What if this vast green space had been a battleground? Kyuhoji Ryokuchi stands before us. It is more than just a park. It is one of Osaka’s four major urban green spaces.
These spaces are called “Ryokuchi”. They are protected by the government. Development is prohibited here. This helps protect the local ecosystem. Some areas even serve as safe houses for natural disasters.
Kyuhoji Ryokuchi decided to become a park in 1941. It was initially planned as an air defense site during World War II. After the war, in 1946, farmers reclaimed the land.
In 1967, redevelopment began. Kyuhoji Ryokuchi officially opened in July 1971. The park spans 38.4 hectares. That’s about ten times the size of Koshien baseball stadium.
The park divides into three main areas. These areas are called North, Central and East. Each area features family zones, sports zones, and play zones.
Sports facilities are a major draw here. You will find a baseball field and a track. There are tennis courts and pools.
Did you know that Kyuhoji Ryokuchi once had a Guinness World Record? In 2017, 2,872 people danced the “Kawachi Ondo” here. They all wore yukata kimonos. It was the largest group to dance in union.
Each May, the park blooms. The Shyakuyaku Garden displays about 50 varieties of peonies. That is about 700 plants in total. There is also a flower plaza. It’s perfect for family outings.
Osaka Central Loop Line cuts through the park. Bridges connect the different areas. This makes it easy to explore.
The pool was closed in 2021 due to Covid. Securing medical staff proved difficult.
Kyuhoji Ryokuchi remains a vital green lung. It is a place for sports. It is a place for recreation. It is a place for community. It is a place to escape the city’s hustle.