Osaka Castle or Osaka-jo is one of Japan’s most famous landmarks. We visited Osaka Castle during cherry blossoms season and despite the gloomy sky, the grounds were filled with blooming colors.

The morning we set out for Osaka Castle, it started out pretty gloomy. After breakfast, it was definitely umbrella weather. Rain or shine didn’t stop us from exploring town and it obviously didn’t stop many others either.

From Morinomiya Station, we walked toward signs for Osaka Castle. We crossed a bridge that led to one of the most beautiful hanami spots. Various colors of cherry blossoms blossomed neatly along the curvy paths. We stood at the center of the garden and admired the 360 view of the blossoms.

Following signs toward the main tower, we found ourselves surrounded by a forest of peach blossoms. Oh, romantic walks everywhere!

We walked across the bridge and kept walking until we saw the castle before our eyes. You can proceed further and go up to enter the castle, but there is an entrance fee. We chose not to go up to the tower. We explored the vicinity and proceeded down.

We headed down and found ourselves at Hokoku Shrine.

In front of the shrine, there were food vendors that served traditional Japanese sweets and savory delicacies on skewers. We ordered a few items to beat the cold.

How to get there:

Exit Morinomiya Station. Follow signs to Osaka Castle.
1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 540-0002, Japan