If you're visiting Osaka, Osaka Castle is an almost non-negotiable attraction to visit. It offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Originally built in the late 1500s, it played a pivotal role in Japan's unification, and now serves as a symbol or tradition and resilience. It has also been made more popular due to the Netflix series Shōgun.
Today, Osaka Castle is a highly popular photography location, whether it's for a proposal, pre-wedding, vacation shoot, etc. The huge castle grounds, and vast park that surrounds it, offers many options for beautiful photographs.
In this guide, let me take you on a journey through some of the best photo spots around Osaka Castle, perfect for capturing unforgettable moments for your proposal, pre-wedding, couple or family photoshoot.
1. Inner Bailey (Honmaru)
The Inner Bailey is quite a large area in front of Osaka Castle. It was used to house the main keep (tenshu), administrative offices and living quarters. Today, it serves as a popular spot for sightseeing and photography, offering the clearest view of Osaka Castle's iconic architecture.
Although many people will gather closer towards the castle for photos, I've found the spots at the furthest end of the Inner Bailey, away from the castle, to be the most photogenic. You can get a stunning landscape, framed by trees, with Osaka Castle perfectly proportioned and positioned for a balanced looking photograph. Surprisingly, this area is one of the less crowded spots within the Inner Bailey.
Just opposite from the framing trees, also at the tail end of the Inner Bailey, there is an area particularly beautiful in the summer. Here you'd be able to take photographs with vibrant blue and purple Hydrangea flowers.
A wide flight of stairs within the Inner Bailey also makes a wonderful photo spot. As this area does not feature Osaka Castle in the background, you wouldn't need to fight any crowd, yet capture some unique memories in a more relaxed setting.
2. Japanese Garden (Nishinomaru Garden)
The Japanese Garden was built quite recently, in 1965, as an effort to preserve and enhance the Osaka Castle experience. It provides an unblocked view of Osaka Castle, and is arguably on of the most beautiful castle backdrops in Japan.
The garden is quite a popular area, and does get congested at times. You would often need to queue for a photo opportunity. Regardless, once it's your turn, the photos will look beautiful. The garden's design ensures that nobody will be wandering in the background, keeping your photos clean.
The Japanese Garden is the perfect blend of nature, culture and history. As far as couple photography goes, it is a dream location that looks perfect is all seasons, ideal for creating unforgettable memories.
3. Outer Area (near Gokurakubashi Bridge)
The walls surrounding Osaka Castle were built to serve as a formidable defense while showcasing power and wealth in feudal Japan. It's an impressive feat of engineering, that is often overlooked, and happens to also be my favourite photo spot at Osaka Castle.
The walls are rarely congested, as most visitors eager to explore the castle interior. This give you the privilege to take a leisurely stroll to find your ideal photo angle.
I particularly like the spot in the photos, where the walls provide a clean and dark backdrop to highlight the couple while blocking the crowds inside. The trees also frame the castle perfectly, making for a pleasing composition.
This area is also ideal for couples who may feel shy, but want to experiment quirky poses, as there is no pressure from strangers who'd be waiting to take your spot.
Final thoughts
Osaka Castle is one of the best photo spots due to its iconic architecture, many photo spots and scenic views. With less crowded areas around the castle and its gardens, you can take photos at your own comfortable pace, allowing for more meaningful shots.
The castle looks amazing at all times of the day, making it a versatile destination in your itinerary.
Couple photographer
If you're planning a special occasion such as a surprise proposal, anniversary, or elopement, consider entrusting the details to an experienced photographer, who would even make your occasion more memorable. Do check out our tips on choosing the right photographer for you.
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