Osaka Mint Bureau Cherry Blossom Viewing

Each year for one week in mid April, the Osaka Mint Bureau opens their grounds for ‘Sakura Torinuke” – cherry blossom viewing.

The particular variety for which the mint grounds are famous for is yaezakura – a slightly later flowering variety with more petals than the classic somei yoshino variety. So while most parks in Osaka will be on their last cherry blossom legs, the Osaka Mint will be in full swing. After dark, the blossoms are illuminated.

Access

The mint is a 15 minute walk from Temmabashi Station on the metro Tanimachi line and Keihan main line. From Osaka Station take a short stroll to Higashi Umeda station and catch the Tanimachin line from there. If you’re travelling from the Namba area you can hop on the metro and change at either Yodoyobashi or Tanimachiyuchome stations (or walk to them as they aren’t too far) and then catch the Tanimachi line from there.

Accommodation

Rather than staying next door to the garden, we suggest staying a little more centrally in Namba, as it is still only 15 minutes away, but also closer to the castle and Dotonbori. Fuku Yado Hostel has resonable rates and a smart design which combines traditional features (like a sunken hearth) with modern amenities. If you like capsule hotels – then Y’s Cabin is a simple but smart option with traditional baths and comfy beds. For hotel lovers we suggest the Dormy Inn Shinsaibashi which comes with a hot spring to unwind in after a day of blossom viewing.

(Greg Lane)