Reviews
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Notable for the remaining yagura
A lot of people when visiting Osaka bee line it for the castle keep which is worth a look inside. It's a museum housed in a reconstruction of the castle. But on my trips to Osaka, I don't bother going inside (though there are great views from the top of the castle keep). Instead, I recommend taking a look at the castle's remaining footprint on the 15-acre site and yagura. There are 13 nationally important structures including gates, turrets, and storehouses. Periodically, these buildings are open to the public.
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on Dec 31
Worth visiting, but we didn't stay all that long
I visited here with my daughter in 2018, since it's one of the iconic spots in Osaka - and I thought it would be a good spot to visit. We actually didn't go inside the castle itself, more just wandered around the grounds outside, and whilst I enjoyed the picture opportunities and the scenery, we didn't stay all that long. It was in December so it was quite cold out, I'd like to come back and try to experience the area in either autumn or spring for the more agreeable weather and the colorful blooms/leaves.
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on May 1
Not showing its History
The park and the castle are still magnificent, especially if you don't frequent castles in Japan, but for someone interested in the Sengoku history, you want to come here to check the box off your list, but it won't be as memorable as you would have expected. The park is really a park now, with several museums built on the premise. It is great for sakura-viewing with a castle in the background, but when you think of the significant battles that took place here, that sense of tension is no longer found anywhere in the Park. The castle itself is also disappointing a museum now. I understand that most reconstructed castles are made into museums, but again, that decision also gives up on retaining or representing the history Osaka Castle should have. If you are fond of the history, you must come here for a visit, but just lower your expectations for experiencing the historical significance.
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on Mar 24
Disappointing elements to this otherwise magnificent castle
The history of Osaka castle is fascinating, but it is a reconstruction and lacking in some areas. I was most disappointed with the inside architecturally, which they didn't even attempt to model on the original castle. Instead it houses a modern museum. The castle is said to be, by many, the most formidable castle ever built in Japan. Externally the reconstruction completely looks the part and the workmanship is flawless.The views are spectacular and overall it is extremely impressive and worth a visit if you are in the area. The grounds are probably more interesting to a history buff as the layout of the original castle is pretty much intact and you can still see some of the original gates and stone walls. There is a lot of walking in the castle and the grounds. I recommend wearing a comfortable pair of shoes and if you have children; leave the stroller in the car!
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on Jan 9
Osaka Castle Park
When visiting Osaka, one of the first destinations should rightfully be Osaka-Jo Park. Take the JR Osaka Loop line and only four stops later it´s like you´re transported somewhere in the countryside. Trees everywhere and a magical looking castle in the middle. The castle has a long history of being built and destroyed throughout history, but the current castle and castle grounds look magnificent and attract hundreds thousands of tourists every year with new events going on regularly. Osaka-jo Hall is a large multi-purpose arena which holds concerts and many events. Last summer they had Disney´s Frozen-on-ice, a figure skating musical which was extremely popular. I urge you to visit on a day when no idol group like Arashi or Hey Say Jump are playing. Unless you enjoy walking through a crowd of middle-aged women fawning over their favorite Johhny`s. Recently, the park´s popularity has increased, since the release of Pokemon Go. On a hot summer´s night, it was not uncommon to see large groups of people (including myself) sitting near the castle itself, catching Arbok´s and Psyducks. Now that the weather (and the game`s popularity) has cooled down, I suppose there are less people around. I wouldn`t know. I am inside, drinking hot chocolate. Keep an eye out for the fat, orange cat that likes to walk around the castle. I named him Hideyoshi. What are you waiting for? Go explore this enchanted place!
In the Area
Universal Studios Japan
Worth the visit if you like amusement parks and / or Universal Studios entertainment
on Oct 24
TonetoEdo
on Jan 28