January 2, 2023February 16, 2024

Osaka Castle Photography Guide

Osaka Castle is one of the most beautiful places in the area. Around the castle is a large park area. From every direction there is a great view of the castle. A beautiful cherry blossom grove surrounds the castle, so especially during the cherry blossom season in spring is a good time to visit the castle, as the whole park blossoms in a delicate pink color.
The park area is always accessible and free of charge. You can wander around for hours, but you can also visit inside the castle itself. The castle offers a breathtaking view of Osaka’s skyline and its surrounding landscape from a vantage point.
Inside the castle and on the way up to the viewpoint park, there are numerous exhibits that span several floors. These provide insights into the history of the castle and its inhabitants and offer interesting background information. A stop is definitely worthwhile.

Canon EOS R with EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM | 145mm | f8.2 | 1/125s | ISO100

Canon EOS R with EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM | 70mm | f6.3 | 1/400s | ISO100

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When to go to Osaka Castle?

Best time to visit Osaka Castle

The spring cherry blossom season is one of the best seasons to visit Osaka Castle. A lovely cherry blossom forest surrounds the castle and during cherry blossom season it gets framed in pink cotton balls. In Osaka, the cherry blossom festival is a significant occasion, and lots of people come to the castle to take in the show.

Autumn’s ‘Golden Week’ is another excellent time to visit Osaka Castle. Japan always celebrates a string of public holidays from late September to early October known as the “Golden Week.” Since many people are on vacation at this time, Osaka Castle is extremely crowded. Avoid visiting too late in the year as there aren’t any maple trees in the area and the trees have already lost their leaves by November.

To avoid the crowds, it is typically advised to visit Osaka Castle early in the morning or late in the day. The castle is also less crowded on weekdays than it is on weekends and holidays.

Canon EOS R with EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM | 70mm | f5.0 | 1/500s | ISO100

How to get to Osaka Castle?

Best ways to get to Osaka Castle

Take one of the following metro lines and get off at one of the stops:

Tanimachi Line and get off at “Temmabashi Station”. From here, proceed east.
Take the Nagahoritsurumiryokuchi Line to “Osaka Business Park Station”. It is the quickest route to Gokuraku-bashi Bridge.
If you have more time, you can also take the “Nagahoritsurumiryokuchi Line,” “Chuo Line,” or “Osaka Loop Line” to the “Morinomiya Station” stop.

Canon EOS R with EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM | 24mm | f2.8 | 1/1000s | ISO100

Best photo spots at Osaka Castle

Best photography locations in Osaka⁠

The best images you can get from outside the castle moat. When you go too close to the castle, the angle no longer works and the perspective isn’t as interesting. The view from the castle’s roof is equally pleasant, but you must decide for yourself whether it is worthwhile. Otherwise, go around the castle once you’re in the park. Great photo opportunities are abound here.

Gokuraku-bashi Bridge

Best photo spots at Osaka Castle

Canon EOS R with EF16-35mm f/2.8L III USM | 16mm | f8.0 | 1/160s | ISO250

Exact location: 34°41’21.3″N 135°31’35.7″E
Favorite location for sunset and sunrise.
Good to position tripod.

Japanese Garden

Best photo spots at Osaka Castle⁠⁠

Exact location: 34°41’08.8″N 135°31’29.6″E
Some kind of secret spot, because everyone runs to the castle.
Tripod possible, nevertheless sometimes difficult.
Great reflection in the pond.

Osaka Castle Rooftop

Best photo spots at Osaka Castle

Exact location: 34°41’14.9″N 135°31’33.1″E
Nice view over Osaka.
No space for a tripod.
Unsure if worth, because the surroundings are much more photogenic.
If you want to safe some money and time, skip this spot.

Osaka Castle Park

Best photo spots at Osaka Castle⁠⁠

Exact location: 34°41’20.8″N 135°31’31.0″E
Check out the complete surroundings, there are so many amazing photo spots, dependent on the light and bloom conditions.
Tripod possible.
Take also some close-up shots with your tele-lens.

Ginko Tree

Best photo spots at Osaka Castle

Canon EOS R5 with RF15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM | 21mm | f14 | 1/50s | ISO100

Canon EOS R5 with RF24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM | 52mm | f2.8 | 1/2000s | ISO100

Exact location: 34°41’11.9″N 135°31’29.4″E
Great spot in November when the Ginko tree turns yellow.
Enough space for tripod.

Location: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan
Opening Hours: 24h for park | 09:00 – 17:00 for castle
Entrance Fee: no entrance fee for park area | 600 ¥ for castle
Best time: Cherry blossom at sunrise, but sunset and rest of the year also worth
Homepage: osakacastlepark.jp | osakacastle.net
Photography Equipment: No drones allowed | Tripod can be used at park area | Wide- and Telelens recommended

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