In 2025, cherry blossom season in Osaka is expected to run from the last week of March to early April, a few days after that in Tokyo and Kyoto.
Osaka's cherry blossom season typically occurs slightly later than in Tokyo and Kyoto. There are many late-blooming varieties that will be in full bloom in mid-April. If you visit Osaka during this period, you definitely must not miss this spectacular scenery. Below, find information on how to plan a trip to Osaka to enjoy the cherry blossom including travel dates, places to see, and planning tips.
When is the Best Time to Visit Osaka for the Cherry Blossom?
The best time to see Cherry Blossom in Osaka is from late March to early April during its Sakura season. However, there are also later bloom varieties which can be seen in mid-April.
Late March to Early: Cherry Blossom Season
Osaka's cherry blossom season spans from late March to Early April. However, the full blooms only stay only for 3-5 days, and the exact date varies each year. Nevertheless, visiting during this period would allow you to see at least some cherry blossoms.
Mid-April: Cherry Blossom in Mount Yoshino
Mid Osaka also boasts many late-blooming varieties, which are usually best viewed in mid-April. In mountainous areas, such as Mount Yoshino, the cherry blossoms bloom later in mid-April.
In summary, you are likely to see cherry blossoms from late March to mid-April in Osaka. Unfortunately, if you visit after mid-April, you would miss the beautiful scenery.
What are the Best Places to See Cherry Blossom in Osaka 2025?
During the Cherry Blossom season, you won't worry about missing the spectacular scenery. Cherry blossoms are everywhere and you won't miss them. But finding the most suitable places for your special requirements may not be easy. Read below our recommendations on the most popular places, quiet places, and cherry blossoms in the mountains.
1. Osaka Castle
- Features: the most iconic place to view cherry blossom
- Cherry trees: 3,000+
- Viewing date: early April
This is the most iconic place to view Japanese sakura (cherry blossom) in Osaka. It is a large area of 250 acres where over 3,000 cherry trees are planted.
The best viewing place in the area is Nishinomaru Garden, which is in the castle's western citadel. There, you would find large green lawns and enjoy cherry blossom views with the old castle as the background (see the photo below). In the evening, this part of the castle grounds is also illuminated. To enter Nishinomaru Garden, you need to pay about 350 JPY, but the castle park is free.
The garden is very famous and many travelers visit it each year. But don't worry about the crowds. As it is so large, it is not hard for you to find a place to sit, relax, have a picnic, or take photos. Actually, you could easily take photos without unwanted people in them.
In the late afternoon, you may catch a beautiful sunset next to the castle, which glimmers among the cherry trees in the low sunlight. Then, after sunset, the castle and Sakura trees are lit up for a whole different atmosphere. Travel tips:
Travel Tips:
- Nishinomaru Garden opening hours: 9 am–8 pm
- How to get there: Take the Osaka Municipal Subway line to Temmabashi Station or Tanimachi 4-chome Station, or take the JR to Osaka Castle Park Station.
- The garden is very popular so arriving early is needed to get a good spot for a picnic.
2. Osaka Mint Bureau
- Features: the place to view cherry blossom when it has disappeared in most other places
- Cherry trees: 300+
- Blossom period: mid-April
Osaka Mint Bureau is famous for its later-blooming variety of cherry trees: yae-zakura. This variety blooms a bit later than the normal cherry blossom varieties. It features beautiful double-layer blooms. There are also other later blooming rare varieties, such as one with green or yellow flowers.
The site is actually a government agency factory specializing in the supply of coins and medals. It only opens in the spring for the cherry blossoms.
During the cherry blossom season, the park is very crowded and there are only one-way routes for travelers to follow. Please note this place is not suitable for a picnic as there is no space to do that.
Travel tips:
- Only observation is allowed during a visit, no stopping to rest or eat.
- Visitors can only access it from the South Gate and leave from the North Gate.
- The place is very crowded but the scenery is spectacular. If you are looking for somewhere to enjoy a leisurely time, this should not be your option.
- How to get there: Temmabashi (Tanimachi Line on the subway), Osaka Tenmangu (Tozai Line), and Temmabashi (Keihan Railway) are all about a 15-minute walk from Osaka Mint Bureau.
3. The Okawa River
- Features: Take a boat cruise to view the cherry blossoms
- Cherry trees: 4,800+
- Blossom period: early April
You could take a cruise boat to enjoy the cherry blossoms on the banks of the Okawa River. The Okawa River flows through the center of Osaka city and over 4,800 cherry trees have been planted along both sides of the river.
The Okawa River Sakura Cruise takes about 25 minutes. The boats leave every 10 to 30 minutes from Hachikenyahama Harbor, just north of Temmabashi Station. During the cruise, you would see the beautiful cherry blossoms set against the cityscape, such as the Sky Garden of the OMM Building. The cruise would take you to the Mint Museum, Temmabashi, and Osaka Castle.
Or you could choose a nice café or restaurant along the river and savor delicious snacks among the graceful hues of the cherry blossoms. This would be a very romantic and unique experience.
Kema Sakuranomiya Park and the Japan Mint headquarters, both famous cherry blossom spots, are on either side of the Okawa River.
4. Kema Sakuranomiya Park
- Features: a quiet park for enjoying cherry blossom
- Cherry trees: 4,800+
- Blossom period: early April
Kema Sakuranomiya Park is a 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) riverside park alongside the Okawa River. Its banks are densely lined with cherry trees.
Unlike other places, this place is not very crowded. The park is an ideal place for a relaxing stroll while taking in the scenery of the cherry blossoms set against the skyscrapers.
You could take a pleasant walk from Sakuranomiya Station, just outside the park, along the riverside under the cherry blossoms to Osaka Mint Bureau and Osaka Castle. The walk takes about 40 minutes.
During the cherry blossom season, there are food stalls selling a variety of foods and drinks. You could pack some food and have a picnic on the lawn under the cherry blossom trees, just as the locals do.
The above-mentioned are some of the most famous locations to view cherry blossoms in Osaka. If you have your own preferences regarding cherry blossom viewing locations, just tell our travel advisors and they would help you to arrange a tour to visit them.
4. The Expo Commemorative Park
It's a huge park with many places to sit and relax. Some areas could get crowded but there's a lot of space to spread out and get away from the noise.
5. Hattori Ryokuchi Park
This is a large hilly park in northern Osaka with almost no tourists. There are a lot of cherry trees, creating a charming picture of pink and white blossoms. The surroundings are also beautiful with ponds and a bamboo forest. The open-air farmhouse is really worth a visit. It is an excellent place for relaxing with friends and family. There, you would see Japanese families enjoying a sunny day with their young kids, playing games, and picnicking.
6. Mount Yoshino
- Features: Cherry blossom in mountains
- Best viewing time: Mid-April
If you love nature and the outdoors, you should not miss the cherry blossoms on Mount Yoshino. The whole mountain has over 30,000 cherry trees growing on it. In spring, half a mountain range turns pinkish.
You could hike along the trail through small mountain villages and thousands of cherry trees to reach the top of the mountain.
Travel Tips
- How to get there: Yoshino Station is a 40-minute train ride from Nara on the Kintetsu line. From there, a shuttle bus would take you to Senbonguchi Station at the foot of the mountain.
- Best viewing time: early to mid-April
- We suggest that you stay overnight in the mountain area to get to the mountain early and escape the crowds.
7. Eiraku Dam (Kumatori Town, Sennan District)
Sitting in an area that is surrounded by mountains and forests, you could enjoy cherry blossoms in a natural environment.
See beautiful cherry blossoms against a mountain backdrop. Nearby Okuyama Ameyama Nature Park offers ample open spaces near the dam. If you enjoy walking or hiking, explore the 2-kilometer (1-mile) circuit around the dam. Inside the park, discover a variety of hiking trails.
In the evening from 6 pm to 9 pm, the park is illuminated, adding a magical touch to your evening experience.
The above-mentioned are some of the most famous locations to view cherry blossoms in Osaka. If you have your own preferences regarding cherry blossom viewing locations, just tell our travel advisors and they would help you to arrange a tour to visit them.
How Many Days to Spend in Osaka?
2 Days are enough in Osaka to see the highlights of the city and enjoy the cherry blossoms. Within 2 days, you can enjoy a leisurely visit to Osaka Castle, delve into the city's essence with a ninja experience, and savor the delectable local cuisine.
At Osaka Castle, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll amidst cherry blossoms. Find a quiet spot to sit down and enjoy some snacks or drinks under the blooming cherry trees.
Tips for Planning a Cherry Blossom Trip to Osaka
Perhaps cherry blossoms aren't your main reason for visiting Japan, but they could undoubtedly enrich your experience, especially if you time your trip just right and arrive precisely at peak bloom! Below are some tips to ensure a memorable cherry blossom journey in Japan.
Allow for a flexible itinerary
Don't set a tight schedule if you want to see the cherry blossom at its best. Sometimes, you may need to wait a few days for the most spectacular views. Other times, you may need to travel to some unexpected locations for some later or earlier bloom varieties if you miss the main variety. The best way to do it is to plan ahead but keep things flexible so that you could take unexpected opportunities and ensure a fantastic experience.
Choose the most suitable Sakura locations
Choose the best Sakura locations depending on your preferences. The most famous ones may not be the most suitable for your group's requirements. Keep a clear mind about what you are looking for: spectacular scenery for photos, relaxing family time, or unique experiences and activities. If you are not sure, ask our travel advisors and they would provide valuable recommendations to meet your requirements.
Start planning your trip 6 months in advance
Cherry blossom viewing is one of the busiest times for tourism in Japan. Most tour activities are likely to be sold out if you rely on last-minute planning.
Prepare for the crowds
Don't be surprised when parks and other locations containing sakura trees are crowded. Remember to be patient and considerate toward others who, like you, are there to enjoy the cherry blossoms. Trains may also become crowded, so give yourself extra time when moving from one place to another to navigate the crowds smoothly.
Follow the local rituals
We suggest you take a unique sakura hanami as the locals do to immerse yourself in the atmosphere. Japanese people usually call viewing the blossom a hanami. During a traditional hanami, Japanese people usually hold parties under the cherry blossom trees. They have picnics, which usually involve food and drinks/alcohol with family or friends. A hanami would be a very memorable experience in Japan. However, it's important to note that alcohol may not be permitted in some parks.
Let Us Help You Plan Your 2025 Cherry Blossom Trip
Osaka's Cherry Blossom season will come at the end of March 2025. Are you expecting to travel to Japan in the spring of 2025? See below for some of our most popular Japan tour itineraries:
- 7-Day Japan Cherry Blossom mini Group Tour 2025
- 10-Day Japan Cherry Blossom Spring 2025 Mini-Group Tour
Contact us and we'll help you to plan your own Japan itinerary based on your personal preferences.
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