Background

Mint Museum: A Glimpse into Japan's Monetary History

Explore Japan's monetary past at the Mint Museum, housed in a historic Meiji-era building on the Japan Mint grounds in Osaka.

4.2

Located on the Japan Mint premises in Osaka, the Mint Museum showcases the history of Japanese currency and the minting process. Housed in a Western-style brick building dating back to 1911, the museum offers a unique blend of historical exhibits and architectural charm.

A brief summary to Mint Museum

  • Monday 9 am-4:45 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-4:45 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4:45 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4:45 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4:45 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-4:45 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during cherry blossom season to experience the stunning Sakura Walk-through, but be prepared for crowds.
  • Download the English audio guide or access the online English explanations to fully understand the exhibits.
  • Take a stroll around the Japan Mint grounds to see the historic main gate and guardhouses.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Osaka Station, take the JR Osaka Loop Line to Sakuranomiya Station. Exit the station, cross Genpachi Bridge, and follow the river south for about 10 minutes. Cross the silver-colored bridge and take the stairs to Route 1, where you'll see the Japan Mint on the left. The Mint Museum is located on the grounds. Alternatively, take the Osaka Metro Tanimachi or Sakaisuji Line to Minami-morimachi Station and walk for 15 minutes. Subway fare is approximately ¥240.

  • Walking

    From Temmabashi Station on the Tanimachi Subway Line or Keihan Main Line, walk north for 10-15 minutes to reach the Osaka Mint Bureau. The Mint Museum is located on the premises. Note that there is no parking available at the museum, so public transportation is recommended.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Osaka Station to the Mint Museum takes approximately 3 minutes and costs between ¥1,400 and ¥1,700. Tell the driver to go to the Osaka Mint Bureau (Zoheikyoku). Note that there is no parking available at the museum.

Unlock the Best of Mint Museum

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Mint Museum

The Mint Museum in Osaka offers a fascinating journey through the history of Japanese currency and the coin production process. Situated on the grounds of the Japan Mint, the museum is housed in a red-brick building that dates back to 1911. Originally a power plant, the building was converted into a museum in 1969 to showcase the work of the Japan Mint to the public. The museum underwent a complete renovation in 2008 and reopened in 2009 with updated exhibits and facilities. Inside the museum, visitors can explore three floors of exhibits that introduce the history of the Mint Bureau, explain the coin minting process, and trace the history of coinage from ancient China to modern Japan. Exhibits include a detailed diorama depicting the Mint Bureau as it appeared when it was first established, as well as displays of Japan's currency through various eras. Visitors can also test their strength by trying to lift bags of coins and bullion bars of silver and gold. While most of the written explanations are in Japanese, an English audio guide and online English explanations are available. Outside the museum, visitors can see the former main gate of the Mint Bureau, dating back to 1871. Designed by English architect Thomas James Waters, the gates and guardhouses are among the oldest Western-style structures in Japan. The grounds of the Mint Bureau are also famous for their cherry trees, making it a popular cherry blossom viewing location in the spring. During this time, the gates to the garden are opened to the public for a week in mid-April.

Popular Experiences near Mint Museum

Popular Hotels near Mint Museum

Select Currency