Japan Mint Head Office

The Japan Mint Head Office in Osaka serves as the country's primary facility for producing coins and medals, operating since 1871 during the Meiji era. Located in the Kita ward along the Okawa River, this government institution has played a crucial role in Japan's monetary system for over 150 years. The facility represents an important piece of Japan's modernization history, as it was established shortly after the country opened to the West and needed to standardize its currency production.

The site's most significant attraction is its renowned cherry blossom viewing during spring, when approximately 340 cherry trees comprising over 130 varieties line a 560-meter pathway through the grounds. This collection includes rare cultivars not commonly found elsewhere, such as the yaezakura (double-flowered cherry) varieties. The annual cherry blossom viewing event, known as the "Sakura-no-Torinuke," typically draws hundreds of thousands of visitors during its week-long opening period in mid-April. The mint also houses a small museum displaying historical coins, medals, and equipment used in minting processes throughout Japanese history.

Visitors can explore the museum year-round to view collections of Japanese currency from ancient times to present day, including commemorative coins and decorations awarded by the Japanese government. The museum displays original machinery from the mint's early years and provides insight into coin production techniques. During the cherry blossom season, the special pathway opens for one-way walking tours, offering an immersive experience beneath blooming canopies while viewing the riverside scenery.

The Japan Mint Head Office is accessible via the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line to Tenmabashi Station, approximately 15 minutes on foot from the station. Alternatively, visitors can take the Keihan Railway to Temmabashi Station or the JR Tozai Line to Osaka-Temmangu Station. Admission to the museum is free, and the cherry blossom viewing event also requires no entrance fee, though visitors should expect significant crowds during peak bloom periods.