[2025] 15 cherry blossom viewing spots in Osaka. Introducing classics, hidden gems, and famous castles, along with the best viewing times.

Osaka's best viewing times for 2025

According to the Japan Weather Association, the cherry blossoms are expected to bloom in Osaka on March 26th in 2025 (as of the date of publication). Compared to last year, the cherry blossoms are expected to bloom three days earlier than normal, and are expected to bloom about the same as an average year.

Reference data: https://tenki.jp/sakura/expectation/

Speaking of famous cherry blossom spots: 6 must-see spots

First, we will introduce six classic spots that you should not miss if you are going to enjoy cherry blossom viewing in Osaka.

[Suita City] Expo Commemoration Park | The collaboration of the Tower of the Sun and cherry blossoms is a must-see

The first place we will introduce is "Expo Commemoration Park," which was developed on the site of the Osaka Expo '70. It is famous for the Tower of the Sun, designed by artist Taro Okamoto, but it is also a famous cherry blossom spot, having been selected as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan."

Approximately 5,500 cherry trees of 12 varieties that were planted in the park will begin to bloom in mid-March. Various varieties, such as higan cherry trees, kanhi cherry trees, and somei-yoshino cherry trees, will paint the entire park in pink.

"SAKURA EXPO2025" will be held from Thursday, March 20th (national holiday) to Sunday, April 6th. On certain days, the over 200m long row of cherry blossom trees will be lit up, allowing you to enjoy a different look at the cherry blossoms than you would during the day.

Expo Memorial Park

[Kita-ku, Osaka] Cherry Blossom Passage at the Mint Bureau | A seasonal sight that heralds spring in Osaka

This is also something that cannot be left out when talking about cherry blossom viewing in Osaka. For Osaka residents, the "Mint Bureau Sakura Passage" is a seasonal event that marks the arrival of spring. Every year around early April, it is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot where many visitors gather to catch a glimpse of the beautiful cherry blossoms.

As the name suggests, there are about 340 cherry trees of 140 different varieties lined up along the passageway inside the Mint Headquarters. The sight of the wide variety of cherry blossoms spreading across the entire width of the 560m road is truly spectacular.

The 2025 Cherry Blossom Pass will be held on a first-come, first-served basis via the Internet. For details on how to apply, please see the Japan Mint Bureau website.

Mint Bureau Cherry Blossom Pass

[Kita-ku and Miyakojima-ku, Osaka] Kema Sakuranomiya Park | A riverside park dyed in the color of cherry blossoms

Kema Sakuranomiya Park is a riverside park that stretches for about 4.2km along the Okawa River from Kemaaraizeki to Temmabashi downstream. Along the right bank, there are buildings representative of the early Meiji period, such as the Mint Bureau and Senpukukan, and this is also one of Osaka's most famous cherry blossom spots.

The cherry blossom promenade that runs along the river is lined with approximately 4,800 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino, Yamazakura, and Satozakura, that form a tunnel between Tenmabashi and Sakuranomiyabashi.

Why not take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the spectacular spring scenery reflected on the river's surface?

Kema Sakuranomiya Park

[Tsurumi Ward, Osaka City] Flower Expo Memorial Park Tsurumi Ryokuchi | Enjoy a wide variety of cherry blossoms for a long time

Tsurumi Ryokuchi Flower Expo Memorial Park was developed on the site of the International Garden and Greenery Exposition held in 1990. A wide variety of plants are planted on the vast grounds, allowing visitors to enjoy flowers all year round.

In spring, about 1,200 cherry trees of about 10 varieties, including Kawazu cherry blossoms in late February, Okame, Yohko, and Somei Yoshino, reach their peak in succession. In particular, many Somei Yoshino cherry trees are planted around the large pond in the center of the park, and the spring-like scenery is particularly captivating.

There are also restaurants, cafes and other places where you can take a break in the garden. We recommend the terrace seats at "BOTANICAL HOUSE" on the banks of Oike Pond. Enjoy the beautiful spring weather and the magnificent view of the cherry blossoms blooming in abundance along the edge of the pond.

Flower Expo Memorial Park Tsurumi Ryokuchi

[Suminoe Ward, Osaka City] Suminoe Park | The brilliant Taiwan cherry blossoms signal the arrival of spring

For those who want to see a variety of cherry blossoms, we recommend Suminoe Park. This is also a spot where you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing for a long period of time, from early February to early April.

In early February, the deep-colored Kanhizakura, Oshimazakura, and Jindai Akebonozakura are in full bloom, and you can feel the arrival of spring a little early. In April, about 50 Somei Yoshino cherry trees will be in full bloom.

The grounds are also equipped with a BBQ space. Enjoying a BBQ while watching the cherry blossoms is a unique pleasure only available during this season (fees apply and reservations are required. Check the official website for details).

Suminoe Park

[Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture] Daisen Park | Admire the cherry blossoms at a historical park

Daisen Park is located in a corner of the Mozu Burial Mounds, a World Heritage Site, and spreads out between the world's largest tombs, Emperor Nintoku's Tomb and Emperor Richu's Tomb. This park, which has been selected as one of the "100 Best Historical Parks in Japan," is bustling with families in the spring and has a museum, Japanese garden, teahouse, and more on its vast 380,000 square meter site.

Daisen Park is home to 1,000 cherry trees, but the most spectacular sight is the Sakura Kaido, a street lined with cherry trees. The trees bloom in order, starting with the white weeping cherry, followed by the red weeping cherry, then the Yoshino cherry, and finally the Yaebeni weeping cherry, and visitors can enjoy them until mid-April.

If you have the chance, come on a sunny day to enjoy the spectacular cherry blossoms under blue skies.

Daisen Park

5 scenic spots to view cherry blossoms alongside famous castles, temples, and shrines

Osaka has many famous tourist spots, including Osaka Castle, castles, shrines, and temples. Spring is a great time to enjoy cherry blossoms as well. Here are five recommended spots.

[Chuo-ku, Osaka] Osaka Castle Park | A fusion of the imposing castle tower and cherry blossoms

You should also check out the castles, temples, and shrines that are colored in the pink of cherry blossoms. First, let's head to Osaka Castle Park, where you can see the Osaka Castle tower, the symbol of Osaka.

While Osaka Castle is home to many historical buildings, including the castle tower, which is full of historical romance, Osaka Castle Park is surrounded by lush greenery and has long been loved as an oasis in the city.

In fact, it is one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in the Kansai region, with an astounding 3,000 trees. The park also has Osaka Prefecture's "cherry blossom specimen tree," and the cherry blossoms are declared to be in bloom based on the condition of this tree.

The Nishinomaru Garden on the west side of the castle tower will also be lit up with cherry blossoms at night. Please check the official website for details.

Osaka Castle Park

[Kishiwada City] Kishiwada Castle | Be enchanted by the mysterious illumination of the famous castle and cherry blossoms

The spring scenery of Kishiwada Castle in Kishiwada, the city of "Danjiri" that boasts over 300 years of history and tradition, is also spectacularly beautiful.

Kishiwada Castle is full of things to see, including the Hachijin Garden, a nationally designated scenic spot, ancient stone walls, and a castle tower with an exhibition room. Around the perimeter of the moat, about 170 cherry trees bloom in profusion, reminiscent of the scenery of the past.

The Kishiwada Castle Festival will be held from Tuesday, March 25th to Tuesday, April 8th, 2025. On April 5th and 6th, there will be a Senshu product exhibition and stage events at Ninomaru Park, and various events will be held within the castle, including the "Seigaiha Experience" where you can draw sand ripples in the Kishiwada Castle Garden (Hachijin Garden), as well as outdoor tea ceremonies and Japanese music performances. There will also be illuminations at Hachijin Garden and cherry blossom lighting (final entry at 8pm).

Kishiwada Castle

[Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture] Katsuo-ji Temple | Yamazakura decorates this famous temple for good luck

Katsuo-ji Temple has been worshipped as a temple of good fortune for 1,300 years, and is a historic temple where people come to pray for victory in all sorts of situations, including exams, sports, business, etc. The depth of faith can be seen from the number of small Daruma dolls and donated winning Daruma dolls that can be seen throughout the temple grounds.

The cherry blossoms at Katsuo-ji Temple, located in the mountains, reach their peak later than in Osaka city. In April, the temple grounds are filled with the graceful weeping cherry blossoms that bloom next to the temple gate, as well as mountain cherry blossoms and double-flowered cherry blossoms. The peak is usually around mid- to late April.

Enjoy the beautiful scenery, as if you had stepped into a picture scroll.

Katsuoji Temple

[Kita-ku, Osaka] Osaka Tenmangu Shrine | Cherry blossoms at an ancient shrine that has watched over the city of Osaka

Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, affectionately known locally as "Tenma no Tenjin-san," is a shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning. Every year from February to March, the grounds are decorated with about 100 plum trees of about 20 varieties, and the shrine is bustling with many visitors.

Although there are fewer of them than the plum blossoms, the cherry blossoms, which are in full bloom from late March to early April, are also spectacular. The contrast between the historic shrine building, which has been watching over the city of Osaka for 1,000 years, and the pale pink cherry blossoms is a sight to behold.

There are many cherry blossom viewing spots in the area, such as Osaka Castle Park and the Cherry Blossom Passage at the Osaka Mint Bureau, so we recommend visiting them all.

Osaka Tenmangu Shrine

[Tennoji Ward, Osaka City] Shitennoji Temple | The ancient temple associated with Prince Shotoku is enveloped in the color of cherry blossoms

Shitennoji Temple was built by Prince Shotoku and is the first official Buddhist temple in Japan. Its "Shitennoji-style temple layout," in which the inner gate, five-story pagoda, main hall, and lecture hall are lined up in a straight line from south to north and surrounded by a corridor, is known as one of the oldest architectural styles in Japan.

In spring, cherry blossoms bloom all over the grounds of Shitennoji Temple, but the Honbo Garden on the east side of the temple grounds is a must-see. In the stroll-around pond garden, about 50 cherry trees bloom in full glory, creating a picturesque sight.

The five-story pagoda and cherry blossoms are sure to be picturesque. Why not try taking a spring-like photo?

Shitennoji Temple

Enjoy the cherry blossoms without the crowds: 4 hidden spots

Although Osaka is a tourist destination, one of its charms is that there are many areas where you can avoid crowds. Here are four hidden gems recommended for those who want to enjoy the cherry blossoms at their leisure.

[Minato Ward, Osaka City] Tempozan Park | A hidden cherry blossom spot on the lowest mountain in Japan

If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy cherry blossom viewing at your own pace, we recommend heading out a little ways from the city center.

Tempozan Park is located on Tempozan, the lowest mountain in Japan with a second-class triangulation point. Popular tourist spots such as the world's largest aquarium, Kaiyukan, and the giant Ferris wheel, Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel, are within walking distance, but surprisingly few people make the journey to the park, making it a hidden gem where you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing at your leisure.

There are about 90 to 100 cherry trees planted in the park, including Somei Yoshino and Yohko varieties, and you can enjoy the gradation of light and dark cherry blossoms. There are also many play areas nearby, making it a recommended spot for family cherry blossom viewing.

Tempozan Park

[Daito City] Fukakita Green Space | Full of events! A hidden cherry blossom viewing spot perfect for families

The 44.7-hectare site includes a dog run, large playground equipment, a BBQ area, sports facilities and more, making the Fukakita Green Space a great place to enjoy a variety of recreational activities and sports, and a great cherry blossom viewing spot in the spring.

Cherry blossoms can be seen all over the park, and in the area called "Sakura Garden" you can see many different varieties of cherry blossoms, including winter cherry blossoms, weeping cherry blossoms, double cherry blossoms, and Yoshino cherry blossoms.

In addition, the Sakura Festival will be held from March 22nd (Sat) to April 6th (Sun), 2025. There will be plenty of events to liven up your cherry blossom viewing experience, such as a cafe and empty-handed BBQ. The area will also be lit up during the festival. You can enjoy a fantastic view of the cherry blossoms, which is different from the daytime.

Fukakita Ryokuchi

[Sayama City, Osaka] Sayamaike Park | A spectacular spring view with 1,300 cherry trees lined up

One way to avoid crowds is to stagger your cherry blossom viewing time. Sayamaike Park, which has a circular path around Sayamaike Pond, which has been the subject of many poems and paintings, including "The Pillow Book," is the best place to see early-blooming Koshinohigan cherry blossoms in late March. Double-flowered cherry blossoms and other trees are in full bloom in mid-April, making it the perfect spot for early or late cherry blossom viewing.

The "Sakura Festival - Spring" will be held from Friday, March 28th to Sunday, April 6th, 2025, and the Koshinohigan cherry trees on the north bank will be lit up from sunset until 10pm. Please come and see the gorgeous cherry blossoms floating in the darkness.

Sayamaike Park

[Hannan City] Yamanakadani | A train passes through a tunnel of cherry blossoms

At Yamanakadani, located on the border between Osaka and Wakayama prefectures, you can see a spectacular view of the train and cherry blossoms. Approximately 1,000 cherry trees, including Somei-Yoshino and Yamazakura, are planted on the riverbed of the Yamanaka River. The sight of the train passing between the rows of cherry trees blooming in competition with each other is overwhelming.

The area will be illuminated from 6pm to 10pm from Sunday, March 23rd to Saturday, April 5th, 2025 (subject to change depending on the cherry blossoms' blooming conditions), and a Cherry Blossom Festival will be held on Sunday, March 30th, 2025 at Wanpaku Kingdom, located right next to JR Yamanakakei Station. There will be plenty to see, including the Sakura Tsunagaru Kaido Marche and stage performances. Don't miss this event either.

Enjoy the spectacular views that can only be seen at this time of year, both from inside the train and after you get off the train.

Yamanaka Valley

Osaka is not only home to tourist attractions, but also to many famous cherry blossom viewing spots that are worth a trip. It would be fun to visit multiple spots in between the Osaka-Kansai Expo and sightseeing. Be sure to visit some cherry blossom viewing spots to make some memories of your spring trip to Osaka.

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