6-Day Autumn Osaka Maple Viewing Trip

6-Day, 5-Night Autumn Osaka Maple Viewing Trip from November 1 to November 6, 2024.
🌟 Sightseeing Date: Saturday, November 2, 2025

🗓️ Attractions/Store Information: Osaka Castle Park, Osaka Castle/Tenshukaku (Main Tower)/Nishinomaru Garden.
📍 Address: 1-1 Osaka Castle, Chuo Ward, Osaka City, Japan
🈺 Operating Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM; extended hours during specific seasons).
💰 Admission Fees:
A. Osaka Castle Tenshukaku: Adults ¥600, free for junior high school students and younger.
B. Nishinomaru Garden: Adults ¥200 (additional charges apply during cherry blossom season).

🏯 Introduction to Osaka Castle

1. Basic Information
• Japanese Name: 大阪城 (Ōsaka-jō)
• Location: 1-1 Osaka Castle, Chuo Ward, Osaka City, Japan
• Year Built: Originally commissioned by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1583
• Symbolic Significance: A symbol of power during Japan's Sengoku period, recognized as one of Japan's "Three Great Castles" (alongside Nagoya Castle and Kumamoto Castle).

2. Historical Background
1. 1583: Toyotomi Hideyoshi began construction, creating a grand and magnificent fortress as a power center.
2. 1615: The Summer Siege of Osaka led to the fall of the Toyotomi clan, and the castle was destroyed by fire.
3. 1620s: Rebuilt by the Tokugawa shogunate, with an even larger and more fortified structure.
4. 1665: The main Tenshukaku was destroyed by lightning.
5. 1931: Reconstructed using reinforced concrete, preserved to this day.
6. Post-War to Present: A major tourist attraction in Osaka, housing a museum and undergoing extensive restoration in 1997.

3. Architectural Features
• Tenshukaku: Currently 8 stories tall (5 stories externally, 8 stories internally), with golden tigers and shachihoko (mythical carp) on the roof, symbolizing protection and authority.
• Stone Walls: Built with massive granite stones, some reaching up to 30 meters high, representing Japanese castle architecture.
• Moats: Double-layered inner and outer moats, still well-preserved today.

4. Highlights for Visitors
1. Tenshukaku Museum
• Exhibits related to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Sengoku-era armor, weapons, and castle models.
• The top-floor observation deck offers panoramic views of Osaka City.
2. Nishinomaru Garden
• Features expansive lawns and cherry trees, a famous spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring.
• Offers iconic photo opportunities of Osaka Castle framed by cherry blossoms.
3. Osaka Castle Park
• A vast green space surrounding the castle, ideal for walking, jogging, or picnicking.
• Spectacular cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage.
4. Night Illumination
• Special nighttime lighting or projection mapping events during certain periods, enhancing the castle's grandeur.

5. Visitor Information
• Operating Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM; extended hours during specific seasons).
• Closed: December 28–January 1
• Admission:
• Osaka Castle Tenshukaku: Adults ¥600, free for junior high school students and younger.
• Nishinomaru Garden: Adults ¥200 (additional charges apply during cherry blossom season).
• Transportation:
• JR Osaka Loop Line: Get off at "Osaka Castle Park Station" and walk about 15 minutes.
• Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line: Get off at "Temmabashi Station" or "Tanimachi 4-chome Station" and walk about 15 minutes.

6. Best Times to Visit
• Spring (March–April): Peak cherry blossom season, the most popular time.
• Autumn (October–November): The castle is beautifully adorned with autumn foliage.
• Early Morning or Late Afternoon: Fewer crowds, ideal for photography and leisurely walks.

Travel Tips/Itinerary
🏯 Osaka Castle One-Day Itinerary

1. Itinerary Plan

Morning: Osaka Castle + Tenshukaku
• 9:00 AM: Arrive at Osaka Castle Park
• Recommended entry points: JR Osaka Loop Line "Osaka Castle Park Station" or Metro "Tanimachi 4-chome Station."
• Stroll along the moat and admire the imposing stone walls.
• 9:30–11:00 AM: Visit Tenshukaku
• Explore historical exhibits (Toyotomi Hideyoshi's legacy, Sengoku armor, weapons).
• Ascend to the top-floor observation deck for panoramic views of Osaka City.

📸 Photo Highlights:
• Stone walls + moat + Tenshukaku reflection
• Nishinomaru Garden cherry blossoms (spring) or autumn foliage (fall)
• Panoramic views from the Tenshukaku rooftop

Noon: Lunch Break
• 12:00 PM: Lunch Recommendations
• Near Morinomiya or Kyobashi Stations, there are many restaurants:
• Okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes)
• Udon or sushi
• For a quick bite, there are also cafes around Osaka Castle Park.

Afternoon: Osaka History and Culture
• 1:30 PM: Osaka Museum of History (about a 15-minute walk)
• Features models of "Ancient Naniwa Palace," providing deeper insights into Osaka Castle's historical context.
• 3:00 PM: Umeda or Kuromon Market
• For shopping enthusiasts: Head to Umeda (department stores, Umeda Sky Building observation deck).
• For food lovers: Visit Kuromon Market to try Osaka-style fried foods, takoyaki, and fresh seafood.

Evening: Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi
• 5:30 PM: Head to Dotonbori
• Admire the iconic Glico Running Man sign.
• Enjoy Osaka specialties: takoyaki, kushikatsu (skewered fried foods), ramen.
• 7:00 PM: Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street
• Shop for cosmetics, souvenirs, and more in this bustling arcade.
• 9:00 PM: End of itinerary, return to your accommodation.

2. Best Photo Spots
1. Osaka Castle Park Moat: Capture reflections + imposing stone walls.
2. Nishinomaru Garden: Cherry blossoms/autumn foliage + castle.
3. Tenshukaku Observation Deck: Contrast between modern Osaka and the historic castle.
4. Dotonbori Glico Sign: A must-photograph Osaka landmark.
5. Shinsaibashi Arcade: Vibrant and lively shopping atmosphere.

3. Transportation Tips
• Use the Osaka Amazing Pass: Free entry to Osaka Castle Tenshukaku and some museums, plus unlimited subway/bus rides—very cost-effective.
• If visiting Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi in the evening, take the subway from Tanimachi 4-chome to Namba Station for direct access.