Utsubo Park (靱公園)

Centrally located in Osaka's Honmachi business district, this park is a green oasis in its urban surrounds. Popular with picnickers during cherry blossom season and a year-round favorite for families and dog-owners, the park features tennis courts, a playground, a fountain, and a beautiful rose garden. Nearly 3,400 rose bushes in 170 varieties bloom from early May to mid-June and again in October. It's the perfect place for a stroll in the park or to lay out a picnic blanket, and the park is lined with cafes (like Chashitsu Japanese Tea & Coffee) and restaurants if you'd rather dine indoors.