In spring, the beautiful cherry blossoms bloom, enveloping the whole city in a festive atmosphere. In Osaka, you can enjoy cherry blossoms in a variety of places, including historical sites and parks rich in nature.

So this time, we will introduce 5 recommended cherry blossom viewing spots in Osaka. In addition, we will also introduce 3 nearby tourist spots, so you can enjoy the sightseeing and cuisine unique to Osaka along with the cherry blossoms.

Osaka Castle Park

Osaka Castle Park is a historic park that spreads out around Osaka Castle, built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and is also known as one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in the Kansai region. In spring, about 3,000 cherry trees beautifully decorate the entire park, and in particular, about 300 Somei Yoshino cherry trees are in full bloom in the Nishinomaru Garden.

At night, the illuminated cherry blossoms create a fantastic night view, making this a must-visit scenic spot. There are also late-blooming double cherry blossoms at the Tamatsukuriguchi entrance, allowing you to enjoy the cherry blossom season to the fullest. The contrast between the historic castle tower and the cherry blossoms is a must-see.

Best time to see cherry blossoms

Late March to mid-April

location

Osaka Castle, Chuo Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture

Access methods

A short walk from "Osakajokoen Station" or "Morinomiya Station" on the JR Osaka Loop Line A short walk from "Morinomiya Station" on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line and Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line

Expo Memorial Park

Expo Commemoration Park is a vast park developed on the site of the 1970 World Exposition, and is known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot along with its symbolic Tower of the Sun. It has also been selected as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Japan," and there are about 5,500 cherry trees of 12 different varieties planted within the park.

The Higanzakura and Kanhizakura cherry blossoms start blooming in mid-March, and the Somei-Yoshino cherry blossoms are in full bloom in April, allowing you to enjoy cherry blossom viewing for a long period of time. The "Higashioji Cherry Blossom Tree Line" is a must-see in particular. The Tower of the Sun shining against the cherry blossom trees is a special sight that can only be seen here.

Best time to see cherry blossoms

Late March to early April

location

Senri Expo Park, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture

Access methods

Get off at "Banpaku Kinen Koen Station" on the Osaka Monorail Line, and walk for about 5 minutes to the central exit.

Daisen Park

Daisen Park is located in a corner of the Mozu Tomb Group, a registered World Heritage Site, and is a historic park sandwiched between the tombs of Emperor Nintoku and Emperor Richu. The park is home to approximately 1,000 cherry trees of 51 varieties, each with its own flowering period, allowing you to enjoy cherry blossom viewing for a long period of time.

Particularly noteworthy are the "Sakura Highway" with its beautiful weeping cherry trees, and the rock garden where you can see Chishima and Ooyama cherry trees. The fantastic scenery created by the approximately 400 cherry trees that decorate the pond is also a must-see. Enjoy a picnic on the spacious lawn and feel the arrival of spring.

Best time to see cherry blossoms

Late March to early April

location

2-204 Mozu Yukumocho, Sakai-ku, Sakai-shi, Osaka

Access methods

Get off at Mozu Station on the JR Hanwa Line and walk for about 5 minutes to Daisen Park.

Settsukyo Park

Settsukyo Park is a beautiful valley park designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty in Osaka Prefecture, and is the most scenic spot in Hokusetsu where you can enjoy nature throughout the four seasons. In spring, about 3,000 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees bloom in full glory, and the tranquil scenery of the cherry blossoms coloring the valley and the clear stream is something special that can't be seen anywhere else.

In particular, the Sakura Square on the south side of the park is in full bloom with about 230 cherry trees, making it a great place for a picnic with the family. The park's 4km hiking trail, dotted with oddly shaped rocks and cliffs, is also an attractive spot to enjoy the grandeur and grace of nature at the same time.

Best time to see cherry blossoms

Late March to early April

location

5-3-4 Tsukawaki, Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture

Access methods

Take the city bus bound for Shimonokuchi (about 20 minutes) from the north exit of JR Takatsuki Station, get off at Shimonokuchi, and walk for about 1 minute

Mint Bureau Cherry Blossom Pass

The Osaka Mint Bureau Sakura Passage, which colors Osaka in spring, is a special cherry blossom viewing spot that has been selected as one of Japan's top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots. Every year around mid-April, the approximately 560m walkway inside the Mint Bureau is opened to the public, and approximately 340 cherry trees of 140 varieties are in full bloom. In particular, there are many late-blooming double cherry blossoms, which means you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing for longer than at other cherry blossom viewing spots.

There will be food stalls lined up around the venue, and you can enjoy the lively atmosphere of a festival. Advance registration is required and admission is on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to check the official website for the latest information before visiting.

Best time to see cherry blossoms

Early April to mid-April

location

Osaka Prefecture, Osaka City, Kita Ward, Tenma 1-1-79

Access methods

Get off at "Osaka Tenmangu Station" on the JR Tozai Line and walk for about 15 minutes

Approximately 15 minutes walk from Minamimorimachi Station on the Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line or Tanimachi Line

Other Osaka sightseeing spots

Universal Studios Japan

This is one of Japan's leading theme parks where you can experience the world of Hollywood movies and popular characters. It is packed with attractions that people of all ages can enjoy, such as thrilling large coasters, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter that faithfully recreates the world of the movies, and Universal Wonderland that the whole family can enjoy.

Seasonal events and collaborations with anime and games are also attractive, so no matter how many times you visit, you'll always find something new. When it's crowded, you can shorten your waiting time with the Universal Express Pass and enjoy yourself to the fullest.

Tempozan Harbor Village

Tempozan Harbor Village is a comprehensive leisure spot facing Osaka Bay, and is a popular tourist destination for families and couples. The highlight is the world's largest aquarium, Kaiyukan, where about 30,000 marine creatures are on display, and the tunnel-shaped tank in which the giant whale shark swims is an impressive sight.

At the adjacent Tempozan Marketplace, you can enjoy gourmet food, shopping, and amusement. You can also enjoy the ocean view from the Ferris wheel or a cruise on the sailing tourist boat Santa Maria. This is a spot where you can fully enjoy the charms of the Osaka Bay Area while feeling the spring breeze.

Cup Noodles Museum

This is an experiential museum that opened in 1999 in Ikeda City, the birthplace of instant ramen. Here you can learn about the history of how Momofuku Ando, the founder of Nissin Foods, invented the world's first instant ramen, "Chicken Ramen," in 1958.

Inside the museum, there are lots of fun experiences, such as the "My Cup Noodle Factory" where you can make your own original cup noodles, and the "Chicken Ramen Factory" where you can make your own Chicken Ramen. It is a popular spot for families, where you can experience the evolution of instant ramen and the importance of invention.

summary

Osaka has many attractive spots where you can enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms. You can enjoy cherry blossoms in a variety of different landscapes, such as cherry blossoms decorating historical sites and cherry blossoms you can leisurely view in parks rich in nature. We also recommend taking a leisurely stroll under the cherry blossoms during the day and enjoying the fantastic scenery lit up at night.

You can also enjoy Osaka's unique cuisine and entertainment at the surrounding tourist spots. Why not enjoy the charm of Osaka to the fullest this spring along with the cherry blossoms?