To me who was born and raised in Osaka, the word "Japan Mint" refers to not coins but cherry blossoms. Every spring for a week, people in Osaka get to enter the property of Japan Mint which is normally off-limits, to fully enjoy the peak of the cherry blossoms.
The neighborhood along the old Yodo River just north of Osaka Castle was famous for its beautiful cherry trees. In 1883, the head of then recently built Japan Mint was generous enough to make its campus open to the public for a week at the peak of the season. Since then "Walk-through Japan Mint" (造幣局の通り抜け) has become the destination for the cherry blossom viewing with more than half a million visitors every year.
If you would like to enjoy the blossoms but avoid the crowd, Minami Temma Park (南天満公園) nearby is a good alternative.
(Cherry blossoms at Minami Temma Park)
Recent Comments