The Osaka Mint Bureau (造幣局, Zōheikyoku) is the head office of Japan Mint, a governmental agency responsible for the supply of coins and medals and the analysis, testing and certification of metals. But as much as for coins, the Osaka Mint Bureau is famous for the more than 300 cherry trees, which stand on its premises. Over 100 cherry varieties, mostly later blooming yae-zakura trees (with more than five petals per blossom) can be viewed on the premises. Every year, the gates to the cherry garden are specially opened to the general public during a one week period in mid-April. During the rest of the year, the Mint Museum is opened to the public, introducing the coin production process and history of the mint and exhibits various coins and medals from Japan and elsewhere. Entry to the museum also includes entry into the cherry tree garden.
