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.
Spring review. Not a review of the museum itself.
The cherry blossoms are quite beautiful here. The best part is the wide variety of cherry blossoms you can see here. There were 4 kinds and they provide map guide brochure of the area upon entering. It's free but you need to book in advance on their website. The blossom viewing is only during spring and doesn't grant access to the mint museum; however, the gift shop is open. They sell limited edition coins for the zodiac year as well Sakura coins.
The only down side is the huge apartment buildings in the background. If your looking for more nature and less city for wide shots of Sakura groves, this isn't your spot.
Just next to the mint museum, along the river, there are more cherry blossoms to see as well as food vendors. That area is open to everyone.
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.
