castle, Osaka

Osaka Castle doesn`t look so bad on the outside but if you want to visit a "REAL" castle that has a similar/same interior as the original, you will be greatly disappointed when you visit this castle. The inside has been converted into a museum that talks about the history of Osaka Castle & Osaka. Sure, it`s interesting, but you don`t feel like you are in a castle. It`s too modern inside & there`s not historical feel to it.

Unique Suggestions: If you have to go, at least walk all around on the castle grounds. Good exercise & you can see carp fish in the moat.

Fun Alternatives: If you want a real castle feel, visit Himeji Castle, a 1 hr train ride from Osaka. It`s more beautiful, inside & out.

Osaka-Jo Castle

Well, Osaka Castle is great first time you visit.
View of Osaka city is fantastic or awesome from the top floor.Panoramic view for you walk around and can see entire city. GREAT SITE! You also see many displays on each floor as you walk to top. History along with artifacts from samuri wars. So much history of Osaka is shown! So its great first time visit but I would not recomend as must see, more as I was there type of visit. I did learn of Osaka History. ALSO-Tourist items for sale, so if anything, Osaka Castle is considered (my opinion) as tourist trap for they do sell many souvenirs!

Local people do not recomend as must see in Osaka. It is all the travel brocures and information websites that mention as local attraction to see.

I did not visit untill my third year back to Osaka. Only reason I went is I saw in travel book so I ask my friend to take me. Ok he said and ten minutes later, we arrived from Rihga Royal Hotel. YES!
This is so great I mention to him. I spent one hour there and take many photos from view upstairs.
I DID NOT KNOW THEY HAD ELEVETORS IN old OSAKA ? (back in feudal days of old Osaka)
Osaka Castle is actually completely rebuilt and restored using some of original blocks along with modern technology.

Local people will tell you go see Himeji Castle
for Himeji is one of few in Japan that is original.
(with some repairs, otherwise mostly original)

So yes first time is great to see. Oh do go see Sakura in April at Osaka Castle for so many trees here and view when in full bloom is great. Another
reason to return may be to take date for walk around castle. Many times you will see homeless people too walking around.