Welcome to Flower Expo Memorial Park

Nature lovers, families with little children, photographers, this one is for you. The Flower Expo Memorial Park at Tsurumi Ryokuchi is just that, a park. In some ways, it is like Osaka’s version of New York’s central park, but a lot quieter, a lot more family friendly and a lot cleaner.

As you step out of the Tsurumi Ryokuchi station, you know immediately that the park has had more than just a few years on it, but despite not being edgy and new-age, the park is welcoming and so are the visitors in it. You will find many senior citizens here, cycling, sitting around and conversing. They are all very friendly, some may even photobomb your pictures just for the heck of it.

The park is also popular with kindergartens and elementary schools, so be prepared to see many adorable little children run about. Within the park’s huge premises are a sports centre, an observation deck and a huge green-house showcasing plant life from around the world. As all these facilities has a few years on them, you may or may not be inclined to visit, but there are many other things you can do in this park.

If you happen to visit on a day when weather is good, feel free to set out a mat under the lush trees and enjoy a picnic. For those with children, there is an entire open space called ‘Children’s Forest’ just for the little ones to run around and play catch to their hearts’ content. If you love plant-life, aside from the plant-house, there is also a small market selling flowers and bonsais.

Photographers will probably enjoy the many quirky looking trees in the park, the happy families also make for great portrait photography targets. Of course, this place is a park and there are so many more things one can do in it. Perhaps a round of Frisbee? Or football?

Take a break from the bustling city life for once and just enjoy the relaxing day in nature, under the warm sun and cool breeze.