OSAKA CASTLE (OSAKA JO)

Experience Osaka's top spots and local hidden gems on this guided walking tour. See Osaka Castle and the Namba, Dotonbori, and Tsuruhashi neighborhoods — or customize the tour with a private option.

Experience the best of Osaka with direct entry tickets to Abeno Harukas Observatory Deck, Japan's tallest building. Take your Osaka experience to new heights by upgrading your ticket for the Heliport Tour. Your visit will start at the ticket office on the 16th floor, from where an uber-cool lift will whisk you off your feet in futuristic appeal, to the top deck on the 60th floor. As the elevator doors open, a stunning skyline spreads forth before you with an indoor gallery constructed entirely of glass from floor to ceiling. Enjoy a jaw-dropping view of downtown Osaka which feels both like a diorama and a historical map. Experience sights that remain unchanged since ancient times from burial mounds to important buildings, such as the Osaka Castle, Shitennoji Temple, and the old town districts of Osaka. Going east to south, you can see Mount Yoshino and Mount Ikoma, which are celebrated mounts in poetry from Japan’s Nara and Heian periods. After experiencing exhilarating heights, drop it down a notch and enter the 58th floor to find a large wooden deck that opens up to the sky. This is a soothing space simulating a sky garden where one can relax and take a breather. There is also a cafe serving delicious food and drinks for the hungry!

Kick off your adventure at Harukas 300, Japan's second tallest building. Ascend 300 meters to the observation deck, where breathtaking panoramic views of Osaka and beyond await. Marvel at iconic landmarks like Osaka Castle and the sprawling Osaka Bay as you soak in the vibrant cityscape. For an elevated experience, consider upgrading to the heliport tour, where you can capture stunning skyline vistas from the rooftop. This experience combines spectacular sights with great value, making it a must-do for any traveler. Nature meets technology Next, immerse yourself in the enchanting teamLab Botanical Garden, home to over 1200 plant species and several installations that blend art and nature. Stroll through the “Walk, Walk, Walk” exhibit, where diverse figures continuously traverse the forest, inviting you to reflect on your own journey. Discover the mesmerizing “Resonating Microcosms,” where ovoids in the camellia garden shift colors and emit tones, responding to your movements and the elements. Stand near the Floating Resonating Lamps on Oike Lake and watch the lights flicker and resonate, creating a symphony of illumination. Each interaction fosters a unique connection to the art and nature around you. This is truly an unforgettable exploration of creativity and the environment, showcasing innovative sensory technology in a serene setting.

Kick off your adventure at Harukas 300, the pinnacle of urban exploration. As you ascend to the observatory, prepare to be awed by sweeping views of Osaka's vibrant cityscape. From this height, enjoy a stunning vantage point of the city's intricate layout, where modern skyscrapers meet historical landmarks. Explore fascinating exhibits that highlight Osaka’s growth and evolution over the years. For the ultimate thrill, opt for the heliport upgrade, where you can bask in exhilarating open-air views from the rooftop. After soaking in the sights, unwind at the Sky Garden, surrounded by seasonal flora, offering a serene oasis amidst the urban excitement. A trip to the glorious past Your next stop brings you to the heart of Osaka's history at the majestic Osaka Castle. Skip the lines and stroll through the meticulously maintained gardens that provide a peaceful retreat. Inside, the rich tapestry of Japan's past unfolds across multiple floors, showcasing centuries-old artifacts. Immerse yourself in tales of samurai and legendary figures who once roamed these halls. The castle's top-floor observatory offers a unique perspective of the area, beautifully connecting history with the present. After your exploration, take a moment to reflect on the stories that resonate through this iconic landmark, deepening your appreciation of Osaka’s cultural heritage.

Taking inspiration from the Taisho period, this attraction is an important historical heritage site, built in Ancient Japan. Explore Osaka Castle’s historical grounds at your own time and pace. This experience is one that shouldn’t be missed while in Osaka. In 1583, Hideyoshi Toyotomi began trying to build the Osaka Castle on the site of Ishiyama Hongaji, which was suitable to inhabit a ruler. After the death of Hideyoshi’s death, the regime moved to the Tokugawa family and the Osaka Castle fell in 1615 at Osaka Natsunokin. This heritage site was then rebuilt under the order of the second Shogun Hidetada Tokugawa, which took around 10 years. This site played a major role as the base of the Western government for the Shogun. Featuring a spectacular light-up and Japanese historical treasures, this Osaka Castle illumination displays over 3 million colorful LED lights on a 300cm long picture scroll. Don’t miss this 430-year-old edifice in Osaka.