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Mint Museum: A Glimpse into Japan's Monetary History

Explore Japan's monetary past at the Osaka Mint Museum, a historical landmark with fascinating exhibits and stunning seasonal cherry blossoms.

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The Mint Museum in Osaka, housed in a historic red-brick building, showcases the history of Japanese currency and the coin minting process. It features exhibits of ancient and modern coins, medals, and the Japan Mint's activities, offering a unique insight into the nation's economic past and present.

A brief summary to Mint Museum

Local tips

  • Visit during cherry blossom season (mid-to-late April) for a spectacular display, but be prepared for crowds.
  • Download the English audio guide or access the online English exhibit explanations for a more informative experience.
  • Check the Mint Bureau's website for closure dates, especially around holidays and special events.
  • Take advantage of the free admission to explore the museum's three floors of exhibits.
  • Consider visiting the Mint Shop near the exit for unique souvenirs and commemorative coin collections.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Mint Museum is accessible via multiple train and subway lines. From Osaka Station, take the JR Osaka Loop Line to Sakuranomiya Station, then walk south for approximately 15 minutes. Alternatively, take the JR Tozai Line to Osakajo-Kitazume Station and walk for about 10 minutes. Another option is to take the Osaka Metro Tanimachi or Sakaisuji Line to Minami-Morimachi Station, followed by a 15-minute walk. Osaka Metro fares range from ¥190 to ¥340 for adults, depending on the distance. JR train fares from Osaka Station to Sakuranomiya Station are approximately ¥160. An ICOCA card can be used for convenient payment on both subway and JR lines.

  • Walking

    From Temmabashi Station (Tanimachi Subway Line or Keihan Main Line), the Mint Museum is a 10-15 minute walk north. Exit the station and follow the signs towards the Mint Bureau. The walk is straightforward and offers a pleasant view of the surrounding area. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Osaka. From Osaka Station, a taxi ride to the Mint Museum typically takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare for a regular taxi from Osaka Station to the Mint Museum is between ¥1,400 and ¥1,700. Taxi fares in Osaka start at ¥680 for the first 2km, with additional charges of ¥400 per kilometer thereafter. Be aware that medium and large taxis may cost slightly more.

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Discover more about Mint Museum

Located on the grounds of the Osaka Mint Bureau, the Mint Museum offers a fascinating journey through the history of Japanese currency and the minting process. Housed in a striking red-brick building dating back to 1911, originally a thermal power plant, the museum itself is a piece of Meiji-era history. The museum's exhibits span three floors and showcase a wide array of coins, medals, and historical documents. Visitors can explore the evolution of coinage from ancient China to modern Japan, gaining insights into the close relationship between society and currency. Interactive displays, such as lifting bullion bars and a senryo-bako chest, provide a hands-on experience. While most written explanations are in Japanese, English audio guides and online resources are available. Beyond the exhibits, the Mint Museum is renowned for its seasonal cherry blossoms. The grounds boast over 300 cherry trees of various types, creating a stunning spectacle during the annual Sakura walk-through, typically held in mid-to-late April. During this week, the garden is open to the public, creating a beautiful tunnel of pink and white blossoms, which are illuminated at night. The museum is open daily, except for Wednesdays after April 1st, year-end and New Year holidays, and during the cherry blossom viewing week. Admission is free, making it an accessible and enriching experience for all.

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