To get to Osaka Castle, take the JR Loop Line and get off at Osakajo Koen Station.

Exiting the gate, I followed the signs and saw the castle in the distance.

There are boats in the garden before crossing to the castle.

Bridge to the castle

After crossing the bridge, you will reach the back of the castle.

Walk around the side of the castle

This picture shows the glass elevator that was added later on the side of the castle for people with disabilities to access the upper part of the castle.

This photo was taken on May 2nd. The flowers are in full bloom and the weather is not too hot.

Osaka Castle was built in 1583 on the site of the Ishiyama Honganji Temple, which had been destroyed by Oda Nobunaga about 30 years earlier. Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the castle's builder, intended it to be the new center of Japan under his rule. Upon its completion, it became the largest castle in Japan at the time. However, a few years after Hideyoshi's death, the castle was attacked and destroyed by Tokugawa forces. It was rebuilt in 1620, but the castle's tower was struck by lightning and burned down in 1665. It was later repaired both inside and out.

The castle grounds cover an area of approximately 60,000 square meters (15 acres).
It has been designated as an Important Cultural Property by the Japanese government.

Admission to the castle is 600 yen per person. Those with the Osaka Amazing 1 Day Pass can present it to the staff for free entry.

Cannons at the entrance of the castle

Please enter the castle, take the lift to enjoy the view from above, and then walk down to see the sights below.

A simulation of the war between Osaka and Nagoya

Osaka Castle was attacked by Shogun Ieyasu Togukawa from Nagoya

The first picture on the right is Shogun Ieyasu Togukawa, the conqueror of Osaka Castle.

Learn the history of Osaka Castle through a 3D TV with 19 scenes from the life of Hideyoshi Toyotomi. English subtitles are available in the exhibition room on the 1st floor of the theater.

Golden Dolphins of Osaka Castle

Tourists can dress up as samurai and wear kimonos for 300 yen.

Upon entering the castle, we took the lift to the viewpoint on the 8th floor first, as the lift can only be used to go up.

Shinto Shrine

The building on the left is the NHK television station.

Osaka Castle Hall and Baseball Field

Nisinomaru Garden, a cherry blossom viewing spot in spring

On the way back, I walked back to the front of the castle and turned around to take a picture.

Osaka City Museum

Castle-shaped manhole cover, kept as a souvenir.

Keep walking.

Walk out through the Otemon gate and find a spot to take a picture.

The outer wall of the castle

Walk straight towards the NHK building, then turn around and take a picture of the castle in the distance.

If you have time, you can stop by the NHK building.

On the way to the train, you will pass the Osaka Museum of History (the same building as NHK), which is closed every Tuesday.
Website: http://www.mus-his.city.osaka.jp/eng/index.html
You can enter for free with the Osaka Amazing Pass.

Map of the castle area, near the exit of Tanimachi 4-chrome Station

**Getting There:** The recommended route to access Osaka Castle is through the Otemon Gate, located at the southwest corner of the park. The nearest train station is Tanimachi 4-chrome Station, accessible via the Tanimachi Subway Line and Chuo Subway Line.

**Opening Hours:** Osaka Castle is open to the public from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry at 4:30 PM.

**Closed Dates:** Osaka Castle is closed from December 28th to January 1st of each year.

**Admission Fee:** 600 yen

**Website:** http://www.osakacastle.net/english/