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most visited sights
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1
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of 9 sights
in Osaka
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| basic
information |
The construction of Osaka Castle (Osakajo) started in 1583 on the former site of the Ishiyama Honganji Temple, which had been destroyed by Oda Nobunaga thirteen years earlier. Toyotomi Hideyoshi intended the castle to become the center of a new, unified Japan under Toyotomi rule. It was the largest castle at the time.
However, a few years after Hideyoshi's death, Tokugawa troops attacked and destroyed the castle and terminated the Toyotomi lineage in 1615. Osaka Castle was rebuilt by Tokugawa Hidetada in the 1620s, but its main castle tower was struck by lightening in 1665 and burnt down.
It was not until 1931 that the present ferro-concrete reconstruction of the castle tower was built. During the war it miraculously survived the city wide air raids. Major repair works gave the castle new glamor in 1997. The castle tower is now entirely modern on the inside and even features an elevator for easier accessibility. It houses an informative museum about the castle's history and Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Castle moats and stone walls
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Osaka Castle's spring cherry blossoms
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The castle tower is surrounded by secondary citadels, gates, turrets, impressive stone walls and moats. The Nishinomaru Garden, encompassing the former "western citadel", is a lawn garden with 600 cherry trees, a tea house, the former Osaka Guest House and nice views of the castle tower from below.
The entire Osaka Castle Park covers about two square kilometers with lots of green space, sport facilities, a multi-purpose arena (Osakajo Hall) and Hokoku Shrine, dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The park is one of Osaka's most popular hanami spot during the cherry blossom season, which usually takes place in early April.
Hokoku Shrine
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Former guest house in Nishinomaru Park
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Any advice or questions? Voice them in the forum!
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| how
to get there |
The recommended approach to Osaka Castle is through Otemon Gate at the park's southwestern corner. The closest station is Tanimachi 4-chrome Station along the Tanimachi Subway Line and Chuo Subway Line.
The closest JR station to Osaka Castle is Osakajokoen Station on the JR Loop Line, a 10 minute, 160 yen ride from JR Osaka Station.
How to get to and around Osaka
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| hours
and fees |
| Castle Tower | | Hours: | 9:00 to 17:00 (entrance until 16:30) | | Closed: | December 28 to January 1 | | Admission: | 600 yen |
| Nishinomaru Garden | | Hours: | 9:00 to 17:00 (until 16:30 from November through February)
Longer hours during the cherry blossom season. | | Closed: | Mondays (or following day if Monday is a national holiday)
New Year holidays | | Admission: | 200 yen |
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| news
and reports |
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| travel
community |
Users who have been to Osaka: 1154
Users who have been to Osaka Castle: 668 1st of 9 most visited sights in Osaka.
19th of 509 most visited sights nationwide.
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Rating by users:
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recommended (80/100, 400 votes)
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Rating by staff:
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recommended
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Overall Rating:
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outstanding
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| question
forum |
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| hotels
& ryokan |
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J&F Guesthouse Osaka
Furnished apartments. No key money or guarantor. Free internet. From 25,000yen/month w/ utilities. Refundable 20,000yen deposit.
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Weekly Mansion Osaka
Furnished apartments in the middle of downtown Osaka for short and extended stays. Free In-Room Broadband.
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Kaneyoshi Ryokan
A modern Japanese inn in Dotombori. the center of Osaka. 2 subway stations nearby. Close to many shops and Osaka Castle.
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Osaka Yamatoya Honten
Japanese style budget ryokan. From 5,775yen.
Right next to Dotonbori in Osaka.
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ANA Crowne Plaza Osaka
Experience ANA Crowne Plaza Osaka, formally known as ANA Hotel Osaka, in Osaka starting October 1st 2008.
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Japan Osaka Ryokan Association
For business or pleasure, search by area for the perfect traditional Japanese ryokan to match your Osaka accommodation needs.
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| tours
and packages |
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Osaka Tours
Various tours and travel packages for Osaka and surroundings.
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| english
links |
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| japanese
links |
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