OSAKA CASTLE AREA

OSAKA IS A MODERN METROPOLIS , the thriving economic centre of the Kansai region and Japan’s third most populous city. But at its heart is the historical Osaka Castle, an icon of the city that has survived in some form since the late 1500s.

Osaka Castle takes pride of place in the city’s central Chuo ward. It’s the focal point of Osaka Castle Park, a green sanctuary amid the district’s towering skyscrapers. If you need a break from Osaka’s urban trappings, this is the place to visit.

But it’s more than just a tranquil green space. For a crash course on Osaka’s history and heritage, this area is also the place to be. Around Osaka Castle Park are several museums where you can learn about the city’s fascinating past. This includes the castle itself, which is now preserved as a museum dedicated to Osaka’s history.

Venture out from the confines of the park and you’ll still find plenty of charm around this area. Historical neighbourhoods, atmospheric shopping streets and cultural experiences await in one of Osaka’s most traditional districts.

Top Attractions

Osaka Castle Museum

Learn about the turbulent history of Osaka Castle by stepping inside the iconic building and exploring its museum. There are eight floors, each with exhibits that tell the castle’s fascinating story. You’ll also notice a lot of gold decorations inside and outside the building, a nod to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the gold-obsessed feudal lord who built the first castle on this site over 400 years ago. Head up to the top-floor observation deck for stunning views of Osaka across the park.

à 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo (Morinomiya, Osakajokoen stations). 06 6941 3044. osakacastle.net. 9am-5pm daily (extended hours during certain holidays).

Hokoku Shrine

Osaka Castle is synonymous with Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the feudal lord who began construction of the fortress in the late 1500s. Not far from the castle, you’ll find this shrine in honour of Hideyoshi, with a striking statue of the man himself at the entrance. Hideyoshi rose from being a foot soldier to become one of the most powerful men in Japan. Many worshippers buy an amulet featuring a gourd design from this shrine – it’s said to bring success and luck.

à 2-1 Osakajo, Chuo (Morinomiya, Tanimachi 4-chome stations). 06 6941 0229. osaka-hokokujinja.org. 9am-5pm.

MIRAIZA OSAKA-JO

There’s a lot packed into this shopping and restaurant complex inside a former 1930s army building. On the first floor you can pick up souvenirs from gift shop Osaka-jo Honjin, have a go at being a ninja at Shinobi-ya, and munch on the city’s famous street food takoyaki (octopus dumplings) at Konamon Bar Rikyu. But the rooftop terrace is the main attraction. Here you’ll find Blue Birds, a barbecue restaurant with stunning views of Osaka Castle, especially when it’s lit up at night.

à 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo (Morinomiya, Osakajokoen stations). 06 6755 4320. miraiza.jp. Hours vary by store. Blue Birds open from March-October.

OSAKA SUIJO BUS AQUA-LINER

This boat tour is a great way to get a different perspective of Osaka Castle. The boat departs from Osaka Castle Pier and sails past the castle before taking in nearby attractions such as Central Public Hall, a cultural venue built in 1918, and Naniwabashi Bridge, also known as ‘Lion Bridge’ for its four lion statues. The tour ends with the boat passing through Osaka Castle Tunnel, which was used in the past to load weapons onto ships.

à 2 Osakajo, Chuo (Osakajokoen Station). 06 6942 5511. suijo-bus.osaka. Tour departs every 45 minutes from 10.15am4.15pm daily.

Osaka International Peace Centre

This thought-provoking museum documents the trauma Osaka suffered during World War II, when the city was heavily damaged through air raids. The first two floors have exhibits about Osaka’s wartime experience, including photos and daily life items from this difficult time. But this museum is also about hope. The third floor showcases how Osaka recovered from the war through rapid economic growth, and also has an exhibition dedicated to peacekeeping missions around the world.

à 2-1 Osakajo, Chuo (Morinomiya Station). 06 6947 7208. peace-osaka.or.jp. 9.30am-5pm (last entry 4.30pm), closed Mon.

Osaka Museum Of History

Across the road from Osaka Castle Park is this fascinating museum that documents Osaka’s 1,400-year history. One of the highlights is the partial reconstruction of the ancient Naniwa Palace, including true-to-life replicas of the striking vermillion pillars that once defined the historic building. Right next door to the museum, you can see the actual Naniwa Palace Ruins.

à 4-1-32 Otemae, Chuo (Tanimachi 4-chome Station). 06 6946 5728. mus-his.city.osaka.jp. 9.30am-5pm (last entry 4.30pm), closed Tue (Wed if Tue is hol).

Ohtsuki Noh Theatre

Noh is one of Japan’s oldest forms of theatre, dating back to the 14th century. For a deep dive into this traditional art form, Ohtsuki Noh Theatre is the place to visit. You can take a tour (reservations required) of this 90-yearold theatre, and even go backstage, with an English-language audio guide. There are also multilingual digital displays in the lobby that explain more about Noh. Of course, you can also catch a Noh performance, with shows taking place roughly once a month.

à A-7 Uemachi, Chuo (Tanimachi 4-chome, Tanimachi 6-chome stations). 06 6761 8055. noh-kyogen.com. Tour and show times vary.

Sembayashi Shopping Street

This 660m-long shotengai shopping arcade has been around since the late Meiji period (18681912) and has some serious nostalgic vibes. Stroll around the 200 stores and keep an eye out for bargains. You can browse through shops selling fashion, homeware, flowers, fresh produce and everything else in between. When you get hungry, stop off at one of the old-school restaurants for Osaka favourites like piping-hot takoyaki and golden, crispy kushikatsu skewers.

à 1-5-20 Sembayashi, Asahi (Sembayashi-Omiya Station). senbayashi.com. Hours vary by store.

GAMO-YON NEIGHBOURHOOD

This atmospheric district has gone through a revival of late thanks to the revitalisation work of the Gamo-yon Nigiwai Project, which helped turn Gamo-yon into a foodie destination. Previously neglected machiya townhouses, some dating from the late Edo era (1603-1867), have been restored as thriving restaurants where you can feast on yakitori, fresh seafood, soba and more. You can cap off your night with a local beer at Gamoyon Brewery, and even stay over at Shukuhonjin, a traditional machiya on Airbnb.

à 3-7 Imafukunishi, Joto (Gamo 4-chome Station). r-play.jp/gamo4project. Hours vary by store.