History and Background
Construction of Sakuya Konohana Kan began in June 1987 and was completed in March 1989. The building was designed and constructed as the Osaka City pavilion for the International Garden and Greenery Exposition, Osaka, Japan, 1990.
The design was undertaken by Nikken Sekkei and Rantek Planning Office. The building is primarily a steel-frame structure, with portions constructed using reinforced concrete. It stands approximately 30 meters high and consists of two above-ground floors, one penthouse level, and one basement floor.
A Design Inspired by a Water Lily
The building’s distinctive design reflects the area’s former landscape as a wetland. Its shape was inspired by a water lily floating on the surface of the water.
The name “Sakuya Konohana Kan” was selected through a public naming competition. It comes from a poem in the Kokin Wakashu, an early Japanese poetry anthology, which refers to flowers blooming in Naniwa as winter ends and spring arrives.
Exhibits and Facilities
Sakuya Konohana Kan is more than a botanical display. It provides visitors with opportunities to learn about plants while enjoying relaxing spaces. Various areas recreate different climates and geographical environments from around the world.
Flower Hall
The Flower Hall is a multipurpose space used for exhibitions, concerts, and other events. It also serves as a comfortable place where visitors can take a break.
Tropical Rainforest Plant Room
This area recreates the atmosphere of a tropical rainforest and features plants such as palms and banyan trees. Particularly notable are banyan species known as strangler figs, including the gajumaru, as well as Benjamin figs.
Tropical Flowering Tree and Plant Room
Designed to evoke the beautiful tropical landscapes of Hawaii and Tahiti, this area features colorful tropical plants such as hibiscus and bougainvillea. Fruits including bananas and pineapples are also displayed, creating a distinctly tropical atmosphere.
Arid Plant Room
The Arid Plant Room features plants adapted to dry environments, including cacti and succulents. Displays are organized by region, including Africa, North and South America, and Australia, allowing visitors to compare the distinctive plants of different arid regions.
Alpine Plant Room
This zone features alpine plants that naturally grow at elevations of around 5,000 meters. Even during summer, the temperature is maintained below 20°C, allowing visitors to observe plants from the Himalayas and Japan in conditions close to their natural environments.
Polar Plant Room
The Polar Plant Room introduces plants from the Arctic and Antarctic regions. These plants have adapted to some of the harshest environments on Earth, offering visitors an opportunity to appreciate their remarkable ability to survive under extreme conditions.
Outdoor Gardens
Adjacent to the indoor exhibition areas are outdoor gardens designed around different themes. Areas such as the Lotus Garden, Tropical Garden, and Mediterranean Garden create a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces and allow visitors to experience nature in a more immediate way.
Events and Guided Tours
Sakuya Konohana Kan regularly hosts a variety of events throughout the year. One of the most popular programs is the Flower Tour, in which staff members guide visitors through the facility while explaining the plants and exhibits. Tours are offered three times a day.
Seasonal exhibitions and special events are also held throughout the year, providing different experiences depending on when you visit.
Admission and Access
Admission
Admission is 500 yen for adults, while children of junior high school age and younger can enter free of charge. Visitors with a disability certificate and Osaka City residents aged 65 or older can also enter free of charge.
The facility is generally closed on Mondays. When Monday is a public holiday, it is closed on the following day. It is also closed during the year-end and New Year period from December 28 through January 4.
Access
Sakuya Konohana Kan is approximately a 10-minute walk from Tsurumi-Ryokuchi Station on the Osaka Metro Nagahori-Tsurumi-Ryokuchi Line, making it convenient to reach by public transportation.
A Botanical Journey Around the World
Sakuya Konohana Kan offers a remarkable opportunity to encounter plants from a wide range of climates and regions without leaving Osaka. From tropical rainforests and arid landscapes to alpine and polar environments, its diverse exhibits introduce visitors to the incredible variety of plant life on Earth.
With seasonal events, guided tours, and spaces designed for both learning and relaxation, the botanical garden is suitable for visitors of all ages. It is an especially enjoyable destination for families, nature lovers, and anyone interested in discovering the fascinating world of plants.