When visiting the Osaka Natural History Museum I was pleasantly surprised to discover a botanical garden encompassing the building. At just an extra 100 yen to the entry fee of the museum there’s really no excuse not to visit. It’s possible to enter through the front gate and this may seem the easy option though I suggest entering using the building that houses the café and gift shop. Here you’ll find a small museum, library that offers a large variety of botany books and magazines as well as a small greenhouse room with a display of tropical plants. I actually stopped for a spot of lunch at the café before heading out to the garden. The grounds are monumental in size. With its own small forest, bamboo grove and other specialty areas such as a peony garden its hard to believe you are in the centre of Osaka while strolling amongst the flowers. The best part of such a place is it has something to offer no matter the season. From spring blossoms to summer flowers the garden can be enjoyed all year round.
- 1 min read
Nagai Botanical Gardens
Paradise in Osaka
![John Carter John Carter](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/u/1335/240x240!/565e87c767ba810c868b6097.jpg)
By John Carter
Community writer
![The small forest helps you forget you are in middle of Osaka](https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/6838-48439/1000/osaka-nagai-botanical-gardens-48439.jpg)
The small forest helps you forget you are in middle of Osaka
![This cosmos garden was a popular place for photographers and painters alike](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/6838-48442/1000/osaka-nagai-botanical-gardens-48442.jpg)
This cosmos garden was a popular place for photographers and painters alike
![If you enter the garden through the building that houses the café you can enjoy this greenhouse on the second floor](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/6838-48443/1000/osaka-nagai-botanical-gardens-48443.jpg)
If you enter the garden through the building that houses the café you can enjoy this greenhouse on the second floor
![This interactive area also facilitates the study of botany](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/6838-48446/1000/osaka-nagai-botanical-gardens-48446.jpg)
This interactive area also facilitates the study of botany
![The museum has its own library where you can study botany from a huge selection of books](https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/6838-48444/1000/osaka-nagai-botanical-gardens-48444.jpg)
The museum has its own library where you can study botany from a huge selection of books
![There is also a small museum](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/6838-48445/1000/osaka-nagai-botanical-gardens-48445.jpg)
There is also a small museum
![In the middle of the herb garden was this small seating area where you can enjoy the smell of lavender in the shade](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/6838-48441/1000/osaka-nagai-botanical-gardens-48441.jpg)
In the middle of the herb garden was this small seating area where you can enjoy the smell of lavender in the shade
![The Bamboo grove provides shade on a hot day an a charming place to take a stroll](https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/6838-48440/1000/osaka-nagai-botanical-gardens-48440.jpg)
The Bamboo grove provides shade on a hot day an a charming place to take a stroll
![The stunning lake in the middle of a small forest was a beautifully serene area](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/6838-48438/1000/osaka-nagai-botanical-gardens-48438.jpg)
The stunning lake in the middle of a small forest was a beautifully serene area
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Mandy Bartok
9 years ago
What a beautiful spot! I had no idea this was there.
You should definitely visit some time Sakura. It's hard to say but maybe spring would be the nicest time to see the gardens. There's separate gardens for individual species of flowers so maybe when your favourite is in bloom would be best.
![Anonymous Anonymous](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/u/1569/100x100!/profile.jpg)
Anonymous
10 years ago
How neat. This place looks so peaceful. I feel like a photoshoot would be fun to do here! Maybe I will have my sister dress up and come with me some time in the future. Everything is just so green. Thank you for sharing!
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