Osaka is one of the most diverse places in Japan with so many things to do and sights to see. In spring 2023, Osaka turns into a more magical place that we think should be on your itinerary.
If you are wondering what to do and where to do this cherry blossom season, we got you. We answer your questions and give you some recommendations:
Is sakura blooming now?
As of now, sakura is not yet blooming. The start of cherry blossom season based on the latest sakura forecast in Japan in 2023 will start on the second week of March and extend by the first week of May.
In Osaka, cherry blossoms are expected to start flowering on March 26 while the full bloom is expected on April 3. In Kyoto, cherry blossoms are expected to bud on March 24 and bloom in full on April 2. In Tokyo, the earliest flowering dates are expected on March 18 and full bloom on March 27.
What month is cherry blossom in Japan 2023?
March, April, and May are the cherry blossom months in Japan, but this is not applicable across all prefectures. Some will experience a full bloom in the fourth week of March, such as Tokyo and Kochi. Most cities in Japan will witness the full bloom of sakura in 2023 by the first week of April, including Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Nagoya, Kanazawa, and Wakayama.
Meanwhile, cherry blossoms in Sendai, Nagano, and Kagoshima are expected to be in full bloom in the second week of April while Aomiri is in the third week. Cherry blossoms will extend up to the first week of May in Sapporo.
How long will sakura last?
Sakura often lasts for 10-14 days, depending on the variety. Yoshino cherry, yamazakura, and shidarezakura (weeping cherry) are three of the most common varieties found in Japan, and they all last around this timeframe.
How many days in Osaka is enough?
We recommend spending at least 3-4 days to see all of the must-visit places in Osaka. You can definitely stay longer if you want to explore the depths of Osaka.
Best Spots to See Cherry Blossoms in Osaka
If you are still wondering where the best spots in Osaka to see sakura, here are some of our recommendations:
Nishinomaru Garden at Osaka Castle
Osaka Mint Bureau
Kema Sakuranomiya Park
Expo ’70 Commemorative Park
Okawa River
Read the Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Osaka and how to get there.
Best Cherry Blossom Festivals in Japan
If you are looking to celebrate hanami or cherry blossom viewing in Japan, you might want to look into cherry blossom festivals. Here are the best cherry blossom festivals in Japan:
Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival (Tokyo)
Osaka Castle Park Cherry Blossom Festival (Osaka)
Odawara Cherry Blossom Festival (Kanagawa)
Hikone Castle Cherry Blossom Festival (Shiga)
Goryokaku Cherry Blossom Festival (Hokkaido)
Learn more about the Best Cherry Blossom Festivals in Japan!
Things to Do in Osaka in Spring
If you are looking for more things to do in Osaka in spring, we recommend these activities:
Celebrate Hanami with Locals
Catch the Sumo Tournament
Go on an Aqua Liner River Cruise
Celebrate Traditional Festivals with Locals
See Colorful Seasonal Flowers
Learn more about the Best Things to Do in Osaka in Spring!
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