I've lived in Osaka for 10 years, and every spring, I feel like I rediscover the charm of this city. The cherry blossoms in Osaka Castle Park, the "Cherry Blossom Tunnel" at the Mint Bureau, and the cherry blossoms in Expo '70 Commemorative Park are all iconic scenes that color Osaka's spring.
After living here for 10 years, I've noticed that Osaka's spring is surprisingly relaxed. While tourist spots are bustling, there are many spacious parks where you can enjoy cherry blossoms at a leisurely pace.
In this article, I'll introduce ways to enjoy Osaka's spring from a local's perspective. I hope this will be helpful for those planning to visit Osaka for sightseeing from late March to around May.
Table of Contents
・The Charm of Osaka's Spring: 3 Scenic Cherry Blossom Spots
・Events Coloring Osaka's Spring
・Tips for Spring Sightseeing in Osaka
The Charm of Osaka's Spring: 3 Scenic Cherry Blossom Spots
When it comes to spring in Osaka, cherry blossoms are the first thing that comes to mind. I'll introduce three particularly recommended cherry blossom spots that I've visited over the past 10 years.
When is the Best Time to See Cherry Blossoms in Osaka?
The best time to see cherry blossoms in Osaka is typically from late March to early April. However, the blooming time can vary depending on climate changes from year to year.
From my experience, I recommend checking the official websites of each spot or Google for blooming status and predictions starting in March. This way, you can enjoy the best cherry blossom scenery without missing out.
Osaka Castle Park
Osaka Castle Park is Osaka's premier cherry blossom viewing spot with about 3,000 cherry trees in full bloom. When I first visited here, I was breathtaken by the overwhelming scenery.
The night cherry blossom illumination is especially exceptional, enveloped in a fantastical atmosphere. The contrast between the cherry blossoms and the castle tower is a spectacular view, making it the best spot for photography.
With a vast grass area, you can also enjoy a picnic. Spreading out a bento box under the cherry blossoms with friends or family is a luxurious time unique to Osaka's spring.
Access:
It's right next to JR Loop Line "Osakajokoen Station" and Subway Chuo Line/Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line "Morinomiya Station". You can enjoy the cherry blossom-lined streets while walking from the station to Osaka Castle.
Japan Mint Bureau "Cherry Blossom Tunnel"
The "Cherry Blossom Tunnel" at the Japan Mint Bureau is an indispensable event as a spring tradition in Osaka. It's a special event where you can enjoy about 130 varieties and 350 cherry trees, and it's a rare opportunity to walk through the normally inaccessible Mint Bureau grounds.
What I look forward to every year is seeing rare cherry blossom varieties. You can encounter the beauty of various cherry blossoms, not just Somei Yoshino, but also double-flowered cherry blossoms and weeping cherry blossoms.
This event is held for about a week in mid-April every year. As the period is short, it's necessary to be careful with scheduling when making plans.
From my experience, I recommend visiting early in the morning on weekdays. There are fewer people, allowing you to enjoy the cherry blossoms at a leisurely pace.
Access:
It's about a 15-minute walk from JR Tozai Line "Osaka Temmangu Station" or about a 20-minute walk from Subway Tanimachi Line/Sakaisuji Line "Minamimorimachi Station". It's a bit of a walk, but you can enjoy the townscape of Osaka along the way.
Expo '70 Commemorative Park
Expo '70 Commemorative Park is a vast park where about 5,000 cherry trees bloom.
What I particularly like about this park is that you can enjoy various cherry blossom varieties besides Somei Yoshino, such as Mountain Cherry. You can compare different types of cherry blossoms while strolling through the vast grounds.
The charm of this park isn't just the cherry blossoms. There's a shopping mall called EXPOCITY nearby, where you can enjoy shopping and dining after viewing the cherry blossoms. I often spend a whole day here with family and friends.
Access:
It's right next to Osaka Monorail "Bampaku-kinen-koen Station". If coming from central Osaka, I recommend taking the Subway Midosuji Line to "Senri-Chuo" and then transferring to the monorail. You can also enjoy the view from the monorail.
Events Coloring Osaka's Spring
Spring in Osaka isn't just about cherry blossoms. During this season, various events are held where you can enjoy nature. I'll introduce events that I've discovered over 10 years that allow you to enjoy Osaka's spring to the fullest.
"Nemophila Festival" at Osaka Maishima Seaside Park
The "Nemophila Festival" held at Osaka Maishima Seaside Park is a spectacular event where about 1 million nemophila flowers, the largest in the Kansai region, bloom.
When I first visited this event, I was at a loss for words at the beauty of the scenery. The nemophila spreads out as far as the eye can see, creating a stunning contrast with the blue sky and sea.
If the timing is right, you can also enjoy the combination of cherry blossoms and nemophila. This is a special sight unique to Osaka's spring that you can see only if you're very lucky. I had the chance to witness this miraculous scenery only once.
This event is usually held for about a month from early April. While it's crowded on weekends, if you visit on a weekday, you can enjoy taking photos at a leisurely pace. Taking a stroll while feeling the sea breeze is a wonderful experience that refreshes both body and mind.
Access:
It's about a 15-minute ride on the Maishima Active Bus from JR Yumesaki Line "Sakurajima Station", or about a 20-minute ride on the Cosmo Dream Line Bus from Osaka Metro Chuo Line "Cosmosquare Station". Get off at "Hotel Lodge Maishima Mae" for either route.
It might feel a bit far, but in return, you can enjoy the flowers in a quiet environment away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
"Tulip Festa" at Expo '70 Commemorative Park
The "Tulip Festa" held at Expo '70 Commemorative Park is another wonderful event that colors Osaka's spring. The sight of about 80,000 tulips of 40 varieties in full bloom is spectacular.
This event is usually held from late March to early April. As it sometimes coincides with the best time to view cherry blossoms, if you're lucky, you can enjoy the collaboration of cherry blossoms and tulips.
Access:
It's right next to Osaka Monorail "Bampaku-kinen-koen Station". If coming from central Osaka, I recommend taking the Subway Midosuji Line to "Senri-Chuo" and then transferring to the monorail.
"Rose Garden" at Nakanoshima Park
The Rose Garden at Nakanoshima Park is a hidden gem in Osaka from spring to early summer. It's conveniently located within walking distance from Umeda, and around early May, about 3,700 roses of 310 varieties bloom.
It's an ideal spot to enjoy spring even after the cherry blossom season has passed. Taking a stroll surrounded by the fragrance of colorful roses calms the mind. As my workplace is nearby, I sometimes visit here on my way home from work.
The charm of the Rose Garden isn't just about the flowers. Nakanoshima Park is one of Osaka's representative urban parks, where you can enjoy beautiful scenery surrounded by rivers.
I feel that the time spent walking along the riverside in the soft spring sunlight towards the Rose Garden is also one of the charms of Osaka's spring.
Access:
It's within walking distance from Subway Midosuji Line/Keihan Electric Railway "Yodoyabashi Station", "Kitahama Station", and "Naniwabashi Station". You can also walk from Umeda in about 15-20 minutes.
Spring Cuisine in Osaka
Osaka is known as the "City of Gourmets", and there are many delicious spring-specific dishes.
Sakura Mochi
When it comes to spring, sakura mochi is a must-try. In Osaka, you can taste the authentic Kansai style sakura mochi called "Domyoji" in its birthplace.
When I first tasted Osaka's sakura mochi, I was surprised by its unique texture and aroma. It's made a bit differently from the sakura mochi in Tokyo.
The harmony between the aroma of salt-pickled cherry leaves and the elegant sweetness is spring itself. You can easily buy them at department stores and supermarkets, so I recommend giving them a try.
Spring Seafood Dishes
Osaka, being close to the sea, offers exquisite dishes using fresh spring seafood. I especially recommend the "Spring Seafood Bowl".
I suggest going to Kuromon Market, where you can casually enjoy various spring seafood while walking around.
Hanami Bento (Cherry Blossom Viewing Lunch Box)
"Hanami" is a traditional Japanese custom of eating and drinking under cherry blossom trees. To fully enjoy Osaka's spring, I highly recommend experiencing a hanami bento.
During the cherry blossom season, supermarkets and department stores sell bentos perfect for hanami, using seasonal ingredients like bamboo shoots.
My recommendation is to purchase a hanami bento at Hankyu Department Store in Umeda and enjoy it at Osaka Castle Park or Expo '70 Commemorative Park.
The moment of enjoying seasonal flavors while looking up at the cherry blossoms is truly the essence of Japanese spring. It's also lovely to spend time leisurely in a picnic mood with friends or family.
Dishes often included in hanami bentos are tamagoyaki (rolled omelette), temari sushi (ball-shaped sushi), simmered bamboo shoots, and dishes using sakura shrimp. Each of these dishes expresses the taste of spring, and they're characterized by their visually appealing and beautiful presentation.
Tips for Spring Sightseeing in Osaka
I'll share some tips I've learned over my 10 years of living in Osaka to help you maximize your enjoyment of Osaka's spring. I hope these tips will help you have a fulfilling spring trip to Osaka.
Prepare Clothing for Temperature Differences
Osaka's spring is characterized by significant temperature changes from March to May. I also struggled with choosing clothes during my first spring here. You need to be especially careful about the temperature difference between mornings/evenings and daytime. Therefore, I recommend clothing that can be layered.
It's also important to choose comfortable shoes. Many tourist spots in Osaka are quite spacious, so prepare comfortable shoes for long hours of sightseeing. I always choose comfortable sneakers for the spring sightseeing season.
Early Morning and Weekdays Are Less Crowded
During the peak cherry blossom viewing season, Osaka's main tourist attractions get very crowded. Popular spots can be overflowing with people, especially on weekends. From my experience, I recommend sightseeing early in the morning or on weekdays.
Also, early reservations for accommodations are essential. When my friend planned a spring trip to Osaka, they couldn't get their desired hotel due to late booking. I recommend making reservations 2-3 months in advance, especially during the peak cherry blossom viewing season.
Know the Etiquette for Cherry Blossom Viewing
Knowing some etiquette for enjoying Japan's cherry blossom viewing culture can lead to a more fulfilling experience. If you keep the following points in mind, you should be fine:
1. Cherry blossom branches are delicate, so avoid touching the branches or picking the flowers.
2. Always take your garbage with you. Many parks have few trash cans.
3. Be careful not to disturb other cherry blossom viewers by being too noisy. Enjoy quietly, especially at night.
4. When viewing cherry blossoms at night, it's polite to enjoy them quietly so as not to disrupt the atmosphere.
By observing these manners, you can understand and enjoy the cherry blossom viewing culture more deeply. Every year when I go cherry blossom viewing, I enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms to my heart's content while being considerate of the people around me.
Spring in Osaka is overflowing with not just cherry blossoms, but various flowers, events, and delicious cuisine. Through my 10 years of living in Osaka, I've had my heart captured by the charm of this city's spring many times.
I hope you'll fully savor the charm of Osaka's spring through the places, events, and cuisine introduced in this article!