A Journey Through Osaka Castle by Electric Bike and River Boat

The historic city of Osaka Castle was once destroyed

When it comes to famous landmarks in Osaka, Osaka Castle is undoubtedly the most prominent. Its history dates back more than 400 years, when Toyotomi Hideyoshi, known as the "Napoleon of Japan," began building Osaka Castle in 1583, thus beginning a series of struggles. Osaka Castle was ultimately destroyed in the bloody power struggles of the Edo period in 1603.

Enjoying a bike ride through Osaka Castle Park on a sunny day.

The castle tower we see today was rebuilt in 1931 and houses a museum documenting the history of Osaka Castle. Over time, Osaka Castle has been transformed into a park, covering 106 hectares. This trip allowed us to enjoy a leisurely ride on an electric bicycle under the sun, and a cruise on the "Osaka Castle Gozabune" along the moat, experiencing the historical traces left by Osaka Castle.

The park’s golden gingko trees attract many cyclists.

Rent an Electric Bike and Ride Through Osaka Castle Park

We started by renting an electric bike, specifically the popular HUBchari shared e-bike, which is easy to operate with adjustable speeds and power settings. Unlike motorcycles, however, you still need to pedal to move. The bike is well-equipped with a basket, lights, bell, and an electronic lock system.

The popular HUBchari shared electric bike.

Riding through Osaka Castle Park, which is filled with gingko, cherry blossom, and plum trees, we were greeted by the sight of golden leaves during the fall and winter seasons. Riding along the moat, we enjoyed breathtaking views of the castle’s keep under the bright blue sky. It’s no surprise that both tourists and locals love exploring Osaka Castle Park by bike.

Biking makes it easy to explore more of the castle’s grounds.

Take the Osaka Gozabune Boat Around the Moat

Before entering the inner castle grounds, we hopped on the Osaka Gozabune Boat for a unique view of the castle from the water. This sightseeing boat is modeled after ancient vessels, and it departs from near the Gokurakubashi Bridge on the north side of the castle. The 20-minute cruise passes under stone bridges and offers a tranquil experience of the castle’s impressive stone walls, built by Tokugawa Shogunate using a million massive granite blocks.

Cruising the moat on the Osaka Gozabune Boat, listening to tales of Osaka Castle's history.

The sightseeing boat has one row of seats on each side. It is recommended that tourists choose the middle boarding and disembarking seat, which is the only single row of seats on the entire boat, so that they can enjoy the scenery on both sides of the boat and take photos at the same time.

A unique perspective of the Osaka Castle Keep from the water.

From the boat, the sight of the towering keep from the water's edge offers a new perspective. The guide on board also shared fascinating stories about the stone walls, including markings left by daimyo (feudal lords) who helped construct the castle and mysterious "human face stones" embedded for warding off evil spirits.

Can you spot the human face stone said to ward off evil spirits?

Osaka Castle Gozabune Boat Ticket Office & Boarding Location: North of the main keep of Osaka Castle, the former concession stand on the west side of Gokurakubashi （ 15-minute walk from Temmabashi Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line ）

Business Hours: 10:00-16:30 Ticket Price: 1,800 yen for adults, 900 yen for elementary and middle school students, preschoolers free, 65 years and over 1,200 yen

Website: https://osaka-info.jp/en/spot/golden-wasen-osaka-castle-gozabune/

Ride to the Top of the Castle Keep After the boat ride, we continued our journey by bike, crossing stone bridges and climbing uphill towards the 55-meter-tall Osaka Castle keep. After parking the bike, we took an elevator to the top observation deck, where we enjoyed a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding cityscape. The roof is adorned with glittering gold decorations, including shachihoko (mythical fish-tigers) and tigers. Inside the castle’s museum, visitors can explore over 10,000 artifacts detailing Japan’s rich history.

Riding up to the 55-meter-tall Osaka Castle keep by electric bike. From the observation deck, enjoy a 360-degree view of Osaka Castle and its golden roof decorations.

Osaka Castle

Address: 〒 540-0002 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka

Opening Hours: 9:00-18:00 (last admission 30 minutes before closing)

Price: 1,200 yen for adults,600 yen for University students and high school students, Free for Junior high school students and younger

Transportation:

Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line Tanimachi 4-chome Station, Exit 1-B; Tenmabashi Station, Exit 3; Chuo Line Exit 9 of Tanimachi 4-chome Station, and Exit 1 and 3-B of Morinomiya Station; Nagahori Tsurumi Ryokuchi Line Morinomiya Station Exit 3-B, Osaka Business Park Station Exit 1

JR Osaka Loop Line Osaka Castle Park Station, Tozai Line Osaka Castle North Station

Website: https://www.osakacastle.net/

HUBchari

Price: Electric Bike 1 Day Pass1,500 yen, Non-Electric Bike 200 yen /hour

Website: https://hubchari.com/en/