Osaka Castle Tickets
Unlock the doors to history at Osaka Castle, a majestic icon of Japan. Explore its historic significance with an admission ticket. For extra adventure, combine it with a visit to Universal Studios Japan with our exclusive combo deal.
-
Skip waiting in long queues to get physical tickets when you book this convenient e-ticket and visit one of the most important historical heritage sites built in Ancient Japan.
-
Explore the castle with over 100 years of history and countless precious relics.
-
Experience Japan from a century ago, with access to the castle’s 8 floors.
-
Take in Osaka City’s panoramic views from the top.
More details
-
Skip waiting in long queues to get physical tickets when you book this convenient e-ticket and visit one of the most important historical heritage sites built in Ancient Japan.
-
Explore the castle with over 100 years of history and countless precious relics.
-
Experience Japan from a century ago, with access to the castle’s 8 floors.
-
Take in Osaka City’s panoramic views from the top.
-
Marvel at Osaka from Harukas 300, where 360-degree floor-to-ceiling windows offer breathtaking views of the city's skyline from 300 meters high.
-
Elevate your experience with the heliport tour, where you’ll learn about Harukas 300’s design and Osaka’s landmarks while enjoying open-air views.
-
Skip the long lines at Osaka Castle and explore its rich history as a former stronghold of the Toyotomi clan and a symbol of Japan's feudal past.
-
Ascend all eight floors of Osaka Castle to admire priceless samurai artifacts and enjoy breathtaking views of Osaka from the observation deck.
-
Fun fact: Osaka Castle was originally built in 1583 and has been rebuilt multiple times, becoming a symbol of the city’s resilience and history.
More details
-
Marvel at Osaka from Harukas 300, where 360-degree floor-to-ceiling windows offer breathtaking views of the city's skyline from 300 meters high.
-
Elevate your experience with the heliport tour, where you’ll learn about Harukas 300’s design and Osaka’s landmarks while enjoying open-air views.
-
Skip the long lines at Osaka Castle and explore its rich history as a former stronghold of the Toyotomi clan and a symbol of Japan's feudal past.
-
Ascend all eight floors of Osaka Castle to admire priceless samurai artifacts and enjoy breathtaking views of Osaka from the observation deck.
-
Fun fact: Osaka Castle was originally built in 1583 and has been rebuilt multiple times, becoming a symbol of the city’s resilience and history.
-
With the Universal Studios Japan 1-day pass, explore more than 60 attractions including Elmo’s Little Drive, Minion Rally, Amity Boardwalk Games, and more.
-
Discover 11 thrilling thematic worlds such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, Amity Village, Universal Wonderland, and Minion Park to name a few.
-
See the castle of Osaka where history remains alive with marvelous architecture and interior, spawning over 100 years of countless precious relics.
-
Get access to the 8 floors of the castle and marvel at the panoramic views of the city from the top of the castle.
-
Access Halloween-themed events like a Halloween Party to get up close and personal with Pikachu and the Minions from Sep 5 to Nov 4.
-
Did you know? Osaka Castle was destroyed and rebuilt numerous times, and not always by war – in 1665 the main castle tower was in fact destroyed by fire as a result of a lightning storm.
More details
-
With the Universal Studios Japan 1-day pass, explore more than 60 attractions including Elmo’s Little Drive, Minion Rally, Amity Boardwalk Games, and more.
-
Discover 11 thrilling thematic worlds such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, Amity Village, Universal Wonderland, and Minion Park to name a few.
-
See the castle of Osaka where history remains alive with marvelous architecture and interior, spawning over 100 years of countless precious relics.
-
Get access to the 8 floors of the castle and marvel at the panoramic views of the city from the top of the castle.
-
Access Halloween-themed events like a Halloween Party to get up close and personal with Pikachu and the Minions from Sep 5 to Nov 4.
-
Did you know? Osaka Castle was destroyed and rebuilt numerous times, and not always by war – in 1665 the main castle tower was in fact destroyed by fire as a result of a lightning storm.
Pro tips to help you make a pick
Early arrival is key: Osaka Castle gets crowded, especially during cherry blossom season. Arriving early helps avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful exploration of the castle and its grounds.
Check event schedules: Osaka Castle hosts various events and exhibitions throughout the year. Check the official website for the schedule before your visit to enhance your experience with cultural performances or special exhibitions.
Utilize the Osaka Loop Line: The Osaka Loop Line is a convenient way to get to Osaka Castle, with Osakajokoen Station being the closest. It connects to various parts of the city, making it easy to include the castle in your Osaka itinerary.
Explore surrounding areas: After visiting the castle, take some time to explore the surrounding areas. The adjacent Nishinomaru Garden is perfect for picnics and leisurely walks, especially during the cherry blossom season.
Guided tours offer deeper insights: For a more informative experience, consider joining a guided tour. Guides offer valuable insights into the castle's history, architecture, and significance in Japan's history.
Be prepared for stairs: The main tower of Osaka Castle involves climbing several flights of stairs to reach the top. Ensure you're prepared for a bit of a workout to enjoy the panoramic views.
Top things to do in Osaka
About Osaka Castle
Explore Osaka Castle's rich history and natural beauty. With artifacts and landscapes spanning centuries, it's not just a visit but an immersive experience that will leave you wishing for more!
Osaka Castle's main tower is not its original structure; it was meticulously reconstructed in 1931 after being destroyed by lightning in 1665 and suffering damage over the centuries.
The castle is home to a time capsule, buried in 1970 to commemorate the Expo '70 World Fair in Osaka, intended to be opened 5,000 years later.
Inside Osaka Castle, there's a hidden floor not visible from the outside, designed for defense and as a lookout, making the castle even more formidable than it appears.
The gold leaf decorations on the castle, particularly the golden shachi (mythical dolphin-like creatures) on the roof, were not just for aesthetics but also served to intimidate attackers and symbolize wealth and power.
Despite its ancient appearance, Osaka Castle features modern amenities like elevators inside the main tower, a blend of traditional beauty and contemporary convenience uncommon in historic sites.
Why visit Osaka Castle?
Highlights
Ascend Tenshukaku - The iconic Main Tower
Dive into the heart of Osaka Castle by visiting Tenshukaku, its main tower. Standing majestically at 55 meters, this five-story exterior and eight-story interior structure offers a museum rich with historical treasures and an observation deck. From here, feast your eyes on unparalleled views of Osaka, enveloped in the tower's reconstructed beauty and golden splendor.
Osaka Castle Tower Museum
Start your museum journey from the top! Ride the elevator up to the 8th floor and gradually make your way down, unraveling the castle's storied past. Each floor is a chapter in history, from vivid multi-colored woodblock prints to holographic displays of Hideyoshi Toyotomi, offering a chronological narrative of Osaka's evolution and its pivotal moments in samurai lore.
Nishinomaru Garden
Just a stone's throw from the main tower, Nishinomaru Garden is a haven of tranquility and beauty. This meticulously maintained area, adorned with 600 cherry trees, offers a serene backdrop for the castle and a picturesque spot for relaxation or a picnic, especially during the cherry blossom season.
The Plum Grove
If your visit aligns with late February or early March, the Plum Grove is a must-see. With over 1,300 plum trees blooming in hues from white to deep pink, this part of the castle park showcases the early signs of spring in a fragrant and colorful display.
Moats and walls
Osaka Castle's imposing stone walls and wide moats are a testament to its historical defensive strategies. Learn about the ingenious "Masugata" design, intended to trap attacking forces, and marvel at the sheer size of the "Tako Ishi" – the largest stone in the castle's construction.
Plan your visit
Main Tower entrance
- The primary access point to Osaka Castle's is through the Main Tower entrance. Situated at the base of the castle's imposing structure, this entrance serves as the gateway to exploring the various exhibitions and artifacts housed within.
- Equipped with modern facilities, this entrance features ramps and elevators, ensuring accessibility for all visitors, including those in wheelchairs or with mobility challenges.
- The entrance is strategically located to offer a seamless transition from the castle's majestic exterior to its informative and enriching interior exhibitions, making it a convenient starting point for everyone.
In addition to its regular opening hours, Osaka Castle frequently hosts a variety of special events and cultural ceremonies that may influence visiting hours.
For instance, during the cherry blossom season in early April, the castle grounds may extend opening hours to accommodate evening sakura viewings, a tradition known as "yozakura," where the blossoms are illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere.
The castle and its surroundings are also a popular venue for traditional Japanese festivals, including the summer fireworks display and the autumn leaf viewing season, which may also feature extended hours or special programming.
Osaka Castle provides locker facilities near the museum entrance for visitors to securely store their personal belongings, including small luggage, backpacks, and other items.
An audio guide service is available in multiple languages, including Japanese, English, Korean, and Chinese. These guides offer detailed historical context and stories about Osaka Castle, enhancing the visitor experience.
Clean and well-maintained restrooms are available throughout the castle grounds and inside the museum.
Various food and beverage outlets are located around Osaka Castle Park, offering a range of options from quick snacks to full meals. Visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine and refreshments while taking in the views of the castle and its surroundings.
The Osaka Castle Museum Shop offers a wide range of souvenirs, from traditional Japanese crafts to themed merchandise related to the castle and its history.
For the convenience of visitors, ATMs are available near the museum entrance and within the Osaka Castle Park area. These ATMs accept a wide range of domestic and international cards.
Osaka Castle offers both free and paid parking options for visitors arriving by car. The free parking areas have limited spaces and are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while the paid parking areas provide ample space but require a fee.
Osaka Castle offers both free and paid parking options for visitors arriving by car. The free parking areas have limited spaces and are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while the paid parking areas provide ample space but require a fee.
Osaka Castle offers baby changing facilities in restrooms throughout the park. These facilities provide a clean and private space for parents to care for their infants.
First aid stations are located within the castle grounds and are staffed with trained personnel to assist with minor medical needs or emergencies.
Osaka Castle is equipped with wheelchair-accessible paths, ramps, and elevators, ensuring that visitors with mobility challenges can navigate both the castle grounds and the interior of the museum comfortably.
Elevators are available within Osaka Castle, providing access to multiple floors of the museum for those who cannot use stairs.
Service animals assisting visitors with disabilities are welcome at Osaka Castle. Visitors are encouraged to carry proper documentation for their service animals to ensure a smooth entry and access to all areas of the castle.
Strollers are allowed within Osaka Castle and its grounds. However, in certain areas with narrow pathways or steps, visitors may be required to fold and carry their strollers
Browse by themes
Nearby cities to explore
World at your tap.
Get the Headout app to get tickets on your phone and access app-only deals. Talk about win-win.
