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Osaka can be seen as the capital of the Kansai region with two large airports, a large business district, and endless shopping opportunities. City life can tire anyone out and a quick getaway to the countryside is sometimes exactly what an urbanite needs. However, with time constraints and commitments back-to-back, it could be hard to getaway. Instead, try your hand at exploring some of the nature getaways right in the heart of Osaka City.
Utsubo Park
Nestled in the concrete jungle around Higobashi and Hommachi lies the green haven that is Utsubo Park. As soon as you enter the park from the busy roads, the large trees and surrounding shrubs hug you into the immersive nature of the park and block out the bustling sounds of people and cars behind. There is a long walking path with park benches dotted between the trees where you can sit and relax whilst taking in some desired fresh air. A playground is located in the park for any families who wish to take their children out for a quick breather. For sports fans, a large tennis court (centre court) and other smaller ones can be rented out for a few hours so that you can mimic a Wimbledon-esque tennis competition. A large water fountain also sits in the park with water trickling down a guided path. This is a great, safe area for children to play with water whilst others can set up a picnic basket for lunch.
Access: A 5-minute walk from Hommachi Subway Station (Chuo Line, Midosuji Line, Yotsubashi Line).
Osaka Mokuzai-Ichiuri Ichiba Hassho-no-chi
Sandwiched between lanes of a busy road (Nagahori Dori) lies this slither of nature. Upon entering from the Nishi-Nagahori side, the gravel path snakes around the trees and bushes as it makes its way down the road. Though there might not be any park benches or fields to rest in, there are concrete stumps frequently located down the path for you to perch yourself upon and have a rest. Despite the fact that there are many cars thundering past, the trees do a good job of numbing most of the sounds out. Some of the local residents frequent this path to take a quick nap in the sun or let their mind wander into some faraway distance. The views may not be the distant mountains and vast open fields, but somehow seem to compliment the surrounding buildings. You surely would not feel immersed in nature but you will definitely feel like you are in a natural bubble with a cityscape surrounding. Continue walking down the gravel path to eventually exit at Nishi-Ohashi station. Nearby is the shopping district of Shinsaibashi should you want to have a shopping spree after having some downtime.
Access: Found in the middle of Nagahori Dori (Nagahori Road) between Nishi-Nagahori Subway Station (Nagahoritsurumiryokuchi Line and Sen-Nichimae Line) and Nishi-Ohashi Station (Nagahoritsurumiryokuchi Line).
Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park
Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park is one of the largest parks in Osaka City. It is a memorial park for the International Garden and Greenery Exposition in 1990, in which unique vegetation were exhibited from many countries around the world. Participating countries have left behind displays of statues, vegetation, and structures that reflect their respective cultures in the park. It is highly popular with people wanting to get a taste of different countries through a walk in the park, or with cosplayers looking for filming locations or photoshoot opportunities. This park is still recommended for those who just want to getaway. Rather unusual for a park in a large city in Japan, large fields make up the majority of the park in which people sit and relax, and play sports. Thanks to its large pond and forested areas, wildlife is abundant in the park. Various species of birds and insects can be found everywhere, making it a paradise for respective hunters. Amenities such as playgrounds, shops, and a botanical garden complete this park for a very enjoyable day out.
Access: A 5-minute walk from Tsurumi Ryokuchi Station (Nagahoritsurumiryokuchi Line).
Nakanoshima Park
An island in the middle of the O-River (Okawa) is one of the best chillout spots right in the centre of Osaka. Close to the business district and Osaka Castle Park, it provides a modern nature getaway with the amenities of still being in a city. There is an outdoor restaurant serving BBQ in the summer months, a rose garden with various different species planted, and the Museum of Oriental Ceramics on the island. Small festivals are often held here with music, food from local vendors, and zakka items for sale. It is extremely popular with the younger crowd due to its convenience and the vibe. Nearby are coffee shops and restaurants serving foreign foods and drinks, making the area also popular with foreign residents of Osaka. This is one of the best hangout spots for you and your friends while you enjoy the nature the park has on offer.
Access: Naniwabashi Station (Keihan-Nakanoshima Line), Yodoyabashi Station (Midosuji Line, Keihan Line), Kitahama Station (Sakaisuji Line, Keihan Line), and Temmabashi Station (Tanimachi Line, Keihan-Nakanoshima Line, Keihan Line).
© Japan Today
2 Comments
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thepersoniamnow
Hattori Ryokuji Koen.
Right outside my door, soccer fields, tennis courts, and BBQing allowed all over.
Its the best!
JeffLee
My problem with Japanese urban "parks" such as these is all the concrete. Visitors are forced to remain on concrete, which doesnt provide much of an escape from the city. You can see this in most of the photos here. The greenery is actually fenced off or made separate from human activity.