Osaka Castle Park

This green spot situated in the heart of Osaka surrounds the Osaka Castle and serves as a place of relaxation and rest for the citizens, as well as a living reminder of their history. Spanning over 1000 square kilometers, the Osaka Castle Park is also the 2nd largest park in the city.

The park changes with every season. The most popular time for visitors to enjoy its atmosphere comes in spring when the plum and cherry trees in the park start blossoming. Observing these trees is a traditional Japanese festivity called hanami. If you choose to time your visit so as to be able to partake in this custom, you are in for a beautiful sight. Expect the park to be exceptionally crowded, however. If you desire your visit to be more peaceful instead, come see the park in winter, for example in December, and come as early as possible.

Apart from trees, shrines, historical buildings and a road train, there are also food stalls in the park, offering a taste of traditional Japanese dishes, such as takoyaki (a local speciality made from an octopus) as well as more usual kinds of snacks, e.g. ice cream.