Situated within the Osaka Castle Park, Osaka Castle is the symbol of Osaka. The park is also home to sports facilities, the Osakajo Hall, and a shrine dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi who commissioned the building of the castle.

Building of the castle was completed in 1585 on the former site of the Ishiyama Honganji Temple. Major repairs to the castle tower were undertaken in 1997 and the inside has been modernised, even featuring an elevator.

Within the tower is a museum where visitors can learn about the history of the castle and the life of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

There is a beautiful garden with 600 cherry trees and a tea house on the western side of the castle. An admission fee is charged to enter the garden while access to the rest of the grounds is free.

Getting There: The best approach to Osaka Castle is through Otemon Gate at the park's southwestern corner. The closest station is Tanimachi Yonchome Station along the Tanimachi and Chuo subway lines.

If you’re coming from JR Osaka Station, the easiest way is the Osaka Loop Line to Osakajokoen Station - 10 minutes from JR Osaka Station.

Admission Fee: is 600 Yen per person.

Opening Hours: 9 am to 5 pm.

Importance Rating: 8 - this is one of Osaka's top sights and the symbol of the city.

Busyness Rating: 6 - it gets quite busy.

Top Tips: The park is one of Osaka's most popular hanami spots during the cherry blossom season.