Oizumi Ryokuchi Park is a vast prefectural park extending across Kita Ward in Sakai City and Matsubara City, Osaka Prefecture. The expansive grounds are home to approximately 320,000 trees representing around 200 species, creating a refreshing green oasis where visitors can enjoy nature throughout the year.
The park’s central landmark is Oizumi Pond, surrounded by a variety of facilities and recreational areas, including flower beds, a large lawn, sports facilities, and an iris garden. Approximately 2.5 million people visit the park each year, making it a popular place for relaxation and outdoor recreation.
The origins of Oizumi Ryokuchi Park can be traced back to a greenbelt planned for air-defense purposes in 1941. After World War II, the area was developed as an urban park.
Today, Oizumi Ryokuchi is one of Osaka’s four major green spaces, together with Hattori, Tsurumi, and Kyuhōji. It has also been selected as one of the “100 Best Green Landscapes of Osaka,” recognizing the richness of its natural environment.
Located near the center of the park, Oizumi Pond offers beautiful views where its expansive surface of water blends harmoniously with the surrounding greenery.
Next to the pond is the Great Lawn Plaza, covering approximately 4.4 hectares. Its wide-open space is ideal for families and groups of friends to relax, picnic, or simply enjoy the outdoors.
The Kakitsubata Iris Garden provides a picturesque waterside setting centered around the traditional Japanese iris known as kakitsubata.
Approximately 10,000 iris plants representing around 15 varieties are cultivated here. From spring into early summer, the flowers create a beautiful display along the water.
Oizumi Ryokuchi features three major play areas designed especially for children: Wanpaku Land, Kaiyu Land, and Adventure Land.
Wanpaku Land features colorful forest-themed castle equipment, jungle gyms, and other play structures that are especially popular with energetic children.
Kaiyu Land has an ocean theme, with distinctive play equipment including an octopus-shaped slide and a large ship-themed structure.
Adventure Land features large slides and wooden play equipment, providing an exciting outdoor setting for children who enjoy active play.
Fureai Garden is a Western-style garden designed around the concept of experiencing nature through the five senses. It is divided into four themed gardens.
The Kitchen Garden features herbs and vegetables, creating a warm and homely atmosphere.
The Fragrance Garden contains many aromatic plants and provides a relaxing space where visitors can enjoy their natural scents.
The Sound Garden is a peaceful area where visitors can listen to the gentle sounds of water, including the distinctive tones of a suikinkutsu, as well as the sounds of the wind.
The Color Garden is filled with colorful flowers, offering a visually vibrant landscape that changes with the seasons.
Cycle Doronko Hiroba is a motocross course designed specifically for BMX bicycles. The course takes advantage of the natural terrain, incorporating hills and valleys for an exciting riding experience.
Rental bicycles are not available, so visitors who wish to use the course must bring their own bicycle.
The park has a wide range of sports facilities, including a baseball field, tennis courts, and areas for various ball sports.
Baseball field: 1 field
Tennis courts: 14 courts
Sports grounds: 2 fields
Ball-game field: 1 field, with the option to divide it for multiple uses
A dog run opened in 2023, providing a dedicated space where small dogs can run and play freely. It is a popular facility among visitors who come to the park with their dogs.
At Good BBQ Oizumi Ryokuchi, visitors can enjoy a barbecue without having to bring their own equipment or ingredients.
The facility prepares everything needed, including food and charcoal, making it an easy way to enjoy an outdoor barbecue experience. Reservations can be made by telephone or through the facility’s website.
Sheep Plaza is another attraction within the park, adding to the variety of experiences available for visitors.
The Park Management Office provides information about the park and handles visitor inquiries. It also provides rental bicycles and information about the baby room.
At the Flower and Greenery Consultation Center, visitors can receive advice on growing flowers and vegetables.
The center also regularly holds exhibitions and workshops related to flowers and greenery, providing opportunities for visitors to learn more about plants and gardening.
Oizumi Ryokuchi is located along the Chuo Loop Road. Nearby facilities include Shin-Kanaoka Housing Complex, So-yora Shin-Kanaoka, and the Sakai City Nobiyaka Health Center.
The park also plays an important role in disaster preparedness. It is designated as a wide-area evacuation site for approximately 170,000 people in the event of a major disaster, and disaster-prevention events are regularly held there.
Oizumi Ryokuchi Park combines expansive green spaces, seasonal flowers, children’s play areas, sports facilities, and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
With its extensive natural environment and diverse facilities, the park is well suited to families, sports enthusiasts, outdoor lovers, and anyone looking for a relaxing break from the city.
From the tranquil waters of Oizumi Pond and the colorful iris garden to the spacious lawns and active recreation areas, Oizumi Ryokuchi offers visitors many ways to enjoy Osaka’s nature throughout the seasons.