Senri Expo Park (Bampaku Koen)

Senri Expo Park (Bampaku Koen) Review

Originally the site of Expo '70, one of Osaka's defining postwar events, Senri Expo Park still draws visitors thanks to regular weekend events. This 647-acre park contains sports facilities, various gardens, and an amusement park; the National Museum of Ethnology and the Japan Folk Art Museum; and an enormous statue by Taro Okamoto called the Tower of the Sun. Located a ways out from the city-center, the park offers an interesting look at how Osaka has tried to make the most of the site of a former World Expo. Unless you are particularly interested in one of the museums, or have extra time and need a break from the city, the park is easily skipped. To get to the park, take the Mido-suji subway line to Senri-Chuo Station (20 minutes from Umeda); then take the monorail to Bampaku Koen-mae (10 minutes).