Situated in the central part of Japan's Kinki region, Osaka is surrounded by the Tamba Highlands to the north, the Ikoma and Kongō Mountains to the east, and the Izumi Mountains to the south. To its west lies Osaka Bay, endowing the city with a relatively mild Seto Inland Sea climate.

While spring in Osaka is generally pleasant, the early spring month of March can see temperatures dipping below 10°C (50°F), which may feel brisk for visitors from subtropical areas such as Taiwan or the Philippines. Yet, as spring progresses, the climate becomes more temperate. By April and May, the average temperatures hover around a comfortable 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F), making it an ideal time for tourists to enjoy Osaka.

Next up, we'll get insights from Nemi, a Taiwanese writer for LIVE JAPAN who has been residing in Osaka for five years. She's here to share her expertise on spring fashion, complete with demonstration photos and examples of children's outfits, to help those planning a visit to Osaka during this charming season.

In March, Osaka is transformed by the blooming of cherry and plum flowers, signaling the onset of spring with their vibrant colors. Yet, the weather retains a wintry feel. The average low temperature in Osaka during this month often falls below 10°C (50°F), resembling winter-like conditions.

For visitors from subtropical areas accustomed to milder climates, this can be quite a shock. Experiencing spring in Osaka could seem akin to admiring cherry blossoms in a cold environment! It's important, therefore, to be adequately prepared with warm clothing. Outfits comprising long-sleeved tops, trousers, and coats are indispensable to ensure comfort and prevent catching a chill while appreciating the stunning cherry blossoms.

In March, Osaka still has a touch of winter's chill, though the daytime can be quite warm due to the sun. However, the nights can be extremely cold. This is often surprising for visitors from Taiwan, where March temperatures are comfortably between 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). Visitors might mistakenly dress too lightly, expecting similar conditions in Japan, and end up feeling cold. It's important to carry items like hand warmers, thermal clothing, and coats, which can be easily put on or taken off as needed.

For those more sensitive to cold, bringing a down jacket and adjusting it according to personal comfort is a good idea. The cooler temperatures, often below 10°C (50°F) in the evenings, provide an excellent opportunity to wear traditional Japanese kimonos for cherry and plum blossom viewings. Kimonos, with their long sleeves and skirts, conveniently conceal thermal wear. This period is ideal for trying on a kimono and taking beautiful photos amidst the blossoms. Even children under three years old can find easy-to-wear kimonos, making it a special opportunity for families to dress up together and create memorable photographs.

March in Osaka is a prime time for flower viewing, with plum and cherry blossoms unfolding in succession, blanketing the city in a romantic spring atmosphere. During this period, Osaka's water buses and other sightseeing boats capitalize on this scenic beauty by offering special cherry blossom viewing routes. These cruises provide a unique perspective to appreciate Osaka's pink-hued landscapes in a relaxed and enjoyable way. Moreover, some of these sightseeing boats collaborate with hotels to offer exclusive packages that include a cherry blossom cruise and a dining experience. This offers a chance to savor the blossoms and a meal elegantly, away from the crowds, making it a truly worthwhile experience to relish.

By April, the temperature in Osaka warms up significantly compared to March. The average temperature hovers around 15°C (59°F), with highs sometimes reaching 20°C (68°F), making it overall a very comfortable and pleasant time of year. Although the evenings are still a bit cooler, the need for heavy down jackets is gone. Instead, regular jackets and long-sleeved tops, offering a bit of warmth, are usually sufficient. However, it's worth noting that April experiences higher rainfall compared to the autumn and winter months. Therefore, carrying a foldable umbrella is a good idea to stay prepared for any sudden showers.

In April, it's time to bid farewell to bulky down jackets in Osaka! The average temperature in April is around 15°C (59°F), with lows still around 11°C (52°F). However, the days are generally warm, so having a warm jacket that you can put on or take off as needed should be sufficient. It's important to note that April sees a significant increase in rainfall compared to the drier autumn and winter months. Carrying a foldable umbrella is essential to stay prepared for rain. For those using baby strollers, it's a good idea to bring a rain cover to ensure that little ones stay dry and avoid catching a cold.

After the cherry blossom season ends in April, Osaka welcomes the enchanting arrival of hydrangeas, known as 'Ajisai' in Japanese. Every year, Maishima Seaside Park in Osaka hosts the Hydrangea Festival. The sight of these sea-blue hydrangeas, set against the backdrop of the deep blue ocean and the clear, sunny sky, is truly breathtaking.

Due to its stunning beauty, the festival attracts many flower enthusiasts each year, leading to large crowds. To save time and avoid the hassle of buying tickets on the spot, it's recommended to purchase them in advance. This way, visitors can fully enjoy the mesmerizing view of the hydrangeas without the inconvenience of long lines.

May in Osaka marks the transition to summer, with the vibrant array of flowers gradually giving way to lush greenery, bringing a sense of vitality to the city. As it nears summer, temperatures in Osaka start to rise. The average temperature in May reaches around 20°C (68°F), with highs nearing 25°C (77°F), making it a pleasantly warm period. However, since May is also close to the rainy season, there's an increase in rainfall. According to data from the Japan Meteorological Agency, the rainfall in May can amount to about 232mm, which is significantly higher compared to the autumn and winter months. Therefore, when traveling during this time, it's essential to remember to bring an umbrella to stay prepared for the frequent showers.

By May, Osaka exudes a summery vibe, with its warmer temperatures that can cause sweating, frequent brief showers, and an abundance of greenery signaling the end of spring. So, it's time to pack away the warm clothes like jackets and long sleeves! Bring out the short sleeves instead.

For those concerned about sun exposure, don't forget to carry UV-protective jackets and high SPF sunscreen. It's also time for children to switch to summer attire. To protect them from the sun, applying sunscreen and using a muslin blanket as a sunshade can be very effective. Additionally, May in Osaka tends to be rainier than April, so umbrellas and stroller rain covers are must-haves!

May marks the end of the strawberry season in Japan. If you want to savor the sweet and juicy Japanese strawberries, May is your last chance. During the strawberry season, Osaka offers not just strawberry-picking experiences, but many hotels in the area also launch special strawberry dessert buffets to celebrate the season. I always make it a point to enjoy these buffets during strawberry season. These buffets feature not only delicious and visually appealing strawberry desserts but also savory items and non-alcoholic beverages, ensuring a varied and enjoyable culinary experience.

For those who don't wish to travel far for strawberry picking, you can easily indulge in these delightful Japanese strawberries by visiting these hotels and sampling their dessert buffets. It's a convenient and delicious way to experience the unique taste of Japanese strawberries.

The timing of cherry blossom blooms in Japan varies depending on latitude and variety. In Osaka, the typical blooming period in past years has been from late March to mid-April. However, this can shift slightly due to annual temperature fluctuations. For instance, in 2023, the cherry blossoms bloomed 8 days earlier than usual! So, even we locals find the timing of cherry blossom blooms a bit unpredictable now!

The rainfall in Osaka varies from March to May. According to statistics from the Japan Meteorological Agency, the rainfall in April and May is quite high. So, if you're planning a trip to Osaka during these months, it's essential to bring a foldable umbrella. If carrying an umbrella isn't preferable, I recommend at least preparing rain gear or a stroller rain cover for children, who might have lower resistance to cold and wet conditions. This way, you can ensure they stay dry and comfortable during your travels.

A jacket paired with long-sleeve clothing should be quite sufficient for the spring weather. For those who don't feel the cold as much, even short sleeves with a jacket can work well! However, due to the unpredictable nature of spring weather, I'd still recommend carrying a foldable umbrella, just to be on the safe side. This way, you'll be prepared for any sudden changes in weather, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Spring is a season of new beginnings for nature, and every year, many visitors from around the world come to Osaka to experience the city's enchanting pink cherry blossoms. Osaka is transformed into a romantic canvas of pink, offering breathtaking beauty. However, spring is also a season of frequent and rapid weather changes – the weather can shift as quickly as flipping a page in a book!

If you're planning to enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms and lush greenery in spring, it's crucial to constantly check the weather forecast. Staying updated with the latest weather information ensures that you won't miss out on the best opportunities to experience and capture these splendid seasonal changes.

Source: Website of the Meteorological Agency, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Japan.
*This article was published in December 2023; the actual situation may differ from this article.