Botanical Gardens, Osaka Metropolitan University

The Botanical Gardens of Osaka Metropolitan University sits at the foot of the Ikoma Mountains and covers 26 hectares across three valleys and four ridges. The grounds hold roughly 6,700 plant species and function as a research facility for plant systematics, ecology, and genetics.

The gardens were founded in 1950 as a research facility for Osaka Metropolitan University. Since then, it has grown into an important center for botanical studies and plant conservation work.

The gardens display several types of Japanese forests and house more than 1,000 native species. Visitors can observe how these plants grow together and their connection to the local environment.

The gardens sit roughly six minutes from Kisaichi Station and are easy to reach by public transit. Wear sturdy shoes since the terrain is hilly with many paths that climb and descend across the slopes.

The gardens house an extensive collection of maple trees featuring rare species like Acer insulare, pictum, and japonicum. Some of these trees were discovered through research programs and display the diversity of maple species across East Asia.

Location: Katano

Inception: March 1941

GPS coordinates: 34.76361,135.68167

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:01