Visit Osaka

Tag: Osaka travel guide

  • 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.

  • Hidden Gem: Hiraoka Hike, Waterfall and Tsutsuji Flowers

    Hidden Gem: Hiraoka Hike, Waterfall and Tsutsuji Flowers

    To the north east of Osaka, there’s a park called Hiraoka Park. But there isn’t just a park – there are a lot of hiking routes here too! The route I’m going to take you through today is all uphill, starting and ending at Hiraoka Station.

    Indicative map of the hike and its main sights

    Level of difficulty: 4 out of 5 (elevation change ~400m). The duration of the hike can be as long as you want it to be, it can last between 3-5hrs and cover a distance of 10-12km. The route is steep, with plenty of places to rest. I would reserve a whole day to make the most of your hike.

    Access

    To get to the Hiraoka, from Umeda Station take a train on the Midosuji line and get off at Namba. From Namba, swap to the Kintetsu-Nara Line and take the Sub Semi-Express toward Yamato-Saidaiji. Get off the train at Hiraoka. An express train should take about 20 minutes or so. Please note that this is an unmanned station.

    First, a visit to the Hiraoka Jinja Shrine (枚岡神社)

    Leave Hiraoka Station and turn right. Head towards the railway crossing, cross over the railway tracks and be careful. Once over the railway tracks turn right and head up until you reach a Tori gate on your left. This Tori gate is called Ni-no-Torii Gate, second Shinto Shine arch of Hiraoka Jinja. Make your way up and follow the blue flags to reach Hiraoka Jinja Shrine and the Hayden Shrine Hall of worship. This is a centuries-old shrine reconstructed in 1826, with sweeping views of Osaka & spring plum blossoms. The shrine is known as one of the few power spots in Osaka. It hosts various festivals throughout the year, including traditional celebrations like the Setsubun Festival, where beans are thrown to ward off evil spirits, and events dedicated to the local harvest. Take a moment to admire its beauty and make a wish.

    Many temples and shrines throughout Japan burn incense. I recommend this Incense Gift Set with Low Smoke Incense and Ceramic Incense Holder with Brass Stand as a great gift for someone who loves Japan!

    The Hike

    After a visit to Hiraoka Jinja Shrine, make your way back down to begin the hike. Keep left to follow the road to the left of the shrine (north of the car park). Here you will walk along the road for a short section before reaching Uber Geike Pond. The pond looks unassuming – but it has an interesting story!

    The pond has been called Ubagaike since ancient times. It originates from a Legend of a Sad Old Woman Throwing Herself, which happened 600 years ago. The legend goes that every night the oil in the sacred lantern at Hiraoka Shrine ran out, and the fires would disappear one after another. It was discovered that an old woman who was struggling to make ends meet had been stealing and selling the oil. The person who found out felt sorry for her and released her. However, the rumours spread that the old woman threw herself into the pond, and no one in the village felt sorry for her, thinking that she had been punished by Myojin. It is said that pale flames appeared nearby and troubled the villagers. This story appears in many haiku and plays, including a short story by Ihara Saikaku, as Ubagaike no Gadai. It is also listed in Japanese and Chinese Sansai Zue and Kawachi Famous Places.

    From the (now interesting!) pond, continue walking left until you reach Kuragane Bridge. Pass over the short bridge, stopping to get food or a drink if you need one, and make a right turn. Turning right will take you uphill along the road for a short section before arriving at a seating area on your right hand side when I went there were some cats residing in the seating area looking very chilled out and loved up! From here, you can either follow the road or you can follow the small stone paved steps up. Assuming you follow the road, be sure to watch out for cars. Continue uphill until you reach a bright red bridge on your right hand side – this is Toyoura Bridge – walk over the bridge and follow the steps to walk alongside the river and view the waterfall.

    Toyoura Bridge

    Wow, what a scenic and tranquil setting for a picnic. It felt like I had this entire place all to myself so if you’re looking for somewhere to escape alone or with your friends or family in Osaka, I definitely recommend this spot. It’s a lot less busy than Minoh Waterfall as well. You can even get close to the water so that you can dip your feet in. This spot has a truly magical and peaceful vibe to escape the city for a while to reset.

    View Rice Terraces

    You can then choose to hike further up the path to see Kenji Buddhist temple and the Caughey Togay Rice Terraces! If you would have told me that you can see rice terraces in Osaka, I wouldn’t have believed you. Japan has many stunning rice terraces known as “tanada” (棚田). If you decide to continue your hike further from the rice terraces, you can make your way around to the right following the hiking path.

    The Final Stretch to Tsutsuji Flowers Road

    Continuing your hike will come with a reward! it will lead you towards an observation deck known as Hiraoka Observatory. You will be met with absolutely breathtaking views from here. I won’t ruin the reward for you. A short walk further then leads you to the end of your hike – the beautiful Tsutsuju Flowers Road, which has a stunning natural display of flowers! This is a great place to end your hike and have a rest before making your way back down the route toward the train station.

    Make your way back down toward the train station and be sure to get the train back from Platform 2 toward Osaka. Alternatively Platform 1 will take you towards the popular deer spot – Nara!

    Top tips for the hike

    When I went on the hike in mid-march it was quite humid that day 23°, I don’t recommend hiking far in the height of summer when it will be too hot. There are signs for forest fires and snakes on your hike – so be sure to keep an eye out. I personally didn’t see any snakes. Here are my tips:

    • Make sure you bring your own food and drink
    • Wear a hat and cover your arms and legs because there’s quite a few midges and potentially mosquitoes.
    • Take photos of the route on your way around so you don’t get lost and have a reference point.
    • Be careful on the road and watch out for cars and bikes; though generally in Japan a lot of people seem to drive very respectfully.
    • People live on part of the route so make sure that you remain respectful don’t take photos of them.

    Be prepared for your hikes! Mont-bell is a very popular brand that most hikers wear in Japan.

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