Osaka Castle luggage storage

About Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle is easily the most popular site to visit in Osaka. In fact, it’s one of the most iconic and revered historic landmarks in all of Japan. It’s a symbol of Japan’s imperial past, and a place that pops up constantly throughout Japanese history since it was constructed in the 16th century. It was the setting of the unification of Japan and the centralization of power during the Azuchi-Momoyama period. As Japan’s modern form was taking shape, this elegant but formidable castle was where the lines were drawn and alliances were made. It’s also an incredibly beautiful castle, especially when the cherry blossom trees are in season. 

While the intricate details of the facade and elegant curves make it an attractive sight, the military value of the castle is beyond question. Surrounded by massive stone walls and a deep moat, this castle commanded the cityscape and offered whoever held it an advantage for governing the region (Osaka was the most important city in Japan for centuries). 

Understandably, it’s a vital stop on any sightseeing itinerary through Osaka. With a museum in the interior and expansive castle grounds filled with gardens and shrines, you can spend an entire day at Osaka Castle. The primary tower, the donjon, offers a vantage point of all of Osaka and the surrounding landscape (which only adds to its military value) and provides visitors with stellar panoramic views and some killer photo opportunities. 

Osaka Castle is centrally located in Chuo-ku and is pretty easy to get to via public transportation. For its location within a bustling metropolis like Osaka, it’s miraculous how the castle walls provide a tranquil atmosphere for locals and tourists looking for a retreat. 

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Osaka Castle: 

Osaka Castle Bag policy 

It’s strongly recommended that large items be left outside the castle. There aren't strict guidelines published, but it’s known that larger bags and all luggage aren’t allowed inside the castle interiors. If you’re just touring the castle grounds, you can bring your roller bag or backpack, although that won’t be very convenient either. It’s highly advisable to find a place to store the bags before heading to Osaka Castle. Even the limited luggage storage onsite adds time to your trip that’s better spent touring the castle.

How much does Osaka Castle cost? 

For such a renowned landmark, admission to Osaka Castle is surprisingly affordable. For adults, it only costs $4 (600 Yen) to get in, with a $2 add-on to see Nishinomaru Garden. Children below the age of 15 can even get in for free. If you’re budget-minded, you can tour the castle grounds for free. You won’t be able to head inside, but you’ll be within the castle walls and you can admire the castle’s defenses and the cherry blossom trees of the gardens. 

Can you store luggage at Osaka Castle?

There aren’t coin lockers in the castle, but you can leave any luggage with the ticket office during opening hours. It costs a few dollars, which is affordable, but there can be long lines for dropping the bags off. Space is limited, so it’s probably better to arrange proper luggage storage before heading to Osaka Castle. 

Are there luggage lockers at Osaka Station and Naba Station?

Not to be confused with Shin Osaka Station or Osaka Uehommachi Station, Osaka Train Station is the major transportation hub for all local traffic in Osaka. It’s fairly simple to get from Osaka Station to Osaka Castle and it's a common starting point for most visitors.

If you need to store the bags for a few hours, you can use the coin lockers located throughout Osaka Station. These lockers cost between $2 and $6 for different size items, and you can get change from the information desk at the Central Concourse. The main locker area with the most inventory and biggest locker sizes is located across from the central ticket gates of the JR Bus Terminal (look for a big green sign, as some call these "secret lockers" and they can be tough to find). Simply check the Osaka Station Map if you can't find the storage locker area.

There isn’t a dedicated baggage room at Namba Station, but there are small coin lockers situated near the central exit on the second floor. There are also lockers near the Nankai Line terminal near the central ticket gates. There are major size limitations to even Namba Station’s large lockers, so if you’re traveling with large luggage or any specialty items, it’s better to look into a luggage storage service like Bounce. 

Where can you store your luggage in Osaka? 

If you’re able to head to the hotel, you can always leave your bags with the concierge desk. However, this can be pretty inconvenient on travel days, especially if you’re not staying anywhere near Osaka Castle. Major Japanese train stations will usually have coin lockers, but this can be inconvenient as well. Of the luggage storage options available, Osaka Castle luggage storage through Bounce is your best bet. We have locations throughout the city, and you can find and book luggage storage on the go with the Bounce mobile app. 

How to get to Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle is the biggest tourist draw, so the city has centered plenty of its sightseeing infrastructure around the landmark. However you reach the castle, the best entrance is the Otemon Gate (the South Gate and Bridge Gate are also accessible) at the southwest corner of the park. Its path to the castle offers the most scenic route through the gardens, and its entrance is very close to the Tanimachi Yonchome Station along the Tanimachi and Chuo subway lines. Here are the best transit methods:

Train

The JR trains are probably the best way to get around Osaka, including heading to Osaka Castle from other parts of the city center. The closest JR station to Osaka Castle is Osakajokoen Station, which is a stop on the heavily trafficked and efficient JR Loop Line. It’s only a 10-minute ride from JR Osaka Station, which costs a few dollars. From there, it's a short walk to the Otemon Gate. You can also take the Osaka Metro to Tanimachi 4-chome Station or Morinomiya Station, and take a 10-minute walk to the castle. 

Bus

The Osaka Wonder Loop Bus is the best way to get directly to the castle, especially if you don’t want to walk from the train station to the castle. It takes a bit longer than the train as you have to contend with traffic. These bus rides cost less than $10 (per day) and you can board them from Osaka Station. 

Taxi and rideshare

This is the easiest way to get to Osaka Castle, but considering traffic, it won't be the quickest way. An average cab ride from Namba (for example) to Osaka Castle will take between 20-30 minutes and cost $30. 

Parking and prices

There's a parking lot at the Osakajo-Koen-Ekimae Parking Lot, but it’s still a 10-minute walk to the castle. Parking costs about $10 for a few hours. Driving really isn’t recommended for travelers unless there are other destinations in the countryside on your itinerary. 

How to get to Osaka Castle from Kansai International Airport

Almost all international visitors flying to Osaka will arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX). From there you'll have a few options for getting to the city center including Osaka Castle.

The train is easily the most cost-effective and efficient way,  with the JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service heading directly to Osaka Station. From there, you can transfer to the JR Osaka Loop Line and take it to Osakajokoen Station near Osaka Castle. The total journey takes approximately 70-90 minutes including the walk to the castle. Not bad! Of course, you'll wanna find a place to store your bags.

Taxis are also available but you won't save that much time compared to the train as you'll definitely run into traffic getting into the area around Osaka Castle. With the ride costing between $50 and $70, it might make sense just to take the train. Renting a car is only advisable if the rest of your trip requires one, otherwise, the hassle of finding parking in Osaka will make your trip more stressful and less convenient. 

Things to do near Osaka Castle

Osaka Museum of History

If you're taking a deep dive into Japanese history, especially as it pertains to the city of Osaka, you'll want to tack on a visit to this wonderful museum either immediately after the castle or on a different day.

The museum is housed in a distinctive modern building that overlooks the castle park. From the observation deck at the top, you actually have wonderful views of the entire castle grounds, but that absolutely will not replace a visit to the castle itself. The museum is fantastic, with dozens of exhibits, telling the story of how Japan's one-time capital a pivotal role in the unification of Japan's formation of the country’s modern form. There are thousands of artifacts and artwork, most notably, plenty of samurai weaponry and armor, and ample information (in English) about the city. 

Osaka Museum of History bag policy

All larger items and luggage are prohibited inside the museum, but there are handy coin-operated lockers near the information counter that can be rented for $5 per day. The lockers do have space limitations, so anything larger than a carry-on will have to be stored elsewhere. 

Universal Studios Japan

For American travelers, this might feel less vital to the Osaka experience, considering you can travel to Anaheim or Orlando to visit the other Universal Studios locations. But the theme park in Japan is absolutely wonderful and anyone interested in the brands will enjoy the unique Japanese take on a theme park. You'll get to explore areas like Jurassic Park, Waterworld, Minion Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Super Nintendo World. That's not too shabby!

Luggage storage near Osaka Castle

With the best luggage storage options conveniently serving Osaka Castle visitors, Bounce is your best bet to store luggage before heading into this illustrious landmark. It’s hardly just an Osaka thing, either. With luggage storage spots throughout Japan, you can count on Bounce to take care of your belongings anywhere in the Land of the Rising Sun!