The Bald Traveler Review:
If you are in Osaka for more then a day. Osaka Castle must be on your list of places to visit. But plan to spend at least 3 hours in the museum and wandering the castle grounds. Osaka castle is probably one of the best preserved castles in Japan that is easy to get to.
The inner and outer gardens are filled with trees that blossom in the early spring. The Moats also are filled with water and you can ride on or view boats running through the moats.
The castle is a typical Japanese style with high steep stone walls with a wide base that tapers near the top. The main castle building is a recreation and no holds the museum which is a must see to learn more about the history of Japan.
Save your brochure as you can get a stamp on it inside the museum or just stamp your calligraphy book. Another Souvenir is a commemorative coin that you can get engraved with your name and the date you visited.
The castle sits on top of a hill so be prepared to walk up some stairs. Also the museum is on multiple floors of the castle so be prepared to climb. Elevators are available for those who have trouble climbing both in the castle and to get from the lower area to the upper area where the castle is.
When to go
The best time to visit Osaka Castle is during Sakura season. The entire park is in bloom with the sakura blossoms and it is beautiful. Also trying to go when the outer walls and some of the other buildings are open for a tour is also reccomended as they are not open very many times a year to try and preserve them.
What is Nearby?
Osaka has a lot to offer a visitor around the city.
How to get there?
Osaka Castle is located in Osaka Castle Park. It can be accessed from three train stations which are close by: Morinomiya station, Tanimachi 4-chome station, and Osakajo Station. Morinomiya station is the closest to the park and castle itself. However if you are coming from Namba then Tanimachi is a more direct route.
The address is: 〒540-0002 1-1, Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka City
Hours of operation
The Castle Museum and inner grounds are open from 9AM to 5PM daily except for between December 28th and January 1st.
Cost
¥ 600 for the Museum which is in the castle building.
The inner grounds are open and public with no charge.
A few times during the year the rooms in the castle walls and other buildings are open to the public for an additional cost.
Website
https://www.osakacastle.net/english/
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Cheers
Dave, The Bald Traveler