After various day trips to nearby cities, it’s time to shift the attention to Osaka attractions. And the first stop is Osaka Castle (大阪城).

Since we are moving around Osaka area for the next 2 days, I would think that the Osaka Unlimited Pass (now: Osaka Amazing Pass) present good value. The Pass comes with free admission, discount rates and unlimited train and bus rides.

Priced at 2,700 JPY back in 2010 (now: 3,000 JPY) for a 2 days access looks like a good deal to me. Especially when a rough 1 Day itinerary as below would already costs 3,300 JPY (assumed all Metro rides to be 200 JPY). Definitely worth getting it!

*1 Day in Osaka Itinerary example

200 JPY – Metro to either Tanimachi 4-chome (谷町4丁目駅) or Morinomiya (森ノ宮駅)
600 JPY – Morning visit to Osaka Castle
200 JPY – Metro from Tanimachi 4-chome (谷町4丁目駅) to Tennoji (天王寺)
700 JPY – Tsutenkaku Tower
500 JPY – Tennoji Zoo
200 JPY – Metro from Tennoji (天王寺) to Umeda (梅田)
700 JPY – Umeda Sky Building
200 JPY – Return Metro ride to Hotel

The Iconic Osaka Castle

The famous brainchild of Hideyoshi Toyotomi was unparalleled in terms of scale during its time. A symbol of Osaka ever since but it too suffered from the ill fate of being destroyed and burnt down in separate occasions… The current structure is actually a concrete reconstruction of its glorious form in the past.

Like all great castles, Osaka Castle is surrounded by magnificent moats and stone walls.

The grand appearance of Osaka’s best known sight is enhanced by golden accent, the extravagance act was mainly due to Toyotomi Hideyoshi liking of gold. Though I find no practical sense to add gold to the castle, I must say that it certainly add class to it.

Unlike the well preserved Himeji Castle, Osaka Castle is more like a museum with the shape of a castle. The modernized interior exhibits information on its builder, the battles and castle history. Among the exhibits, there are some animation videos showing historical re-enactments. Too bad it’s all in Japanese which we are totally clueless.

We took the lift inside Osaka Castle Museum to its top floor. Yeah! No climbing needed! The observation deck offers a nice panoramic view surrounding the castle.

It’s a great experience to see both the original Himeji Castle and modernized Osaka Castle during this trip to Kansai region. Just don’t come here expecting to see the internal structure of a castle.