🌸Enjoy the Scenery of All Seasons! A Relaxing Walk Around Osaka Castle Park【Access & Highlights】
This article introduces the highlights of Osaka Castle and how to get there based on personal experience!
When it comes to sightseeing in Osaka, you can’t miss Osaka Castle Park.
It’s a famous tourist spot, but it’s also a relaxing area where you can enjoy different charms each season, such as cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, plum groves, and vast grassy fields.
This time, I’ll share the highlights I experienced while strolling through Osaka Castle Park, complete with photos!
Access
- Nearest Stations: JR Osaka-Jo Koen Station, Osaka Metro Tanimachi 4-chome Station / Morinomiya Station
- Travel Time: From JR Osaka Station to JR Osaka-Jo Koen Station, take the Osaka Loop Line (outer loop) 4 stops (about 10 minutes)
- Entrance Fee: Free (fee required to enter the castle tower)
JR Osaka-Jo Koen Station
▲JR Osaka-Jo Koen Station Ticket Gate
When you exit the ticket gate and look up, you’ll see a Shigaraki tile relief mural depicting old Japanese scenery.
Be sure to look up and enjoy the mural as soon as you exit the station.
Station Front Atmosphere
▲In front of Osaka-Jo Koen Station
After leaving the station, many people walk toward Osaka Castle’s main tower.
There are guide signs along the way, and following the crowd makes it easy to find your way.
【Start the Walk! Spacious Park Grounds】
On the Way to the Castle Tower
Osaka Castle is one of the city’s representative tourist attractions and attracts many visitors.
However, the park is vast with wide paths, so you can stroll comfortably without feeling crowded while enjoying nature.
▲On the Way to Osaka Castle Tower
As you can see, some people are enjoying a walk while others are running.
It’s clear that this park is loved not only by tourists but also by locals.
Resting on a Bench by the Moat
▲Bench by the Moat in Front of the Castle Tower
This bench offers a great view of the stone walls and waterway, making it an ideal resting spot!
Having a meal here would probably taste even better than usual.
Spotting the Osaka Castle Gozabune!
▲Osaka Castle Gozabune
It seems you can take a cruise around the moat on this Osaka Castle Gozabune!
The view of the castle tower from the boat must be incredibly impressive.
During cherry blossom season in spring or autumn leaves in fall, the scenery would be even more spectacular!
Operation Information
| Operating Days | Daily (closed during New Year’s period) |
| Dock | Osaka Castle Gokurakubashi West Side |
| Ticket Sales | On-site and at selected travel agencies |
| Capacity | 18 (Kinjo-maru) / 34 (Ho-oh-maru) |
| Fare | Adults ¥1,800, Children ¥900, Seniors 65+ ¥1,200 |
| Operating Hours | 10:00–16:30 |
| Cruise Duration | Approx. 20 minutes |
【Castle Tower & Stone Wall Area】
The Magnificent Castle Tower
The centerpiece of Osaka Castle Park is, of course, the castle tower!
Rising atop massive stone walls, it’s extremely impressive.
As you get closer, the viewing angles change, offering plenty of great photo spots.
At night, the tower is illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.
▲Osaka Castle Tower
The sheer size and grandeur make it one of the most impressive castles in Japan.
It’s truly the castle built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who unified the country!
Plaza in Front of the Castle Tower
▲Plaza in Front of Osaka Castle Tower
Many tourists were taking photos here.
Quite a few people were taking selfies with their smartphones as well.
Skyscrapers Around Osaka Castle Park
Looking beyond Osaka Castle, you can see it surrounded by high-rise buildings.
▲Skyscrapers Around Osaka Castle Park
The combination of Osaka’s modern skyscrapers and Osaka Castle, built hundreds of years ago during the Azuchi-Momoyama period, creates a truly time-transcending view!
It feels like you’ve traveled back in time (haha).
【Enjoy Nature in All Seasons】
In spring, you can enjoy cherry blossoms; in early summer, fresh greenery; in autumn, colorful leaves; and in winter, a calm, serene atmosphere.
The plum grove is especially beautiful from February to March, with over 100 varieties in bloom.
Plum Grove & Autumn Leaves
▲Plum Grove in Early November
When in full bloom, the vibrant pink flowers create a wonderfully relaxing atmosphere!
▲Autumn Leaves Starting to Change Color
The best time to see autumn leaves at Osaka Castle is from mid-November to early December, so plan your visit accordingly.
【Recommended Rest Spots】
The park has several cafes and shops.
We recommend JO-TERRACE OSAKA, located right in front of Osaka-Jo Koen Station. Stylish cafes line the area, allowing you to relax while enjoying views of the castle.
Alternatively, you can grab a convenience store coffee and sit on an outdoor bench.
Since it’s right by the station, it’s perfect to stop by either before heading to the castle tower or on your way back!
▲“JO-TERRACE OSAKA”
【Summary】
Osaka Castle Park is not only a famous tourist destination but also a relaxing spot for locals.
You can enjoy nature and history without spending much money—one of Osaka’s top healing spots.
Even just taking a walk with a camera on a sunny day will surely refresh your mind.
