Visiting Osaka Castle and experiencing the Osaka Castle Illuminage was a memorable adventure for our family. The blend of history, culture, and stunning visuals will leave you with lasting memories. So, if you find yourself in Osaka, don’t miss out on this enchanting experience. It’s worth braving the cold!
Have you ever wanted to see a castle light up like something out of a fairy tale? On our trip to Osaka Japan, my family and I set out to do just that at the iconic Osaka Castle (大阪城, Ōsakajō). With excitement buzzing, we couldn’t wait to explore this historic landmark and enjoy the mesmerising Osaka Castle Illuminage in the evening.
Walking to Osaka Castle from Tanimachiyonchome Station
Our journey kicked off at 3 pm from our hotel, Namba Oriental. After a 5-minute stroll to Nippombashi Station (Platform 2), we hopped on the train to Sakaisuji Hommachi Station. From there, we made a quick 1-minute transfer to the Chuo Line and took the train to Tanimachiyonchome Station. The whole trip took about 20 minutes.
Once we arrived at Tanimachiyonchome Station, we embarked on a pleasant 20-minute walk to Osaka Castle. The cool, refreshing weather made the walk a breeze, even as we passed through an area filled with high-rise office buildings that reminded us of Singapore’s CBD.
KLOOK: Booking Our Tickets in Osaka Castle Illuminage
The main highlight of our visit was the Osaka Castle Illuminage, scheduled to start at 5 pm. We had pre-purchased our tickets online from KLOOK—2,000 Yen for adults (SGD 17) and 1,300 Yen for children (SGD 11).
While waiting for the entrance to open, we explored the surrounding area and found two Lawson convenience stores nearby. They closed early, at around 4:30 pm It was just our luck!
As the sun set at 5 pm, the entrance gates to Osaka Castle Illuminage opened on the dot. It was total darkness, and the temperature dropped to a chilly 10 degrees Celsius. Brr! Luckily, we found a large tent in the event space filled with tables and chairs that could accommodate about 20 people. This area was where we could keep Kayden and Nathan warm, while my wife and I ventured out to explore the illumination or the light-up event.
Experiencing the Osaka Castle Illuminage
The light-up installations were stunning, covering an area equivalent to four to six football fields. The vibrant displays and festive atmosphere made for a truly magical experience. People were busy snapping selfies and videos, capturing the beauty of Osaka Castle at night. Despite the cold, a chilly 10 degrees Celsius, we thoroughly enjoyed exploring the light installations.
By 6 pm, we were ready to find some dinner and warm up. We walked to a nearby McDonald’s (1 Chome-10-4 Minamikyuhojimachi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 541-0058, Japan), which took about 30 minutes. The cold night air made us even hungrier!
Winding Down the Day at McDonald’s
Starving, we ordered the latest New York Shrimp Burger, New York Buffalo Chicken Burger, and the new Triangle Chocolate Pie from McDonald’s. The meal was delightful and much needed after our chilly adventure.
After dinner, we took the train back from Sakaisuji Hommachi Station, conveniently located just outside McDonald’s. The ride was quick, and we soon returned to our hotel, feeling satisfied and content with our day.
Our day exploring Osaka Castle and enjoying the Illuminage was amazing despite the cold weather. We chose not to visit the Osaka Castle exhibition this time, as we felt our kids would enjoy running around more than learning about history. However, my wife and I plan to return someday to explore the castle’s rich history and learn more about the different eras of Japan.
