On the way to Kobe, Hattori Ryokuchi Park (服部緑地) is another plum blossom hunting spot in Osaka. The park, which was chosen to be one of the Top 100 Urban Parks in Japan, is best known for its plum grove and water park. The fall foliage scenery there is also amazing. Opened in 1950, Hattori Ryokuchi Park is one of Osaka’s prefectural parks. While the park is usually where the locals would go to chill, national tournaments are sometimes held at the park’s sports facilities.
Table of Contents
- About Hattori Ryokuchi Park and the Open-air Museum of Old Japanese Farm Houses
- Hattori Ryokuchi Park’s Flowering Calendar
- How to Get to Hattori Ryokuchi Park
Refer to HERE for the Hattori Ryokuchi Park English Map.
About Hattori Ryokuchi Park and the Open-air Museum of Old Japanese Farm Houses
The gently undulating park is dotted with bamboo thickets, pine forests, and more than 10 ponds. Besides the sports fields, an equestrian Center, and an outdoor music hall, Hattori Ryokuchi Park also has a collection of Japanese farmhouses relocated from other parts of Japan.
The best time to visit the old Japanese farmhouses in Hattori Ryokuchi Park (日本民家集落博物館) is winter. It is when the mochi rice cake-making event is held (one day only). The traditional hearths in the old houses are not just a decor for the colder months. Fire is usually lit to keep the visitors warm. There might even be snow to decorate the old houses! Moreover, winter is camelia’s flowering season!
Events and activities are usually held on weekends. For the current event schedule, refer to the Open-Air Museum of Old Japanese Farm Houses’ Official Website and click “English.”
In summer, from early July to August, a water park is set up for the locals to chill. Aside from pools and waterslides, there is also a toddler pool. So if you are in Osaka during Japan’s hot summer, head to Hattori Ryokuchi Park to cool down!
Hattori Ryokuchi Park’s Flowering Calendar
On Hattori Ryokuchi Park’s 126.3-hectare ground, a couple of types of flowers are planted.
- The 200 plum trees of around 20 varieties usually bloom between late February and early March.
- The cherry blossoms bloom generally between late March and the beginning of April.
- Tulips: April
- Roses: late April to May and late October to early November
- Azaleas: mid-April to mid-May
- Hydrangeas: late May to mid-June
- Water lilies in the Japanese garden: May to September
- Lotus: July and August
- Camelias: December to April
You can also refer to the Hattori Ryokuchi Park’s Official Website for the photos that were taken by the park recently.
How to Get to Hattori Ryokuchi Park
- The Open-Air Museum of Old Japanese Farm Houses is open from 9:30 am to 5 pm from Tuesday to Sunday.
- The last admission is at 4:30 pm.
- If Monday is a public holiday, it will close the next business day.
- The museum is also closed from 27th December to 4th January.
- From Osaka Station (大阪駅) or JR Shin-Osaka Station (新大阪駅), take the Osaka Subway and get off at Ryokuchi Kōen Station (緑地公園駅). Then it is a 10-minute walk to Hattori Ryokuchi Park.
Discover Other Plum Blossom Spots in Osaka
Hattori Ryokuchi Park isn’t the only plum blossom spot worth visiting in early spring in Osaka Prefecture. Many more plum groves can be found in the prefecture where Universal Studios Japan is located. If you fly into Osaka, there are a few plum blossom spots close to the Kansai Airport!
So, refer to our article on the Plum Blossom Posts in Osaka to plan your trip!
