Hotels near Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle (Osaka-jo) was first built in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the warlord who unified Japan. The current main keep is a 1931 ferroconcrete reconstruction (with elevators and air-conditioning) of the original which burned down in 1665 and was rebuilt then destroyed again. The 8-storey tower stands 55 metres tall, surrounded by massive stone walls and twin moats - the outer moat encloses 60 hectares of parkland.

Inside, 7 floors house a museum of Hideyoshi's life with elaborate golden screens and samurai armour. The 8th-floor observation deck offers a sweeping view over Osaka. The surrounding park has 3000 cherry trees and is a top hanami destination in early April. Admission 600 JPY; combined with Sakuya Lujo gardens 950 JPY. Open 09:00-17:00 daily, extended to 19:00 in spring/summer holiday periods.

Pro Tip: Enter via the eastern Aoyamon gate rather than the main southern Otemon gate - the eastern approach is more atmospheric and crosses the inner moat with the keep dramatically framed by trees. Skip the elevator and climb the stairs to see the museum properly.