Osaka June 2016 5 days 4 nights Itinerary - Day 3 Pt 1 (Osaka Castle, Oe Shrine)

Day 3:

Osaka Castle

For Day 3 of my Osaka itinerary, I made an early start to visit one of the most iconic landmarks in Osaka—Osaka Castle (Ōsakajō). Arriving early paid off, as there was no queue when I got there. If you’re planning things to do in Osaka, this majestic castle is an absolute must-visit.

As one of the most famous tourist attractions in Osaka, Osaka Castle is a stunning sight. The main tower is surrounded by fortified stone walls, watchtowers, gates, and peaceful moats. Although I didn’t visit the Nishinomaru Garden—a paid-entry lawn garden known for its 600 cherry blossom trees and traditional teahouse—it’s definitely worth considering if you’re visiting during sakura season.

Inside the castle, multiple levels are housing a museum that covers the history of the castle and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. While some parts of the exhibition may be more enjoyable for history buffs, photography and video recording are restricted on several levels. At the top of the castle tower, you’ll find a viewing deck offering panoramic views of Osaka, though the metal grilles can obstruct photography.

Even if you don’t go inside, the castle’s exterior is breathtaking. Surrounded by lush greenery and historic structures, Osaka Castle is truly beautiful from every angle. It’s a must-see in Osaka. The nearest station is Osaka Business Park Station, making it easy to include in your Osaka day trip.

📍 Address: 1-1 Ōsakajō, Chūō-ku, Ōsaka-shi, Ōsaka-fu 540-0002, Japan

🕘 Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)

Floresta Nature Doughnuts

Before continuing my temple walk, I dropped by Floresta Nature Doughnuts near Shitennoji Temple. While this Osaka branch didn’t have the adorable animal-shaped doughnuts I found in Tokyo, the simple doughnut set I ordered was still delicious. If you’re on the hunt for unique cafes in Osaka, this cozy doughnut shop is a nice place to enjoy a quick snack made with natural ingredients.

📍 Address: 1 Chome-12-28 Shitennoji, Tennoji Ward, Osaka 543-0051, Japan

OE SHRINE

My next stop was Oe Shrine (大江神社), one of the lesser-known yet fascinating hidden shrines in Osaka. This shrine is believed to be one of the seven shrines founded by Prince Shōtoku to protect Shitennoji Temple, and it's dedicated to Bishamonten, one of Japan’s Seven Gods of Fortune.

Unlike most shrines, which feature guardian dog statues, Oe Shrine stands out with its guardian tiger statues. This unusual feature has made it a popular spot for fans of the Hanshin Tigers baseball team, who often come here to pray for good fortune.

Finding the entrance wasn’t the easiest, but the peaceful, spiritual vibe of the shrine made it worth the effort.