Osaka Castle Park

In short

A park covering over 100 hectares on the former grounds of Osaka Castle; the entire area is designated as a National Special Historic Site as the "Osaka Castle Site." Osaka Castle was built in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, but it burned down in the Summer Campaign of the Siege of Osaka in 1615, and the Tokugawa shogunate rebuilt it using an entirely new design. The stone walls and moats visible today date from this Tokugawa era, and 13 buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan remain, including Otemon Gate and the Sengan-yagura Turret.

• ​The Giant Takoishi Stone​​: Located in the masugata (square entrance compound) of Sakuramon Gate at the entrance to the honmaru, the Takoishi is a massive stone with an estimated weight of 130 tons. It was transported from Inujima Island in Bizen Province by Ikeda Tadakatsu, lord of the Okayama Domain
• ​Approximately 3,000 Cherry Trees​​: In spring, around 3,000 cherry trees bloom throughout the grounds, and the park has been selected among the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots." The park also houses Osaka's official "sample cherry tree"
• ​Plum Grove​​: On the east side of the park is a plum grove planted with 1,270 plum trees spanning more than 100 varieties, which can be enjoyed for an extended period from late January to early March

History and Highlights

​Osaka Castle Park​ is an expansive park covering over 100 hectares on the former grounds of Osaka Castle. The entire area is designated as a National Special Historic Site as the "Osaka Castle Site."

Osaka Castle was built in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi on the site of Osaka Hongan-ji Temple. It was such a magnificent castle that foreign missionaries marveled at it, but it burned down in the Summer Campaign of the Siege of Osaka in 1615. Afterward, the Tokugawa shogunate rebuilt the castle over a period of about 10 years, using an entirely new design and large-scale earth embankments centered on the honmaru (main bailey). The stone walls and moats visible today date from this Tokugawa era.

The appeal of Osaka Castle lies in the grandeur of its water moats and the beauty of its stone walls. The stone walls have a total length of 12 kilometers, and it is said that approximately 1 million stones were used. The park grounds retain 13 buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan, including the castle's main entrance, Otemon Gate, as well as the Sengan-yagura Turret, Tamon-yagura Turret, and Enshogura (gunpowder magazine).

Highlights of Appreciation and Experiences

• ​The Giant Takoishi Stone​​: Located in the masugata (square entrance compound) of Sakuramon Gate at the entrance to the honmaru, the Takoishi is a massive stone with an estimated weight of 130 tons. It was transported from Inujima Island in Bizen Province by Ikeda Tadakatsu, lord of the Okayama Domain.
• ​Approximately 3,000 Cherry Trees​​: In spring, around 3,000 cherry trees bloom throughout the grounds, earning the park a selection among the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots." The park also houses Osaka's official "sample cherry tree," whose blossoms determine Osaka's cherry blossom declaration. For cherry blossom viewing with the castle tower as a backdrop, Nishinomaru Garden, with roughly 300 cherry trees, is highly regarded.
• ​Plum Grove​​: On the east side of the park is a plum grove planted with 1,270 plum trees spanning more than 100 varieties. Featuring both early- and late-blooming varieties, it can be enjoyed for an extended period from late January to early March.

Walking Tips

The park is right outside Osaka-jōkōen Station and Morinomiya Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line. On the northern Yamazatomaru bailey stands the monument marking the "Site of the Suicide of Toyotomi Hideyori, Lady Yodo, and Their Attendants," offering a quiet moment to reflect on the castle's history between flower viewing and walks. Hokoku-jinja Shrine is also located within the park, while the exhibits inside the castle tower are introduced under the Osaka Castle spot.