Toyonaka is one of those districts of Osaka that rarely make the “must-see” lists, which is a shame, because it is here that you can best experience the quieter, everyday side of the city. Located in the northern part of the metropolitan area, it combines the convenience of urban infrastructure with abundant greenery and a local atmosphere, far removed from the neon bustle of Namba or Umeda.
Toyonaka is a place where life moves at a slower pace. There are parks perfect for a stroll, small temples, quiet neighborhoods, and cafés frequented mainly by locals. Toyonaka is an excellent stop for those who want to take a break from tourist routes and see Osaka as it is in everyday life unhurried, yet full of character.
I actually reached this district with the plan to see only the ethnographic museum, but as you can see below, it wasn’t the only place worth the trip.
TOYONAKA – LOCATION OF THE DISTRICT
To reach the most interesting spots in the district, it’s best to take the subway and get off at the stationRyokuchikoen Station.
TOYONAKA – HATTORI RYOKUCHI PARK
Even just the walk from the subway station to the park feels like a green oasis.
Hattori Ryokuchi Park is one of the largest and most popular green areas in northern Osaka, perfect for a break from the city’s pace. Its wide walking paths, lawns, ponds, and wooded sections make it easy to forget that you are still within a major metropolis. It’s a popular spot for picnics, jogging, and family outings, especially on weekends.
OPEN AIR MUSEUM OF OLD JAPANESE FARM HOUSES
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
The Open Air Museum of Old Japanese Farm Houses is one of the most interesting attractions in Toyonaka and northern Osaka. It is located within Hattori Ryokuchi Park, making it easy to combine sightseeing with relaxation in the open air. The museum showcases traditional Japanese architecture in a very accessible way.
- OPENING HOURS: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM. The museum is closed on Mondays.
- TICKET PRICES: ¥500, discounted ¥200–¥300, preschool children free
- MORE DETAILS ON THE WEBSITE: Open Air Museum (English version available as a PDF)
MAP FROM THE MUSEUM WEBSITE (LINK ABOVE)
BUILDINGS
The museum houses original historic houses that were relocated from various regions of the country. There are former peasant cottages, merchant houses, and craftsmen’s buildings. Each structure showcases a different lifestyle and the distinct climatic conditions in which the former Japanese inhabitants lived.
INTERIORS
The interiors of the houses are fully furnished. You can see tatami floors, sliding shōji doors, irori hearths, and simple everyday furniture. This makes it easier to understand what family life was like in historical Japan and how traditional homes functioned.
CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES
The open-air museum also allows you to examine building techniques. Wooden structures, massive roofs, and natural materials demonstrate how houses were constructed without modern technology. Each building includes descriptions to assist with self-guided exploration.
GREEN SURROUNDINGS
Between the houses grow bamboo groves, deciduous trees, and native plant species, making a walk through the museum feel like a journey through a traditional Japanese village. The greenery is not just a backdrop here, but an element that builds the authentic atmosphere of the place. Around the houses, plants that actually existed in traditional settlements have been planted: shrubs, grasses, and useful trees. This helps to understand how closely connected to nature daily life in old Japan was. The changing seasons give the museum a completely different character. In spring, fresh greenery dominates; in summer, the area becomes dense and shaded; and in autumn, the leaves create a warm, subdued palette. This makes the museum attractive at any time of year and encourages a calm, unhurried visit.
HATTORI RYOKUCHI ARBORETUM
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- OPENING HOURS: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Closed on Mondays.
- TICKET PRICE: ¥220, free for youth and children
- DETAILS ON THE WEBSITE: Hattori Ryokuchi Arboretum (website only available in Japanese)
Hattori Ryokuchi Arboretum is a calm, green part of Hattori Ryokuchi Park, ideal for those who want to relax away from the city hustle. The arboretum serves as a botanical and educational garden, showcasing a variety of tree and plant species characteristic of Japan and the Kansai region.
Within the arboretum, both deciduous and coniferous trees grow, and walking paths wind through naturally arranged green areas. This makes the place perfect for a leisurely stroll, nature observation, and photography. In spring, the arboretum delights with fresh greenery and blooming plants, while in autumn it attracts visitors with the colors of the leaves.
Hattori Ryokuchi Arboretum is a great complement to a visit to the open-air museum and other parts of the park. It is less frequented by tourists, allowing you to experience a more local and natural side of Toyonaka.
WHERE TO STAY IN OSAKA?
The choice of accommodation in Osaka mainly depends on how you want to spend your time. The city offers everything: from modern hotels to cozy hostels and traditional ryokans. If you decide to book accommodation in Osaka, I recommend using the Booking.com. portal, which we have used dozens of times. Through this link, you can book your stay with a 15% discount!
Enter your desired dates and book safely:
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