Japan Mint Cherry Blossom Passage

Osaka's Spring Tradition

The Japan Mint's Sakura no Toorinuke, or cherry blossom passage, is an Osaka spring tradition continuing since 1883. It began when the mint director of the time proposed opening the riverside grounds for a few days at full bloom, so that citizens as well as staff could enjoy the blossoms along a one-way route. This roughly one-week special opening lets visitors walk through the cherry-lined grounds normally closed to the public, and it is cherished as a herald of spring in Osaka.

Rare Cherry Blossom Varieties

The greatest appeal of the passage is the diversity of cherry varieties. Along the roughly 560-meter path beside the old Yodo River, about 140 varieties and around 340 cherry trees are planted. Common Somei Yoshino is rare here; instead, double-flowered cherries dominate, and unusual varieties appear one after another, such as the pale yellow-green Ukon and the large-blossomed Fugenzo. Each year, one variety symbolizing that season is chosen as the Flower of the Year.

History of the Mint

The Japan Mint, established in 1871, was Japan's first modern coin-minting facility. The adjoining Mint Museum lets visitors learn about the history of Japanese currency, from oban and koban gold coins to modern money, as well as the process of making medals and decorations, and it is open year-round.

Cherry Blossoms Along the Okawa River

Along the Okawa River (the old Yodo River) adjacent to the mint, rows of Somei Yoshino cherry trees continue through Kema Sakuranomiya Park. Blossoms reflected on the water and cherry viewing from boats can be enjoyed, and a walk combining the passage with the park is a standard part of Osaka spring sightseeing.

Access and Basic Information

• About a 15-minute walk from Osaka Temmangu Station on the JR Tozai Line, or Temmabashi and Minamimorimachi stations on the Osaka Metro.
• The passage is one-way, with a set entrance (South Gate) and exit (North Gate).
• The Mint Museum can be visited year-round, regardless of the cherry blossom season.

Practical Travel Notes

• The passage is held for about one week around mid-April, timed to the double-flowered cherries that bloom slightly later than Somei Yoshino. Dates shift with bloom conditions, so always check the mint's official announcement before visiting.
• The period is extremely crowded, so public transportation rather than a car is the basic choice.
• At night, the trees are lit by paper lanterns, offering an atmosphere different from daytime.
• Because the route is one-way, you cannot turn back partway, so it is best to photograph the cherry trees you want as you go.

A Word of Advice

Since the passage runs for only a very short period, it is worth aiming for this special week of Osaka spring if your itinerary allows. Walking the passage during the day and combining it with the Somei Yoshino of neighboring Kema Sakuranomiya Park and the year-round Mint Museum makes for a rich stroll that brings together blossoms and history at once.

📚 Sources

This article is based on the history of the Mint's Sakura no Torinuke (a tradition since 1883), guidance on its roughly 140 varieties and about 340 cherry trees and the year-round Mint Museum, information on the adjacent Kema Sakuranomiya Park, and tourism information for Osaka City. It also draws on guidance for the Flower of the Year and the illumination. The dates and entry method vary by year, so please always confirm with the Mint's official announcements before you go.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: The roughly 560 meter path is one-way, so allow time to match your viewing pace.
• How to get around: With a fixed entrance (south gate) and exit (north gate) one-way route, photograph the cherries you want on the spot.
• Best season: About one week in mid-April, timed to the late-blooming yaezakura rather than the somei-yoshino.
• Access: About a 15 minute walk from Osakatemmangu Station (JR Tozai Line) or Tenmabashi and Minami-morimachi stations (Osaka Metro).
• Transport: It is very crowded during the period, so use public transport rather than a car.
• Also enjoy: The somei-yoshino of the adjacent Kema Sakuranomiya Park and the year-round Mint Museum.