What other travelers are saying about Osaka Mint Bureau (Cherry Blossom Viewing in Spring)
It was a bit of a trek to find (we walked from Osaka Castle to here) but definitely worth it if you like mints/ coins. It is free to attend- you need to go in through the main gate and then walk a bit beside the building until you get to the door.
I liked how friendly the staff are and I liked how there were different sections of the mint to explore. We had really good timing so we got to see the show that happens every 30 minutes which informs you about the history of the mint. It is in different languages!!!
The mint exhibition was mostly in Japanese but you could kinda figure out most of it anyway. There were interactive exhibits and fun little games too, which I loved. You can see the special coins and also the Olympic medals!!!
I also loved the mint museum shop. We couldn’t take photos in there but I really wish I got the 500 yen coin plushie!
What an amazing museum with two floors to best utilize its space showcasing Japan's coin manufacturing process and all the related information.
It also too charge of producing 2020 Tokyo Olympics medals and other noble and honorary badges.
So much to see for hours if time permits.
What a gem this place is! Thank goodness the Sakura was still blooming! There wasn't any crowd at all. A great place for taking photos with the blossoms and spending a quiet afternoon in the museum away from the crazy crowd. The mint museum has many beautiful coins and there was a great history of the Japanese currency.
This museum is great for those interested in the history of Japanese coins. The entrance is a bit hard to find if you rely the GPS direction. Best to look for the main entrance where there are guards.
When you arrive, you will need to sign in and be given a pin. The mint museum is around the corner in a very distinct red building.
Entrance to the museum is free however be wary of what you can and cannot take photo off. There are staff on every floor and this museum always felt like someone is watching you and is quite quiet. The day I came, there was not much tourists.
The souvenir store has very cool collectibles but most of them are on the very pricey end. I found them quite genuine and worth the buy if you want to.
Yes, guided tours are available, offering visitors detailed explanations about the minting process and the history of Japanese currency. It's advisable to inquire directly with the bureau for schedule and reservation details.
The Osaka Mint Bureau is accessible by public transportation. The nearest train stations are Temmabashi Station on the Keihan Line and Tanimachi Line of the Osaka Metro. From there, it's a short walk to the bureau.
The best time to visit is during the cherry blossom season, usually in mid-April, when the bureau opens its cherry blossom pathway to the public. This event attracts many visitors who come to admire over 100 varieties of cherry blossoms.
The Osaka Mint Bureau is located in Kita-ku, Osaka, Japan, along the banks of the Yodo River. It's in a historically rich area with beautiful surroundings, including cherry blossom trees.
Facilities for visitors include restrooms, a gift shop where you can purchase commemorative coins and other souvenirs, and occasionally, temporary food stalls during special events like the cherry blossom season.
