By TAMA WALK
Experience the mesmerizing beauty of autumn in one of Japan’s most iconic historical landmarks — Osaka Castle (大阪城) — through this immersive 4K walking tour filmed in December 2024. The video begins at the JR and Osaka Metro Morinomiya Station, a convenient starting point for many visitors to the castle. From here, the walk flows into the expansive Osaka Castle Park, where viewers are greeted with breathtaking scenes of golden ginkgo trees and vibrant red momiji (maple leaves), showcasing the seasonal beauty of Japan.
The walking tour continues through the Castle Park’s central landmarks, starting with the Fountain Plaza (噴水広場), offering picturesque views and a peaceful atmosphere. A stop at a nearby Starbucks provides a modern contrast before entering Momiji-En, an autumn garden famous for its colorful foliage — a true highlight for those visiting in fall. This area is a favorite among photographers and nature enthusiasts for its rich palette of red, orange, and yellow leaves.
Next, viewers are taken to Hokoku Shrine (豊國神社), dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Japan's great unifiers and the original builder of Osaka Castle. The tour proceeds to important historical spots such as the Sakuramon Gate (桜門), the giant Takoishi (蛸石 or Octopus Stone), and MIRAIZA OSAKA-JO — a revitalized commercial complex offering shops, restaurants, and immersive historical experiences inside a restored turret building near the main keep.
The castle tower, or tenshukaku (天守閣), stands as the majestic centerpiece. Visitors here can explore the ticket office and surrounding grounds before venturing over the Engraved Stones Square (刻印石広場) and the scenic Gokuraku-bashi Bridge (極楽橋), which crosses the inner moat. The tour also features the Gozabune Boat Pier, where guests can enjoy golden boat rides around the moat, and ornamental Komainu statues, guardians of the castle. Interesting details like the Higo Stone (肥後石) add depth to the historical narrative, ending at the Kyobashi Gate (京橋門), one of the original castle entry points.
From vibrant seasonal colors to historically rich architecture and tranquil nature paths, this walking video by TAMA WALK is a fantastic guide for anyone planning an autumn visit to Osaka or for enthusiasts of Japanese culture and history.