Osaka Prefecture

Osaka Castles and Historical Sites

Osaka's historical landscape spans from the 3rd-century kofun burial mounds of Sakai to the iconic 16th-century Osaka Castle. This collection features the UNESCO-listed Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group, ancient Shinto shrines like Sumiyoshi Taisha with its unique architectural style, and Shitennoji, one of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples. Beyond the city center, the list includes mountain fortifications like Chihaya Castle and the preserved ruins of medieval strongholds, offering a comprehensive look at the region’s evolution from the Kofun period through the Edo era.

Osaka Castles and Historical Sites — Map

Mc681 / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Osaka Castle

Historic Japanese castle featuring a museum with exhibits from the Toyotomi and Tokugawa eras and panoramic views from its tower. The site is wheelchair accessible and showcases traditional Japanese architecture.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

B

Shitennoji

One of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan. The temple was completely rebuilt in 1963, but it still retains its former charm.

Saigen Jiro / CC0

C

Daisen Kofun

The Mozu Tombs are a group of kofun—megalithic tombs—in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, Japan.

Saigen Jiro / CC0

D

Ikukunitama Shrine

This charming Shinto shrine was built in the 16th century. Visit this hidden gem and enjoy its peaceful and slightly mysterious atmosphere.

利用者:Stanislaus / Public domain

E

Sumiyoshi Taisha

Founded in 211 AD, this magnificent shrine is dedicated to three deities protecting the nation, sea voyagers and celebrating waka poetry.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

F

Osaka Tenmangu Shrine (Ōsaka Tenmangū)

Founded in the 10th century, this is the most famous Tenjin shrine in Japan.

nnh / Public domain

G

Tamatsukuri Inari Shrine

Supposedly dating back to the 12th century, this charming shrine is dedicated to the Shinto god Inari.

KENPEI / CC-BY-SA-3.0

H

Isshinji

Isshin-ji is a Pure Land Buddhist temple in Osaka, Japan. Starting in the Meiji period, thirteen images have been formed, each incorporating…

Saigen Jiro / CC0

I

誉田御廟山古墳

Large 5th-century keyhole-shaped burial mound attributed to Emperor Ojin, part of the UNESCO-listed Furuichi Kofun Group.

Ujigis / CC BY-SA 4.0

J

Magodayuyama Kofun

Scallop-shaped burial mound located in Daisen Park, part of the UNESCO-listed Mozu Kofun Group.

Abasaa / Public domain

K

乳岡古墳

A keyhole-shaped burial mound in Sakai designated as a national historic site.

Hironoyama / CC BY-SA 4.0

L

光明塚古墳

Ancient burial mound located in the Kishiwada region.

M

小天守閣

Secondary tower structure within the Kishiwada Castle grounds.

N

楠木城跡（上赤阪城跡）

Site of a 14th-century mountain castle used by Kusunoki Masashige during the Genko War.

O

千早城

Ruins of a 14th-century mountaintop fortress famous for its defense by Kusunoki Masashige.

P

飯盛山城

Ruins of a massive 16th-century mountain castle that served as the power base for Miyoshi Nagayoshi.

Q

下赤阪城跡

National historic site marking the location of a 1331 siege during the Nanboku-cho period.

R

Kishiwada Castle

Reconstructed castle featuring a distinct rock garden designed by Mirei Shigemori and a museum of local history.

S

山崎城址

Ruins of a fortification on Mount Tenno, the site of the pivotal Battle of Yamazaki in 1582.

T

Ikeda Castle

Reconstructed medieval castle site featuring traditional Japanese gardens and a lookout tower.

U

赤阪城　入口

Entrance point to the historic Akasaka mountain fortification ruins.

Hirojin taja / CC BY-SA 4.0

V

遊女塚

A memorial monument in Amagasaki dedicated to courtesans, with origins dating back to the Heian period.

W

国指定史跡高宮廃寺跡出土軒丸瓦

Archaeological site of an ancient temple where 7th-century roof tiles were excavated.

X

山之井遺跡の碑

Stone monument marking the location of ancient settlement remains.

Y

Kuragari Pass

Historic mountain pass on the Nara Kaido road, known for its steep, preserved cobblestone path.

Z

Kanayama ancient tomb

A rare twin-mound burial site dating to the late 6th century.

地蔵堂

Small religious hall housing a Jizo bodhisattva statue.

妙見大菩薩鳥居

Traditional gate marking the sacred entrance to the Myoken mountain site.

吉野の関跡

Archaeological site of an ancient checkpoint or barrier station.

道路完成記念碑

Stone marker commemorating the completion of a local roadway.

山中一晃頌徳碑

Memorial stone dedicated to a local historical figure.

鳥居

Shinto torii gate marking a sacred site.

楠公史蹟河南八勝第四蹟千早城趾

Historical marker identifying the location of the 14th-century Chihaya fortress.

萬邦協和諸人快楽

Buddhist memorial stone featuring a prayer for peace and prosperity.

西國第四番槇尾寺

Marker for the fourth station of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage.

六丁

Traditional distance marker located on the pilgrimage path to Sefuku-ji.

二丁

Distance marker located near the approach to Sefuku-ji temple.

和歌山県朝日夕陽百選ハイランドパーク粉河 (№013)

Scenic viewpoint on the border of Osaka and Wakayama, recognized for its sunset views.

一願成就大日如来

Religious monument dedicated to the Dainichi Nyorai Buddha.

観音馬

Unique horse statue located within the grounds of Sefuku-ji temple.

開山堂

Temple hall dedicated to the founder of the religious establishment.

和歌山県朝日夕陽百選葛城山キャンプ場 (№014)

Mountain scenic area known for its panoramic views and camping facilities.

存道

Small stone memorial marker.

施福寺

Ancient mountain temple serving as the fourth station of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage.

智慧如来さん

Buddhist statue representing the Buddha of Wisdom.

八丁

Pilgrimage distance marker on the route toward Sefuku-ji.

Other Lists

Osaka Prefecture's Absolute Essentials Editor's Choice Osaka Osaka's Best Views Osaka Temples and Shrines Osaka Parks and Gardens Osaka Museums & Galleries Osaka Theatres and Cinemas