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.
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!
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