A must-see for tourists! A trip to Osaka Castle filled with history and charm
karioka
There are many tourist attractions in Osaka.
Above all, Osaka Castle has an impressive presence.
Furthermore, Osaka is said to be the kitchen of the world, and there are plenty of delicious foods.
I will explain the appeal of the majestic Osaka Castle, where Japanese history and culture live, and recommended gourmet food.
What is the history of Osaka Castle? An epic story from the Warring States period to the present day
Source: Osaka Castle official websiteより
The beginning of castle construction - Toyotomi Hideyoshi's dream (Osaka Castle Tenshukaku)
Source: Osaka Castle official websiteより
The story of Osaka Castle dates back to 1583.
At that time, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who achieved the unification of Japan, began construction of Osaka Castle, which symbolizes his power and ambition.
Hideyoshi dreamed of Osaka Castle, which had a grand scale and beauty that was incomparable to previous castles.
The white walls and black exterior symbolized the majesty of those in power at the time and overwhelmed many people.
Turbulent History - Repeated Destruction and Reconstruction (Osaka Castle Tenshukaku)
Source: Osaka Castle official websiteより
However, the history of Osaka Castle has not been peaceful.
In the Edo period, Osaka Castle was destroyed by the Tokugawa shogunate, and the Toyotomi clan fell.
In the Siege of Osaka, which took place from 1614 to 1615, Osaka Castle was completely destroyed due to the battle between Tokugawa Ieyasu and Toyotomi Hideyori.
Since then, Osaka Castle has been repeatedly rebuilt and destroyed.
The current castle tower of Osaka Castle was reconstructed in 1931 and is a modern building made of reinforced concrete.
The interior has been set up as a museum, and there are valuable exhibits where you can learn about the history of Osaka Castle and the life of Hideyoshi Toyotomi.
What are the highlights of Osaka Castle?
Source: Osaka Castle official websiteより
Tenshukaku - A museum steeped in history
The 8-story castle tower of Osaka Castle is a modern facility that can be easily accessed by elevator.
Historical exhibits from the Toyotomi period and valuable materials relating to Hideyoshi's life are displayed on each floor.
Please vividly experience the appearance of Japan during the Warring States period through models, armor, weapons, paintings, etc.
From the top floor, you can enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of Osaka city.
The contrast between the cityscape and the historic castle is sure to enchant visitors.
Gardens around Osaka Castle - Seasonal beauty
Source: Osaka Castle Official SNSより
Osaka Castle Park is a large garden with approximately 20,000 plum and cherry trees.
You can see beautiful scenery that varies from season to season, and we especially recommend the cherry blossom season in spring.
Once you see the cherry blossoms in full bloom and Osaka Castle, they will stay in your memory for the rest of your life.
You can also experience Japanese hanami culture.
Autumn leaves create a beautiful landscape, and throughout the four seasons, you can encounter new attractions every time you visit.
Honmaru Gardens - Traditional Japanese Gardens
Source: Osaka Castle Official SNSより
Near Osaka Castle, there is also Honmaru Garden, which is a traditional Japanese garden.
You can feel Japan's unique garden culture, such as stone structures, ponds, and tea rooms.
As the seasons change, the appearance of the garden also changes, so please feel the seasons and culture.
The Cultural Significance of Osaka Castle - Unraveling Japanese History
Source: Osaka Castle official websiteより
Osaka Castle is more than just a tourist attraction; it's an important place for understanding Japanese history and culture.
You can learn about the changes in Japan from the time of Toyotomi Hideyoshi over 400 years ago to the present day through this castle.
How to get to Osaka Castle - A useful guide for sightseeing
Source: Osaka Castle official websiteより
Nearest Station and Transportation
The nearest stations are Osakajokoen Station or Morinomiya Station, which are very easy to reach from central Osaka.
If you use the Osaka Metro or JR lines, you can easily get there from anywhere in the city.
It is close to the center of Osaka, so be sure to go there when visiting Osaka.
Osaka Castle Admission Fees and Opening Hours
Source: Osaka Castle official websiteより
Admission is 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for students and children.
The museum is open from 9:00 to 17:00 (last admission at 16:30).
They may change depending on the season and special exhibitions, so be sure to check beforehand.
Recommended gourmet food in the neighborhood! Let's enjoy the flavors of Osaka
Takoyaki - Savor the soul of Osaka
Speaking of Osaka, takoyaki!
In the shopping district near Osaka Castle, you can enjoy hot takoyaki at food stalls.
It is characterized by its crispy texture on the outside and thick on the inside.
The traditional flavor, topped with sauce and mayonnaise, is very popular among tourists.
Each household in Osaka has one takoyaki machine, and Osakans can cook daitakoyaki.
Okonomiyaki - Osaka Soul Food
Osaka's specialty okonomiyaki, which is made by mixing various ingredients into a thick dough and grilling it on an iron plate, is also a dish not to be missed.
The appeal is that you can choose your favorite ingredients, such as meat, seafood, and vegetables, and it is a dish that symbolizes Osaka's food culture.
Be sure to try Osaka's okonomiyaki, which is slightly different from Hiroshima-yaki.
Kushikatsu - King of B-Gourmet
Don't miss Osaka's specialty dish, kushikatsu.
Dishes with a crispy texture made by skewering meat and vegetables and deep-frying them are representative of Osaka.
In particular, you can enjoy authentic flavors at stores around Dotonbori. Putting it twice on the sauce is prohibited.
If you really want to add more, use cabbage to add sauce.
Advice for tourists
You don't have to worry about language barriers.
Osaka Castle has English guide boards and audio guides, so that even tourists can enjoy it easily.
Also, if you use the smartphone app, you can listen to more detailed explanations.
Many people in Osaka are friendly, so if you don't understand, be sure to ask.
In addition to providing directions, they may also tell you recommended shops.
concluding
Osaka Castle is a wonderful tourist spot where you can experience the history, culture, and charm of Japan all at once.
Combining the grandeur of the Warring States period, the traditions of the Edo period, and the charm of the present day, this place will surely be an unforgettable memory.
Take your time and explore this historic site.
If you are in Kansai, be sure to visit Osaka Castle.
Head spas and beauty experiences are also recommended in Osaka!
Here are the 7 best salons that are popular in Osaka.
Be sure to go there in between sightseeing.
Also, since it is a popular store, we recommend that you make a reservation 1 to 2 weeks in advance.
Shinsaibashi, Yodoyabashi/ “head CONCIERGE Shinsaibashi Store”
An authentic head spa specialty store where a group of nationally qualified specialists lead to “ultimate sleep.”
It has various effects such as “relieving insomnia,” “improving shoulder stiffness,” “recovering from eye strain,” and “anti-aging.”
Enjoy the ultimate head spa that goes beyond relaxation.
Shin-Osaka/Esaka/ “Watanabe Acupuncture and Moxibustion Chiropractic Clinic”
If you are looking for high quality acupuncture and manipulative treatment, I recommend this salon.
We are good at improving constitution and treating pain and numbness, and we provide safe treatment for people with various problems.
Please experience our careful treatment and high technical skills.
Umeda, Fukushima/ “bellissimo”
This salon is recommended for those with scalp problems such as diet, stiff shoulders/swelling, or hair loss.
We offer a superb relaxation menu, such as slimming machines, oil massages, head spas, hair loss care, and hair growth care menus.
Since it is a treatment that is close to each person in a private room, you can receive it with peace of mind.
Umeda, Kitashinchi/ “head CONCIERGE Umedachayamachi Store”
An authentic head spa specialty store where a group of nationally qualified specialists lead to “ultimate sleep.”
It has various effects such as “relieving insomnia,” “improving shoulder stiffness,” “recovering from eye strain,” and “anti-aging.”
Enjoy the ultimate head spa that goes beyond relaxation.
Yodoyabashi, Shinsaibashi, Honmachi/ “ShiaWase” *Women Only
They suggest custom-made beauty treatments tailored to each customer's skin type and concerns.
In addition to correcting small faces, we perform thorough care using cutting-edge equipment to improve sagging, wrinkles, and blemishes on the skin.
We offer the best technology and services for those of you who are obsessed with results.
Tennoji/ “matka” *women only
Matka, a private salon where you can relax and achieve natural beauty, uses carefully selected products so that people with allergies or sensitive skin can receive beauty treatments with peace of mind.
Through treatments with a relaxed rhythm, we provide not only cosmetic benefits, but also relieve daily fatigue and stress, and provide time for refreshment.
After the treatment, please enjoy seasonal teas and sweets that the owner is particular about.
Yotsubashi, Shinsaibashi, Nishiohashi/ “RUXCIA”
This beauty salon is recommended for those of you who want to have a smaller face and get rid of skin problems in Shinsaibashi, Osaka.
It is right next to Osaka's “Yotsubashi” station, and is also close to “Shinsaibashi” and “Nishi-ohashi.”
A salon specializing in facial shape, double chin, sagging or dullness of the skin, rough skin, acne, and pore problems.
Our advanced technology can also lead to solutions to skin problems that have almost been abandoned.
Written by
- karioka
- Writer
- karioka
- Writer
A writer in his 40s who loves Osaka. As a father of three growing brothers, I will introduce places that the whole family can enjoy, recommended gourmet spots, and other places that will make you want to go.
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