Osaka Sights

Osaka-jō

#4 of 65 things to do in Osaka

#4 of 170 museum sights in Japan

1 reviews | Write a review

Good for: a bit of fun, scenery in the city

  • Address
    • Chūō-ku Osaka-jō 1-1
  • Phone
    • 06 6941 3044
  • Price
    • grounds/castle keep admission free/¥600
  • Hours
    • 9am-5pm, to 8pm in summer

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Lonely Planet review for Osaka-jō

Osaka’s most popular attraction, Osaka-jō is a 1931 concrete reconstruction of the original castle, which was completed in 1583 as a display of power on the part of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Refurbished at great cost in 1997, today’s castle has a decidedly modern look. The interior of the castle houses a museum of Toyotomi Hideyoshi memorabilia, as well as displays relating the history of the castle.

 

Traveller reviews for Osaka-jō (1)

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    The jo has a presence like no other building in Osaka

    michaelhobbs65 recommends this,

    Osaka-jo is the lofty jewel presiding over a city not renowned for, or even vying for, any of the world’s great tourist attractions. So is it by default that people flock to the jo? Well, maybe... but that’s not to say the castle and its surrounds don’t deserve their ichi ban (number 1) status. The sight of the castle from a distance brings a moment’s serenity amid the rush of the day’s business. In fact, I’ve often thought it captures the imagination best when viewed from far as opposed to up close. This might be because of the several facelifts it has undergone throughout history as a result of war. For many, the evidence of modern restoration up-close, takes away from its authenticity. An authenticity commonly associated with the unblemished Himeji Castle in neighbouring Hyogo Prefecture but without any of the dynamic surrounds and lively atmosphere that’s found at the Osaka-jo precinct.

    With three subway lines and two JR lines dropping you at the edges of the Osaka-jo precinct, it’s easy to get to, just like most places in Osaka City. My preferred starting point is from Tanimachi-yonchome Subway station, which will put you at the southwest corner of the castle. From here you’ll also notice the NHK Building (Osaka’s most respected TV Broadcaster) and the Osaka Museum of History. Take a quick look inside these points of interest before you set out or drop in on the way back. The NHK Building serves as a handy reference point of return and is easily remembered with its modern design, resembling a large wood-chip, unzipping its barky outer layer to reveal a steely inner section.

    From this edge, the wide outer moat lies beneath imposing, granite stone walls that curve concavely, creating a beautiful contrast between the still, calm of the water and the might of the walls. Atop the corners of these moat walls sit antiquated, stone turrets that cast a beautiful yet lonely grey presence. During the colder months, mist hovers just above the water’s surface giving the moat an almost breathing, living quality that’ll have you lost in private reverie.
    If you’re lucky enough to visit in spring, you’ll enjoy the Osaka-jo at its most beautiful and it’s people at their most jubilant as they celebrate the bloom of the iconic cherry blossom, which lines the outer moat and many of its gardens. Throughout the month of April, joyous picnics between friends, family and moreover salary men and women, break out like wild flower around the areas surrounding the castle. Groups sit beneath a mirage of pink and white canopies, all at any moment, able to glance up and through the blossoms catch sight of the glorious castle.

    On the eastern outskirts of the castle, Japan’s favourite pastime, baseball, is in full swing with young teams playing every weekend and often conducting exercise training around the castle with a diligence and unity to rival junior teams in the U.S. And just south of the dusty diamond, crowds gather for spectacles of a musical kind at Osaka-jo Hall, which hosts big name acts from Japan and around the world.

    Once inside the castle foreground, indulge your senses with historical relics, traditional Japanese gardens, Osaka’s famous takoyaki, quirky individual performances and occasionally larger performances showcasing aspects of traditional Japanese culture. Unlike many Japanese temples that obligate reverence and quiet appreciation, visiting the castle is a spirited affair that’ll get you involved- whether it’s juggling a hot ball of battered octopus in your mouth or enjoying broken banter with a lovable, elderly gentleman.

    So viewed as part of a much grander picture, a trip to Osaka-jo is much more than the castle itself. Whilst it hosts traditional Japanese architecture, landscaping and culture aplenty, it also has that refreshing kick of Osakan personality that’s sure to intrigue.

    Good for: a bit of fun, scenery in the city

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