Are you dreaming of a trip to Japan and the breathtaking view of sakura, cherry blossoms? Lately, more and more tourists are flocking to this city in western Japan. Relaxing in gorgeous parks with hundreds of beautiful blooming trees that create mesmerizing visual effects takes only one day out of your vacation – yet, it’s likely something you will remember forever. If you’re planning a visit here, let us show you five amazing places where trees fill with those charming petals making for a peaceful sightseeing experience! Here are five best cherry blossom viewing spots in Osaka.
Osaka Castle Park 大阪城公園
Osaka castle park is the most popular sakura viewing spot in Osaka. About 3,000 cherry trees cover the entire vast Osaka Castle Park. In the Nishinomaru Garden (fee required), visitors can enjoy approximately 300 cherry trees, mainly Someiyoshino cherry trees. On the other hand, late-blooming yaezakura (double-flowered cherry trees) are planted at the Tamatsukuri entrance, and can be enjoyed until the end of the season.
The best time to view the cherry blossoms at Osaka Castle Park is generally from late March to early April. There are cafes, convenience stores and many food stalls selling Japanese casual snacks and drinks, making it the perfect place to have a picnic under the blossoms!
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/kruNisfVY5zQYKVx9
Entrance: Open 24 hrs, Free of charge (*Except for some facilities)
Illumination: Nighttime hours will be held in Nishinomaru Garden in conjunction with the blooming of the flowers (18:00 – 21:00, last admission at 20:30).
Kema Sakuranomiya Park 毛馬桜宮公園
Kema Sakuranomiya Park is a must-visit destination during cherry blossom season. The park is home to over 3,000 Someiyoshino cherry trees and about 4,800 cherry trees in total, lining the riverbank and providing a stunning backdrop for a picnic or stroll.
During cherry blossom season, the park comes alive with people enjoying the beautiful flowers and browsing the food stalls set up along the river. The atmosphere is festive and relaxed, making it the perfect place to enjoy some time outdoors surrounded by nature’s beauty.
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/s4AXQSQh4JEdyCRB7
Entrance: Open 24 hrs, Free.
Expo ’70 Commemorative Park 大阪万博記念公園
Expo 70 Commemorative Park is one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan with over 5,500 cherry trees of 9 varieties blooming in the park. From mid-March, the park is dyed pink with higanzakura and shanshizakura, and later with someiyoshino cherry blossoms. The best time to view the cherry blossoms is from late March to early April.
During Sakura season, Expo ’70 Commemorative Park provides many enjoyable activities for visitors to experience. The iconic 75 meters tall Tower of the Sun at the park is a must-see for anyone visiting during cherry blossom season. There are plenty of food stalls to be found throughout the park where one can enjoy Japanese street snacks 🙂
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/TDrmGvWXccGdvJ7S7
Entrance: 9:30 AM–5 PM. Fee: Adult: 260 yen, Elementary and junior high school students: 80 yen
Hanahaku Memorial Park 花博記念公園 (aka Tsurumi Ryokuchi)
Hanahaku Memorial Park is one of the best places in Japan to enjoy cherry blossoms. The park has a wide variety of cherry trees, including Kawazu, Okame, Yohkoh, and Someiyoshino, which bloom at different times of the year. This means that visitors can enjoy the cherry blossoms for a long period of time. The Okamezakura cherry trees here are especially famous and begin blooming in early March. Someiyoshino cherry trees account for more than half of the approximately 1,100 cherry trees planted in the park.
The park is also home to a rose garden and an almond forest. It is fun to find your favorite cherry tree in the park, as there are places where a large number of trees are planted together, such as the west and northeast sides of the Oike Pond and the entrance to the Ryokuchi Bridge, and places where a few trees are scattered in small patches.
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/SjSaA5rM5bCW4u1s6
Entrance: Open 24 hrs (Except the mountain area: 9:00 to 17:30 (April to Oct.) , 9:00 to 16:30 (Nov. to Mar.))
Free of charge (except for some fee-charging facilities)
Suminoe Park 住之江公園
Suminoe Park in Osaka is a popular destination for cherry blossom viewing. It is located in Suminoe Ward and offers spectacular views of the beautiful pink blossoms during the springtime. The park is home to more than 350 cherry trees, including some rare varieties such as Yoshino, Yae-zakura, and Ezo-zakura. Visitors can stroll along the pathways while admiring the blossoms or picnic under the trees with friends and family.
The park also has plenty to offer beyond just cherry blossom viewing. There is a flower and greenery square with seasonal flowers as well as a baseball field, ball game field, and swimming pool where visitors can enjoy sports in addition to being close to nature. Visitors can even enjoy nighttime illumination of the cherry blossoms when they are in full bloom. The park attracts many visitors throughout the year who come to take in its stunning natural beauty.
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/4cYCqx8bLYXakQMg7
Entrance: Open 24 hrs, Fee.
Spring is the season of cherry blossoms, the most famous annual event in Japan. Every year, thousands of people travel to Osaka to see the cherry blossoms in all their glory. If you’re planning a trip here, let us show you five amazing places where trees fill with those charming petals making for a peaceful sightseeing experience! With our help, you can make the most out of your sakura season vacation and create memories that will last a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your dream trip today!🌸