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If you have done the things to do in Japan, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Toyonaka.
Toyonaka is a hidden gem waiting to be explored, offering a treasure trove of experiences and adventures to dive into like a kid in a candy store.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Toyonaka:
1. Itami Sky Park
Itami Sky Park is a spacious public park located in Toyonaka, Japan, near Osaka International Airport.
What to see or do: Taking a stroll along the park’s promenade and enjoy the scent of seasonal flowers, colorful trees, and quiet streams. The park features an observation tower from which visitors can see the entire Osaka Bay area.
You can also rent a bicycle or enjoy a picnic with friends and family.
Don’t miss: The observation tower, with its impressive panoramic views of Osaka Bay, Kobe, and Awaji Island.
Also, make sure to take a walk through the park’s unique “flower clock” that showcases ornamental flowers arranged to show the time.
Insider travel tips: Visit the park during the Annual Rose Festival in May to experience a breathtaking display of over 15,000 roses.
Come early in the morning or just before sunset for the best views from the observation tower, and bring your own food and drink to enjoy a relaxing picnic with a fantastic view.
2. Open-Air Museum of Old Japanese Farmhouses
Open-air museum showcasing traditional Japanese farmhouses.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the museum’s 12 preserved farmhouses that showcase different architectural styles and designs from various regions in Japan. The museum hosts a variety of workshops and activities that explore traditional farming and craft-making techniques.
Don’t miss: The Hinoki-cho farmhouse, which is a registered National Important Cultural Property. This 200-year-old farmhouse features a thatched roof, earthen walls, and an irori, a sunken hearth used for heating and cooking.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved.
If you’re interested in learning more about traditional Japanese culture, visit the museum during one of their many festivals or events.
The museum is easily accessible from Osaka by public transportation; take the Hankyu Takarazuka Line to Hotarugaike Station and walk for 10 minutes to the museum.
3. Expo ’70 Commemorative Park
A park built to commemorate the 1970 World Exposition held in Osaka.
What to see or do: Take a stroll and enjoy the seasonal flowers in the park. See the iconic Tower of the Sun, which was built by famous Japanese artist Taro Okamoto for the expo.
Visit the Natural and Cultural Garden, which has a collection of plants from around Japan and an open-air museum showcasing traditional Japanese houses.
Don’t miss: The nightly light display on the Tower of the Sun, which illuminates the structure in a stunning array of colors.
Insider travel tips: Plan your visit around the changing seasons to see different flowers in bloom. The park can get crowded on weekends and holidays, so try to visit on a weekday if possible.
There is also a shuttle bus available from nearby train stations to the park.
4. Hotarugaike Pond
Hotarugaike Pond is a picturesque man-made pond located in Toyonaka, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy strolling on the path surrounding the pond while taking in the beautiful scenery, which includes a variety of trees and plants.
Birdwatching is also a popular activity, with numerous species of birds calling the pond area home.
Don’t miss: The Hotarugaike Festival, held in mid-May, features a spectacular fireworks display over the pond.
Insider travel tips: Visit in the morning or early evening for the best chance of spotting birds, and bring binoculars if birdwatching is of interest.
The walking path can be slippery when wet, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear. Additionally, be respectful of the natural habitat and do not disturb any wildlife or plants.
5. Tsukaguchi Shrine
A beautiful and historic Shinto shrine located in Toyonaka, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the peaceful grounds of Tsukaguchi Shrine, which features a variety of traditional Japanese buildings and structures, as well as lush gardens and peaceful walking paths.
The shrine is also home to a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including traditional Japanese dance performances.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the main hall of the shrine, which features a breathtaking collection of traditional Japanese artwork and architecture.
Visitors can also see the shrine’s signature torii gate, which stands at the entrance of the shrine and is considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
Insider travel tips: Visitors should be sure to bring a camera to capture the stunning beauty of Tsukaguchi Shrine. The shrine can be accessed via train or bus, and is open to the public year-round.
Visitors should also consider visiting during one of the shrine’s many festivals or events, which provide a unique insight into traditional Japanese culture and customs.
6. Hattori Ryokuchi Park
Hattori Ryokuchi Park is a large green space in Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan.
What to see or do: The park offers various activities including cycling, rowing, a garden railway, and a large playground for kids. There are also several gardens to explore such as the Japanese Garden, the English Rose Garden, and the French Garden.
The park also features a lake where visitors can enjoy a relaxing boat ride.
Don’t miss: The park has a Nature Museum that houses various plant and animal specimens. Visitors should check out the museum’s extensive collection of dinosaur fossils.
Insider travel tips: The park can get crowded during weekends and holidays. It’s best to visit on weekdays or early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Visitors can also bring their own bicycles or rent them at the park.
7. Minoh Waterfall
Minoh Waterfall is a beautiful natural waterfall located in Minoh Park, a national park in Toyonaka, Osaka. The waterfall is a popular tourist attraction and a great spot for hiking and outdoor activities.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy a leisurely hike through the lush forest to reach the 33-foot tall waterfall. The hiking trail is well-maintained and features several scenic spots along the way.
Once you reach the waterfall, take in the breathtaking view and cool off with the refreshing mist.
Don’t miss: In addition to the waterfall, visitors can visit the nearby Minoh Temple, a historic Buddhist temple that dates back to the 7th century.
The temple is home to several cultural treasures, including a large statue of the deity Fudo Myoo.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit Minoh Waterfall is in the fall when the surrounding forest is ablaze with autumn colors.
8. Nakayama-dera Temple
Nakayama-dera Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Toyonaka, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can wander through the temple’s beautiful gardens, admire the ancient architecture, and take part in various religious ceremonies and rituals.
The temple’s main hall houses impressive statues of Buddha and other important figures in Buddhist lore.
Don’t miss: Be sure to take in the view from the temple’s observation deck, which overlooks the sprawling Osaka metropolis and offers a stunning panorama of the surrounding area.
Insider travel tips: Visit during cherry blossom season (late March to early April) to see the temple’s gardens in full bloom and experience a traditional hanami (floral viewing) party.
Don’t forget to try the local specialties like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (Japanese-style pancake) at the nearby food stalls.
9. Kuchinawa Ryokuchi Park
Kuchinawa Ryokuchi Park is a spacious and serene park located in Toyonaka, Japan.
It covers an area of around 80,000 square meters and is a popular spot for locals and tourists to relax and enjoy nature.
What to see or do: The park offers a wide range of activities for visitors, such as strolling through its beautiful gardens, taking a leisurely bike ride along its well-manicured paths, playing a round of tennis or basketball, or just having a picnic on its lush lawns.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the park’s stunning Japanese garden, which features a pond, waterfall, and traditional tea house. It’s a picture-perfect spot that’s especially beautiful during the spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
Insider travel tips: – Plan your visit during the spring if you want to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom.
10. Nose Gongen Shrine
Nose Gongen Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Toyonaka city, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. The shrine is dedicated to the deity Hachiman, god of warriors and protectors of Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the shrine grounds and the beautiful vermillion-lacquered buildings.
The highlight of the shrine is the main hall, which was constructed in the early 1600s and is designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
Don’t miss: The shrine’s annual festival, held on the 3rd Sunday in October, is a must-see event. The festival features a lively procession, traditional music and dance performances, and local food and crafts vendors.
Insider travel tips: Visitors can take the Hankyu Takarazuka Line to Ishibashi Station, and then take a local bus to Nose Gongen Shrine. It’s recommended to visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and experience a peaceful atmosphere.
Also, don’t forget to bring some coins to make an offering at the shrine and receive a traditional omamori (amulet) for good luck.
11. Settsukyo Park
A beautiful and tranquil park located in Toyonaka, Japan.
What to see or do: Take a peaceful walk through the park’s lush greenery and relax by the waterfalls and streams. There are also plenty of picnic areas and playgrounds for kids.
Don’t miss: The stunning Settsukyo Bridge that spans across the Settsu River. It offers amazing views of the surrounding landscape and is particularly beautiful in the fall when the leaves change color.
Insider travel tips: Visit on a weekday to avoid the crowds. Also, bring a camera and capture some of the park’s breathtaking scenery.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as there are lots of walking paths within the park.
12. Nemyo Shrine
Nemyo Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Toyonaka city, Osaka.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the beautiful architecture of the shrine and explore the serene surroundings. The shrine is famous for its picturesque beauty, especially during autumn when the leaves change colors.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the Nemyo Matsuri festival held at the shrine every year on October 3It features lively music performances, traditional dances, and delicious food.
Insider travel tips: To avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit the Nemyo Shrine during the off-season in the early morning or late afternoon.
Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery.
13. Yamashita Shrine
A small yet charming Shinto shrine located in Toyonaka, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the various traditional Japanese architectural elements present in the shrine’s main building, as well as its serene garden area.
The shrine also hosts several festivals throughout the year, including a famous Ema market in February, where visitors can purchase small wooden plaques to write their wishes on.
Don’t miss: Be sure to take a stroll around the beautiful pond located on the shrine grounds. Visitors can cross the wooden bridge and admire the koi fish swimming in the crystal-clear water.
Insider travel tips: The shrine is known for its rather unique “Power Spot” where visitors can stand and feel a calming energy.
Additionally, visitors should keep an eye out for the small fox statues dotted around the grounds, which are regarded as the guardians of the shrine.
14. Kureha Hill
Kureha Hill is a scenic park in Toyonaka, Japan, that offers one of the best panoramic views of the Osaka skyline.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the trails adorned with seasonal flowers and foliage that lead to the hilltop observation deck.
The observation deck provides a stunning view of the Osaka skyline including the iconic Umeda Sky Building, Tsutenkaku Tower, and the Osaka Bay.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the breathtaking sunset views from the observation deck that create the perfect setting for a romantic evening.
Insider travel tips: Plan your visit in the late afternoon to witness the sunset over the city, and bring along a light jacket as it can get chilly at the top.
Kureha Hill is a popular spot during the cherry blossom season in spring, so plan accordingly if you want to see the beautiful cherry blossoms.