Expo '70 Commemorative Park is famous for the Tower of the Sun which was created by the artist Tarō Okamoto. It is also renowned for its cherry blossoms.

From late March to early April, approximately 5,500 cherry trees of nine different varieties come into bloom. The beauty of this sight is such that it was selected as one of the Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan.

Aligned with the peak blooming period, a Cherry Blossom Festival will be held, featuring cherry blossom illuminations. A special "SAKURA EXPO" event now holds even more cherry blossom-related activities. Enjoy a magical time with illuminated cherry blossom trees along Higashi-Oji and even a one-day-only fireworks display. During the Cherry Blossom Festival, the designated areas are usually open until 9 PM.

The Japan Mint, an Independent Administrative Institution of the Japanese government, was established in 1969 and manufactures coins and medals, amongst other items.

Around 340 cherry trees form this tunnel, but what's truly remarkable is the variety of species—about 140 in total. Among these is the rare Gyoiko, a cherry tree with green blossoms, so keep an eye out for unusual types.

Entry is managed through a first-come, first-served basis via online application (see the official website here). Note that if you haven't applied in advance, access will be declined (the application period is generally expected to be set around mid-March).

Osaka's growth was supported by water transportation so greatly that it was known as the "City of Water" around 1870.

In the heart of Osaka, there is a water circuit surrounding the city center, which is a rare phenomenon even in other countries, and this circuit is also known as the "Aqua Metropolis Osaka". "Hachikenya Ohanami Festa", a festival to celebrate the arrival of spring and enjoy spring, is held at Hachikenya-hama Pier in the city of Osaka, where there are cherry blossoms, cruises, and a waterfront.

Beginning with the "Aqua Metropolis Osaka Kawabiraki Ceremony" to mark the start of the boating season, where a great variety of boats gather during this period, various events are held, such as the "Okawa Sakura Cruise", "Spring Tea Party on the Water Surface While Stand-Up Paddle Boarding", and the "Riverside Café". Enjoy a meal and waterfront activities while gazing at the cherry blossoms lining the river.

The shape of Kishiwada Castle, which links the inner and outer citadels, resembles a "chikiri", a tool that winds the warp of a loom.

Thus, it is also known as Chikiri Castle. At the castle, with its popular "Kishiwada Castle Garden (Hachijin-no-niwa)" that was created by the landscape gardener Mirei Shigemori in 1953, and has been designated as a National Site of Scenic Beauty, the approximately 170 cherry trees in its vicinity turning pink during late March to early April.

In early April, the Kishiwada Castle Festival is also held, and with the illumination of the castle, the "Hachijin-no-niwa" illumination at Kishiwada Castle Garden, visitors can enjoy the beautiful view of cherry blossoms at night. You can also enjoy various events at the facilities near Kishiwada Castle.

Settsukyo Park is located in Settsukyo and is perfect for hiking as well as having fun throughout all four seasons, with cherry blossoms in spring, fireflies and river activities in summer, and autumn leaf colors in autumn.

There is an open space where children can play, a hiking course that leads to the peak, nature paths that allow one to see precipices and strangely shaped rocks full of rustic beauty as well as waterfalls, and so on. It is loved as a nature park that anyone can easily drop by.

Approximately 3,000 Yoshino cherry and other trees have been planted all over the park, and from late March to early April, the 230 cherry trees in the Cherry Blossom Square reach their peak, and every year, the "Cherry Blossom Festival" is held.

In previous years, mainly on weekends, after sunset, paper lanterns were lit and other than being able to enjoy the cherry blossoms at night in the middle of this faint light, in early April, stage events are also held.

With Satsukiyama, a hill with an elevation of approximately 315 meters, as its center, Satsukiyama Park offers a view of the city of Ikeda and Inagawa from its observation deck.

It is also famous for its cherry blossoms, azaleas, and autumn leaves, and from the entrance of the park to the Hinomaru Observation Deck at the peak of the hill, Yoshino cherry trees and mountain cherry trees bloom everywhere. On the driveway, you can also enjoy the cherry blossoms from your car window.

Usually, the "Ikeda Satsukiyama Cherry Blossom Festival" is held from early April. During this time, the cherry blossoms are lit up by the gentle light of paper lanterns on Satsukiyama and at the "Ikeda Shiroato Park", and the "Public Open-Air Tea Ceremony", a tea ceremony in which visitors can make tea and have fun outdoors, is held along with other events.

Every year from late March to early April, about 1,000 Somei Yoshino cherry trees planted along the banks of the Yamazaki River in Hannan City, Osaka Prefecture, reach full bloom. These trees are illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere.

Coinciding with the peak bloom, the Hanakaido Yamanakadani Cherry Blossom Festival takes place, featuring various events such as performances by the Hannan Taiko drum group "Rakko" and Yosakoi dancing with naruko clappers. These festivities are held around JR Yamazakigawa Station and in the nearby Wanpaku Kingdom municipal park.

Visitors are also encouraged to explore other cherry blossom viewing spots, including the Wanpaku Kingdom and the beautiful weeping cherry trees at Jifukuji Temple, which are over 50 years old. It's a wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty of cherry blossoms in the area.

Sayama Pond Park, established in the vicinity of Sayama Pond, the oldest dam-style reservoir in Japan, is a beautiful park that is designated as one of Japan's Top 100 Historical Parks.

There are many early-blooming Kochino Higanzakura cherry trees lining the pond's walking path and as they start to bloom in late March, they offer a flower-viewing experience so early that they could be said to be the earliest or second earliest to bloom in Osaka Prefecture.

Also, there are double-flowered cherry blossoms that bloom in mid-April, and another distinct feature of the area is that it offers a lovely view of cherry blossoms over a long period of time.

Every year, from late March to early April, the Sayama Pond Cherry Blossom Festival is held, during which the cherry trees blooming on the northern bank of Sayama Pond are lit up.

Eiraku Dam is famous for its cherry blossoms, and is abundant in greenery and nature, so much so that it is designated as one of the Top 100 Greenery Spots in Osaka and Top 100 Forests and Water Sources.

About 1,000 cherry trees bloom splendidly around the dam. In previous years, the Eiraku Cherry Blossom Festival, during which paper lanterns were hung to light up some of the cherry trees and refreshment booths were available, was held during the flowering period of the cherry blossoms.

There is a circuit of approximately two kilometers around the dam, and visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms at the adjacent Eiraku Yumenomori Park as well, so it is possible to enjoy the view of cherry blossoms during the day while going for a walk.

With stalls, stage events, and magical lit-up cherry blossoms, there are ways to enjoy cherry blossom festivals that do not just involve looking.

(*The timing of the cherry blossoms' blooming, as well as the schedule and details of events, may be subject to change.)

Text by Efeel

As the cherry blossom venue is expected to be very crowded, we recommend that you make reservations in advance to enjoy the cherry blossoms in a safe and relaxing atmosphere.