is osaka castle worth visiting

I understand we need to think about accessibility with an attraction like this, as well as the practicality of having thousands of people trample up and down every day, but this wasnt something I was expecting to find. Osaka Castle is an iconic monument and naturally a top tourist attraction for Osaka. Although the main tower you see today is not the original, the site is still of great historic importance. (OneGuy), in that Osaka may not be worth the visit simply to see the castle . 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. 2.2 Visit One of Japan's Best Chinatowns. Another great way to explore Osaka Castle is through a guided tour or audio guide available upon entry into the premises. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Right?. However, make sure you do visit the surrounding grounds, theyre beautiful! Any of you castle buffs will know that there are hundreds and hundreds of castles to visit in Japan a tiny number compared to the thousands that used to stand in this country. The cruises offer a unique perspective of Osaka Castle, and they are a great way to relax and enjoy the scenery. Learn how your comment data is processed. Not only does this historic structure offer beautiful views from the top, but it also gives tourists insight into Japanese history and culture. So I went to Osaka as a day trip from Kyoto back in 2016. HARD-OFF: The Magical World of Japanese Second-Hand Stores. Since then, the castle has undergone multiple reconstructions and restorations. Get a free PDF copy of 30 highly-rated beauty items to buy from Japan - plus receive latest honest reviewsin your inbox! Definitely a lot different than the original! Although you will find mixed reviews online, the museum inside Osaka Castle is definitely 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. Is Osaka worth a visit? - Osaka Forum - Tripadvisor US$ 4.19. "Tell me what's great about Osaka!" Since the suggested route of exploring the museum is to start from the top to bottom, Ill also go through the different floors in that order. Hiroshima Castle as part of my 2 day Hiroshima Itinerary is one such place! Popular for its nightlife, food and shopping, Osaka should definitely be on your list when planning your Japan itinerary. Required fields are marked *. Ill continue from where I left off, which was Day 2 when I spent an afternoon at Osaka Castle. Anyway, lets climb up those perfectly recreated wooden staircases, shall we? 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. Visitors can explore the various exhibits inside that tell stories about how Toyotomi Hideyoshi unified Japan under his rule during this period in history. I was shoulder-to-shoulder with people for pretty much the entire time I could bare to stay out there. Hokusetsu (Expo, Minoh, ITM) Is Osaka worth visiting? Use your Japan Rail Card to access this terminal. The observation deck area is small, so it can get very busy if you go during peak season or during peak times during the day. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The battle was between the Tokugawa shogunate clan who ruled from Edo Castle and the Toyotomi clan of Osaka. But it wasnt. The atmosphere is casual and lively, and customers can enjoy a range of affordable and delicious dishes. The ride costs 180 yen each way and takes around 2 minutes. The museum was nice, but I would rather they housed that in a separate building and allowed us to wander around only specific parts of the castle, or not at all. The first thing we saw upon entering the compound was a fountain, or Osaka Castle Park Fountain as it is officially known. 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. Himeji Castle is one of my favorites. At the very least, it is recommended that visitors spend at least two hours exploring the castle grounds and its many attractions. Your email address will not be published. 2.5 Spend a Morning at Himeji Castle. 2.4 Take in a Panorama, or Three. With multiple intersections at various junctures, youll need Google Map if you want to get to the famous building in the shortest possible time. The cafe is known for its beautiful views of Osaka Castle and the surrounding park, and its a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery. By profession, I worked as a tourist guide and interpreter in Japan. Osaka Castle - Inside Osaka This is at no extra cost to you and helps keeps the website running smoothly! Other Areas The castle tower is surrounded by secondary citadels, gates, turrets, impressive stone walls and moats. In the 17th century, the dynasty was unseated and the castle was basically destroyed. As our main aim was to get to Osaka Castle quickly and get our itinerary passport stamped, we didnt linger for long and went in search for the castle building. OSAKA CASTLE (Chuo) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor Washoku By Subway: The nearest subway station is Tanimachi 4-chome Station on the Tanimachi and Chuo subway lines. Osaka Castle: Worth visiting - See 7,959 traveller reviews, 9,785 candid photos, and great deals for Chuo, Japan, at Tripadvisor. So, is Osaka Castle worth visiting? The views were great, but in late March early April, it was just too busy for me to enjoy. 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. Skipping Osaka Castle - will I miss out? : JapanTravel - Reddit The park also features a variety of statues and monuments, including a statue of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the founder of the castle. The True Japan is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Read myfull disclosure for more info. Each scene plays out in Japanese, which I unfortunately dont understand, but there is an informational card in English which explains what you are watching. Train: 19-minute walk from Osakajokoen Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line. Unlock History: Get Your Osaka Castle Tickets Today! The grounds around Osaka Castle are also quite stunning with lush green gardens filled with cherry blossom trees that bloom in springtime. TIP: If you hold the Osaka Amazing Pass, you can get free entry to Osaka Castle. It is also a popular cherry-blossom viewing spot and known for its impressive plum grove. Once the largest castle in Japan when originally built in the 1580s, this castle has an observation platform with city views and a history museum that uses holograms, 3D pictures and other technologies to describe the history of the castle and the period during which it was built. Of course, you could buy these snacks elsewhere too, but I thought it was pretty convenient that you could do your snack shopping here too! General hours: 9:00am 5:00pm (last admission at 4:30pm) but sometimes is extended until 6:00pm or 7:00 pm. Is Osaka Castle Worth Visiting? TIP: For info, this building also houses the Illusion Museum (now temporarily closed). In the end, after many bloody battles, the Tokugawa shogunate clan won and overtook Osaka Castle. 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. Osaka souvenir By Train: The nearest train station to Osaka Castle is Osakajokoen Station on the JR Loop Line. It has been around since 1583 when Hideyoshi Toyotomi built it during his campaign to unify Japan, making it an . From this station, it is about a 10-minute walk to the castle. Like most of central Japan, Osaka is a year-round destination, though the weather varies significantly depending on the season. It was reconstructed in the 1930s, but was again damaged during World War II. Lets be honest. Culture History, Kita (Umeda / Tenma) document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The castle itself, be it its structure, colours or backdrop didnt leave us in awe. This way, you will have a better understanding of the historical events that had taken place in whatever area of the castle grounds you are exploring. Is Osaka worth a visit? - Osaka Forum - Tripadvisor To be honest, secret gardens in Osaka are a lot more frequent than you might think!if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'adayofzen_com-box-4','ezslot_4',136,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-adayofzen_com-box-4-0'); Because the perimeter of Osaka Castle is so huge, youll more than likely get the impression that there arent too many people around, even in peak season. 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. 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. This beautiful castle is located in the heart of Osaka and dates back to the 16th century. Is Osaka Castle Worth Visiting? - visitjapan.blog 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. 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. and while the castle grounds were fairly busy, the park is practically empty. Plus there are dining and entertainment facilities inside the park too. Like the floor above, this floor also holds historical artifacts from the Hideyoshi Toyotomi era, but this floor contains the weapons and armor that samurai used from that time! Why is Japan called The land of the rising sun? If you only want to visit the outside gardens, 2 hours might be enough. Some of the river cruises also offer traditional Japanese entertainment and meals, making for a memorable experience. Himeji castle, worth visit? - Osaka Message Board - Tripadvisor This portion of the park where the Osaka Castle stood, was a very touristy spot. There wasnt much to do at the mall, though we did find some decent spots to take some selfies. Because of this, in my opinion, Osaka Castle is better able to design the experience of the museum. Hi, Im Izumi Kenta from Japan. Osaka Castle, or Osaka-jo, as it is called in Japanese, is one of Japan's most famous attractions and well worth a visit! Osaka tourist attractions such as Osaka Castle and Universal Studios Japan are a draw for many travelers, but if you're like us, food comes first! The original castle structure burned down after an attack by Tokugawa forces led by Ieyasu during 1615 but was rebuilt shortly thereafter under orders from Ieyasu himself. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'adayofzen_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',159,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-adayofzen_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');As far as Im concerned, its worth visiting the grounds of Osaka Castle, but only worth going inside unless youre really interested in Japanese history. Osaka Castle is one of the most iconic landmarks in Japan and definitely worth a visit for anyone travelling to Osaka. . "No matter what your needs We're here to help! Did it get me there in. Located in the city's center and surrounded by green hills, it provides a unique view that . In 2022 he moved to Japan on a mission to give his audience the best possible information. Kushikatsu Daruma is a popular chain of kushikatsu restaurants in Osaka, and there is a location just a few minutes walk from Osaka Castle. The new owners renovated and improved upon it in 1620, but when it was struck by lightning in 1665 it burnt to the ground. A standalone Starbucks stood nearby for patrons to grab a cup of coffee and do some people-watching via the floor-to-ceiling windows. In the late 19th century, the castle was largely destroyed by fire during a civil war. Osaka Castle Ticket - Klook Singapore Osaka Minami(Dotonbori / Namba /Shinsaibashi / Nipponbashi), Bay Area(Universal Studios Japan / Kaiyukan), Osaka Castle Extended hours are offered during peak seasons such as cherry blossom viewing and holidays. Just be aware that youre likely never going to have the Castle to yourself unless youre visiting during the off-season. Purpose, Minami (Dotonbori, Namba, Shinsaibashi, Nipponbashi) Osaka Castle - Its Sights, History & The Best Walking Route Your email address will not be published. As one of the most iconic landmarks of Japan, Osaka Castle attracts thousands of visitors every year. Himeji Castle, located in the city of Himeji in Japan, is one of the most iconic and beautiful castles not only in Japan but throughout the world. The restaurant has a lively atmosphere and serves a variety of okonomiyaki dishes made with fresh ingredients. Your email address will not be published. If you want enough time to see the inside and outside of Osaka Castle, 3 hours is probably enough so you arent rushing. Lunch How Long to Spend in Osaka Castle? - Visit Japan Manage Settings 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. Hokkaido milk tea vs Okinawa milk tea: Whats the difference. "I'm looking for a place to shoot/film! Then once you made it to Japan, you had to spend all that time just to make it to Osaka Castle. While it looks authentic, it is actually built largely of concrete. Osaka Castle is a popular tourist destination in Osaka, Japan. I visited again in Spring and both times this little hidden gem was almost completely empty (save for a photo spot around the back). Additionally, if youre feeling adventurous then why not try out one of Japans famous themed cafes? Get a free PDF copy of 30 highly-rated items to buy from Japan - plus receivelatest honest reviews in your inbox! 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. The walking distance to the site is worth the visit but a more modern reconstruction is worth taking unless there are too many people there. I'm Nicole A. Lee and I'm the author/owner of myBeautyCravings. Complex commercial facility, Osaka Castle Nishinomaru Garden , Historic site Many visitors come to the park to enjoy the blossoms and take part in traditional hanami (cherry blossom viewing) picnics. On the 4th floor youll find artifacts such as letters written by Hideyoshi Toyotomi, every day items that might have been used by him, and also paintings from that time. Just a fair warning that because the inside is very authentic the stairs used to go up and down the different levels of the castle are very steep and/or small. When visiting Osaka, one of the first things you must do is to make a trip to Osaka Castle and explore its surrounding area. Learn how your comment data is processed. Located in the city of Osaka in western Japan, this majestic castle dates back to 1583 and has been an iconic landmark for centuries. Impressive How could you not visit? It is the biggest attraction in Osaka and features on all those lists " the best castles in Japan " and " the most beautiful castles in Japan ". When we were finally done with what we were supposed to do at the Castle Park, we retraced our footsteps back to Miraiza Osaka-Jo. The stunning architecture, lush gardens, and amazing views all make this a must-see destination. Hello from Singapore! A Guide to Visiting Osaka, Japan - Boutique Japan The park is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and it is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Plus there are sweeping views of the city from the very top floor. If you came for the view, then youll like the 8th floor. The Osaka Museum of History is located just south of the castle and provides a comprehensive overview of Osakas history, culture, and development. Or if you would like to enter through the Otemon Gate (which many people recommend)take the Osaka City Subway Chuo Line from Honmachi Station and get off at Tanimachi 4-chome Station (Tanimachi yon-chome). Worth visiting - Reviews, Photos - Osaka Castle - Tripadvisor Situated in central Osaka, it stands tall among the city's skyscrapers as a symbol of its history and culture. From this station, it is only a few minutes walk to the castle. Here are five reasons why you should make sure to include Osaka Castle on your itinerary: Next, well make our way to the very popular Kuromon Market. Hiroshima does have castles too, but Miyajima Island and the Peace Park/Museum are much better places to spend time at, in my opinion. Osaka Castle is located within a nice park within Osaka. I get to help people decide between two of, There are a few things you should absolutely plan to do on your first trip to Japan: Cross Shibuya Scramble, Visit the countrys ancient, Tokyo got the best of you? To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. link to Exploring the Unusual Delicacies of Japan, link to "From Sushi to Sumo: Exploring the Unique Traditions of Life in Japan". Osaka Castle has played an important role in the country's history for centuries. This iconic structure has faced various challenges over the years, from natural disasters to wars. After Hideyoshis death, the castle was attacked and destroyed by Tokugawa forces, who took control of Japan and established the Tokugawa Shogunate. Each samurai helmet had a fantastical and whimsical design and I could only imagine how intimidating it must have been to see an enemy samurai wearing one of these helmets in a battle. There are thousands of trees, plants and flowers in the gardens which have peak times for viewing around the year. 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. Manage Settings Interestingly, it is not always the result of war that led to the castles destruction and subsequent reconstruction. 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. Osaka Castle can be reached by JR Station Osakajokoen. Believe it or not, the whole building was completed in just 3 years. The castle has a few of these secret gardens scattered around, so it pays to have enough time over here (if you do decide to visit) to make sure you can explore every little nook and cranny outside. Here is a brief history of Osaka Castle: The original castle was built in the late 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Japans most powerful warlords. Purpose. Popular Is there anything better than getting chased by ravenous deer for hours on end?, let's get one thing cleared up straight out of the gate. Osaka is one of the most popular cities in Japan for tourists, and with good reason. First of all Osaka Castle is unique in that it is a reconstruction when you compare it to other popular castles in Japan like Himeji Castle or Matsumoto Castle. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Osaka Castle Ticket - Klook The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. TIP: Allocate 2 to 3 hours if you want to explore Osaka Castle Park at a relaxing pace. So as you can imagine, the time you visit Osaka Castle is incredibly important to determine whether or not its worth visiting. 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. It is a really pretty building and location and well worth a visit. While the outside areas of Osaka Castle make this one of the best free things to do in Osaka, the interior was a major letdown and leads me to the conclusion that visiting the castle itself is not worth it. Dont forget your camera with all those amazing sights, this part of your day will be full of picture-perfect moments! While the museum has some fascinating exhibits, the castle building itself is just too modern, and you dont get that feeling of stepping back in time that you experience when visiting other old castles. I'm Nicole A. Lee and I'm the author/owner of myBeautyCravings. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Additionally, there are interactive displays where visitors can learn more about samurai culture during feudal times in Japan and even try on traditional armor pieces! With a history stretching back to 1333, it is considered one of Japans Three Great Castles alongside Matsumoto Castle and Kumamoto Castle. Skipping Osaka Castle - will I miss out? For the hard and fast traditionalist, this castle just doesnt cut it. Inside the castle grounds youll find many attractions including museums dedicated to Samurai culture, historic artifacts from battles fought here centuries ago and even kabuki theater performances during certain months of the year. This grandiose structure has been standing since the 16th century, when it was built by the great warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi as a symbol of his power. The cafe offers a range of traditional Japanese dishes such as matcha tea, wagashi (Japanese sweets), and bento boxes, all made with high-quality ingredients. Visitors could begin by touring some of the inner palace buildings such as Ni-no-maru Palace Garden or Sakuramon Gate Hall before making their way up to one of three observation decks where they can take breathtaking views over Osaka City from different angles. With that said, here are the top reasons why I think you really should make sure to visit the inside of Osaka Castle while youre there. Good luck! Stay tuned! Osaka Castle: Worth visiting - See 7,912 traveller reviews, 9,671 candid photos, and great deals for Chuo, Japan, at Tripadvisor. Its hard to imagine when youre walking around the castle grounds what it might have been like when samurai warriors roamed the land and controlled the country. The moat is particularly beautiful; at 70 to 90 meters in width, it is a formidable entrance to the compound. Both of these visits have prompted me to ask a second part to this question which is is Osaka Castle too busy?. First off, make sure not to miss out on exploring inside the castle itself. 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. 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. Its been a while since I last wrote about my overseas travel.
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