When you think of Japan, you’ll also think of cherry blossoms or sakura, so you will find sakura-inspired drinks in Starbucks, sakura-themed souvenirs, and sakura-designed clothes. The list is endless. However, nothing beats being able to see cherry blossoms in person, and one of the best places to do so is Osaka.
Cherry blossoms bloom during Japan’s spring season, and in Osaka, cherry blossom viewing or hanami is magnificent because the cherry trees are beautiful, and the locals are always ready to flock in and take photos. Here’s your guide to the best cherry blossom spots in Osaka!
1. Osaka Castle Park
The Osaka Castle is a landmark attraction in this large port city in Japan. It is a Japanese castle featuring Japanese architecture located in Chūō-ku. The castle is among Japan’s most renowned landmarks, and played a crucial role in the unification of Japan during the Azuchi–Momoyama period in the 16th century.
However, it is the park around Osaka Castle that turns magical come cherry blossom season. The area is filled with cherry trees, the perfect place to take excellent photos of the blooms with the castle in the background. Don’t hesitate to visit at night, too, because the trees are illuminated during cherry blossom season.
2. Japan Mint
The Japan Mint is an institution of the Japanese government taking charge of the production and circulation of coins. Its head office is in Osaka and surprisingly, there are cherry trees in the area around this office.
You cannot enter the vicinity of Japan Mint all year round, of course, but they open for a very limited time during hanami season. The trees are located along Mint’s promenade where you can see over 330 cherry trees from over 130 varieties.
ALSO READ: MUST-VISIT SHRINES IN OSAKA
3. Expo '70 Commemorative Park
It was in 1970 when the Expo ‘70 Commemorative Park was established for the Japan World Exposition. Within the park grounds, you can see the Natural and Cultural Gardens, an area designed featuring inspiration from natural forests and mountain settlements. At the end of the Gardens is the Tower of the Sun, whose peak looks like the head of a swan.
This place is where you can witness more than 5,000 cherry trees, creating a sight to behold. The park is also where you can check out restaurants and even hot springs.
4. Ryokuchi-koen Park
Situated in Northern Osaka, Ryokuchi-koen Park is a spacious park featuring mesmerizing cherry trees that invite you to the ultimate hanami party. Don’t forget to drop by the Open-Air Museum of Japanese Farmhouses that make a wonderful addition to cherry blossom viewing.
ALSO READ: BEST FESTIVALS IN OSAKA
5. Kema Sakuranomiya Park
Situated near the Kitahama financial district and the Osaka Security Exchange, Kema Sakuranomiya Park is an urban oasis where you can view cherry blossoms by the waters. The park spans from the Kema overflow weir, the area that diverges the Yodo River and Okawa River to Temma Bridge downstream.
At this park, you can enjoy about 4,800 trees of the Yamazakura, Yoshino, and Satozakura varieties, which you can likewise enjoy late at night during the sakura season.
6. Osaka Eiraku Dam
Otherwise, if you are not particular about the backdrop, but want to entirely see the beauty of cherry blooms, head over to the area around the Osaka Eiraku Dam where there are about 1,000 cherry blossom trees, picture-perfect. It is also the ideal place for jogging, leisurely walks, and hiking.
At night, lanterns are hung up, offering a unique perspective of cherry blossom viewing. This place also hosts celebrations that feature food stalls, craft stalls, and plant displays.
ALSO READ: BEST ONSEN IN OSAKA
7. Banpaku Memorial Park
Also further north in Osaka, the Banpaku Memorial Park also provides ground for cherry trees bearing cherry flowers. The park is also a great place for sightseeing since you can see the National Museum of Ethnology here, and Expo City, the huge shopping, entertainment, and dining complex of the park.
8. Nenpo Shinkyo Kongo Temple
No adjective is enough to describe the Nenpo Shinkyo Kongo Temple as it is breathtakingly beautiful. It is the headquarters of the Nenpo Shinkyo sect of Buddhism, which was founded as early as 1925.
Aside from flowers, the spacious temple grounds also feature about 150 Yoshina cherry trees in full bloom. There are also around 2,000 tulips and 30 peach trees that add to the beauty of the cherry trees. Feel as if you are on a cloud in the skies filled with cherry blossoms.
ALSO READ: BEST TEMPLES IN OSAKA
9. Shitennō-ji Temple
Regarded as the oldest Buddhist temple not just in Osaka but all over Japan, the Shitennō-ji Temple is home to around 100 cherry blossom trees from the Yoshino, Yaezakura, Edohigan, and Yamazakura varieties. You are right, it is the temple featuring the five-story pagoda and the bell tower.
Viewing cherry blossoms in Osaka is one-of-a-kind. Partly, this is because there are several spots for hanami. The list also includes Hirakata Park, Satsukiyama Park, Daisen Park, Kishiwada Castle, Settsukyo Park, Asuka Museum, Katsuoji Temple, Yamanokoshi, the Kurotoriyama Park, and more.
Whether you want cherry blossoms viewed by a temple or on the riverbanks, Osaka has them. According to the official cherry blossom calendar, flowering will start on March 27th and full bloom will start on April 3rd. Schedule your Osaka trip now!
Want to discover more of Osaka with a local? Join our Osaka Free Walking Tour and experience Osaka’s rich food, culture, and history.
Comments