The Hydrangeas of Kyuanji Temple, Ikeda, Osaka: Video Introduction This video, titled "Osaka Walk - Kyuanji Temple Hydrangea in the pond 4K HDR Japan," was uploaded by "Osaka BlackCat." In Japan, hydrangeas blooms in June, the rainy season. This video shows the beautiful floating hydrangeas at Kyuanji Temple—a temple on the Kansai Flower Temple pilgrimage—which can be seen each year in June. Please enjoy the photogenic sight of the colorful hydrangeas floating on the surface of the water, as well as the solemn beauty of the temple's rich natural setting. An Introduction to Kyuanji Temple, a Kansai Flower Temple Photo：Kyuanji Temple, Ikeda, Osaka Kansai Flower Temples refers to a group of 25 temples in Japan's Kansai region that are famous for their flowers. Kyuanji Temple in Ikeda, Osaka, is the 12th temple on the list of Kansai Flower Temples and is a member of the Koyasan Shingon sect of Buddhism. Surrounded by nature, the temple grounds cover an area of 20,000 tsubo (16 acres), where beautiful scenery, such as hydrangeas, cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, azaleas, and peonies can be seen throughout the year. Kyuanji Temple has a history of more than 1,200 years. In the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573-1598 A.D.), the temple was visited by the famous Japanese warlord and well-known hobbyist Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and has been loved by many visitors as a historic temple used for tsukimi (moon viewing) and tea ceremony. Shuin stamp collectors can pick up a special kirie shuin, available only during the rainy season. It features a hydrangea and the main deity of the temple, Kannon (the Goddess of Mercy). The artistic kirie shuin stamp is truly one-of-a-kind. In the fall, a shuin stamp with a design of autumn leaves is also available for a limited time, making it a must-visit spot for collectors. See the Photogenic Floating Hydrangeas in June! Photo：Hydrangeas at Kyuanji Temple, Ikeda, Osaka Kyuanji Temple has approximately 1,000 hydrangea plants of six different varieties planted on its grounds. The sight of the colorful purple, yellow, red, and blue hydrangeas floating on Gusokuike Pond is especially photogenic. The hydrangeas glistening in the sunlight are so beautiful that it's like paradise. [Video] 0:00 - Floating Hydrangeas The hydrangeas at Kyuanji Temple begin blooming in early June each year, and the Ajisai Ukabe "Floating Hyndragea" event is held in mid-June, when the early blooming hydrangeas can be seen floating on the pond. The hydrangeas at Kyuanji Temple can be enjoyed from mid-June to early July, an in 2022, they were at their best in late June. The blooming status is announced on the Kyuanji Temple Instagram (@kyuanji) from time to time. Be sure to check it out before visiting. Other Attractions at Kyuanji Temple Photo：Autumn leaves at Kyuanji Temple, Ikeda, Osaka Kyuanji Temple is decorated with a variety of flowers throughout the year, but its highlights are not limited to hydrangea and autumn leaves. The large tower gate is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. The roof of the gate has a unique appearance and is said to resemble a bird spreading its wings in preparation for flight. The Hall of the Reclining Buddha, a pagoda where the image of the reclining Buddha is enshrined, is decorated with relief sculptures of Buddha on the walls, creating a mysterious atmosphere. In the garden Koku-en, visitors can enjoy weeping cherry blossoms and other seasonal flowers. The entrance fee to Kyuanji Temple is 300 yen. [Video] 1:09 - Koku-en Garden How to Get to Kyuanji Temple in Ikeda, Osaka Since Kyuanji Temple is surrounded by nature, it is often thought to be in an inconvenient location in the mountains, but it's surprisingly accessible! From Ikeda Station, on the Hankyu Raolway, it's a 15-minute ride to the temple via Hankyu bus. If you're driving, the temple is located approximately 5 km (~15 mins) from Hankyu Ikeda Station. The temple has a free parking lot, but please note that during the hydrangea season, the free parking lot can fill up quickly. Things to Do Near Kyuanji Temple Kyuanji Temple is another temple located in a somewhat remote location. Because of this, you'll need to make your way back into the nearby city of Ikeda to find other things to do, but there's no shortage once you arrive. Here are a couple things to do nearby. Satsukiyama Zoo Satsukiyama Zoo is located approximately 20 minutes from Kyuanji Temple. The zoo is home to a variety of different animals, such as rabbits, wallabies, ponies, etc., and is a nice spot to see the cherry blossoms in Osaka in the spring. The zoo is also completely free to enter. Hours: 9:15 am - 4:45 pm. Shop hours are 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (Mon. - Fri.) and 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (Sat. & Sun.) Closed: Tuesdays Admission Fee: Free CUPNOODLES MUSEUM Located 25 minutes from Kyuanji Temple and 20 minutes by train or on foot from Satsukiyama Park, the CUPNOODLES MUSEUM shares the story of cup noodles and how they came to be, as well as the life of Momofuku Ando, the inventor of cup noodles. There are also workshops inside the museum where you can make chicken ramen or make your own unique cup noodles package. Admission to the museum is free. Hours: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm (Last entry 3:30 pm) Closed: Tuesdays and Year-end/New Years Holidays. ※If Tuesday is a National Holiday, the museum will be closed the following day. Admission Fee: Free There are many more things to do in the area, so we recommend doing your research before visiting so you can build the perfect itinerary! Summary of Hydrangeas at Kyuanji Temple Photo：Hydrangeas at Kyuanji Temple, Ikeda, Osaka We hope you enjoyed this introduction to the hydrangeas at Kyuanji Temple. In the video, it was a beautiful sunny day with the sun shining through the trees, but hydrangeas bloom during the rainy season. If you plan on visiting Kyuanji Temple to see them, don't forget to bring rain gear. Summer is just around the corner once the rainy season ends, so consider visiting Kyuanji Temple in June. You can take some wonderful photos during your visit and share the traditional Japanese aesthetics on Instagram! 【TripAdvisor】Kyuanji Temple

Sakura no Toorinuke – The Cherry Blossom Passage at Japan Mint in 2022: Video Introduction This video, titled "Cherry Blossom Passage at the Japan Mint Bureau in 2022 (Filmed in April, 2022)"｜(【おうちで通り抜け】令和4年造幣局「桜の通り抜け」(2022年4月撮影)), was uploaded by "Japan Mint." In April 2022, the Japan Mint Bureau in Osaka "Sakura no Toorinuke," an annual cherry blossom viewing event, for the first time in 3 years. This video was created so that those who could not come to the event could still enjoy the cherry blossoms. Enjoy this video showing the lovely cherry blossoms at the Japan Mint Bureau in Osaka! A Brief Introduction to Osaka, Japan Osaka, located in central Japan, is known for its delicious street food and exciting nightlife culture, as well as famous tourist attractions like Dotonbori, Shinsekai, and Universal Studios Japan. Being located 2.5 hours south of Tokyo via bullet train, the weather is also generally a bit warmer than Tokyo's. Many people often ask whether Tokyo or Osaka is better to visit, but it really depends on what you're looking for. Osaka is considered to have nicer people and fun nightlife activities, such as clubbing and bar hopping, and while Tokyo still has this, the culture is not as rich. Tokyo tends to be on the sharper side of things and offers a wide range of tourist attractions due to its sheer size. How the Japan Mint Bureau Become a Famous Cherry Blossom Spot in Osaka Photo：Japan Mint Bureau, Osaka Sakura no Toorinuke, a passage of cherry blossoms at the Japan Mint Bureau in Osaka, is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot that attracts many visitors every year. In April 2019, more than 580,000 people visited the event in one week! The area where the Japan Mint Bureau is now located has long been known as a scenic spot for cherry blossoms in Osaka. During the Edo period (1603-1868 A.D.), cherry trees were collected and grown at the storehouse mansion of the Todo Clan, a samurai clan that ruled under the Tokugawa Shogunate. In the Meiji Period (1868-1912), those cherry trees were transplanted at the Japan Mint Bureau in Osaka. In 1883, the cherry blossoms, which could only be viewed by employees of the Japan Mint Bureau, were opened to the public for a few days during peak bloom at the behest of the then Mint Bureau Director. The event came to be known as Sakura no Toorinuke (桜の通り抜け, lit 'Cherry Blossom Passage'). The cherry blossom viewing area is limited to one week in mid-April, and visitors can view the cherry blossoms on a 560-meter-long one-way path along the riverside from the South Gate to the North Gate on the Japan Mint Bureau's premises. Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) along the Japan Mint Bureau's "Cherry Blossom Passage" has become a springtime tradition in Osaka. Japan Mint Bureau Cherry Blossoms in 2023. Illumination Events and Other Cherry Blossom Information Photo：Cherry blossoms at the Japan Mint Bureau, Osaka As of 2023, the Osaka Mint has 339 cherry trees of 140 species. Most of them are satozakura (East Asian Cherries) cultivated for ornamental purposes, and are most beautiful later into the cherry blossom season. Among the 140 varieties of cherry trees, there are rare varieties such as Benitemari, Otemari, and Kotemari, which bloom in dense clusters like temari, and Yoroizakura, which has white flowers. New varieties are added every year as well. [Video] 1:19 - Gyosho, a New Variety Added in 2022 [Video] 2:15 - Iyokiku, a New Variety Added in 2022 Every year, the Japan Mint Bureau in Osaka picks one species of flower and crowns it the "Flower of the Year." Be sure to keep an eye out for it when you visit! [Video] 0:21 - Fukurokuju (福禄寿), the 2022 Flower of the Year Every year, the cherry blossom passage at the Japan Mint Bureau in Osaka is lit up at sunset with paper lanterns and gas lamps giving it a relaxing atmosphere. Information for the 2023 illumination event has yet to be announced, so be sure to check the Japan Mint Bureau official website before visiting. [Video] 2:51 - The Cherry Blossom Light Up When is the best time to visit the Osaka Mint "Cherry Blossom Passage" in 2024? How to apply? Photo：Sakura no Toorinuke, Japan Mint Bureau, Osaka The best time to view the cherry blossoms at the Japan Mint Bureau in Osaka is from early to mid-April. The Sakura no Toorinuke cherry blossom passage is held for one week only during this period when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The blooming of the cherry blossoms is predicted based on past blooms, as well as weather and temperature. The date and time of the event is announced around mid-March each year based on the cherry blossom forecast. Following 2022, advance application was required for 2023. Advance applications must be made via the Internet, through the dedicated Cherry Blossom Passage application website. In 2024, advance application via the Internet will also be required (first-come-first-served basis). The event will be held for one week from early to mid-April. As soon as the date is determined, it will be announced on the Mint's official website. The application period is scheduled to begin around mid-March, so please check back. Pick Up a Coin Set or Medal to Commemorate Your Trip to the Japan Mint Bureau Cherry Blossom Passage Coin sets and souvenir medals produced by the Japan Mint Bureau in Osaka are also available for purchase. The coin set consists of six unused coins, ranging from 1 yen to 500 yen, manufactured in the same year, and a nameplate with the year of manufacture. Proof coinage sets, in which the coins' surfaces are finished with a special technique to create a mirror-like finish, are also available. The nameplate of the 2022 proof currency set and the commemorative medal (gold, silver, and copper) for cherry blossom passing through were designed with the "Flower of the Year" Fukurokuju.On the front of the nameplate of the currency set, the letters "Cherry Blossom Pass Through" and illustrations of cherry blossoms, and on the back, the year of manufacture and the Tora of the Oriental zodiac are written.The cover case was designed by Fukurokuju, the flower of the year. 2023 is the design of Shogetsu, the flower of the year.It depicts a beautiful fairy who lives through the moon against the backdrop of a checkered pattern. I'm looking forward to seeing what the design will be like in 2024!Let's wait for the official announcement of the design and purchase method. Tourist Attractions Near the Japan Mint Bureau in Osaka In addition to being a great spot for viewing cherry blossoms, the Japan Mint Bureau is also very conveniently located. Osaka Tenmangu Shrine is a 10-minute walk from the Japan Mint Bureau, and Osaka Castle can be reached in under 30 minutes by foot or by bus. Located just down the road from the Mint Bureau is the Mint Museum, where visitors can learn about the production of Japanese coinage, which is also free of charge. If you're looking for things to do in Osaka in spring, definitely consider adding the Japan Mint Bureau to your itinerary. Spring in Japan Spring in Japan means cherry blossoms, and in Japan, the cherry blossoms are appreciated with "Hanami," the Japanese word for "cherry blossom viewing." Whether it be cherry blossom parties with friends or simply enjoying them on their own, spring in Japan almost completely revolves around the cherry blossoms and their bloom season. It's not uncommon to see people enjoying picnics outside at parks with cherry blossoms and there are often festivals and other events held to celebrate their arrival each spring as well. If you're in Japan during spring, be sure to participate in these events for yourself and experience a significant part of Japanese culture! Summary of Cherry Blossoms at Osaka Mint Bureau Photo：Sakura no Toorinuke, Japan Mint Bureau, Osaka The Cherry Blossom Passage at the Japan Mint Bureau in Osaka is a springtime tradition in Osaka that is looked forward to by many people, including both local residents and tourists. Every year, new varieties of cherry blossoms are introduced and the design of the souvenir coin set is updated, making the cherry blossom passage an exciting event. The voluminous double-flowered cherry blossoms are great for taking Instagram photos as well! Check out all of the amazing cherry blossoms at the Japan Mint Bureau in Osaka! [Official Website] Japan Mint Sakura no Toorinuke, Osaka [TripAdvisor] Japan Mint Sakura no Toorinuke, Osaka

Nakanoshima Park Rose Garden, 2022: Video Introduction This video, titled "Osaka Walk - Nakanoshima Rose Garden 4K HDR Japan," was uploaded by "Osaka BlackCat." This video was taken during the Golden Week holiday of 2022. Many people were at the park, and the weather was fine on this evening at the Nakanoshima Park Rose Garden in Osaka. Approximately 3,700 colorful roses can be seen blooming in May. You can almost smell their fragrance through the video! Enjoy the beautiful roses and the sunset views of Nakanoshima Park via video. Nakanoshima Park – An Oasis in the Heart of Osaka: A Popular Spot for a Break Photo：Nakanoshima Park Rose Garden, Kita, Osaka Nakanoshima Park is located at the center of Osaka. It's located in Osaka City on the east side of Nakanoshima, the delta that divides the Okawa River (大川, Okawa) into two. The statue of Godai Tomoatsu, who contributed to the development of Osaka's economy, stands at the Osaka Exchange near this park. The park is also located in the middle of Osaka's business district. In the eastern area of Nakanoshima Park, there are places for citizens to relax, including the Lawn Field and Rose Garden. On days when the weather is nice, people can be seen gathering here to enjoy a picnic or go for a walk. The park is a great place for people of all ages to relax. Children can enjoy playing on the open field as well. Nakanoshima Children's Book Forest (こども本の森　中之島, Kodomo Hon no Mori Nakanoshima), designed by the famous architect Tadao Ando, is another great place for kids. Nakanoshima, which has long been the center of Osaka, is also home to historical buildings such as the Osaka City Central Public Hall (大阪市中央公会堂, Saakshi Chuo Kokaido), an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and the Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library (大阪府立中之島図書館, Osaka Furitsu Nakanoshima Toshokan), making it a place where visitors can tour the stately buildings. [Video] 0:11- Historical Buildings in the Heart of Osaka What Makes Nakanoshima Park Rose Garden Unique? Photo：Nakanoshima Park Rose Garden, Kita, Osaka Nakanoshima Park is a leafy oasis in Osaka that sits between the Dojima River (堂島川, Dojimagawa) and Tosabori River (土佐堀川, Tosaborigawa). This wide and open space in the middle of the business district of Osaka was chosen as one of the "Top 100 Green Spaces in Osaka," making it a popular spot in Osaka to enjoy nature. There are approximately 310 varieties of roses planted at the Nakanoshima Park Rose Garden. In the spring and fall, when the flowers bloom, many people come to visit the park. The park is owned by the city of Osaka, meaning it's free of charge and guests can visit Nakanoshima Park Rose Garden anytime they please. The lovely roses bloom gorgeously on arches and fences, making it a great place for photographers and Instagrammers! Nakanoshima Rose Garden is a wide and open space between rivers, giving it an atmosphere much more similar to an English Garden, as opposed to a Japanese-style garden. [Video] 0:20 - The Wide Open Nakanoshima Park Rose Garden Spring and Fall, the Best Times to See the Rose Garden at Nakanoshima Park, Osaka Photo：Autumn roses at Nakanoshima Park Rose Garden, Kita, Osaka The best seasons to see the Nakanoshima Park Rose Garden are usually from the middle to the end of May in the spring, and the middle of October in fall. You can check bloom conditions via the official website. In the spring, roses begin to blooming around Japan's Golden Week Holiday, and they're at their best from the middle to the end of May. There annual and perennial varieties of roses in the park. Both of which bloom in a variety of colors. Vine roses such as Angela, a one-season blooming rose, gorgeously decorate arches, fences, and pillars. Be sure to take pictures with the rose arches in the background under the refreshing blue skies of May! Fall roses bloom from early to late October with perennial varieties of modern roses and English roses in groves. You can enjoy a wide variety of roses, including dark orange Prominents, bright pink Iceberg roses, and graceful Elegant Ladies. [Video] 0:32 - Different Varieties of Roses in Bloom Events at Nakanoshima Park Rose Garden – Light Ups & More Photo：Nakanoshima Park Rose Garden at night, Kita, Osaka How about seeing Nakanoshima Park Rose Garden on board a boat? There's a rose cruise which arrives and departs at the "Rose Port" of Nakanoshima Park. you can enjoy the scenery as you pass under several bridges in Nakanoshima. In spring and fall, when roses are at their best, rose tours are held where you can learn about the characteristics of roses and tips for growing them. The tour takes visitors on a stroll through the rose gardens of Tsurumi Ryokuchi (花博記念公園鶴見緑地, Hanahaku Kinen Koen Tsurumi Ryokuchi), Utsubo Park (靭公園, Utsubo Koen), and of course Nakanoshima Park Rose Garden. Due to the pandemic, the 2023 event has not yet been scheduled, but we're waiting with our fingers crossed! At sunset, the lights on the streets and in Nakanoshima Park are lit up, giving the park a different atmosphere. The illuminated Central Public Hall, Nakanoshima Prefectural Library, Namba Bridge and Tenjin Bridge, etc., reflected on the surface of the river give are what make the atmosphere of Osaka so unique. Things to Do Near Nakanoshima Park After exploring Nakanoshima Park, we recommend checking out some of these nearby attractions: Osaka Tenmangu Shrine This large shrine in the heart of Osaka was founded more than 1,000 years ago in 949 AD. Like many shrines in Japan, Osaka Tenmangu Shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the Shinto god of learning. The shrine also holds the Tenjin Matsuri (Tenjin Festival) every year on July 24/25, so be sure to keep this in mind if you're visiting around those dates. Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Closed: No regular holidays Admission Fee: Free Osaka Museum of History Located near Osaka Castle, this museum opened in 2001. The museum is a place where visitors can learn about the history of Osaka, and holds multiple special exhibits each year. There are also hands-on exhibitions where visitors can learn about traditional Japanese games, kimono, etc. Hours: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm (4:30 pm last entry) Closed: Tuesdays (or the following day if Tuesday is a national holiday) Year-end and New Year holidays (December 28 - January 4) Admission Fee: Adults: 600 yen, High school & university students: 400 yen, Middle school students and younger: Free. ※Discounts available for groups of 20 or more. Nakanoshima Museum of Art A museum of modern art in Osaka that opened in 2022. The museum aims to be a place that is easily accessible to everyone and comfortable for visitors, as well as a fluid space where people moving about Osaka can easily pass through. Hours: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (4:30 pm last entry) Closed: Closed on Mondays (or the following Tuesday if Monday is a national holiday) Admission Fee: Admission fees vary by exhibit. Please check the official website for more information. Other Things to Do in Osaka With Family Thanks to its lovely greenery and open fields, Nakanoshima Park is one of the many great places in Osaka to visit with kids. You can enjoy a picnic here while your kids run around and play. If you're looking for more things to do with family, we've compiled a short list of some of the best things to do in Osaka with kids: Universal Studios Japan Universal Studios Japan is one of the most famous theme parks in Japan, and was the first Universal Studios theme park to be built in Asia. The park features attractions related to popular movies, like Jurassic Park, games, such as Mario Kart, and many more. Both you and your kids will have a blast here. Hours: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm Closed: No regular holidays Admission Fee: Adults: 8,600 yen, Children 5,600 yen, Seniors: 7,700 yen Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is one of the largest aquariums in the world. It features 15 large tanks with marine life from different parts of the Pacific Rim, and is home to some 30,000 creatures of 620 different species. Kids can enjoy seeing otters, sea lions, penguins, dolphins, and more! Hours: Weekdays 10 :00 am - 8:00 pm, weekends & holidays 9:30 am - 8:00 pm. Hours vary by season, so please check the official website for more information. Closed: No regular holidays Admission Fee: 2 and under: Free, ages 3-6: 700 yen, ages 7-15: 1,400 yen, 16 and over: 2,700 yen Kids Plaza Osaka Kids Plaza Osaka is a great place for kids to have fun while learning. The facility is home to a variety of interactive exhibits where kids can learn about science, crafts, etc., and there are even staff members who are interpreters to help introduce exhibits to children. Hours: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm Closed: The second and third Monday of each month (if a Monday is a national holiday, then the following Tuesday). The fourth Monday in August. New Year holidays (December 28 - January 2) Admission Fee: Adults: 1,400 yen, Elementary & junior high school students: 800 yen, Pre-schoolers: 500 yen, Seniors: 700 yen Osaka Castle Park A fascinating historical landmark in Osaka where both children and adults can enjoy learning about the history of the castle and samurai. The castle was built in 1583 by the famous Japanese warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. During the spring, visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms outside the castle, and you can enjoy perusing the various exhibits of armor, etc., inside the castle year-round. It's also located within walking distance from Nakanoshima Park. Hours (Osaka Castle): 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (4:30 pm last entry) Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays (December 28 - January 1) Admission Fee: 600 yen. A Brief Introduction to Osaka Osaka is a port city located in western Honshu, the main island of Japan. It's a large metropolis with both skyscrapers and historic buildings, and is known for its delicious street food, nightlife culture, and striking architecture. Osaka is home to a number of famous tourist attractions. Some of the most popular attractions include Universal Studios Japan, Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and Shinsekai, but there is an endless list of things to see and do in Osaka. If you're coming for travel, you can easily expect to spend 2-3 days in Osaka alone, and we recommend it, as 1 day simply isn't enough to appreciate all that Osaka has to offer. Summary of Nakanoshima Park Rose Garden The rose garden in Nakanoshima Park is a spacious place with a variety of colorful roses. Many of the varieties in the garden bloom at eye-level for children, allowing kids to enjoy the flowers as well. You can also enjoy a stroll through the park with your dog, or enjoy the smell of the roses while having a picnic on the grass. With most people in Japan still opting to wear masks, Nakanoshima Park is a great place to go to avoid crowds and get some fresh air and also save a bit of money. There are also stylish cafes nearby. We hope you get the chance to visit this spring oasis in the heart of Osaka. 【TripAdvisor】Nakanoshima Park

Hirakata Park, Osaka: Video introduction This video, titled "[Hirakata Park Official Video Clip] Fun Hirakata Park for Children and Adults All Year Round" (【ひらかたパーク公式】 子どもから大人まで一年中楽しいひらパー), was uploaded by "hirakatapark." The video is a brief three-minute intro to Hirakata Park in Osaka. It shows seasonal spots and attractions popular on social media as well, such as cherry blossoms, roses, and illuminations. Check out the video to see everything there is to do at Hirakata Park. Hirakata Park: An Introduction to the Oldest Amusement Park in Japan Photo：Hirakata Park, an amusement park in Hirakata, Osaka Hirakata Park is an amusement park located in Hirakata, Osaka. The park is approximately 40 acres, allowing guests to enjoy many attractions and plenty of facilities all year round, including swimming pools in the summer and an ice-skating rink in the winter. Unique events are held in every season, and people of all ages, from small children to adults, can enjoy their time here. Opened in 1910, the park has been open for more than 100 years: it has a longer history than any amusement parks in Japan and one of the representative theme parks in the Kansai area. Although Hanayashiki in Asukusa, Tokyo technically has a longer history, it was destroyed once in WWII, making Hirakata Park the oldest amusement park in Japan without interruption. Junichi Okada, a member of V6, a popular Japanese idol group, has been appointed as the poster child of Hirakata Park. The Japanese movie Hard Days, featuring Junichi Okada, commemorates the 10th anniversary since his appointment as such. More Than 40 Attractions at Hirakata Park! Photo：The Ferris wheel at Hirakata Park, Hirakata, Osaka Hirakata Park features a wide range of rides that both children and adults can enjoy, including thrill rides. It has many attractions that small children and their parents can enjoy together, such as the classic teacup-shaped Strawberry Cafe, Magical Jumping, and Dolphin Paradise. It also has attractions that adults can enjoy. Red Falcon, with a top speed of 70 km/h, is one ride that will satisfy even the most die-hard thrill seekers. ELF is a unique wooden roller coaster that is popular for its classic wooden roller coaster feel. People of any age taller than 3 ft 7 in tall can ride it. Those looking for an even more thrilling experience can try METEO, which drops from a height of around 165 feet! It also has indoor attractions and covered rides, so you can enjoy the park even on rainy days. Its one-day pass, Free Pass as they call, may be a good deal to ride various attractions. A "free pass" that includes admission to Hirakata Park and unlimited access to attractions costs 4,800 yen for adults, 4,000 yen for elementary school students, and 2,800 yen for children from 2 years old to preschool age. Purchase online or with Lawson Ticket for a discount. For details, please check the official website. Enjoy a Hot Summer Day at the Pools at Hirakata Park Photo：A child playing in a pool The Boon is its swimming pool where both children and adults can enjoy a huge lazy river pool and kids pool. The swimming pools are especially fun for children on their summer vacation who are full of energy. Kiddie Slider, Crying Tube, and Canyon Ride are fast and powerful tube slides. You can bring in a dome-shaped pop-up tent of 2m x 2m or less to the poolside, but it will be crowded during summer vacation, so you'll need to get a spot early in the morning. [Video] 0:46 - Nagisa Pool and the Lazy River Pool In the summer, you can leave the pool area in your swimsuit and ride other attractions as well. Please check the official website for pool fees. Autumn and Winter Events at Hirakata Park: Halloween, Illuminations, and More! Photo：An illumination at Hirakata Park, Hirakata, Osaka During autumn, Hirakata Park is dyed in Halloween colors with pumpkins and ghosts displayed throughout the park. Autumn roses are also in full bloom during this season, so be sure to stop by the Rose Garden. In the winter, Hirakata Park is home to an ice-skating rink called Winter Carnival. It has three areas, including the main rink, sub rink, and baby rink. you can choose the rink you want to skate at according to your age and ice-skating skills. Another winter event is the Amusement Park of Lights, an illumination event that transforms Hirakata Park into a magical world. Different illuminations and music are played in each area, and you can also enjoy night attractions. Be sure to take a photo in front of the Christmas tree to commemorate your trip to the park! [Video] 2:28 - Illuminations at Hirakata Park Other Things to Do at Hirakata Park – Petting Zoos, Athletic Parks, Barbecues & More! Photo：A prairie dog at Wonder Garden, Hirakata Park Hirakata Park has two animal areas. The outdoor Wonder Garden is a great place to stop by while having fun at the amusement park. At the indoor Wakuwaku Zoo, you can feed cute animals. You can feed popular red pandas for a limited time on certain days as well, so be sure to check the schedule in advance. [Video] 1:35 - Wonder Garden Active elementary school children can also enjoy the educational adventure "Athletic 'try-it,'" which has two courses, normal and challenging. Preschool children can also take part in the adventure, so long as they are accompanied by an adult! The self-service barbecue areas can be reserved online, making it easy to prepare and clean up. Consider trying it with your family during spring break or summer vacation. How to Get to Hirakata Park There are several ways to get to Hirakata Park depending on where you're coming from, but below we'll introduce how to get to Hirakata Park from Osaka Station and from Kyoto Station. Hirakata Park From Osaka Station (Total time: ~40 minutes) To get to Hirakata Pak from Osaka Station, first, take the Osaka Loop Line to Kyobashi Station (~7 mins). From Kyobashi Station, take the Keihan Main Line to Hirakata-Koen Station (~19 mins). From Hirakata-Koen Station it's an approximately 10-minute walk. Hirakata Park From Kyoto Station (Total time: ~45 minutes) To get to Hirakata Park from Kyoto Station, take the Kintetsu- Kyoto Line to Kintetsu Tambabashi Station (~11 mins), and then from Tambabashi Station, take the Keihan Main Line to Hirakata-Koen Station (~20 mins), and then walk to Hirakata Park (~10 mins). Summary of Hirakata Park Photo：The rose garden at Hirakata Park, Hirakata, Osaka At Hirakata Park, where many seasonal events are held, you can feel the spirit of the season from the flowers that decorate the park. If you ride the Red Falcon when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, you can ride through a row of cherry trees. The 300 cherry trees planted in the park are also well worth seeing. [Video] 0:10 - Red Falcon Riding Through Cherry Blossoms The park has 4,000 roses of 600 different varieties in its rose garden, which is beautiful from any angle. In the spring and autumn, visitors are delighted by the colorfully blooming roses. [Video] 0:28 - The Beautiful Rose Garden Hirakata Park is a theme park loved by people in the Kansai region, where everyone from children to adults can enjoy themselves. If you're visit Osaka on vacation, be sure to stop by Hirakata Park. Children on their spring or summer vacation are sure to have a blast! ◆Hirakata Park◆ 【Address】1-1 Hirakata Koenmachi, Hirakata, Osaka 【Hours】10:00 am -5:00 pm 【Admission Fee/Tickets】Adults (junior high school students and older): $11.15 USD, Children (Ages 2 through elementary school): $6.27 USD. Prices correct as of 6/27/2023. ※Please not that prices are subject to change, so please check the official website for up to date information. 【Nearest Station】Hirakata Park Station, Keihan Railway 【Official Website】Hirakata Park 【TripAdvisor】Hirakata Park