Osaka Castle Park
Spread over 105 hectares (about 260 acres), Osaka Castle Park is a must-visit green space in Osaka, Japan.
The park is part of the Osaka Castle complex, but it is worth wandering in its own right, especially during the spring cherry blossom season and the fall leaf peeping season.
🏯 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.
Featuring a variety of trees and plants, with pathways made for strolling, water features, and traditional bridges, Osaka Castle Park is a delight.
And, unlike Osaka Castle, which has operating hours and an entrance fee if you want to go inside, Osaka Castle Park is open 24/7 and is totally free to wander!
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
Trees, Plants, and Flowers at Osaka Castle Park
Osaka Castle Park is known for its thousands of cherry trees that produce a cloud of pale pink cherry blossoms in the spring, but it is also home to a large number of other trees and plants.
Look for lovely Japanese maples, which offer brilliant fall foliage, along with fragrant olives that bloom with sweet-smelling orange or white flowers in the fall, gingko, with its blazing yellow fall color, and Chinese sweetgums, with beautiful three-lobed leaves.
🍣 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.
Among the flowering plants at Osaka Castle Park, you’ll want to look for showy hydrangea and iris in the early spring, and azaleas, dogwood, and wisteria later in the spring.
The azalea displays right in front of Osaka Castle offer a burst of color in late April, and the wisteria, on the trellis near the Tamatsukuri-guchi, in May.
Plums and peaches in the park also bloom in the spring. You will also find magnolias, with their waxy white flowers, at Osaka Castle Park.
🦌 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.
Plant lovers will want to consult a map of the various plants and flowers at Osaka Castle Park when they visit.
During special times of year, such as during cherry blossom season, the trees in the park are lit and the park hosts events, some of which have a fee.
🍶 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.
Photographing Osaka Castle
Not only is Osaka Castle Park great to visit for its trees and flowers, it also offers many spots from which to get fabulous photos of Osaka Castle.
Visit during cherry blossom peak to get stunning photos of the castle framed by pink cherry blossoms, or during leaf-peeping season to get pictures of Osaka Castle framed by bright fall foliage colors.
Keep your eyes open for great views of the castle as you walk the paths to get your own unique perspective on the views.
🛶 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.
Osaka Castle Park Tickets
Osaka Castle Park is free to visit and there is no entrance fee, so you do not need to buy tickets. You only need tickets if you plan to enter the inside of Osaka Castle or visit the Nishinomaru Garden.
🍣 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.
Osaka Castle Park Opening Hours
Osaka Castle Park is open 24/7.
Top-Rated Osaka Tours