With kids
Osaka Castle Park
Osaka Castle Park surrounds the castle with moats, huge stone walls, lawns and plum and cherry groves (about 3,000 cherry trees), which makes it good for a stroll and for letting children stretch their legs in central Osaka.
The castle tower is a history museum with an observation deck on the 8th floor, about 50 m up. Children of middle-school age and younger get in free.
What to see and do
Eight floors of exhibits on Hideyoshi and the castle’s history, with photo spots such as life-size replicas of the golden shachihoko on the 2nd floor.
An open deck about 50 m above ground with views across Osaka.
The walls, moats and gates date from the Tokugawa era, and walking round them is free.
The tower is lit from sunset until 00:30.
Strollers and babies
Strollers are generally not allowed inside the castle tower because the upper floors are narrow and crowded; staff will look after them free of charge at the ticket gate. There is no dedicated nursing room in the tower, but the 2nd-floor first-aid room can be used, and the tower toilets have no baby-changing tables.
Good to know
- The elevator goes only to the 5th floor, and the climb from the 5th to the 8th floor and the whole way down are by stairs. A carrier is easier than a stroller for babies.
- Arrive in the morning: the tower gets crowded and the upper floors narrow. There are no coin lockers, but bags can be left at the ticket office for ¥100 each.