Osaka-jo Gozabune Boat

Osaka Castle Gozabune is a golden sightseeing boat that tours the inner moat of Osaka Castle in about 20 minutes, offering close-up views of the castle’s impressive stone walls. The boat was modeled after a luxurious pleasure craft called “Hoo-maru” depicted in the “Toyotomi-period Osaka Castle Folding Screen,” housed at Eggenberg Castle in Austria, which portrays Osaka Castle and the castle town during Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s era. A “gozabune” refers to an opulent vessel used by emperors, shoguns, court nobles, and feudal lords. In tribute to Hideyoshi—known for his love of gold—the entire boat is covered with approximately 3,000 sheets of genuine gold leaf. Departing from near Gokurakubashi Bridge on the north side of the inner moat, the service operates three boats: Hoo-maru, Kinjo-maru, and Kin-ougi-maru. Capacity is 16 passengers, and private charters are also available. Fares are 1,500 yen for adults, 750 yen for elementary and junior high school students, and free for preschool children. Onboard, knowledgeable guides known as “Ohori Meguri-shu” provide historical commentary about Osaka Castle. From the water, you can enjoy unique sights such as the “human-faced stone” set in the demon-gate direction for protection, stone walls bearing daimyo marks, and views of the castle keep from inside the moat—scenes that can only be experienced at Osaka Castle.