Nishinomaru Garden - Osaka Castle Website

Nishinomaru Garden is a gorgeous garden that forms part of the Osaka Castle complex. It is spread out over 6.5 hectares (about 16 acres) and was established in the 1960s.

Unlike the Osaka Castle Park, which is free to wander, Nishinomaru Garden has a fee.

🏯 Explore Osaka’s Iconic Landmark! Discover Osaka’s rich history and vibrant culture on this comprehensive walking tour to Osaka Castle and the bustling Dotonbori district, guided by knowledgeable locals. Ideal for first-time visitors wanting an in-depth city introduction.

The site where the Nishinomaru Garden sits today formerly held the residence of Kita no Mandokoro, wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the samurai and feudal chief that’s known as the “Great Unifier of Japan.”

Planning a trip to Osaka Castle? Visit the Osaka Castle website for the complete rundown on every single detail!

And if you’re just starting to plan your visit to Japan, check out some of the top things to do in Japan, many of which you absolutely don’t want to miss!

Best Things to Do in Japan at a Glance

Place Activities & Best Tours
(Reserve early, these sell out fast!)
Tokyo Mt Fuji & Hakone, Tokyo highlights, Go-Kart, bar-hopping, sushi-making, local food tour, sumo
Kyoto Kyoto highlights, Fushimi Inari hike, local food tour, ramen cooking, samurai, kimono tea ceremony, sake tasting, Nara highlights
Osaka Osaka castle, Go Kart, street food, sushi making, Nara highlights, Kyoto highlights

Place	Activities & Best Tours (Reserve early, these sell out fast!)
Tokyo	Mt Fuji & Hakone, Tokyo highlights, Go-Kart, bar-hopping, sushi-making, local food tour, sumo
Kyoto	Kyoto highlights, Fushimi Inari hike, local food tour, ramen cooking, samurai, kimono tea ceremony, sake tasting, Nara highlights
Osaka	Osaka castle, Go Kart, street food, sushi making, Nara highlights, Kyoto highlights

Things to Do in Nishinomaru Garden

Snap photos of Osaka Castle

Offering lovely views of Osaka Castle, its moat, and the surrounding trees, Nishinomaru Garden is the perfect spot from which to take photos of the castle framed by cherry blossoms in the spring.

Osaka Castle framed by cherry blossoms in the spring, Osaka, Japan — Osaka Castle framed by cherry blossoms in the spring

🍣 Sample 13 Delicious Dishes at 5 Local Eateries! Immerse yourself in Osaka’s renowned culinary scene with this food tour. A must for food enthusiasts eager to taste authentic Osaka cuisine.

Enjoy cherry blossoms in the spring

Nishinomaru Garden boasts several hundred Somei yoshino cherry trees. Before leaves emerge each spring, the trees burst forth into bloom, with clouds of pale pink blossoms creating an unforgettable picture.

During peak cherry blossom season in Osaka, throngs of visitors head to Nishinomaru Garden to enjoy the beauty of the flowers and snap photos. The garden hosts night events during bloom time, with illuminations and activities.

🦌 Experience the historic wonders of Kyoto and Nara in this full-day guided tour by van. Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites like Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Todai-ji Temple, and encounter friendly deer in Nara Park. Ideal for those wanting to explore beyond Osaka.

Admire the plum blossoms in late winter / early spring

Nishinomaru Garden is also famous for its plum grove. There are around 1,200 plum trees in the grove, with several dozen varieties.

Plums bloom earlier then cherry trees, and the plum grove at Nishinomaru Garden is a popular attraction in late winter / early spring when it is in bloom.

🦀 Dive into Osaka’s Culinary Scene! Stroll through the famous Dotonbori and Shinsekai districts, sampling local street foods like takoyaki and kushikatsu in a small group foodie walking tour. Learn about the history and culture of these vibrant areas from your guide.

Have tea at a traditional Japanese teahouse

In the northeast of the garden, you will find Hoshuan, a teahouse where you can enjoy traditional Japanese tea.

Nishinomaru Garden Access

The official address for Nishinomaru Garden is 2 Osaka Castle, Chuo-ku, Osaka 540-0002.

The garden is a 23-minute walk from Ōsakajō-kōen Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line (see map). Most visitors visit Nishinomaru Garden in conjunction with Osaka Castle and Osaka Castle Park.

Nishnomaru Garden is a 12-minute walk from the Tanimachiyonchome Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line (see map).

🍶 Perfect for night owls – Osaka Backstreet Night Tour! Discover Osaka’s nightlife on this evening tour through the city’s backstreets. Visit hidden bars and eateries, experiencing the local izakaya culture firsthand.

Nishinomaru Garden Opening Hours

Nishinomaru Garden is open daily other than on Mondays and during the New Year holidays (generally December 28 – January 1).

Nishinomaru Garden is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. from March through October and from 9 a.m. until 4.30 p.m. from November through February. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing time.

The garden has extended hours during cherry blossom bloom time.

🛶 Osaka Go Karting Tour with Funny Costume! Experience the thrill of go-karting through Osaka’s streets while dressed in humorous costumes in this insanely popular tour – a unique way to see the city.

Nishinomaru Garden Entrance Fee

Nishinomaru Garden has an entrance fee.

General adult admission to Nishinomaru Garden is 200 yen (USD 1.29). Middle school students and younger kids enter free.

🍣 Takoyaki, okonomiyaki, miso soup & more! Learn to prepare traditional Japanese dishes in a hands-on cooking class, guided by experienced chefs. A delightful experience for culinary enthusiasts.