Top 3 Castles in Osaka for Your Next Visit
ShinobuOsaka is a city rich in Japanese history and culture, and is home to many fascinating castles.
By touring Osaka's castles, you will be able to experience the lives of the warriors of the time and the traditional culture of Japan.
In this article, we have selected three of the best castles in Osaka and will introduce their highlights.
We will also discuss the best seasons to visit and nearby sightseeing spots.
- Details on Osaka Castle
- History of Osaka Castle
- What to look for in Osaka Castle
- Details on Kishiwada Castle
- History of Kishiwada Castle
- What to look for in Kishiwada Castle
- Details on Ikeda Castle
- History of Ikeda Castle
- What to look for in Ikeda Castle
- Summary
1. Details on Osaka Castle
History of Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle was built in 1583 by order of Hideyoshi Toyotomi, a military commander who unified the country.
Osaka Castle was the center of Japan during the Sengoku period and prospered along with the development of the Toyotomi family.
However, the Toyotomi family was defeated in the Siege of Osaka and Osaka Castle fell with it.
The Siege of Osaka was the last battle fought between the Tokugawa and Toyotomi families in Osaka in 1615.
In 1620, reconstruction of Osaka Castle began, led by the Tokugawa family, with successive Tokugawa shoguns serving as castle lords (the shoguns rarely actually visited Osaka Castle).
In 1868, with the fall of the shogunate, Osaka Castle burned to the ground.
Later, with a large donation from the citizens of Osaka, the castle tower was rebuilt in 1931, which is now the castle tower.
Now, after several renovations and restorations, it has become a beautiful and comfortable building and a symbol of Osaka.
What to look for in Osaka Castle
The castle tower
The main attraction of Osaka Castle is the castle tower, which can be enjoyed both from outside and inside.
The castle tower is the tallest of any castles in Japan, and its power and presence are overwhelming.
Inside the castle tower, there is a museum with exhibits mainly related to Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the Sengoku period.
The interior is eight stories high, and there is an observatory on the eighth floor.
The view from 50 meters above the ground is spectacular, and on a clear day you can see the city of Osaka and the mountains in the distance.
Looking out over the city of Osaka from the castle tower, you will feel as if you were Hideyoshi Toyotomi.
Sakura Gate
Sakura Gate is the main gate into the center of the Osaka Castle grounds and is designated as an Important Cultural Property.
It is one of the most popular photo spots in Osaka Castle, as the castle tower can be seen through the gate.
The stone walls on either side are made of huge stones called “dragon stones” and “tiger stones" each of which has two small holes called embrasures.
In the past, when defending the castle, people used to shoot enemies by inserting the tip of a gun into these holes.
When you go sightseeing at Osaka Castle, we recommend you to take a picture here!
Nishinomaru Garden
The cherry blossom season in spring and the fall foliage season are especially beautiful.
In spring, the cherry trees in the park bloom, which attracts many visitors.
Nishinomaru Garden has been selected as one of the 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots.
In autumn, visitors can enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage, especially at dusk, which creates a fantastic view.
Osaka Castle Park also has a vast lawn area and promenade where visitors can enjoy strolling and picnicking.
Please visit the official website for more information.
Osaka Castle Museum Official Website
You can check the detailed exhibition information and purchase tickets!
2. Details on Kishiwada Castle
History of Kishiwada Castle
The castle tower of Kishiwada Castle was built in 1585.
At that time, the castle was five stories high, indicating that it was a rather large castle.
However, in 1827, the castle tower was destroyed by fire due to a lightning strike, and since the gates and other castle facilities were destroyed, only the moat and stonewalls remained.
Later, the three-story castle tower was rebuilt in 1954, and the castle has remained a popular tourist attraction to this day.
The castle has a beautiful exterior, and the architecture in particular is worth seeing.
What to look for in Kishiwada Castle
The view from the keep of Kishiwada Castle is spectacular, allowing visitors to enjoy the surrounding scenery.
There is also a historical museum inside the castle, where visitors can learn more about the history and culture associated with Kishiwada Castle.
In addition, there is a beautiful garden around the castle called Hachijin-no-niwa, which is designated as a national place of scenic beauty.
For more information, including holidays and event schedules, please visit the official website here.
In spring, cherry blossoms are in full bloom around the castle, offering beautiful scenery.
In addition, the Kishiwada Danjiri Festival held in September in Kishiwada City is a wonderful opportunity to experience the traditional culture of the area.
Be sure to enjoy the Danjiri Festival along with Kishiwada Castle.
3. Details on Ikeda Castle
History of Ikeda Castle
Ikeda Castle was built in 1334 by a man named Ikeda Noriyori, whose descendants served as the lord of the castle for generations.
At first, Ikeda Castle was a small castle with a strong residential character.
However, the castle was repeatedly destroyed and its defensive functions were strengthened.
In 1568, the castle came under the control of Oda Nobunaga, and it is estimated that the castle was abandoned in 1580 by order of Nobunaga after losing a battle.
Today, the Ikeda Castle Ruins Park has been established with facilities and a dry landscape garden.
The “Toraguchimon” gate and the well have been restored, and an observation deck resembling a castle keep stands here.
What to look for in Ikeda Castle
The main attraction of Ikeda Castle is the observatory that resembles the castle tower.
On a clear day, you might be able to see as far as Hyogo and Wakayama Prefectures.
Trees, flowers, and a pond in the well-maintained park provide a beautiful harmony with the observatory.
Enjoy the pleasant breeze and the fragrance of the trees while reminiscing the Ikeda Castle of long ago.
For more information, visit the official website Ikeda City Tourist Attraction on Ikeda Castle Ruins Park.
4. Summary
These are some of the castles to visit in Osaka.
Each castle has its own unique charm, and visiting one will give you a taste of Japanese history and culture.
Enjoying the historical background and beautiful scenery will make your trip more fulfilling.
Osaka also has a wealth of other tourist attractions, such as the Ninja Experience Cafe Dotonbori, the Osaka Museum of History, Tsutenkaku Tower, and the Umeda Sky Building.
When you come to Osaka, be sure to visit the castles we have introduced!
What are we?
We run Ninja Experience Cafe in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, Japan.
Here you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture through experiencing ninja training.
Both adults and children are welcome to try their hand at defeating the ninja master inside the cafe.
The cafe is an indoor interactive zone, so it can be enjoyed even on rainy days.
If you are thinking "I want to be a real ninja too!” or interested in becoming a real ninja, please visit us.
Reservations can be made here.
Unauthorized copying and replication of the contents of this site, text and images are strictly prohibited.
