Osaka Castle was the first stop of our Kansai (関西) trip. At that time, we stayed in Kyoto (京都), but because of the weather, I adjusted the itinerary so that we can have the best weather on the best spots.
Anyway, I read that the best access to Osaka Castle is via Tanimacho 4-chome Station (谷町四丁目駅) of the Tanimachi Subway line (谷町線) and the Chuo Subway line (大阪市営地下鉄中央線). Using our Kansai Surutto pass, we started at Kyoto station (京都駅), took the Kintetsu Kyoto/Kashihara line (京都線/橿原線) and got off at Kintetsu Tambabashi station (近鉄丹波橋駅). From there, we transferred to the Keihan Main Line (京阪本線) and took the limited express train to Yodoyabashi (淀屋橋行). We got off again at Temmabashi station (天満橋駅) and transferred to the Tanimachi Subway line bound for Yaominami (八尾南行). Since the Kansai Surutto pass covers all non-JR trains (with some exceptions to Nankai and Kintetsu Limited Express trains), this route was free!
From Tanimachi 4-chome Station, we went out via Exit 2 and headed east. After about 200 meters, we were already in front of the NHK Osaka Broadcasting Hall (NHK大阪放送会館) and the Osaka Museum of History (大阪歴史博物館). After crossing the street, we're already at the Osaka Castle ground and headed towards the Otemon gate (大手門). Even along the way, the autumn colors were very pretty.
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| Otemon Gate |
Once inside, we went to the direction of the main tower (大阪城天守閣). Right before the main tower was the former Osaka City Museum (旧大阪市立博物館) to the right, and souvenir shops and food stalls to the left. Originally, we planned to get inside the main tower. The admission was 600 yen/pax, but once we were outside, we thought what's inside won't probably interest us much, so we decided to just stay out and enjoy the scenery.
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| The former Osaka City Museum |
Osaka Castle from japan-guide
Official website of Osaka Castle
