Osaka Castle is currently transformed into a park, featuring various sections within its premises. Among them, you can find the Nishinomaru Garden, particularly popular during the cherry blossom season.
“Garden Situated Across the Moat from Osaka Castle”
Nishinomaru Garden is a delightful spot within Osaka Castle. Osaka Castle is surrounded by double moats, and before crossing the second moat, you can discover this garden known as “Nishinomaru Garden.”
“Known as the Estate Grounds of Kitano Mandokoro, Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s Wife”
As Osaka Castle was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who played a key role in the Imjin War, the entire area is associated with Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The Nishinomaru Garden area is especially known as the former estate grounds of “Kitano Mandokoro,” the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
The garden was opened to the public as a lawn garden in 1965. Surrounded by trees, it offers a view of the Chūō Tō, situated at the center of Osaka Castle, from the opposite side of the moat.
“Well-Known Cherry Blossom Viewing Spot”
Particularly famous for cherry blossom viewing in spring, the garden attracts crowds during March when the cherry blossoms bloom. Due to its lower latitude compared to Korea, the cherry blossoms bloom earlier than in Korea.
“Site of Former Gunpowder Storage”
Within the garden, you can find a site where gunpowder was once stored. However, the scale is not extensive, and the area is dimly lit, offering limited points of interest.
The garden is accessible within Osaka Castle and is free for those with a Osaka Amazing Pass. Without the pass, an entrance fee of 200 yen is required.
“Osaka, Japan – Osaka Castle, Nishinomaru Garden”
- Address: 2 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 540-0002, Japan
- Phone: +81 6-6941-1717
- Website: Osaka Castle Park
- Operating Hours: (March-October) 9:00 – 17:00 / (November-February) 9:00 – 16:30 / Extended until 20:00 during cherry blossom season
- Fee: 200 yen for adults (Free with Osaka Amazing Pass)