Mint Museum Osaka 造幣博物館

The exterior of the Mint Museum Osaka appears more Western than Japanese. The building was originally erected during the Meiji period, when Japanese society first opened up to Western ideas and design styles.

Inside, you can learn all about Japan's money throughout history. If cash from ancient to modern isn't compelling enough, wait for cherry blossom season, when the facility grounds come alive with blossoms in a wide array of shapes and shades.

You can get to the museum by train.

From Osaka Station, take the JR Osaka Loop Line to Sakuranomiya Station. Exit the station, cross Genpachi Bridge, and then follow the river south. After walking for around 10 minutes, you'll see a silver colored bridge. Cross the bridge, then take the stairs at the foot of the bridge. These bring you out onto Route 1 where you will see the Japan Mint on the left. The Mint Museum Osaka is located on the grounds.

The building housing the Mint Museum was built in the Meiji era, when Japan had opened up to the Western world and adapted many of the West's institutions and infrastructure. During this time, the social elite took an interest in Victorian and Neo-Renaissance architecture, resulting in many institutions and facilities being built in these Western styles.

Stop at the Mint Museum Osaka while enjoying a relaxing walk through Kema Sakuranomiya Park . If the cherry blossoms are blooming, the museum grounds are a must-visit destination, but please note that the area is very crowded during peak blossom-viewing times.