Cherry Blossom Season and Top 10 Viewing Spots in Osaka

Osaka is home to numerous cherry blossom spots. From late March to early April, cherry blossoms beautifully bloom across these locations. However, the cherry blossom season is brief, and the timing of peak bloom can vary each year. Therefore, whether you can visit Osaka during the cherry blossom peak is somewhat a matter of luck. When visiting Osaka, understand that seeing the cherry blossoms should be considered a bonus.

This article provides detailed information on the cherry blossom season in Osaka and its famous cherry blossom spots. If you’re planning to visit Osaka in the spring, be sure to use this as a reference.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, cherry blossoms in Osaka typically begin to bloom around March 27th on average. However, the exact timing can vary significantly each year. For example, the blossoms opened on April 2nd in 2012, while in 2023, they began blooming on March 19th—a difference of 14 days.

Additionally, the cherry blossom season is notably brief. Generally, the blossoms last from the start of blooming to falling off within about 10 days to two weeks. This duration can vary depending on local weather conditions; periods of rain or strong winds may cause the blossoms to fall quicker. Predicting the cherry blossom season is quite challenging.

Given the difficulty in accurately predicting the bloom dates and the short blooming period, it is advisable not to make cherry blossom viewing the sole purpose of your trip. This is particularly true if you have a short stay in Japan, as the chances of seeing the cherry blossoms at full bloom are not very high. Therefore, when touring Osaka, it’s best not to have high expectations for seeing the cherry blossoms.

Think of cherry blossoms as a “bonus” to your Osaka trip. Beyond cherry blossoms, Osaka offers many wonderful tourist attractions and entertaining activities.

Are you wondering where the best places to view cherry blossoms in Osaka are? The city is filled with beautiful parks and tourist spots where cherry trees bloom spectacularly. This section highlights the best places to see cherry blossoms and other attractions to enjoy during your visit. Use this information to plan an unforgettable trip to Osaka.

For about a week during the cherry blossom season, the Osaka Mint Bureau draws large crowds eager to enjoy its elegant blossoms. Along a 560-meter-long path beside the old Yodo River, over 300 cherry trees featuring more than 100 varieties, primarily late-blooming double-flowered cherries, are planted.

A notable variety here is the rare ‘Otemari’ cherry, named for its ball-like clusters of densely packed petals. This variety is seldom seen elsewhere and is a must-see for its delicate beauty.

Please make sure to reserve your viewing slot online in advance.

Osaka Castle Park, a symbol of the city, is one of the best places in the Kansai region for cherry blossom viewing. The park is home to about 3,000 cherry trees, captivating numerous visitors. The Nishinomaru Garden in the park features around 300 trees, predominantly Somei Yoshino cherries, offering a spectacular view in conjunction with the castle tower. The garden, with its spacious lawns, is also an excellent spot for picnics. At night, the blossoms are illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.

With late-blooming varieties also present, Osaka Castle Park allows visitors to enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms from the start to the end of the season.

Nagai Botanical Garden hosts a variety of cherry species, delighting visitors with different shapes and shades of blooms. Essential varieties include the iconic Somei Yoshino, the weeping Shidarezakura, and the Yoko cherry, known for its bright pink flowers.

Besides cherry blossoms, the garden also showcases other seasonal flora. In early April, the garden is filled with the small blue blossoms of Nemophila, offering a perfect setting to enjoy the spring weather.

Situated on the former site of the 1970 Osaka Expo, the park is famous for the “Tower of the Sun.” It features about 5,500 cherry trees of 12 different types, creating breathtaking views. Walking through the cherry-lined avenues feels like stepping into another world.

The vast park also includes attractions like the National Museum of Ethnology and athletic facilities, making it a popular spot for both adults and children beyond just cherry blossom viewing.

With over 1,000 cherry trees, Tsurumi Ryokuchi Flower Expo Memorial Park offers a long cherry blossom season, starting with the early-blooming Kawazu cherry trees in late February. The “Mountain Area” is particularly recommended for cherry blossom viewing, especially around the “Oike” pond, where the reflection of the blossoms on the water adds a picturesque quality.

The park also features authentic tea houses and Japanese gardens, enriching your experience with Japanese culture. Nearby, there are hot spring facilities for relaxation after a day of sightseeing.

Sumiyoshi Park, celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2023, is a historic park conveniently located near central Osaka and serves as an urban oasis. Famous for its predominantly Somei Yoshino cherry trees, the park is renowned for its beautiful pale pink blossoms, particularly concentrated in “Sakura Plaza.” Near the plaza is the “Shinji Pond,” where the reflection of the cherry blossoms, known as “sakura,” creates a picturesque scene reminiscent of a painting.

The nearby Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine complements a visit to the park, offering a day filled with Japanese culture and history.

Located along the Okawa River, Maishima Sakura-no-Miya Park stretches for 4.2 km and is lined with approximately 4,800 cherry trees, offering stunning views. A leisurely walk along the riverbank or a picnic on the grassy areas under the cherry blossoms are both great ways to enjoy the season. Water buses operate on the river, providing a unique perspective on the blossoms.

With its proximity to the Osaka Mint Bureau, this park is perfect for those looking to visit multiple famous cherry blossom spots.

For those with time to spare, a trip to Eiraku Dam is highly recommended. Around the dam, a 2 km loop trail offers opportunities for running and hiking amidst 700 beautiful cherry trees. During the blossom season, lanterns are hung, and the illuminated cherry trees at night provide a surreal experience. Participating in the Sakura Festival at Eiraku Dam can be a memorable part of your visit.

The area around the dam is part of the Okuyama Ameyama Nature Park, where you can also enjoy majestic mountains and bird watching.

For the earliest cherry blossom viewing in Osaka, Sayama Pond is the best choice. While Somei Yoshino is the most famous variety in Japan, Sayama Pond is known for its early-blooming Koshino Higan cherry trees, making it the first place in Osaka Prefecture where cherry blossoms can be enjoyed.

Sayama Pond has long been renowned as a cherry blossom spot and even appears in “The Pillow Book,” a classic work of Japanese literature. Those wanting to experience a historical landscape with beautiful cherry blossoms should visit Sayama Pond.

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Katsuo-ji Temple is famous for its late-blooming cherry trees, with blossoms visible until late April. The temple grounds host various cherry types, including Yaezakura and Yamazakura, each with different blooming times, extending the cherry blossom viewing season.

The recommended cherry variety here is the Shidarezakura, characterized by its gracefully weeping branches. With the temple’s historical buildings as a backdrop, these beautiful pink blossoms captivate all who see them.

The temple also features unusual yellow cherry blossoms, adding to the unique experience of discovering your favorite cherry tree during a leisurely stroll.

The cherry blossom is a quintessential symbol of Japan, and Osaka is home to numerous renowned cherry blossom viewing spots. The timing of cherry blossoms varies by region, and in Osaka, they typically bloom from late March to early April. However, as the blooming period can differ from year to year, those planning to visit Osaka should be aware that they might miss the cherry blossoms.

Osaka boasts many popular cherry blossom spots, such as the Osaka Mint Bureau and Expo ’70 Commemorative Park. If you’re planning a trip to Osaka in the spring, consider visiting these attractions highlighted in the article to experience the beauty of cherry blossoms.

*This article is based on information available as of May 2024.