We added Osaka Castle to our itinerary with the expectation of being able to explore the interior, but upon arrival, we learned it operates primarily as a museum. After reviewing online feedback, it became evident that most visitors found the admission fee, roughly 600 yen, unjustified. Instead, we opted to appreciate the castle's exterior and stroll through the picturesque grounds. Before reaching the castle entrance, visitors can explore a public center housing gift shops and restaurants that offer quick bites. There are public restrooms located on the first floor, with the second floor typically less crowded than the first. In retrospect, while Osaka Castle holds historical significance, there are far more captivating attractions to experience within the city. Unless you're a fervent history enthusiast or have a particular interest in the castle's museum exhibits, I would not recommend dedicating substantial time here. For travelers seeking a comprehensive Osaka experience, it might be wiser to prioritize a city tour. Osaka has a multitude of vibrant districts, culinary experiences, and cultural treasures that arguably provide a more immersive and memorable visit.

This place was our first touristic place in Osaka. The biggest castle in Japan that was built in the 16th century. Of course, this castle is a reconstruction of Tokugawa castle in the Shogun era which was ruined during wars. It is located in a vast park surrounded by moat . It comprises of 8 floors. We got the tickets online to skip the line and the entrance fee for adults was Yen 600 and free for the chikdren below 15( ID required). The guide directed the tourists to the floor 5 in where we could find some animated events during the rule of Hideyoshi Toyotomi. It was worth visiting and interesting for my family too. Then, we went up through stairs to the upper floors. To me, the 8th floor was stunning as it had a panoramic view to the city above 50 meters. Then, at 2nd floor, we found a small line for wearing Samurai and kimono for men and ladies. We should pay Yen 500 for each along with a free picture. There was another building near Osaka Castle so called Miraiza Osaka which was used as Japanese Army fourth Division in 1930 but now being used for café , stores and souvenirs. My tip : for those who cannot walk long or face limited time , I recommend to get the internal small train which takes you around the park and castle and to castle as a final destination. The price for the ticket is Yen 400 per person for one way, meaning that for return, you should buy another one if you need it. At the end, I recommend visiting this nice castle and to me is the first and best touristic site in Osaka.

We came here around midday, and queues to buy tickets were incredibly long (so I suggest booking in advance). The castle looks brilliant and also has a nice park surrounding it. The building has around 9 floors, most floors are teaching you about history there, and one floor which has an outstanding viewpoint of the city. Note that there are 2 floors which don’t allow photography. The castle is located in a great area with loads of restaurants and some museums nearby. This place overall is a great place for a day out.

Osaka Castle is an impressive historical site with beautiful architecture and a great view from the top. The park surrounding the castle is spacious and peaceful, making it a nice place to walk around, especially during cherry blossom season. The inside of the castle is more of a museum, showcasing artifacts and the history of the area. It can get a bit crowded, but it’s still worth visiting if you’re interested in Japanese history and culture.

It was quite a walk from the Green Kadoma- Minami line-- allow about 30 minutes from the Moninomiya Station but the walk is all level to the Osaka Castle grounds. There is a bus that you can transfer to but it was quite confusing to locate it on the Google Maps app. From the Osaka Castle entrance, you need to walk another 10-15 minutes to purchase your tickets at the machines. Credit cards are allowed for purchases. It is all a self-guided tour to the eight floors of the Osaka Castle and you are not permitted to take any photos on the 3rd and 4th floors. On the 5th & 6th floors, there are displays of Osaka's history and Osaka Castle in 3D holograms that move. It is worth the walk all the way up to the 8th floor observation platform deck to see a close - up of the mythical carps that are attached to the eaves of the roof as protectors against any potential fire on the castle. They are huge!! Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours for a visit here, especially in the summer.

We visited the castle in the late afternoon just before access to the inside closed so that we could miss the crowds, however it was still so full of people inside that we could not even get close enough to the displays and information to see or read anything. We went back outside and the queues were still snaking. They should only allow a certain number of people inside at a time and sell pre-booked tickets online with a time of entry like they do for other popular attractions in Japan. The outside of the castle was pretty. We waited around till dark and took some photos of the castle being lit up. It was nice to see the difference between day & night. The surrounding gardens are nice to walk around in if you have the time (lots of people during the day but almost no one at night). I wouldn’t say this is a must see.

The castle is surrounded by park land, and the walk from public transport can take a bit of time and walking uphill. Inside the castle itself the area has been converted to floors of informative displays, showcasing artifacts with attached historical information. At the top you get sweeping views of the city around the castle. Was very crowded, not sure how to improve it, but it felt skimpy at times. Likely a "must do" of any Osaka visit

It is a great spectacle from afar, and really nice to walk around. There is a lot to learn about from the inside; however, too may tourists crowded the inside, which made it a lot slower and unexciting than it could have been. Even on a rainy day, it wasn't the best place to go to.

A beautiful castle from the exterior with lovely grounds but while the view from the top was good the actual inside of the castle was modernised and disappointing. It was 7 floors of museum (with no elevator due to extended maintenance) and the throng of people made it a slow go, so we gave up and went to the other castle building which had an excellent figurine exhibition. Hot tip: if you do buy castle tickets in advance and receive a QR code, join the line at service point 2 (less queuing).

The Osaka Castle is magnificent from the outside from all vantage points. The 360 degree views of the city from the top level are spectacular. However, the inside of the castle is a museum that appears rather monotonous. The moat around the castle in the gardens is a highlight. Although the gardens did seem a tad untidy when we visited. Book your tickets online through Klook (600 yen per adult) to avoid the long queues paying to get in. If required there is a lift to take you to the top. But you’ll have to queue up for the privilege.