Visit Osaka

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  • Nagai Botanical Gardens & Osaka Museum of Natural History

    Nagai Botanical Gardens & Osaka Museum of Natural History

    Looking for an unforgettable day in Osaka? Whether you’re exploring on your own, planning a family outing, or seeking a romantic evening, Nagai Park will deliver. Featuring the romantic Nagai Botanical Garden (turning into TeamLab Botanical Garden at night) and the Osaka Museum of Natural History, this destination blends nature, education, and art in one location.

    Wander Through the Nagai Botanical Garden
    The Nagai Botanical Garden is one of the best botanical gardens in Osaka. Covering over 240,000 square meters, this green oasis is home to thousands of plant species. Depending on the time of year, you’ll encounter a display of cherry blossoms in spring, hydrangeas in summer, autumn foliage, or winter flowers like camellias. The seasonal flower displays make it a top spot for photographers, couples, and families alike.

    Key attractions within the garden:

    • A rainbow bridge: the perfect spot for a photo!
    • Heart-shaped flowerbed: A favorite for Instagram photos and a must-see for couples visiting Osaka.
    • Aquatic plant ponds: Featuring vibrant lotus flowers and tranquil water lilies.
    • Rose garden: A fragrant highlight during early summer and late autumn.
    • Wooded walking paths: Perfect for a peaceful escape from the city.

    Families will love the butterfly garden, and nature enthusiasts can join guided tours to learn more about the ecosystems of Osaka and beyond. It’s a relaxing experience, making it one of the most family-friendly places in Osaka.

    Midday: Discover the Osaka Museum of Natural History
    After soaking up the greenery, head to the Osaka Museum of Natural History, located in the same park. A favorite among visitors searching for educational activities in Osaka, this museum offers a fascinating look into the natural world without the need for much walking.

    The museum is packed with displays covering fossils, geology, and biodiversity. Interactive exhibits and life-sized dioramas make it a hit with kids and adults. Highlights include:

    • Dinosaur skeletons: A classic must-see for fans of natural history.
    • Local Osaka ecosystems: Learn about the unique plants and animals found in the Kansai region.
    • Immersive exhibits: for wanting to understand Earth’s history.

    Planning a trip with kids? The museum has hands-on activities that make learning about nature fun and engaging. It’s no surprise this spot is often featured in searches for family-friendly museums in Osaka.

    Evening: Experience the Magic of TeamLab Botanical Garden
    As the sun sets, the Nagai Botanical Garden transforms into the TeamLab Botanical Garden, an interactive digital art experience that’s among the top things to do in Osaka at night. If you’re wondering if TeamLab Botanical Garden is worth it – it absolutely is! Its also the only TeamLab in Osaka. After visiting the museum, you can simply walk back into the botanical gardens from the museum to experience the different side of the park & your kids wouldn’t suspect its the same park!

    The gardens come alive with:

    • Interactive light displays: Paths glow as you walk, and lights respond to your movements.
    • Shimmering trees and ponds: Illuminations reflect off the water, creating breathtaking visuals.
    • Seasonal installations: These change throughout the year, so there’s always something new to see.

    A visit here is often listed as one of the most romantic things to do in Osaka, and it’s easy to see why. Bring a camera —this experience is perfect for couples, families, and solo travelers alike.

    How to Get to Nagai Park
    Nagai Park is one of the easiest day trips from central Osaka. If you’re travelling using the Osaka Metro: Take the Midosuji Line to Nagai Station (Exit 3), then walk 8 minutes. If you’re travelling using the JR Hanwa Line: Get off at Nagai Station (East Exit), and it’s a 10-minute walk.

    For those driving, parking is available, but it can fill quickly on weekends and holidays. If you’re planning to visit during the evening, public transport is highly recommended.

    Ticket Information & Hours
    Nagai Botanical Garden

    Daytime: 9:30 AM–5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM).

    Night (TeamLab): 6:00 PM–10:00 PM (hours may vary).

    Tickets: ¥300 for adults, ¥200 for students, and free for children during the day. TeamLab admission: ¥1,500 for adults, ¥800 for students, free for young children.

    Osaka Museum of Natural History

    9:30 AM–5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM).

    Tickets: ¥300 for adults, ¥200 for students, and free for children.

  • Step back in time at Hattori Ryokuchi Park

    Step back in time at Hattori Ryokuchi Park

    If you’re wondering whether Osaka has green spaces – yes! it does. Spread over 126 hectares, Hattori Ryokuchi Park is one of Osaka’s largest green spaces. The park is divided into various zones, offering something for everyone.

    Just a short train ride from central Osaka, Hattori Ryokuchi Park offers a peaceful retreat into both nature and history. Here, you will be able to see Old Japanese Farmhouses, spot turtles swimming in the ponds and take a walk through the Bamboo lined Mount Inari. Located in Toyonaka City, this sprawling park provides something for everyone!

    Getting to Hattori Ryokuchi Park

    Hattori Ryokuchi Park is very easy to get to from Umeda Station. Take the Midosuji Line (on the Kita-Osaka Kyuko Railway) and get off at Ryokuchi-koen Station. This blog provides you with some of the main highlights to include in your visit.

    Visit the Open-Air Museum of Old Japanese Farmhouses ‘Komnika’

    If you’re wondering where you can see Japanese Farmhouses in Japan, I have good news! One of the park’s standout attractions is the Open-Air Museum of Old Japanese Farmhouses. A Japanese Farmhouse is called a ‘Kominka’. Komnika are built in a very distinctive and nostalgic style showcasing the traditional houses of rural Japan.

    The unique outdoor museum showcases traditional Komnika from different regions of Japan, reconstructed to transport visitors back in time. This is a rare open-air museum that has relocated and restored representative houses from all over Japan, including a gassho-style house from Shirakawa Village, Ono County, Gifu Prefecture, a curved house from southern Iwate Prefecture, and a raised storehouse from Amami Oshima.

    As you wander through the grounds, you’ll get a glimpse of rural life in Japan’s past, complete with thatched roofs, traditional furnishings, and tools used for farming. Be sure to take cash with you as the entrance fee (800-yen for adults) is payable by cash-only. For anyone curious about Japanese culture, this museum is a must-visit. Guided tours and occasional workshops add depth to the experience, making it educational as well as enjoyable.

    Take a walk along Bamboo Trails and Gardens

    Yes – there are bamboo forests in Osaka! Hattori Ryokuchi Park is home to extensive walking paths that wind through calming bamboo trees around tranquil ponds where you may spot turtles swimming about. I was surprised at the sheer volume of bamboo trees around the Mount Inari side of the park – I would recommend visiting here instead of the Arashiyama Bamboo forest in Kyoto for a much quieter spot to see bamboo trees in Japan. Speaking to a Japanese lady while on my walk, she said that these specific bamboo trees were ones that would be cut down for people to eat.

    Bamboo Trees

    Visit the Beautiful nearby Botanical Gardens

    Just a short walk from the park and you will find Hattori Ryokuchi Toshiryoka Botanical Gardens – this beautiful place is located on the southwest side of Hattori Ryokuchi Park. It contains an arboretum with over 700 species of camellia, a park with 2,500 cherry trees, a bamboo garden with a secret shrine, playgrounds for kids, a huge greenhouse, and much more. It’s open daily (besides Tuesdays) from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm. The best time to come here is during the cherry blossom season at the beginning of April.

    Recreation and Family Fun

    For those traveling with kids or looking for outdoor activities, the park offers plenty of options. You’ll find open fields for picnics, bbq’s, playgrounds, and even facilities for horseback riding. During weekends and holidays, the park often hosts events such as flea markets, food fairs, and live performances, adding a festive vibe to your visit.

    Treats

    After exploring the park, take a break at one of the tea houses or cafes within the grounds. Many of them serve matcha (green tea) and traditional Japanese sweets, a perfect way to recharge while soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. If you’re picnicking, consider bringing along some bento boxes from local shops to enjoy under the shade of a tree.

    Tips for Your Visit

    • Timing: Plan your visit in the morning or late afternoon to enjoy cooler temperatures and softer light for photography.
    • Seasonal Highlights: Check the calendar for seasonal events like cherry blossom viewing in spring or moon-viewing festivals in autumn.
    • Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll likely do a fair amount of walking.
    • Admission Fees: Entry to the park is free, but some attractions, like the Open-Air Museum, have a small fee. Make sure to take cash!

    Is Hattori Ryokuchi Park worth visiting?

    Yes! Hattori Ryokuchi Park is a hidden gem that showcases a different side of Osaka and an ideal place to reconnect with nature. Whether you’re a solo traveler seeking tranquility, a family looking for a fun day out, or a couple wanting a romantic stroll, this park delivers a memorable experience. So, next time you’re in Osaka, step away from the city’s hustle and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural richness of Hattori Ryokuchi Park.

    Have you visited Hattori Ryokuchi Park? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!