Osaka is Japan's second-largest metropolitan area after Tokyo. The central area around Umeda is home to skyscrapers like Abeno Harukas and Umeda Sky Building. While Osaka is a big city, it's also known for its many parks within the urban landscape. These parks serve as relaxation spots for both locals and tourists.
One of Osaka's characteristics is the abundance of nature, like parks, even in the city center. In spring, there are many places where you can easily enjoy cherry blossoms while sightseeing.
Moreover, as you move away from the city center, you'll find even more nature-rich spots with a calm atmosphere. You can experience the beauty of all four seasons in these various locations.
In this article, we'll introduce the best cherry blossom spots to enjoy in Osaka during spring. We've compiled a list of spots where you can enjoy cherry blossoms, divided into central areas with excellent access and suburban areas with fewer crowds. Please use this as a reference for your Osaka cherry blossom viewing trip.
After enjoying the beautiful cherry blossoms, why not try some of Osaka's best Kushiage 2024? Kushiage, also known as kushikatsu, is a delicious deep-fried skewer dish that perfectly complements your hanami (cherry blossom viewing) experience.
Many Cherry Blossom Spots Near Osaka's City Center
When people think of Osaka, they often think of its food culture and comedy scene. Popular tourist spots like Universal Studios Japan and Dotonbori also stand out. As a result, natural spots aren't as well-known.
However, Osaka actually has many spots where you can experience nature, even in the city center. Areas rich in greenery often become famous cherry blossom viewing spots in spring. For example, the Osaka Mint Bureau and the banks of the Okawa River are well-known locations.
These spots are all close to Osaka's city center and have excellent access. You can drop by while sightseeing or enjoying gourmet tours.
However, due to their good accessibility, these spots can get crowded. If you want to enjoy cherry blossoms in a less crowded place, consider visiting the suburban areas we'll introduce later in this article.
Carefully Selected Cherry Blossom Spots in Osaka: Introducing Opening Hours and Access
Osaka Castle / Osaka Castle Park (9:00 am - 5:00 pm)
At Osaka Castle and Osaka Castle Park, you can enjoy the combination of a historic Japanese castle and beautiful cherry blossoms. Osaka Castle is a historical symbol of Osaka. In spring, it's also a popular cherry blossom viewing spot. The cherry blossoms are typically in full bloom from late March to mid-April.
The highlight is the 3,000 cherry trees planted within the grounds. You can mainly enjoy Yamazakura, Somei Yoshino, and Yaezakura varieties. In the Nishinomaru Garden, there are 300 Somei Yoshino trees, the most representative cherry blossom variety. Combined with the beauty of the garden, it's particularly famous as a cherry blossom spot.
Also, at the Tamazukuri Gate, you can see late-blooming Yaezakura, which flowers from mid-April onwards. Pay attention to the rare Shidare-zakura (weeping cherry trees), of which there are only a few varieties in Japan.
Enjoy Even More Magical Night Cherry Blossoms with Light-up Events
source:tenki.jp
During the cherry blossom blooming period, the Nishinomaru Garden is illuminated at night. Somei Yoshino and Shidare-zakura are beautifully lit up. The night view of cherry blossoms with the famous Osaka Castle keep is even more magical than during the day. You can also enjoy the cherry blossoms while riding a catering car around the garden.
Entrance to the Nishinomaru Garden during the cherry blossom season costs only 350 yen. If you want to enjoy cherry blossoms in a uniquely historical atmosphere of Osaka Castle, be sure to visit the Nishinomaru Garden.
(Osaka Castle Park)
- Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka
- Access:
- Tanimachi Line "Tanimachi 4-chome Station" Exit 1-B, "Tenmabashi Station" Exit 3
- Chuo Line "Tanimachi 4-chome Station" Exit 9, "Morinomiya Station" Exit 1, Exit 3-B
- Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line "Morinomiya Station" Exit 3-B, "Osaka Business Park Station" Exit 1
- Osaka Loop Line "Morinomiya Station" "Osakajokoen Station"
- Tozai Line "Osakajo-kitazume Station" Keihan Railway "Temmabashi Station"
- Opening hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone: 06-6755-4146
- Official website
- Admission: Free entry to the park, 350 yen for Nishinomaru Garden during cherry blossom season
Osaka Mint Bureau (9:00 am - 4:45 pm)
source: Official website
Once a year, in mid-April, the cherry tree-lined path within the grounds of the Osaka Mint Bureau is opened to the public. A 560-meter street along the Okawa River becomes a beautiful cherry blossom tunnel. The cherry blossoms are typically in full bloom around mid-April each year.
The highlight is the rare cherry blossom varieties that you can't see often elsewhere. For example, varieties like Odemari and Kodemari. Unlike regular cherry blossoms, these varieties bloom in dense, ball-shaped clusters. They have a cute and delicate impression. Various types of Yaezakura are also planted in abundance.
Every year at the Osaka Mint Bureau, a "Cherry Blossom of the Year" is chosen by popular vote among citizens.
The Osaka Mint Bureau is a highly popular spot that has been loved by Osaka citizens for many years. Why not enjoy the cherry blossoms in a lively atmosphere together with the locals?
- Address: 1-1-79 Tenma, Kita Ward, Osaka
- Access:
- About 15 minutes walk from Temmabashi Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line (North Exit / Exit 2)
- About 15 minutes walk from Temmabashi Station on the Keihan Main Line (East Exit / Exit 14)
- About 15 minutes walk from Osakajo-kitazume Station on the JR Tozai Line (Exit 3)
- Opening hours: 9:00 am to 7:30 pm
- Closed: None
- Phone: 06-6351-5361
- Official website
- Admission: Free entry (Application required via QR code)
Kema Sakuranomiya Park (24 hours)
source:Wikipedia
Kema Sakuranomiya Park is a riverside park famous for its beautiful rows of thousands of cherry trees lining both banks of the Okawa River. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom from late March to early April. On the right bank of the river, there are buildings constructed 150 years ago, including the Osaka Mint Bureau.
The highlight of Kema Sakuranomiya Park is the spectacular view of both riverbanks dyed pink. There are 4,800 cherry trees lining the riverside promenade in the park. You can also see the cherry tree-lined opposite bank from the park. This scenery attracts many cherry blossom viewers every year.
When you visit Kema Sakuranomiya Park, it's recommended to take a leisurely stroll along the cherry tree-lined path while looking at the cherry blossoms on the opposite bank. Cherry blossoms shower down from above, and when you look across, you'll see a landscape of pink. Let's enjoy Osaka's spring while walking along the tree-lined path.
- Address: Nakano-cho, Miyakojima Ward, Osaka
- Access:
- Get off at Temmabashi Station on the Subway Tanimachi Line
- Get off at Temmabashi Station on the Keihan Line
- Get off at Osakajo-kitazume Station on the JR Tozai Line or Sakuranomiya Station on the Loop Line
- Opening hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone: 06-6912-0650
- Official website
- Admission: Free
Expo '70 Commemorative Park (9:30 am - 5:00 pm)
source:Sankei
At the Expo '70 Commemorative Park, you can enjoy over 5,000 cherry trees and fun cherry blossom viewing events. The Expo Park is a vast park with lots of greenery where you can enjoy flowers of all seasons. The cherry blossoms are typically in full bloom from mid-March to mid-April each year.
The highlight is the cherry blossom festival held annually from around March 20th to April 10th. There are food stalls and various creative events. During this period, you can also use the food court. In 2023, there was even a popular event where comedians delivered food to seats in the food court.
Twelve varieties of cherry trees are planted, including Kanzakura, which starts blooming in mid-March when it's still a bit chilly, and Shidare-zakura, which blooms with drooping branches.
Moreover, the Expo '70 Commemorative Park is not only popular in Osaka but is also selected as one of the top 100 cherry blossom spots in all of Japan.
Don't Miss the Limited-Time "Night Light-up" Event!
From around March 25th to April 3rd, there's a cherry blossom light-up event that you shouldn't miss. The cherry tree-lined Higashi-oji Street, which is over 200 meters long, is illuminated. In 2024, there was a collaboration event with a popular game, featuring a laser show and fireworks.
Fun events both during the day and night are planned for 2025 and beyond. If you want to enjoy cherry blossom viewing while having fun at a festival, be sure to visit the Expo Park.
- Address: Senri Banpaku Koen, Suita, Osaka
- Access:
From Minami-Ibaraki Station, Yamada Station, Hotarugaike Station on the Hankyu Line,
Senri-Chuo Station on the Subway Midosuji Line (Kita-Osaka Kyuko Line),
Dainichi Station on the Subway Tanimachi Line,
Kadoma-shi Station on the Keihan Main Line
→ Take the Osaka Monorail to Banpaku-kinen-koen Station or Koen-Higashiguchi Station
- Opening hours: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Phone: 06-6877-7387
- Official website
- Admission: 260 yen for park entry (Special seating during cherry blossom viewing period is charged separately)
Hana Expo Commemorative Park Tsurumi Ryokuchi (24 hours)
source:WALKER PLUS
At the Hana Expo Commemorative Park, you can enjoy cherry blossoms for an extended period from February to April. Tsurumi Ryokuchi is a park with various plants planted in its vast grounds. Besides cherry blossoms, it's also famous for its rose garden and almond forest.
The highlight is the various types of cherry trees scattered throughout the vast grounds. A particularly noteworthy point is the Kawazu-zakura, which starts blooming in the cold season. Kawazu-zakura begins to bloom in mid-February. Compared to the most popular variety, Somei Yoshino, which blooms in April, Kawazu-zakura has darker pink flowers.
Around April, over 1,000 Somei Yoshino trees bloom. There are also barbecue facilities, so you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing while having a barbecue. This spot is especially recommended for those looking for a place to enjoy cherry blossoms leisurely in a vast area with excellent access.
- Address: 2-163 Ryokuchi Koen, Tsurumi Ward, Osaka
- Access: About 9 minutes from JR/Osaka Metro Kyobashi Station on the Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line, then immediately from Tsurumi-ryokuchi Station on the Osaka Metro
- Opening hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone: 06-6911-8787
- Official website
- Admission: Free
Daisen Park (24 hours)
source:tenki.jp
At Daisen Park, you can enjoy cherry blossoms in a lush green park that includes a Japanese garden. Daisen Park is a historical park with ancient burial mounds scattered around, dating back 1,500 years. It's also known for its rich nature, including cherry blossoms. The cherry blossoms are typically in full bloom from mid-March to mid-April.
The highlight of Daisen Park is the cherry blossom street lined with weeping cherry trees. Weeping cherry trees, which bloom with thin drooping branches, are known for their elegant atmosphere. Early-blooming varieties like Yae-beni-shidare and Shiro-higan-shidare bloom from mid to late March, earlier than Somei Yoshino. Late-blooming Beni-shidare continues to bloom until mid-April.
Various other types of cherry trees, including Chishima-zakura, Fuji-zakura, and Oshima-zakura, are planted throughout the park. It's a tranquil park with ancient burial mounds, a Japanese garden, a museum, and a library. This spot is recommended for those who want to enjoy cherry blossoms in a calm atmosphere while still being in an urban area.
- Address: 1-4-3 Higashi-Uenoshiba-cho, Sakai Ward, Sakai, Osaka
- Access: 4-minute walk from Mozu Station on the JR Hanwa Line
- Opening hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone: 072-241-0291
- Official website
- Admission: Free
Along the Okawa River (24 hours)
source:4Travel
The banks of the Okawa River are one of Osaka's best cherry blossom spots, with both sides filled with cherry trees. On the left bank of the Okawa River is the previously mentioned Kema Sakuranomiya Park. On the right bank, there are spots like the Osaka Mint Bureau, which we introduced earlier. The cherry blossoms are typically in full bloom from late March to early April.
The highlight of the Okawa River is viewing the cherry blossoms from a water bus or boat. Thousands of Somei Yoshino, Yamazakura, and Satozakura line both banks of the Okawa River. From the boat, you can leisurely enjoy the cherry blossoms with Osaka's central high-rise buildings in the background. The sight of cherry blossom petals falling on the river and spreading like a carpet is also incredibly beautiful and worth paying attention to.
During the cherry blossom season, this popular spot is bustling with citizens and tourists. It's also a photogenic spot where you can capture high-rise buildings with cherry blossoms or petals floating on the river. This is a recommended place for those who want to take beautiful cherry blossom photos in Osaka.
- Address: Tenma, Kita Ward, Osaka, and surrounding areas
- Access: Head north immediately after getting off at Temmabashi Station, Kitahama Station, or Naniwabashi Station
- Opening hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone: None
- Official website
(for water buses, etc.)
- Admission: Free entry, Water bus costs 1,800 yen for adults, 900 yen for children and up
3 Scenic Spots Recommended for Those Who Want to Enjoy Cherry Blossoms in a Relaxed Atmosphere
Settsukyo Park (24 hours)
source:Takatsuka City
Settsukyo Park is a popular cherry blossom spot around Takatsuki. Takatsuki City is a town in the northeast part of Osaka. While it has a large population, it's a residential area, making it quieter and more relaxed compared to the city center. It's an ideal environment for those who want to enjoy cherry blossoms in a leisurely atmosphere.
The cherry blossoms are typically in full bloom from late March to early April.
The highlight is the "Settsukyo Cherry Blossom Festival" held from March 25th to April 10th. The park is decorated with Japanese lanterns and other ornaments. Stage events are also held. After 6 PM, the cherry blossoms are illuminated, creating a spectacular view.
This park is popular with local children and families for cherry blossom viewing. It's the perfect spot for those who want to relax and enjoy cherry blossoms along with the locals.
- Address: Hara, Takatsuki, Osaka
- Access: From JR Takatsuki Station North, take the city bus bound for "Kaminokuchi" or "Haraohashi" (about 20 minutes), get off at "Kaminokuchi" and walk 10 minutes, or take the bus bound for "Tsukawaki" (about 15 minutes), get off at "Tsukawaki" and walk 10 minutes, or take the bus bound for "Shimonokuchi" (about 20 minutes), get off at "Shimonokuchi" and walk 1 minute
- Opening hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone: 072-674-7516
- Official website
- Admission: Free
Satsukiyama Park (9:15 am - 4:45 pm)
source:Ikeda City
At Satsukiyama Park, you can enjoy cherry blossoms on the lush green Satsukiyama, which is a symbol of Ikeda City. The cherry blossoms are typically in full bloom from late March to early April.
Cherry blossoms are blooming everywhere from the entrance of the mountain to the summit. The drive way through the mountain is especially recommended. You can see Somei Yoshino and Yamazakura blooming in the mountains from your car window.
At the summit, there's an observation deck with a panoramic view of Ikeda City. There's also Satsukiyama Zoo within the park, which is free to enter. Satsukiyama Zoo is known for having the most "hearts" in the world. The mountain also has hiking courses and the remains of an old castle, offering many points of interest.
This spot is especially recommended for those who want to enjoy cherry blossoms blooming on mountains in a wide natural area, and for families.
- Address: 2-5 Ayaha, Ikeda, Osaka
- Access: 10-minute walk from Ikeda Station on the Hankyu Takarazuka Line
- Opening hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone: 072-751-3070
- Official website
- Admission: Free
Yamanakadani (24 hours)
source:Hannan City
In Yamanakadani, you can enjoy vibrant cherry blossoms in a mountain village. Yamanakadani was a post town on an important road used during the feudal era (referring to the period that lasted about 700 years from around 1200). It's a town surrounded by mountains, with old townscapes from several hundred years ago still remaining. The cherry blossoms are typically in full bloom from late March to early April.
The highlight of Yamanakadani is the cherry tree-lined path with 1,000 trees, also called "Senbon Sakura" (Thousand Cherry Trees). Somei Yoshino and Yamazakura are in full bloom. Also, a cherry blossom festival is usually held on March 31st. It's bustling with stage events like traditional drum performances and food sales.
From late March to around April 6th, there's also a nighttime cherry blossom illumination. Yamanakadani is a place where you can enjoy cherry blossoms in a natural mountain setting and an old-fashioned atmosphere different from downtown Osaka. If you have time, please make a trip to Yamanakadani.
- Address: 134 Yamanakadani, Hannan, Osaka
- Access: Get off at Yamanakadani Station on the JR Hanwa Line
- Opening hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone: 072-489-4508
- Official website
- Admission: Free
"Kyoto" is Also Recommended for Enjoying the Collaboration of Shrines, Temples, and Cherry Blossoms
We've introduced the main spots where you can enjoy cherry blossoms in Osaka. The lively and vibrant atmosphere is characteristic of Osaka. On the other hand, if you want to see beautiful cherry blossoms together with shrines and temples, "Kyoto" is also recommended. Kyoto's shrines and temples are always beautiful, but during the cherry blossom season in spring, the scenery becomes especially elegant. Every year, many tourists visit to see Kyoto adorned with cherry blossoms.
For example, Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Heian Shrine are known as famous cherry blossom spots. The view of 1,000 cherry trees from the "stage" of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which serves as an observation deck, is particularly breathtaking.
Kyoto is easily accessible from Osaka, taking only 30 to 50 minutes by train. If you want to enjoy the collaboration of shrines, temples, and cherry blossoms, be sure to visit Kyoto as well.
After enjoying the beautiful cherry blossoms in Kyoto, why not return to Osaka to try some of Osaka's best Kushiage 2024? The contrast between Kyoto's serene beauty and Osaka's vibrant food scene makes for a perfect spring trip in the Kansai region.
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