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Kansai Cherry Blossoms Guide: Best 8 Places To See Sakura in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara (2024)

Kansai Cherry Blossoms Guide: Best 8 Places To See Sakura in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara (2024)

Last updated: 20 February 2024

Experience the stunning beauty of Japan's famous cherry blossoms in Kansai's most picturesque locations. This comprehensive guide highlights the top 8 spots in Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara to witness the blooming of sakura trees.

Whether you're a nature lover or a photography enthusiast, these places offer breathtaking vistas that will leave you in awe of the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms.

* Note that access to grounds and events may be canceled to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Please check the latest information on the official website.

Table of Contents
  1. 1. Japan Mint Sakura Passageway: 560-Meter Long Osaka Cherry Blossom Tunnel
  2. 2. Kema Sakuranomiya Park: Stunning Row of Sakura Trees
  3. 3. Osaka Castle Park: Interwoven Scenery of the Castle and Cherry Blossoms
  4. 4. Expo '70 Commemorative Park: Around 5500 Sakura Trees
  5. 5. The Philosopher's Path: Enjoy a Full Tunnel of Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto
  6. 6. Maruyama Koen: Celebrating the Sakura Trees of Gion
  7. 7. Arashiyama: Where Kyoto's Natural Landscape and the Sakura Make a Perfect Match
  8. 8. Nara Park: The Elegant Scenery of Sakura and Deer
  9. Related Articles

1. Japan Mint Sakura Passageway: 560-Meter Long Osaka Cherry Blossom Tunnel

1. Japan Mint Sakura Passageway: 560-Meter Long Osaka Cherry Blossom Tunnel

On the premises of the Japan Mint in Osaka, where Japanese currency is produced, there is a sakura passageway open for a limited time each year. Sakura trees are planted alongside the approximately 560-meter path, and around mid-April, you can walk down it while admiring their blossoms in full bloom.

The passageway was selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots and is packed with visitors every year during this period. In 2022, in addition to the main Yaezakura variety, there were 138 different species of sakura comprising a total of 335 sakura trees available for viewing.

・For more information, see the official Japan Mint website.

2. Kema Sakuranomiya Park: Stunning Row of Sakura Trees

(c) Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau
(c) Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau

The serene Okawa River meanders through the heart of Osaka City, offering visitors a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Nestled on its riverbed is Kema Sakuranomiya Park, home to an impressive array of approximately 4,500 sakura trees that attract visitors from all over the world.

A leisurely stroll through the park, admiring the majestic retro architecture, including the Japan Mint, and soaking up the waterside ambiance, is a delightful experience in itself. Additionally, visitors can explore the nearby Japan Mint's Sakura Passageway, which offers even more stunning cherry blossom views just a short walk away. Join the crowds and immerse yourself in the beauty of Osaka's cherry blossoms at Kema Sakuranomiya Park.

3. Osaka Castle Park: Interwoven Scenery of the Castle and Cherry Blossoms

3. Osaka Castle Park: Interwoven Scenery of the Castle and Cherry Blossoms

Osaka Castle Park, situated adjacent to the iconic Osaka Castle, boasts an impressive collection of approximately 3,000 sakura trees, creating a breathtaking vista when they bloom. The combination of the cherry blossoms and the majestic Osaka Castle creates a mystical scenery that is not to be missed.

One particular highlight of the park is the Nishinomaru Garden, where visitors can marvel at around 3,000 cherry trees, mainly of the Somei Yoshino variety, known for their delicate pink blossoms. This stunning display of natural beauty is truly unforgettable.

As the night falls, visitors can experience the magic of the cherry blossoms in a different light. A lighting display illuminates the park during the sakura season, offering a commanding view of the night sakura trees and Osaka Castle. Please note that entry to Nishinomaru Garden requires a fee of 200 yen (tax included; children in middle school or younger admitted for free). Don't miss the chance to witness the splendor of Osaka's cherry blossoms at Osaka Castle Park.

*Portions of the park may be closed to prevent the spread of Covid. Please check the latest information on the facility's official website for details.

4. Expo '70 Commemorative Park: Around 5500 Sakura Trees

4. Expo '70 Commemorative Park: Around 5500 Sakura Trees

For the ultimate cherry blossom viewing experience in Osaka, look no further than Expo '70 Commemorative Park, a renowned destination for nature lovers and sakura enthusiasts alike. With over 5,500 cherry blossom trees of various species, including Yaezakura and Sato-zakura, the park offers a truly breathtaking spectacle that is not to be missed.

During cherry blossom season, which typically runs from mid-March for about a month, the park holds the annual "Sakura Festival," with extended visiting hours and enchanting illuminations of the cherry blossom trees at night.

But that's not all – the park has so much more to offer beyond the sakura trees. Visitors can explore the Tower of the Sun, a Japanese garden, a hot spring, and the Natural and Cultural Gardens, making it the perfect destination for a full day of adventure and relaxation. You'll love experiencing the splendor of Osaka's cherry blossoms and immersing yourself in the diverse offerings of Expo '70 Commemorative Park.

*Portions of the park may be closed to prevent the spread of Covid. Please check the latest information on the facility's official website for details.

5. The Philosopher's Path: Enjoy a Full Tunnel of Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto

(c)Kyoto Media Support Center
(c)Kyoto Media Support Center

A 2-km path that connects Kyoto's Ginkaku-ji Temple to Nyakuoji-bashi Bridge, the Philosopher's Walk derives its name from philosopher Kitaro Nishida, who used to stroll along this route while contemplating.

In the spring, the riverside of the Philosopher's Walk transforms into a stunning display of natural beauty with the blooming of approximately 3,000 sakura trees.

Walking under this tunnel of sakura blossoms is an enchanting experience that should not be missed. Take your time and enjoy a leisurely stroll down this picturesque path.

6. Maruyama Koen: Celebrating the Sakura Trees of Gion

(c)Kyoto City Greenery Association
(c)Kyoto City Greenery Association

If you're sightseeing in the Gion district of Kyoto, be sure to take a quick detour to Maruyama Park, a charming oasis of tranquility that is conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from the Keihan Gion-Shijo Station and within easy reach of Yasaka Shrine.

As Kyoto's oldest park, Maruyama Park exudes a distinctively traditional Japanese ambiance, with numerous sakura trees adding to its allure. Among them, the "Gion Shidare" weeping cherry trees are a standout feature, with their delicate, cascading branches and stunning pink blossoms.

During the sakura season, the park comes alive with a dazzling illumination of the cherry trees, including the awe-inspiring Gion Shidare, which glow beautifully against the night sky. Don't miss this chance to experience the enchanting beauty of Maruyama Park and its iconic sakura trees.

7. Arashiyama: Where Kyoto's Natural Landscape and the Sakura Make a Perfect Match

(c) Kyoto Media Support Center
(c) Kyoto Media Support Center

Arashiyama is one of Kyoto's most breathtakingly beautiful destinations, boasting magnificent views of the winding river, Togetsukyo Bridge, and the majestic mountains that surround the city. Whether you visit in spring, summer, autumn, or winter, Arashiyama's natural beauty is unparalleled.

However, it is during the cherry blossom season that Arashiyama truly shines. As the sakura trees burst into bloom, they create a stunning contrast against the picturesque landscape, with their delicate pink blossoms adorning the riverbanks. It's no wonder that Arashiyama has been recognized as one of Japan's "Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots."

  • Arashiyama
    嵐山
    • Address Arashiyama, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto
    • Nearest Station 5-minute walk from Hankyu/Keifku "Arashiyama Station"
    • Visiting Hours: always open
      Closed: Open Daily

8. Nara Park: The Elegant Scenery of Sakura and Deer

(c)General Foundation Nara Visitors Bureau/Yukiharu Machii
(c)General Foundation Nara Visitors Bureau/Yukiharu Machii

Nara Park, renowned for its friendly deer population, is also a must-visit destination during the cherry blossom season, having been named one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Sites.

On the verdant slopes of Mt. Wakakusa, over 1700 cherry blossom trees of various species, including Naranoyae-zakura, Naranokokonoe-zakura, and Somei-yoshino, create a dazzling display of pink hues.

Against this stunning backdrop, the park's resident deer roam freely, adding to the enchanting atmosphere of the area. Experience the harmonious coexistence of nature's beauty and wildlife at Nara Koen during the cherry blossom season.

  • Nara Park
    • Address The area covering Kasugano-cho, Zoshin-cho, Takabatake-cho, and Noborioji-cho in Nara, Nara, 630-0000
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Kintetsunara Station (Kintetsu-nara Line)
      5 minutes on foot
    • Phone Number 0742-22-0375

*This article was written in 2019 and has been updated in February 2024. The cherry blossom season, event schedules, and details are subject to change.

Written by:

WESTPLAN

WESTPLAN

Kiko Matsuda, Keiko Kimura, Risa Tsuji, and a team of female writers familiar with Kansai. We love eating, drinking and traveling! We share fun information based on our experiences.

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*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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