Who doesn’t love a castle? There was no way I was going to miss having a look at my first ever Japanese castle. Occupying 15 acres right in the middle of the city and complete with moats and turrets this was a splendid way to spend a morning. Want to find out what to see at Osaka Castle & park? See below. ☺️
Brief History
Built in 1583 the castle was in use until 1845. It has suffered a tumultuous past, being burned to the ground multiple times by warring clans and re-built by the next. The last devastation happened in WWII when the area and arsenal was bombed by the Americans.
In 1995 the castle was completely rebuilt as a concrete replica of the original building, complete with elevators and museum like interior.
Castle
A spectacular building to behold, it is raised high above the surrounding area. The structure is unique in that the interior is eight stories tall and the exterior only five. There are three extra levels in the core, that are subterranean and underground.
The newest rendition is complete with gold leaf detailing on the exterior and replica elevators on the interior.
Moats
This castle boasts two moats, an inner one and an outer. The inner moat consists of wet moats on three sides and a dry one to complete the circle. The outer moat was constructed in four sections, one piece for each cardinal direction.
The stone walls that extend up to the castle and turrets out of the dark murky waters are a sight to behold. Made of huge pieces of rock, they curve upwards in a way that mimics the linear nature of the multi-roofed castle and turrets.
Turrets
Each of the five remaining turrets look like a smaller version of the castle to my uneducated eye. These are all white and sit beautifully atop the walls at strategic sections of the inner wall. They all have a specific name, representative of their purpose.
Originally there were 11 inner turrets one of which was called Hoshi-ii Yagura Turret (Storehouse for Dried Steamed Rice). Even though the turrets were used for military purposes, they also served as storage houses etc.
Gardens
There is one smaller paid garden, that I did not enter (cost 200 yen). Perhaps I would have if it was May and I thought plants might be in bloom. The biggest and most popular garden area however, is entirely free. I visited on a gloomy overcast and cold day. There were a few trees in bloom. I can only imagine how stunning this area is when at its peak.
An entire section is dedicated to cherry blossoms, most of us tourists eagerly awaiting their show. Other areas of this garden are used for buskers, performers and the like and can be a very lively and fun place to visit in the warmer months.
The Park
The entire acreage surrounding the castle inside and outside the moats is a larger park. Here you can walk for miles, with no traffic, just passing beautiful garden space, ponds, paths and peacefulness. What a treasure it is to have this large natural green space at the centre of Osaka city.
I’m certain in the summer months, when the weather is warmer and romance is in the air, this park is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
Cost
You can pay 600 yen to enter the interior of the castle and have a look at static displays. To me, it was not worth waiting in the long line and bitter cold, to see this. Two additional activities are a train ride or boat ride in the moat! Both were open and operating.
If I’m honest, the castle itself is a little underwhelming, but perhaps that is because the surrounding area and weather are not at their finest. Against a bright blue sky, with trees in bloom, and flowers galore, this would be a completely transformed space.
