"Osaka Castle"

Built in 1586 by famous Japanese warrior and politician Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Osaka Castle (Ōsaka-jō) was at the time the largest and most important fortress in the country. Although destroyed and rebuilt a number of times since, the present structure, built in 1931, remains true to the original. Highlights of a visit include the huge five-story, 42-meter-tall main tower. Built on an imposing 14-meter-tall stone base, the tower is home to a number of displays detailing the history of the castle and the city. Be sure to visit the top floor for its superb views over Osaka, an especially attractive sight as the sun sets. Also of interest in Osaka Castle Park is the Hokoku Shrine, while Osaka’s best-known temple, Shitennō-ji, is also worth visiting and dates back to AD 59. Notable as Japan’s first Buddhist temple, this lovely shrine features a five-story pagoda along with a number of other exquisitely decorated buildings.

Food in Osaka Castle

1. Ryori-ya San [Settsu Tonda]

You can feel good about eating the delicious Japanese dishes at Ryori-ya San, thanks to their commitment to use only domestic meats and produce from local farmers. The chef-owner has 22 years of experience in making food from various cuisines, so while there are traditional Japanese dishes, warm, home-style dishes are also served. For lunch, you must try and order the monthly rotating set meals, [Ho] and [Ha], each of which costs 900 JPY. [Ho] is meat-based, while [Ha] has seafood as the main entree. Both come with rice and soup, and are completed with the [Shun Mori Plate], which incorporates the flavors of the season.

2. impachi [Yodoya-bashi]

Generally speaking, an izakaya refers to a pub that serves food and alcohol in the evening. However, many izakaya often offer lunch menus. One of these is a popular izakaya in Yodoya-bashi - the heart of downtown Osaka - called "Jimpachi". One item on the lunch menu, the [Sushi Mori Set] (800 JPY), is nearly always sold out. It's made by the owner, who honed their skills in sushi-making for 15 years! Please enjoy the delicious seasonal seafood paired with light and exquisite sushi rice that just melts in your mouth.

3. Taimeshiya Hanabi [Osaka Castle Area]

Maguro (tuna) is often used in Japanese cuisine or sushi. However, for traditional Japanese food, sea bream is actually more treasured for being delicious and of higher quality. Taimeshiya Hanabi is famous for using sea bream, such as in its [Tai Meshi] (Minced Sea Bream Rice Dish). Top quality natural sea bream is taken from the coastal waters of Akashi, and then the bones are made into dashi (broth). Rice is soaked in this dashi to make the [Meibutsu Bekkaku Tai-meshi (For 2 People)], which is available for dinner at 1,800 JPY. However, if you are able to order one of the limited [Hanabi Gozen] for lunch, you can savor as many helpings of sea bream rice as you like for just 1,000 JPY.