If you're ever around Osaka looking for places to walk around, take some photos, I highly recommend heading to Nakanoshima. You can reach this island just south of the main hub of Umeda by taking the subway to Yodoyabashi station (Midosuji line) or Kitahama station (Sakaisuji line).
Nakanoshima is mostly known for its Winter Illuminations and its Central Public Hall. But during the warmer seasons, locals like to gather to picnic and use the park areas for sports and other gatherings. It's also very well-known for its Rose Garden.
There are various kinds of roses on display here at Nakanoshima Rose Garden. The closest access to this area is from Kitahama station, but path with some roses from Yodoyabashi station that will lead you to the park and the rose garden.
The rose garden features a timeline of some of the oldest kinds of roses from all over the world, to more recently 'mutated' types of roses. They also feature lots of local roses, which is really interesting to see.
Here are some of my photos of the rose garden from this year (around May 2022).
However, it seems to bloom twice a year (according to the website - link above), so you can enjoy it around spring and around fall as well. I highly recommend coming here if you like flowers and want to see how the locals spend their time here.
There's also a few cafes and restaurants with patio seating around this area, so you can enjoy a nice meal once you get tired from walking. Though do be warned - prices can be a bit higher around this area due it being a more business/finance concentrated part of town!
By the way, did you know there's a rose by the name "Just Joey"? Look below:
I didn't. I wonder who gave it that name... someone named Joey?? Who knows! Maybe someone who is more knowledgeable in flowers and roses can educate me. Haha.
I hope you enjoyed the photos!
Have you been to Nakanoshima before? Let me know in the comments or on twitter some of your thoughts if you have!!