Visit Osaka

Tag: commemorative park

  • Bathe in Nature at Tsrumi-Ryokuchi Park

    Bathe in Nature at Tsrumi-Ryokuchi Park

    Tsurumi-Ryokuchi Park is located on the lime green subway route and can be easily accessed from near Osaka Castle (Morinomiya station). The park was home to the 1990 International Garden and Greenery Expo, where different countries showcase flowers and landscaped areas. This is where the park gets its title as the ‘Osaka Expo ‘90 Commemorative Park’.

    Hire a scooter for the day

    Upon entering the park I noticed that you can hire a bike or hire some futuristic looking e-scooters and mobility scooters which I discovered were called Tsuru Mobi. To ride the Tsurumobi, all passengers must register as members and make a reservation in advance, so bear this in mind before your trip. As this was my first time visiting, I decided to walk to make sure I didn’t wizz past something worth exploring more. I checked the park map before making my way around. The map of the park looked big, and I was excited to explore it.

    Shortly after I entered, I spotted a tower which I now know is called the Tower of Life! Osaka city government closed the tower more than 10 years ago, due to declining tourist numbers, and had initially planned to demolish it. However, calls have emerged for the tower to be used to boost momentum for the Osaka-Kansai Expo in 2025. City officials say plans to topple the structure will go ahead without a feasible proposal to preserve it. I took a lot of photos of it, hoping that it will remain but knowing it could be demolished, and knew it would be a good point of reference during my park adventures.

    Tour the old-expo site and take a photo next to a windmill

    After entering the park, if you head right, you will enter the site of the 1990s flower expo and will be met with displays from all around the world. The most iconic is the dutch-style windmill which is surrounded by impeccable rows of flowers all year round. The flowers vary from tulips in spring, to sunflowers in august and more prime photo opportunities throughout the year. The displays from all around the world have been restored recently, with highlights including a waterfall from Canada, and temples from China and South Korea.

    Throughout the park, I noticed people sitting beneath mushroom-like shelters, and thought they looked really unique and cool in their design. Here is a photo!

    Mushroom Design Seating Areas

    Spot wildlife near the pond

    The large pond ‘Oike Pond’ in the centre of the park had a lot of birds flapping around, and herons perched quietly on rocks within the water. The backdrop of the pond included temples and a dutch-style windmill in the distance.

    On my way around, I found that the park has something for everyone, this includes a Horse Racing Track, a Forest Adventure filled with playgrounds for children, a BBQ and Camping area for those who want to camp in the park! If you wish to do this, remember to book in advance and bring your own tent.

    The abundance of wildlife, flowers and trees in the park was what I noticed most. The Sakura (blossom) trees were blooming in mid-March. A lovely surprise as they’re not forecast in most areas until April. Locals were naturally gathered to take photos of this fleeting moment. I was suprised to discover that the park is also home to a large indoor botanical garden with over 15,000 plants! The park is called Sakuya Konohana Kan, which costs just ¥500 to enter.

    Sakura Blossom Trees

    My walk around the park lasted around 3 hours, so I can see why you can rent bikes and scooters near the entrance! At the end of my walk, i was quite hungry, so I stopped at the restaurant near Oike Pond. The restaurant is ideally named ‘Botanical House’ and has a lovely terraced dining area near the water. It is one of the best locations for a romantic dinner that I’ve found in Osaka so far. A perfect scene to end the day before catching the train or if you want further time to relax, Tsurumi Onsen Suishun is a public bath house and gym located directly opposite the train station.

    View from Botanical House Restaurant

    So, is Tsrumi Park worth visiting? Yes, absolutely, i’d say that Tsrumi Park is arguably the best park to visit in Osaka when it comes to the variety of activities, plants and nature. While the park can be enjoyed all year round, the best time to visit Tsrumi Park is in Spring (April-June) to see the flowers in bloom or toward Autumn (September-November).

  • Expo ’70 Commemorative Park

    Expo ’70 Commemorative Park

    Recently we decided to visit Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, the site of Japan’s first world fair in 1970. It felt right to do with the Osaka Expo ‘25 starting soon! I had heard about the Tower of the Sun, a strange-looking sculpture that had become an Osaka landmark, and had to see it for myself. The commemorative park is huge, with a mix of open spaces, museums, and gardens. It turned out to be a quiet place to walk around, away from the busier parts of the city. It costs just ¥250 (£1.30!) to enter the park, which is amazing value for money. I recommend purchasing the ticket at the gate, and make sure to bring cash as some of the machines don’t accept card payments.

    How to get there:

    Getting to the park was straightforward. We took the Midosuji Line from Osaka Station to Senri-Chuo, then switched to the Osaka Monorail for a short ride to Bampaku-Kinen-Kōen Station. The monorail stops right by the entrance, which makes access pretty convenient. The ride on the monorail itself was exciting (and perhaps a little daunting an experience if you’re not used to travelling this way!).

    Exploring the Park

    One of the first things I saw upon entering was the Tower of the Sun, an unusual sculpture standing at 70 meters tall. Designed by artist Taro Okamoto, it was originally created for the Expo and has been preserved ever since. The tower has a distinct look, with large outstretched arms and multiple faces representing different aspects of time. We didn’t book a tour to see the inside, but were surprised to find out that this is an option. Admission to the Tower of the Sun Museum is by reservation only. (A minimum of a 1-day advance reservation is required.)

    Tower of the sun!

    After walking past the tower, we headed toward the Japanese Garden. It was well-maintained, with ponds, bridges, and a mix of different landscaping styles. Depending on the season, you can see cherry blossoms (spring) or autumn foliage (November-December). You can also see bamboo swaying gently in the breeze, which I personally found more relaxing than the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto which has become a tourist hotspot.

    The gardens are fun for all ages and there is an interactive stamp collection activity, if you collect just 5 stamps on your way around you will get a lovely gift! I won’t spoil the surprise for you…

    For those interested in history and culture, the park has a couple of museums. The National Museum of Ethnology showcases cultural artifacts from around the world, while the Expo ’70 Pavilion focuses on the history of the 1970 World Expo. We walked through the Pavilion, which had exhibits on the futuristic designs and ideas presented at the Expo. It was a small but interesting look into Japan’s post-war era of rapid growth.

    For those who enjoy activities, the park has something called “Banpaku BEAST”, an athletic facility that utilises a hexagonal platform using unique technology from Germany. You can enjoy various activities such as climbing, slacklining, and aerial bicycles at this facility. There are 121 types of activities. With a high level of safety, people of all ages, from elementary school students to seniors, can experience them. The athletic area is on four floors, and there is also an observation deck on the rooftop that offers a panoramic view of the park. An additional fee is required to enter the BEAST!

    Food wise, there were a few food stalls inside the park selling mostly selling snacks and drinks. Vending machines are also there (of course). If you’re looking for more options, Expo City, a large shopping and entertainment complex right next to the park, has restaurants, an aquarium, and a shopping mall. This includes a buffet-style KFC… yes you read that right!

    Is a visit to the Commemorative Park worth it?

    Expo ’70 Commemorative Park isn’t typically a tourist attraction, but it’s a lovely place to visit if you enjoy open spaces, walking trails, or learning about Osaka’s history. The Tower of the Sun was the main highlight for me, and the gardens make for a relaxing day out. I would highly recommend a visit if you’re looking for a break from the city, a day out with family relaxing with a picnic, or have an interest in the legacy of the 1970 Expo. Just make sure to take sunscreen and hats as the park is a large open space, with not much shelter. We will definitely be back!