Osaka Castle Reigns As Top Draw To Foreigners

Above, yours truly at Osaka Castle in 2015.

Over the years, I have been to Osaka Castle twice.

The first was during the 2004 G-TOUR, a tour of Japan of Godzilla fans to sites and attractions associated with "The King of the Monsters." Osaka Castle was featured in Godzilla Raids Again (1955). The second time was during my 2015 trip to Japan.

Above, Osaka Castle in 2015. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

According to an article posted by Kyodo News, Osaka Castle reigns as the top draw among foreign visitors.

It begins with:

TOKYO, Japan Wire - Osaka Castle was the most popular of Japan’s castles among foreign visitors in 2025, topping rankings for both Asian and Western tourists, according to an analysis by travel app provider Navitime Japan Co. 

While the two visitor groups showed different preferences further down the rankings due to travel styles, Osaka Castle reigned as the universal favorite between January and December last year, in rankings based on an association list of 100 notable castles in Japan.

Tokyo-based firm Navitime Japan used GPS data and survey responses gathered from users of its travel service app for foreign visitors, Japan Travel by Navitime, to compare the number and length of visits to castles between Asian and Western visitors for the analysis published in April.

Among visitors from Asia (predominantly Taiwan, Thailand, Hong Kong, South Korea, and China), Nagoya Castle and Kumamoto Castle made up the top three behind Osaka. 

Nijo Castle, in Kyoto, and Himeji Castle completed the top three for Western visitors (predominantly from the United States, Australia, and France). 

To read more, go here. 

Japan's "Golden Route" For First-Timers

Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who have never been to Japan, there are several websites that will greatly aid in one's vacation planning. 

One such site has posted an article on "The Golden" route that is aimed to first-time visitors. It was posted by Japan Today.

It begins with:

TOKYO - The Golden Route is the quintessential travel itinerary for first-time visitors to Japan. It traditionally includes Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and (sometimes) Hiroshima, offering a well-rounded introduction to Japan’s modern and historical sites. This route is ideal for first-time visitors as it provides a mix of modern cityscapes, historical sites, natural beauty and cultural experiences. The entire journey typically takes 7 to 14 days, depending on how long you stay in each location.

The Golden Route is well-connected by the Shinkansen, Japan’s high-speed bullet train, making travel between major stops fast and convenient. Local train lines, buses and subway networks will also make accessibility a breeze in each city. Many travelers opt for the Japan Rail (JR) Pass, which offers unlimited travel on most JR trains, including Shinkansen services, making it a cost-effective option.

This guide provides a summary of each destination in the order you would travel, including practical travel information.

To read more, go here. 

Why Everyone Will Be Going To Osaka In 2025

Above, yours truly at Osaka Castle in 2015.

Besides Tokyo, Osaka, Japan is a big draw to foreign visitors. One also has to include nearby Kyoto. Usually, one doesn't visit Osaka or Kyoto without going to the other. 

The last time I visited Osaka was in 2015. Of course, we also had to visit Kyoto, but we stayed in Osaka during that portion of the trip. 

The highlights of the visit to Osaka were Osaka Castle and the Dotonbori district.

Above, Japan's food capital is Osaka's Dotonbori district. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Condé Nast Traveler has posted an article on why everyone will be traveling to Osaka in 2025.

They begin it with:

With a long history as Japan's mercantile heart and major port of call, Osaka is dense and delightfully in your face. Now, as it gears up to host World Expo 2025 this month and welcome more travelers than ever before, the neon-lit metropolis has been reinventing itself. It has launched several ambitious urban renewal projects—like the Grand Green Osaka, a 22-acre mixed-use development that is transforming a freight terminal into verdant public spaces—to draw leisure seekers beyond the usual tourist haunts. The city has also lured some of hospitality's most luxurious names: The Four Seasons arrived last August, and the Waldorf Astoria opens its first hotel in Japan this month. Star chefs from Japan and abroad are shaking up the dining scene with inventive gastronomy, though delicious casual eats from rough-and-ready street stalls and mom-and-pop shops are still Osaka's calling card. Among Japan's major cities, Osaka remains unique: unpretentious, energetic, and ready to show you a good time—as long as you know where to go.

To read more, go here. 

Osaka World Expo 2025

Above, the time capsule from World Expo '70 at Osaka Castle.

Osaka is getting geared up for next year's World Expo.

The city last hosted the World Expo in 1970. During G-TOUR in 2004, we saw a time capsule from the 1970 World Expo on the grounds of Osaka Castle (image above). Will it be opened during next year's World Expo?

According to AP News:

OSAKA, Japan (AP) — Visitors to Tokyo and Kyoto might not realize it, but Osaka — one of Japan’s biggest and oldest cities, known more as a business hub than a tourist destination -- is gearing up to host next year’s World Exposition.

The city has been plastered with the Expo’s red-and-blue “Myaku-Myaku” mascot for months and is abuzz with preparations. For many here, the excitement is mixed with nostalgia for the last World Expo hosted by Japan, back in 1970.

There are doubters, especially outside Osaka. Construction costs are turning out to be exponentially higher than expected. Preparations have been marred by political and business infighting. And many Japanese, jaded after Tokyo’s difficult experience hosting the Olympics during the COVID pandemic, question whether the idea of a World Expo is still relevant.

Many retain vivid memories of the 1970 Expo. They remember schoolchildren attending multiple times, particularly those from the Osaka area. There were long lines to see the moon rocks on view at the U.S. pavilion; prototypes of electric cars; displays featuring the first ethernet cables (LAN); and the introduction of Western foods like yogurt and baguettes.

To read more, go here.

Osaka Considering New Tourist Tax

Above, a moat of Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The U.S. isn't the only country who has gone "tax crazy" these past several years.

The prefecture of Osaka is considering a new tax on tourists to make the region more attractive and investing in the region's tourism infrastructure. 

According to the South China Morning Post:

Another popular tourist destination in Japan is planning to introduce a new levy on foreign visitors, with the governor of Osaka prefecture vowing that the funds generated from the tax will be reinvested into the region’s tourism infrastructure.

Industry insiders and analysts broadly agree that an additional small daily levy would not place too much of a burden on travellers or put others off visiting Osaka – but they emphasise that the prefecture must keep its promise to plough those funds back into the tourism sector.

Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura announced on Wednesday that he would set up a panel to consider the new levy in April and to examine the effectiveness of an existing accommodation tax.

To read more, go here. 

Shōgun and Osaka Castle

Above, Osaka Castle in 2015. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in the 1980s, there was a mini-series based on James Clavell's book, Shōgun. It was basically a soap opera set in feudal Japan. 

It was an enjoyable mini-series and, in 1977, I met James Clavell in Sacramento at a birthday party at the Capitol.

Above, James Clavell is at right in the background. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Shōgun is now back in the form of a new FX mini-series. It is seeing rave reviews.

One place that the new mini-series is set at is Osaka Castle. I visited Osaka Castle twice. The first was in 2004 with G-TOUR and then in 2015.

Screen Rant has posted an article on the significance of Osaka Castle in Shōgun.

They begin it with:

The new FX hit series Shōgun features Osaka Castle as a setting, and there's prominent real-world history and information that's fascinating to know about the location. Based on the 1975 novel of the same name, written by James Clavell, the 2024 TV series has been met with astounding acclaim, with critics even drawing comparisons to Game of Thrones in the show's scale and production value excellence. Set in the year 1600, Shōgun may be based on a novel, but its narrative is rooted in fascinating history.

To read more, go here. 

TheTravel: Things To Do In Osaka

Above, for foodies, Osaka's Dotonbori district is the place to go. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When one visits Japan, they should venture out of Tokyo to see other regions and cities. There are definitely noticeable differences everywhere one goes.

One place that should be on everyone's "bucket list" is Osaka. I have visited it twice and had an enjoyable time each time. 

Above, yours truly at Osaka Castle in 2015.

For kaiju fans, Osaka was featured in Godzilla's Counterattack (1955) (a.k.a. Godzilla Raids Again) and Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989).

TheTravel has posted their "complete guide" of things to do in Osaka in three days.

They begin it with:

Osaka, the heart of Japan's Kansai region, is renowned for its culinary culture and street food scene. From mouth-watering Takoyaki to savory Okonomiyaki, Osaka's local cuisine will tantalize even the most discerning of taste buds.

But exploring the city's food culture is not the only attraction — Osaka also boasts a rich history and a unique blend of traditional and modern attractions. From the iconic Osaka Castle, a towering monument to Japan's rich feudal history, to the neon-lit streets of the Dotonbori district, a sensory explosion of colorful signs, bustling crowds, and mouth-watering aromas, there's no shortage of amazing experiences to be had in this incredible city.

Joining the ranks of Tokyo and Kyoto as one of Japan's must-visit destinations, Osaka is a city that rewards exploration, discovery, and a willingness to dive headfirst into the unknown. So pack those bags and prepare to discover the rich tapestry of culture, history, and cuisine that makes this city such a beloved destination for travelers from around the world.

This complete guide is the perfect companion to discovering the best that Osaka has to offer. Get ready to fall in love with Osaka's dynamic energy and indulge in some of the best street food in the world.

Above, a view of Osaka Business Park from Osaka Castle. It got
trashed by Godzilla in Godzilla vs. Biollante. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.

Osaka Castle, Osaka's Civic Symbol

Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

What Japanese castle was demolished in the second Godzilla movie?

For a G-fan that answer is easy. It was Osaka Castle in (where else?) the city of Osaka in Godzilla's Counterattack (or Godzilla Raids Again) in 1955. It got demolished during the battle between Godzilla and Anguirus.

The current Osaka Castle was built in 1931 and has now served as a symbol of Osaka for over 90 years. I first visited the Castle in 2004 during G-TOUR and then in 2015.

The Japan News has posted and article on Osaka Castle with some interesting history on the structure.

It begins with: 

OSAKA — Ask a child, “Who built Osaka Castle?” and the answer you’ll probably get is, “Carpenters!” Yet people who know their history are just as likely to say “Toyotomi Hideyoshi.” Turns out, both answers are correct.

Hideyoshi was a powerful warlord who unified Japan in the late 16th century before the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate. He is especially popular in Osaka as a historical figure who rose to power from a peasant background.

However, when it comes to the current Osaka Castle tower that has been transformed into a modern museum with the appearance of a keep, the “carpenters” answer to the riddle is still correct. The castle tower was built by major construction company Obayashi Corp.

The eight-story structure with reinforced concrete was built in 1931 as part of a project to commemorate the accession of Emperor Showa to the throne five years earlier. Since then, it has served as a landmark as well as a symbol of Osaka for more than 90 years.

To read more, go here. 

Stripes Japan: Visiting Osaka Castle

Above, Osaka Castle in 2015. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For Godzilla fans, when Osaka Castle gets mentioned, they immediately think of Godzilla Raids Again (1955) (Gojira no Gyakushū, lit. 'Godzilla's Counterattack'). For it was at Osaka Castle in the movie that Godzilla vanquishes Anguirus.

Today, Osaka Castle is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Osaka, Japan. I have visited it twice.

Above, yours truly with samurai swords at Osaka Castle in 2015.

Stripes Japan - Stars and Stripes posted an article on visiting Osaka Castle, calling it the "symbol of Japan's third largest city."

They begin with:

It only took me ten minutes of walking from JR Osakajokoen until I finally saw the tip of the castle from Osaka Park. Yet it was enough to amaze me. Even from afar I could see that the castle boasted impressive gold ornaments and intrinsic detail, making it aesthetically pleasing to the eyes.

The symbol of Osaka was built in 1583 on the former site of Ishiyama Honganji Temple, as ordered by Hideyoshi Toyotomi during the Azuchi-Momoyama Period. He was a famous warlord who successfully brought all provinces in Japan under his rule, unifying the nation in 1590.  

Every building in the complex remains in their original construction, except the main tower. It was reconstructed in 1931, following the original exterior design from the Toyotomi era. This building consists of 8 floors in total and acts as the centerpiece of the complex.

The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan features a spotlight on Osaka Castle.

To read more, go here. 

Reasons To Visit Japan's Kansai Region

Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Eventually, foreign tourists will be allowed to visit Japan again. As of now, the country's borders are closed to foreign tourism.

However, that doesn't prevent anyone from planning a future trip there. One section of Japan that should be considered is Japan's Kansai Region.

Above, Kinkaku-ji "Golden Pavilion" in Kyoto. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Travel has posted 10 reasons to visit Japan's Kansai Region.

They begin it with:

Japan is at the top of many travelers' bucket lists with its incredible food, beautiful landscapes, and intriguing culture. But while many people fly into Tokyo and simply stay there, it’s more worthwhile to get outside the capital and spend time exploring the Kansai region.

Kansai encompasses the prefectures of Nara, Kyoto, Osaka, Wakayama, Hyogo, and Shiga. Within these prefectures, the cities of Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji are some of the most popular among tourists. Here are 10 reasons visitors should consider spending their time in Kansai rather than sticking to the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.

To read more, go here. 

Asia Welcomes Travelers, But Japan Not Yet

Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Much of Asia has reopened to foreign tourism, but Japan remains a closed-off country to foreign tourists.

When Japan will open its borders to foreign tourists remains to be seen. But it may not be anytime soon.

According to the Japan Times:

Last week, Japan’s National Tourism Organization unveiled a glossy website aimed at international visitors looking to experience the country’s famous hospitality. An introductory video presents sweeping views of lush green islands dotting a cerulean bay, sleek hotel rooms boasting breathtaking views and a mouthwatering close-up of elegantly prepared seafood.

Good luck experiencing any of it in person.

In a normal year, this would be peak season for tourism to Japan. But as the cherry blossoms burst into bloom along Kyoto’s ancient, temple-lined alleys and boat tours ply the waters of Tokyo’s flower-lined rivers, Japanese tourists largely have the spectacular display to themselves.

The country sealed its borders to most foreign travelers early in the pandemic and has only recently begun to allow a slow drip of students and businesspeople to return — a sharp contrast to most of its Asian neighbors who, with the major exception of China, have substantially eased their travel restrictions.

Those hoping to visit Japan for fun shouldn’t hold their breath. Despite the national tourism organization’s wishful thinking, Koichi Wada, the head of Japan’s tourism agency, told parliament last month that “it’s exceedingly difficult to forecast the long-term trends for inbound tourism.” 

To read more, go here. 

CDC Urges Americans To Avoid Travel To Japan and Others

Above, the Christ of Havana statue. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Well, we're really into the third year of coronavirus.

Again, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued another advisory on what countries Americans should avoid.

According to Reuters:

WASHINGTON, Feb 7 (Reuters) - The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Monday advised against travel to six countries including Japan, Cuba, Libya, Armenia, Oman and the Democratic Republic of Congo over COVID-19 cases.

The CDC now lists more than 130 countries and territories with COVID-19 cases as "Level Four: Very High." It lists just over 50 countries as "Level Three: High," discouraging non-essential travel by unvaccinated Americans. 

I don't think the CDC has too much to worry about concerning Japan and Cuba. Japan's borders has been closed to foreign tourists since 2020 and it is very difficult to visit Cuba (even in normal times) since June 2019.

Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

History of Japanese Castles

Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since tourism travel to Japan is out of the question at present, now may be a good time to bone up on Japanese history and get some ideas on places to visit when tourism is finally allowed again.

Jobs In Japan has posted an article on the history of Japanese castles that one may find interesting.

According to the article, some castles are the "real deal", while others are reproductions made of modern materials (concrete) after the originals were destroyed for one reason or another. Some were specifically targeted for bombing during World War II. The article will tell why.

They begin with:

Japanese castles are must-see monuments when visiting Japan. Contemplating them will make you appreciate the originality and complexity of each one of them and be able to know the history of the Japanese country. Unlike European castles, Japanese castles were not built to be used as dwellings, but were mostly fortifications.

To read the full article, go here. 

Japan Declares State of Emergency In Tokyo and Osaka

Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This is sad news, since Japan weathered well the pandemic initially until second and third waves, and now a fourth wave, has hit the country.

The New York Times reported:

TOKYO — Japan on Friday declared states of emergency in Tokyo, Osaka and surrounding areas in an effort to stem a widening coronavirus outbreak three months before the country plans to host the Summer Olympics.

The measures will take effect on Sunday, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said, calling them “a short and concentrated measure” to slow the virus’s spread during the Golden Week holiday, traditionally one of the year’s busiest travel periods.

In addition to Tokyo and Osaka, the states of emergency cover the neighboring prefectures Kyoto and Hyogo and will be in place until May 11. Together, the four prefectures are home to roughly a quarter of Japan’s 126 million people.  

Japan has managed the pandemic better than many other large economies, but a stubborn fourth wave, propelled by more infectious variants of the virus, has produced the most daily cases since January. Officials began imposing looser restrictions in early April over parts of 10 prefectures, but those steps have failed to corral the outbreak.

To read more, go here. 

 

Planning For 2 Weeks In Japan

Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Someday, people will be able to travel again to Japan. But that is a little far off on the horizon. But that shouldn't stop people from planning a future visit.

For first-timers, some planning has to be made including an itinerary of what things to see and do. Of course, that all depends upon how much time one has.

The Invisible Tourist has a post of a two-week visit to Japan with some suggestions.

They posted: 

To read more, go here.

2020 Japan Visitors Dive 76%

Above, moat walls of Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan had a goal of having over 40 million foreign visitors in 2020, which also included attendees to the 2020 Olympics. That's not going to happen

Nippon.com reported:

Tokyo, July 15 (Jiji Press)--The number of foreign visitors to Japan in the first half of 2020 is estimated to have dropped 76.3 pct from a year before, the Japan National Tourism Organization said Wednesday. 

The decline was caused by travel restrictions imposed around the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In June 2020 alone, the estimated number of visitors to Japan dropped 99.9 pct from a year earlier to 2,600.

The Olympics in Tokyo have been postponed to 2021.

To read more, go here.

How Is The Dollar Faring Against The Japanese Yen?

Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Not since the outbreak of COVID-19 hit the world have I taken a peek at how the U.S. dollar is faring against the Japanese yen in Tokyo.

There really was no point to it since Japan shut its borders to foreign visitors (which is still the case, for the most part). Now that Japan is beginning to open up a tad, out of curiosity, I decided to see what the exchange rate is at present.

Well, according to Jiji Press:

Tokyo, June 9 (Jiji Press)--The dollar fell below 108 yen in Tokyo trading on Tuesday, reflecting a drop in Japanese stock prices and a decline in U.S. long-term interest rates. 

At 5 p.m., the dollar stood at 107.92-92 yen, down from 109.49-53 yen at the same time Monday.

While the exchange rate in the ¥107-109 range isn't great, I am actually surprised that the rate isn't worse than it is. We'll see how things go in the upcoming months.

To read more, go here.

¥1 Trillion Aid Package For Japan's Tourism Industry

Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Japanese government is planning to provide ¥1 trillion in aid to their tourism industry, which has been hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

According to The Japan News (Yomiuri Shimbun):

The government has decided to include a ¥1 trillion aid package for the tourism industry in the emergency economic measures that will be compiled next week. 

The aid package is aimed at helping the recovery of the industry after the coronavirus outbreak ends, as tourist spots across the nation have been suffering from a sharp drop in the number of travelers from around the world due to the virus outbreak. 

A pillar of the package will be measures to stimulate tourism demand. The measures that will be implemented as a ¥1 trillion aid package will include subsidizing half the cost of accommodations in Japan, setting a ceiling of about ¥20,000 per night. Coupons that can be used at souvenir shops, restaurants and tourist facilities will also be distributed to promote consumption at tourist spots.

To read more, go here.

Foreign Tourists Spent ¥4.81 Trillion In Japan In 2019

Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If there ever was a good reason why nations should welcome foreign visitors, here's one.

From The Japan Times:

Foreign tourists in Japan spent a record ¥4.81 trillion ($43.6 billion) in 2019 in line with a continued increase in visitors, government data showed Friday. 

Their spending rose 6.5 percent from 2018, increasing for the seventh consecutive year, the Japan Tourism Agency said in a preliminary report. 

The number of foreign visitors marked an all-time high of 31.88 million last year, but the margin of growth slowed to 2.2 percent from 8.7 percent in 2018 as South Korean tourists dropped sharply due to a deterioration in bilateral ties, the agency said. 

Visitors from South Korea fell 25.9 percent to 5.58 million. 

Bilateral relations have soured since South Korean court rulings ordered Japanese firms in October 2018 to compensate for wartime labor during Japan’s colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula between 1910 and 1945.

To read more, go here. 

Japan's Most Impressive Castles

Above, now dry, one of the former moat of Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A trip to Japan isn't really complete without visiting at least one castle.

I've been to three of them: Osaka Castle, Nijo Castle (Kyoto) and the ruins of Sendai Castle.

Japan Cheapo has an article on the ten most impressive castles to visit in Japan.

They begin with:

When you think “castle”, the image of Rapunzel-esque European castles might come to mind—with imposing stone ramparts and tall towers at each corner. Japanese castles, on the other hand, stem from a completely different tradition. While they are surrounded by moats and tall stone walls, the main structures have always been constructed from wood. As a result, few structures have survived the great fires that swept cities during the times of the shoguns, the anti-feudal destruction of the late 19th century Meiji period, and the incendiary bombs dropped on Japan during World War II.  

 What makes a good castle? 

A small number of Japanese castles have survived the fires and turmoil and are more or less as they were during the castle building boom of the 16th and 17th centuries. However, most castles you see today are post–World War II reconstructions. Some were thrown up using steel reinforced concrete, while some of the reconstructions, from the 1980s, have been done using traditional construction techniques, faithful to those used in the 1600s. However, you can’t just dismiss the concrete reconstructions completely. Many are important historical reminders and have become icons of the cities in which they are located.

To read more, go here.