Tsurumi Ward is one of the 24 administrative wards of Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, and is located at the easternmost edge of the city. The ward became independent from Joto Ward in 1974. Since then, urban development has progressed, and Tsurumi has grown into an area where residential neighborhoods and commercial facilities exist alongside parks and green spaces.
Tsurumi Ward was once part of Joto Ward and was characterized by a peaceful rural landscape with extensive lotus root and lotus fields. Following its establishment as an independent ward, urban planning accelerated.
A particularly important milestone was the International Garden and Greenery Exposition, Osaka, Japan 1990, commonly known as the Garden and Greenery Expo. The event contributed significantly to the development of Flower Expo Memorial Park Tsurumi Ryokuchi, which remains a popular recreational area for both local residents and visitors.
The opening of the Osaka Metro Nagahori Tsurumi-Ryokuchi Line and improved convenience on the JR Gakkentoshi Line also supported population growth. Large condominium developments were subsequently built throughout the area.
More recently, the major condominium construction boom has settled down, while detached houses are increasingly being built on former sites of small manufacturing workshops.
There are several theories concerning the origin of the name Tsurumi.
One traditional story dates back to the Kamakura period. It is said that when Minamoto no Yoritomo held a large-scale hunting expedition at the foot of Mount Fuji, cranes flew to this area, giving rise to the name “Tsurumi,” which can be associated with cranes.
Another theory comes from an ancient legend involving a monk who stole the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, one of Japan’s sacred imperial regalia. According to the story, the monk was shipwrecked and arrived in this area. The word tsurugi, meaning sword, is said to have gradually changed into tsurumi.
1974: Tsurumi Ward was created through the division of Joto Ward.
1990: The Garden and Greenery Expo was held, contributing to the development of Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park.
2005: Tsurumi Ward Community Center opened.
2008: The ward’s mascot character, Tsururippu, was introduced.
Tsurumi Ward has convenient rail connections, with several stations and railway lines serving the area.
JR Gakkentoshi Line and Osaka Higashi Line: Hanaten Station.
Osaka Metro Nagahori Tsurumi-Ryokuchi Line: Imafuku-Tsurumi Station, Yokozutsumi Station, and Tsurumi-Ryokuchi Station.
Osaka City Bus, Kintetsu Bus, and Keihan Bus operate services throughout the ward, providing connections between residential areas, railway stations, and major destinations.
Osaka City Bus: Routes including Tenmabashi–Flower Expo Memorial Park North Gate and routes serving the Yokozutsumi area.
Kintetsu Bus: Routes connecting Umeda with Tsurumi-Nishiguchi and Nakachaya.
Keihan Bus: Services connecting Keihan Moriguchi-shi Station with Tsurumi-Ryokuchi.
Tsurumi Ward offers a wide range of shopping, dining, and leisure facilities. Large shopping centers and supermarkets are distributed throughout the ward, while numerous restaurants, including family-friendly dining establishments, serve local residents.
Cosmo Tsurumi-Ryokuchi: A large-scale condominium development in the area.
Flower Expo Memorial Park Tsurumi Ryokuchi: A large park offering recreational facilities and extensive green spaces.
Tsurumi Ward hosts an autumn festival every October, featuring a lively danjiri float competition in front of Tokuan Station. The local song known as Tsurumi Ondo is also familiar to residents and forms part of the area’s community culture.
At Flower Expo Memorial Park Tsurumi Ryokuchi, visitors can enjoy flowers and greenery throughout the changing seasons. The park provides a relaxing natural setting within Osaka City and attracts many visitors throughout the year.
Tsurumi Ward is located on the eastern edge of Osaka City and combines residential neighborhoods with commercial facilities, parks, and green spaces.
Urban development has created a convenient living environment, while attractions such as Flower Expo Memorial Park Tsurumi Ryokuchi and the area’s traditional autumn festivals offer opportunities to experience local culture and seasonal scenery.
With its convenient transportation connections and balance of urban amenities and greenery, Tsurumi continues to develop as a comfortable and accessible neighborhood in eastern Osaka.