Japan’s Castles: The 15 Keeps Worth the Climb

Osaka Castle: Museum and Tower Entry Ticket - Walking through Osaka Castle Park to the tower

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,380 reviews · 1 month · from $7Our pick

Osaka Castle ticket review covering views, museums, skip-the-line entry, access, crowds, timing, and practical tips for a better visit.

“We had a great time during our visit to Osaka Castle, Yes I I would recommend this trip and purchasing tickets before you go. As the queue to get in is extremely long and it’s very difficult in the heat! Inside take the elevator up to the 6 floor and climb the next 2 levels up to the top it’s worth it as the view is spectacular 😍”

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Tokyo Castle & Imperial PalaceーShogun Walking Tour

2.Tokyo Castle & Imperial PalaceーShogun Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,068 reviews · 2 hours · from $23

Explore Edo Castle, Imperial Palace gardens, samurai defenses, and Japan’s imperial story on a friendly two-hour Tokyo walking tour.

“Our guide Yuki was very informative. We also love the pacing of the tour. Highly recommend to visit this historical site with a guide.”

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Kyoto: Nijo-jo Castle and Ninomaru Palace Guided Tour

3.Nijo-jo Castle and Ninomaru Palace Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,020 reviews · 1 hour · from $16

Tour Nijo Castle and Ninomaru Palace in English, with expert historical context, special access, gardens, and practical tips for a $16 visit.

“We had a great private tour guide! Very informative and pointed out what each room was for for the shogun!”

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Ultimate Osaka Walking Tour: Castle, Dotonbori & Hidden Gems

4.Ultimate Osaka Walking Tour: Castle, Dotonbori & Hidden Gems

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 862 reviews · from $73Top rated

See Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, Kuromon Market, Shinsekai, and local neighborhoods on a full-day walking tour with lunch.

“Really enjoyed the private Osaka walking tour with Scott .He was a very friendly and knowledgeable guide .We went to Osaka castle and then downtown to Dontonbori where we had a tasty lunch .We then enjoyed walking through the fish market which was fascinating .Scott came on the metro with me to ensure that I found my way to my hotel safely…even though he was heading in the opposite direction ! Throughly recommended !”

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Tokyo Castle & Imperial PalaceーShogun Walking Tour

5.Tokyo Castle & Imperial PalaceーShogun Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 724 reviews · from $24

Explore Edo Castle, samurai guardhouses, Imperial Palace gardens, and Japan’s imperial past on a two-hour English walking tour in Tokyo.

“Well worth a tour to understand the history of Tokyo! The park is beautiful, but without a formal tour you would not appreciate the grounds.”

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Kyoto: Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu & Fushimi Inari Guided Tour

6.Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu & Fushimi Inari Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 700 reviews · 11 hours · from $54

Review of Kyoto’s 11-hour bus tour to Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu-dera, and Fushimi Inari for $54.

“The day was long! From 7-6:30. So, be prepared for that. You’re going to see a lot. Big crowds, and wonderful sights. Andrea was a fantastic guide. She was down to earth, and knowledgeable. She’d speak English, Spanish, and Japanese with a flip of a switch. It was quite impressive. If you want to see Kyoto’s historic spots, this tour is for you! If you’re not into crowds, go during the off season. Thank you Andrea, and the fantastic bus driver(Ikiro San?)”

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Osaka Castle Walking Tour and Castle Tower Admission

7.Osaka Castle Walking Tour and Castle Tower Admission

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 561 reviews · from $24

See Osaka Castle with a guide, skip the entry line, learn samurai defenses, visit Toyokuni Shrine, and enjoy city views for $23.88.

“Amazing tour with guide Kenta! Saw the beautiful castle of Osaka and the surrounding places and learnt many new things about the past! Totally recommending :)”

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Imperial Palace East Garden and Edo Castle Walking Tour in Tokyo

8.Imperial Palace East Garden and Edo Castle Walking Tour in Tokyo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 510 reviews · from $25

Review of Tokyo’s $25 Imperial Palace East Garden and Edo Castle walking tour, with guide tips, itinerary details, value, and practical advice.

“Miyu was our guide and she was very friendly and knowledgeable, providing a lot of helpful historical and background information which enriched our tour experience. The Imperial Palace Garden was a particular highlight. I highly recommend this tour!”

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Kyoto: Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle Guided Walking Tour

9.Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 453 reviews · 3 hours · from $49

Compare Kyoto’s shogun and imperial worlds on a three-hour guided walk through Nijo Castle and the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

“Taku, a native of Uji on the outskirts of Kyoto, was an excellent guide for the tour. He was patient, knowledgeable, and considerate of the needs of everyone on the tour. He has a deep respect for and knowledge of both the national treasure sites. I learned alot from the tour and would recommend to anyone who wishes to delve into the interesting history, culture, and natural beauty of Kyoto!”

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Castle Tours, Hiroshima Tours, Martial Arts Experiences, Tour Reviews

Japanesel Archery Experience HIROSHIMA CASTLE SHARAKU

10.Japanesel Archery Experience HIROSHIMA CASTLE SHARAKU

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 387 reviews · from $43

Try authentic kyudo at Hiroshima Castle with traditional dress, patient instruction, practice arrows, and a friendly small-group contest.

“I had a great time learning about and practicing Japanese Archery. It was important to follow the rules and this resulted in hitting the target on quite a few occasions. Would be a great hour spent solo or with family.”

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From Osaka: Himeji Castle, Arima Onsen & Mt. Rokko Day Tour

11.Himeji Castle, Arima Onsen & Mt. Rokko Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 339 reviews · 10 hours · from $53

Review of the Osaka Himeji Castle, Arima Onsen and Mt. Rokko day tour, including sights, costs, lunch, transport, and practical tips.

“Liu/Nick was very professional. He was informative and helpful to the guests. We learned a lot from him. He goes above and beyond to answer any questions you have and was the best tour guide we’ve had in Japan. Also, this tour allows sufficient free time and plenty of delicious food. We strongly recommend booking tours with Liu/Nick as your guide.”

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5-Hour Osaka Bike Tour to the Neighborhood of Osaka Castle

12.5-Hour Osaka Bike Tour to the Neighborhood of Osaka Castle

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 319 reviews · from $88

Ride through Osaka Castle Park, shrines, Edo streets, local food, and tea on a five-hour small-group bike tour for up to six people.

“Absolutely wonderful tour! They were knowledgeable and fun! Thank you Mike and Hide we had such a fun time.”

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Osaka Castle Guided Tour

13.Osaka Castle Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 249 reviews · 90 minutes - 3 hours · from $43

See Osaka Castle with an English-speaking guide, explore its museum and park, and understand the battles, art, and views behind Osaka’s icon.

“Hina was very knowledgeable about Osaka, I learned a lot. Plus, she was patient with me and my questions.”

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Osaka: Castle History Walking Tour / Castle Tower Admission

14.Castle History Walking Tour / Castle Tower Admission

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 230 reviews · 1h 30m · from $33

See Osaka Castle through its moats, gates, stone walls, and tower views with an English-speaking guide on this 90-minute tour.

“Kaz was a fantastic tour guide! She was knowledgeable, enthusiastic and funny. She spent a lot of time explaining the history and making sure we had a good grasp of it, so that when we reached the castle, we could appreciate it and how far it has come.”

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Tokyo Castle, Imperial Palace, Shogun & Garden Walking Tour

15.Tokyo Castle, Imperial Palace, Shogun & Garden Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 211 reviews · from $32

Explore Tokyo’s Imperial Palace East Gardens, Edo Castle ruins, samurai history, and scenic photo spots on this small-group walking tour.

“Our guide was very knowledgeable and provided important historical context that helped us visualize and understand better everything we were visiting. Touring the palace grounds with a guide makes all the difference; otherwise, you might be a little disappointed because most of the structures have been destroyed.”

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