping or just taking a leisurely stroll around the premises. It consistently scores about 4 out of 5 as an attraction, but the vaguely sour reviews it gets indicates that this one isnt the cream of the crop. Absolutely! 2 My Favorite Things to Do in Kobe. Whether youre looking for a cultural experience or just want to have some fun, Osaka is an excellent destination worth visiting. At Osaka Castle, there are short movies you can watch, little dioramas you can interact with, large paintings you can get lost in, and many artifacts that teach you about life in that era. For more of our current work, inspiration and adventures, join us on Instagram: Ultimate Guide: 10 Best Japan Travel Guide Books, 100 Incredibly Interesting Facts About Japan. Next, well make our way to the very popular Kuromon Market. Osaka Castle: Worth visiting - See 7,919 traveler reviews, 9,716 candid photos, and great deals for Chuo, Japan, at Tripadvisor. Thought I shouldnt let Covid-19 stop me from sharing my Osaka story. More so in Spring for obvious reasons, but as an attraction thats constantly ranked in the top 5 things to do in Osaka on pretty much every travel website, its never going to be empty. If youre looking for an industrial-looking staircase with glaring metal handrails, your money has been well spent. Learn More. Your email address will not be published. . To be fair, Osaka Castle would probably leave a deeper impression to those who were willing to pay the entrance fee of 600 yen to get into the castle. Saw the castle, walked around, ate at the famous crab restaurant in Dotonbori. Fortune telling Like most of central Japan, Osaka is a year-round destination, though the weather varies significantly depending on the season. April 12, 2023 This is a place consistently ranked as one of the best things to do in Osaka, so I decided to visit it twice to figure out the answer to the question 'Is Osaka Castle worth visiting?' Spoiler alert: I don't think it is, sort of Osaka Castle: Worth visiting - See 7,947 traveler reviews, 9,746 candid photos, and great deals for Chuo, Japan, at Tripadvisor. First off, there's plenty to see and learn here. The castle was rebuilt in the 1620s by the Tokugawa shoguns, and it served as a military fortress and administrative center for the region. Situated in central Osaka, it stands tall among the citys skyscrapers as a symbol of its history and culture. From sushi to ramen to tempura, Japanese cuisine has gained widespread "From Sushi to Sumo: Exploring the Unique Traditions of Life in Japan". In any case, Osaka Castle is incredibly central and very easy to get to if youre staying in Osaka.

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