A Complete Guide to Osaka Castle's Main Tower: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go!

Osaka Castle's Main Tower is a must-see historical and cultural landmark on any trip to Osaka, Japan. This building, a symbol of power during Japan's feudal era, carries centuries of history and is well worth a visit. Here's a detailed guide to help you navigate the Main Tower with ease. 1. Basic Information • Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka City. Located within Osaka Castle Park, it's easily recognizable and simple to find. • Transportation: Various transportation options are available. Take the JR Osaka Loop Line (outer loop) and get off at Osakajokoen Station. Alternatively, take the Subway Chuo Line to Tanimachi 4-chome Station, or the Subway Midosuji Line to Yodoyabashi Station. From the station, follow the signs and walk for a few minutes to reach Osaka Castle Park and then the Main Tower. • Opening Hours: Osaka Castle Park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. The Main Tower is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with last entry at 4:30 pm. Plan your visit accordingly to avoid missing out. The Main Tower is closed from December 28 to January 1. Please note this if you plan to visit Osaka during this period. • Tickets: Entry to Osaka Castle Park is free. Tickets are required to enter the Main Tower, priced at JPY 600 for adults, and free for children under 15. Purchasing e-tickets in advance on various travel platforms is recommended to avoid queuing at the ticket office. Simply scan the QR code upon arrival for convenient entry. 2. History and Architectural Features Osaka Castle's Main Tower was originally built in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who ended the century-long division of Japan's Warring States period. It served as the heart of Osaka Castle, a symbol of power and a military stronghold. However, it has suffered a turbulent history, undergoing multiple destructions and reconstructions. After Tokugawa Ieyasu defeated the Toyotomi clan, he rebuilt Osaka Castle. In 1665, the Main Tower was destroyed by a lightning strike. The current structure, a concrete building with a visible elevator, is the third generation of Osaka Castle and its Main Tower, reconstructed starting in 1931. The Main Tower's white walls, complemented by green roof tiles and upturned eaves adorned with gold leaf tigers and golden Shachi (mythical carp with tiger heads), create a dazzling spectacle under the sunlight. 3. Floor-by-Floor Guide • 1st Floor: Features introductory videos about Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Osaka Castle. These engaging videos provide a quick overview of the Main Tower's history and Hideyoshi's legendary life, setting the stage for your visit. • 2nd Floor: Focuses on Osaka Castle and basic castle knowledge. Learn about the structure and history of Japanese castles. Try on helmets, Jinbaori (sleeveless campaign coats), and kimono for a memorable photo opportunity (JPY 300 per experience). Restrooms are also located on this floor. • 3rd-4th Floors: Display important historical materials and artifacts related to Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the Warring States period, including a scale model of Hideyoshi's Golden Tea Room and a restored model of Osaka Castle. These exhibits offer a glimpse into the lifestyle and architectural layout of that era. Photography is prohibited on these floors, and the exhibits are rotated every two months, offering something new with each visit. • 5th Floor: Exhibits items related to the Summer Siege of Osaka in 1615 (where Tokugawa Ieyasu defeated Toyotomi Hideyori, Hideyoshi's son, ending the Warring States period). See screen paintings and miniature models depicting the battle, with lifelike figures and formations that bring the intense scenes to life. A widescreen display provides detailed explanations of the scenes depicted in the screen paintings. • 6th Floor: A corridor, not accessible to visitors. • 7th Floor: Through 19 perspective paintings and high-tech imagery, the life of Toyotomi Hideyoshi is vividly portrayed, providing a comprehensive understanding of his life story. • 8th Floor: The observation deck, 50 meters above ground, offers panoramic views of Osaka Castle Park and the city. Take in the modern skyscrapers, the Osaka Plain, and the distant mountains. On clear days, the view is breathtaking. Don't forget to take photos. 4. Nearby Attractions • Osaka Castle Park: Surrounding the Main Tower, this free, expansive park boasts lush greenery and seasonal beauty. It's a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring and plum blossom viewing in winter. The park also features Nishinomaru Garden, a traditional Japanese garden offering tranquility and scenic beauty. • Osaka Museum of History: Within walking distance of the Main Tower, this museum showcases the history of Osaka from ancient times to the present day. With numerous precious artifacts and historical materials, it's a must-visit for those interested in delving deeper into Osaka's history and culture. 5. Photo Spots • Detective Conan Spot: Located on the plaza below the Main Tower, near the restrooms and vending machines, find the chairs near Public Restroom 2 in Osaka Castle Park (HON-MARU West) to recreate a photo from the popular anime series. • Moat Reflection: Stand by the moat with the Main Tower as your backdrop. The water reflects the tower's elegant form, creating a picturesque scene, day or night. In winter, the clear water, paired with a gray filter, adds a touch of serene coldness. • Top Floor Observation Deck: On the 8th-floor observation deck, capture a 360° view of Osaka, including iconic landmarks like the Umeda Sky Building and Tsutenkaku Tower. On cloudy days, the mist adds a sense of historical depth. 6. Tips for Your Visit • Allocate 2-3 hours for visiting the Main Tower to fully appreciate the history and exhibits. • Visit on weekdays or in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a more comfortable experience. • Pick up a free audio guide at the entrance, available in multiple languages, to enhance your understanding of the exhibits. • Eating and drinking are prohibited in certain areas of the Main Tower. Please help maintain a clean environment.