Banpaku Memorial Park

Need an escape from central Osaka? Head up north to Banpaku Memorial Park, a large 260-hectare park with a strange, towering statue and a few brilliant museums. Pair with activities at the nearby Expo City complex for a great day trip.

[Banpaku Memorial Park - image © Florentyna Leow]

In 1970, a world fair (known as Banpaku) was held in this 260-hectare park. It’s nice for strolling, but the main attraction here is the excellent National Museum of Ethnology, which is located inside the park. A close second is the Japan Folk Crafts Museum, which houses some truly beautiful examples of mingei and has a great gift shop. The park is just across the tracks from the Expo City complex, so the two can be combined into one great day out in Osaka.

[Banpaku Memorial Park - image © Florentyna Leow]

The first thing you’ll see walking towards the park from the nearest station, Banpaku-kinen-koen Station on the Osaka Monorail Line, is the “Tower of the Sun.” This is a sculpture by Japanese artist Taro Okamoto, which noted Japan author Alex Kerr once called “the ugliest thing ever made by the hands of man.” Whatever you think of it, it’s a rather compelling eyesore that you’ll want to photograph.

One of the best times to visit is during the autumn leaves season. Visitors to Osaka tend to spend their time shopping in the city, and most don’t bother heading out here. All the better for those who do make the effort to trek up north: a visit to the Japanese garden inside Banpaku Memorial Park rewards you with brilliant fall foliage to rival most temples in Kyoto, and very few tourists to boot. It’s entirely worth the entrance fee.

For language sticklers, please note that the park is formally known in English as Expo’70 Commemorative Park.

English name:
Expo’70 Commemorative Park/Banpaku Memorial Park

Japanese name:
万博記念公園

English address:
Senri-Banpakukoen, Suita-shi, 565-0826

Japanese address:
〒565-0826 吹田市千里万博公園

Opening hours (Natural and Cultural Gardens, and Japanese Garden):
9:30am-5pm (last entry 4:30pm)
Closed Wednesday except national holidays

Admission (Natural and Cultural Gardens, and Japanese Garden):
Adults: 250
Junior high and elementary school students: 70

Nearest Transport:
Monorail: 7-minute walk from Bampaku-kinen-koen Station on the Osaka Monorail Main and Saito Lines.

Nearest Hotels:
Check availability and pricing for hotels near Banpaku Memorial Park on Booking.com or Agoda.com.

Telephone:
+81-6-6877-7387

Website:Official Website (English)

Near To Here:
Banpaku Memorial Park is located in Osaka’s northern district. See our complete list of things to do in the Osaka’s northern district, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.

Where Are These Places Located?

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