In 2025, cherry blossom season in Osaka is expected to last from the last week of March to early April. Osaka Castle is one of the best places in Japan to enjoy cherry blossoms.
Additionally, there are many late-blooming varieties that will be in full bloom by mid-April. If you visit Osaka during this time, you won't want to miss this spectacular scenery. Below, you'll find information on the best places to see cherry blossoms and when to visit Osaka.
What are the Best Places to See Cherry Blossom in Osaka 2026?
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 above). 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. You will see many locals enjoying their picnic under the cherry blossoms. The atmosphere is lively. 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.
In the evening, the castle and Sakura trees are lit up, and the Sakura parities continue.
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.
When Can I See Cherry Blossoms in Osaka in 2025?
In Osaka, cherry blossom season is expected to be from late March to early April. If you arrive a bit later, you might still see some later-blooming varieties in mid-April. However, if you visit after mid-April, you will miss the beautiful cherry blossoms in Osaka. At that point, the best places to see them are in the northern regions, like Aomori and Hokkaido.
Are There Any Cherry Blossom Festivals in Osaka?
During cherry blossom season, Osaka hosts many activities in its parks, including food stalls, music performances, nighttime illuminations, and sometimes even fireworks. Locals gather to enjoy food and drinks under the cherry blossoms in a tradition known as Hanami. Some of the most popular festivals take place at the following locations:
- Osaka Castle: The cherry blossoms are beautifully illuminated in the evening, attracting many locals for Hanami.
- Expo 70 Commemorative Park: In 2024, there will even be a fireworks display!
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.
Let Us Help You Plan Your 2026 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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