The Osaka Mint turns pink – if only for a week
April 2nd, 2008 by Carolyn ToddPhoto by Carolyn Todd
The most popular site for cherry blossom viewing in Osaka is undoubtedly the Osaka Mint; suppliers of coinage to the Japanese nation.
The Mint Museum is open to visitors throughout the year (no charge), but the grounds of the Mint are open for only one week in April each year; in 2008, this will be the period between April 16th and the 22nd. A 500m walkway through the grounds alongside the Yodo River is lined with in excess of 400 cherry trees, including the popular double-flowering and much rarer green-flowered variety of blooms.
The Mint is open until 9 p.m. each night with the area outside the grounds lined with food and souvenir stands that serves to create something of a carnival atmosphere.
The cherry blossoms themselves are illuminated each night, the pink and white blossoms glowing in the soft light.
Admission: free
Access: Tanimachi Subway Line / Keihan Line: Temmabashi Station – 15 mins on foot – north of the station.
Tanimachi / Sakaisuji Subway Line: Minamimorimachi Station
