The Nishinomaru garden is a quiet little spot just past the west outer moat via the Ote Gate of the Osaka castle. Visit this garden during the cherry blossom season and visitors will be rewarded with a breathtaking scenery of sakura. Unfortunately, we arrived just after the cherry blossom season and was greeted with a sea of green.
While boisterous tourists arrive by the coach-load to the castle itself, this tranquil garden seemed to be favored by the locals. When we arrived, there was a group of avid bird-watchers who had "parked" themselves at choice spots with their heavy-duty binoculars and comfortable stools, a couple busy photographing each other, and a young family of four having a picnic: scenes of ordinary people leading ordinary lives.
The garden is also the site of a former Osaka guest house and an ensyo gura or ammunition storehouse. We spent some time exploring the beautiful garden and followed what the locals did: bird-watched and took photos of each other.
There is a separate entry fee of 200 yen. Access is via the Ote Gate. Opening hours is from 9am - 5pm.