Most of the castle grounds do not require an entrance fee, with the exception of the castle tower and the garden. The castle tower is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Hours may be extended during special events or on holidays. The tower is closed between December 28 and January 1 each year.
Kintetsu Rail Pass/Kintetsu Rail Pass WIDEThe Kintetsu Rail Pass is a good deal for those traveling within a wide area around Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, and Nagoya over five days or so.
Tickets to Osaka CastleTicket price for adult is 600 yen, children below the age of 15 can enter free of charge. Tickets are purchased at the entrance. The additional cost for Nishinomaru Garden is 200 yen. The castle park is completely free of charge.
You can use Icoca/Pasmo/Suica for all trains, subways and buses in Osaka. You can also use Icoca/Pasmo/Suica at many shops, especially convenience stores. You can use Icoca/Pasmo/Suica in other parts of Japan as well. Buy Icoca cards from vending machines at JR stations in Osaka.
The recommended approach to Osaka Castle is through Otemon Gate at the park's southwestern corner. The closest station is Tanimachi Yonchome Station along the Tanimachi and Chuo subway lines.
The Osaka Amazing Pass is an absolute game-changer for exploring Osaka. Not only does it provide unlimited access to major attractions, but the inclusion of free Osaka Metro rides and a visit to the iconic Ferris Wheel adds an extra layer of excitement.
Osaka Castle is also famous to some for its incredibly well-built stone wall, which is impressive in its sheer size, with an estimated 500,000 to 1 million large stones (up to 12kg) having been used in its construction. The moat walls stand at up to 20 metres tall and 90 metres wide.
The most useful train line is the Osaka Loop Line (frequently called just the “Loop Line”). You can use a Japan Rail Pass on this line. The best way to pay for all trains and subways in Osaka is with a prepaid Icoca card.
Admission is free, but you will most likely wish to purchase deer crackers during your visit. A pack of ten crackers costs 150 yen. The Todaiji Temple is open from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm during the months of April through October, and 8 am to 4:30 pm from November through March. Admission is 500 yen.