As Osaka welcomes the enchanting cherry blossom season, the city transforms into a canvas of pink hues from late March to early April each year. From ancient temples and bustling urban districts to serene mountain landscapes, Osaka provides a diverse backdrop for the quintessential sakura experience.
In this 2024 Osaka Cherry Blossom Guide, we've handpicked 10 of the best spots for you to indulge in the cherry blossom glory. Whether you're looking for the perfect picnic spot or the dates for the most vibrant sakura festivals, we've got all the details to help you plan an unforgettable cherry blossom adventure in Osaka.
- Table of Contents
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- 1. Settsukyo Park: Picturesque beauty
- 2. Expo' 70 Commemorative Park: The Tower of the Sun and Osaka Cherry Blossom Competition
- 3. Satsukiyama Park: The symbol of Ikeda City
- 4. Kema Sakuranomiya Park: Osaka Cherry Blossom Tree Promenade
- 5. Osaka Castle Park: The must-see collaboration of Osaka Castle and 3000 cherry blossoms
- 6. Waso Sohonzan Shitenno-ji Temple: A colorful cherry blossom paradise
- 7. Daisen Park: Unique cherry blossoms decorate a historical park
- 8. Sayamaike Park: Earliest blooming cherry blossoms in Osaka
- 9. Eiraku Dam: Stroll around the dam while looking at the Osaka cherry blossoms
- 10. Yamanakadani: 1,000 cherry trees decorate the riverside
1. Settsukyo Park: Picturesque beauty
Takatsuki City and the Settsu Gorge are easily accessible from Osaka in about 40 minutes by car or 70 minutes by train or bus. As one of Osaka Prefecture's most scenic areas, it boasts a natural environment reminiscent of ancient Japan and inhabited by a wide variety of wildlife.
The gorge's Settsukyo Park was opened in 1956 and has camping and athletics areas throughout. Here you can surround yourself in nature and enjoy the murmur of the Akuta River and sunlight shining through the trees.
About 3,000 Yoshino cherry trees grow in the park, and the annual Sakura Festival always draws a crowd. Don't miss the cherry blossom tunnel with azaleas planted beneath the trees or the spots overlooking the city below.
At the northern end of the park, you'll find the 15-meter Shirataki waterfall and the otherworldly rocky cliffs of the "Settsu Yabakei" gorge itself. On the 4-kilometer hiking course alone, you can see about 1,300 cherry trees as you soak in the valley's natural wonders.
Best viewing: Late March to early April
Cherry blossom viewing period:
- Someiyoshino: Late March to early April
- Yaezakura: Early April
- Venue: Settsukyo Park Sakura Square
- Date: Late March to early April (Bonbori lanterns and park illumination on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.)
- Admission: Free
- Information: 072-675-0081 (Takatsuki City Tourism Association)
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Settsukyo Park摂津峡公園
- Address 5-3-14 Tsukawaki, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1036
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Nearest Station
Take the city bus from JR Kyoto Line Takatsuki Station, get off at Tsukawaki bus stop, then walk for 20 minutes.
072-674-7516 (Takatsuki City Hall Park Division)
Admission: Free
2. Expo' 70 Commemorative Park: The Tower of the Sun and Osaka Cherry Blossom Competition
The Expo '70 Commemorative Park was built on the site of the Japan World Exposition (Osaka Expo) held in 1970. It's home to numerous cultural and leisure facilities such as the National Museum of Ethnology, sports fields, and hot springs.
But the attraction with the most presence is the symbol of the Osaka Expo, the "Tower of the Sun" designed by artist Taro Okamoto. There's a healthy competition between the tower and the cherry blossoms for domination of the scenery in spring. Other types of flowers, in bloom year-round, also beautifully decorate the park.
Expo '70 Commemorative Park has been selected as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan." In the Sun Plaza, Japanese Garden, and the Natural and Cultural Garden, more than 5,500 cherry blossom trees of various types have been planted thematically.
The park is designed so visitors can learn more about the relationship between cherry blossoms and Japanese culture.
From popular cherry blossoms varieties like Somei Yoshino, Satozakura, and Yamazakura, to Jugatsuzakura, Kanhizakura, and fruit-bearing sweet cherry trees the park is a great place to immerse yourself in cherry blossom culture and impressive blossom viewing.
Best viewing: Late March to early April
Cherry blossom viewing period:
- Kanhizakura: from mid to late March
- Higan cherry blossoms: mid to late March
- Someiyoshino cherry blossoms: Late March to early April
- Venue: Various locations throughout the Natural and Cultural Garden, centering on Higashioji Street
- Date: Late March to mid-April
- Admission: Standard admission fee only
- Information: 06-6877-7387 (General Information Center)
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Address
Senri Expo Park, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture, 565-0826
View Map -
Nearest Station
Bampakukinenkoen Station (Osaka-monorail Saito Line / Osaka-monorail Line)
8 minutes on foot
- Phone Number 06-6877-7387
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Address
Senri Expo Park, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture, 565-0826
3. Satsukiyama Park: The symbol of Ikeda City
Satsukiyama Park, in northwestern Osaka Prefecture's Ikeda City, is a large park at the foot of 315-meter tall Satsukiyama. Somei Yoshino cherry trees and Yamazakura spread from the entrance at the foot of the mountain to the Hinomaru Observatory at the summit, and you can also enjoy the view from the train window as you arrive.
The view of the Osaka Plain from the observatory is always spectacular but becomes even more breathtaking in spring. The vibrant dash of color provided by the Osaka cherry blossoms is a brilliant, rippling sight.
In the park's free Satsukiyama Zoo (closed on Tuesdays) you can interact with Australian wombats and wallabies, adding to a full day of blossom viewing.
Best viewing: Late March to early April
Cherry blossom viewing period:
- Usuzumi-sakura: Mid-March
- Someiyoshino cherry blossoms: Late March to early April
- Venue: Satsukiyama Park Ikeda Castle Ruins Park
*Note: Some cherry trees in Satsukiyama Park were cut down due to road expansion work. As of February 2024, partial construction is underway for renewal. - Event Dates: Scheduled for the last weekend of March or the first weekend of April 2024 (exact dates TBD)
- Admission: Free
- Inquiries: 072-754-6244 (Ikeda Airport - Tourism Division)
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Satsukiyama Park五月山公園
- Address 2-5 Ayaha, Ikeda, Osaka 563-0051
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Nearest Station
A 15-minute walk from Ikeda Station on the Hankyu Takarazuka Line
Phone: 072-751-2813 (Satsukiyama Management Center)
4. Kema Sakuranomiya Park: Osaka Cherry Blossom Tree Promenade
The area along the Ogawa River, which flows through the center of Osaka and into Osaka Bay, is home to multiple buildings and structures that serve as well-preserved reminders of Japan's entry into modern times such as the Japan Mint, the former Fujita House Ruins, and the Kema Lock Gate and Araizekigun.
A vast riverside park spans 4.2 km from the Kema Lock Gate to Tenmanbashi. The entire park, including Minamitenma Park, Kema Park, and Buson Park, is collectively known as Kema Sakuranomiya Park.
Buildings constructed in the latter half of the 19th century, including the Japan Mint and Sempukan, are situated on the Ogawa's right bank, and about 4,800 cherry trees line the riverside promenade.
Not limited to Yoshino cherry trees, there are about 130 varieties represented like double-flowered Fugenzo and Shogetsu. It is one of the best Osaka cherry blossom viewing spots, with visitors staying late in the night.
Best viewing: Late March to early April
Cherry blossom viewing period:
- Someiyoshino cherry blossoms: Late March to early April
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Address
Tenma, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka others, 530-0043
View Map -
Nearest Station
Osakajokitazume Station (Tozai Line)
7 minutes on foot
- Phone Number 06-6312-8121
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Address
Tenma, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka others, 530-0043
5. Osaka Castle Park: The must-see collaboration of Osaka Castle and 3000 cherry blossoms
Osaka Castle, built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1496, burned down during World War II. After postwar reconstruction and renovation, the current Osaka Castle Park was completed. Approximately 3,000 cherry trees (Yoshino, Itozakura, Yamazakura, Satozakura, etc.) fill the park, drawing crowds of tourists as one of Kansai's best cherry blossom viewing spots.
About 300 Somei Yoshino cherry trees are planted in the Nishinomaru Garden, the former site of where Hideyoshi's wife's residence, making it a particularly popular viewing area.
Osaka Castle Park has five turrets, such as Sengan Yagura, which played a role in protecting the castle as well as the Ishigaki stone wall, which bears engravings made by the daimyo.
In a collaboration of light and flowers unique to Osaka Castle, the castle tower emerging from the cherry blossoms lit up at night is a must-see.
Best viewing: Late March to mid-April
- Venue: Nishinomaru Garden
- Date: Late March to mid-April, 9 AM - 9 PM (Illumination is from 6 PM - 9 PM)
- Admission: Nishinomaru Garden 200 yen / Sakura night viewing period 350 yen (tax included)
- Information: 06-6941-1717
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Address
Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, 540-0002
View Map -
Nearest Station
Osakajokoen Station (JR Osaka Loop Line)
- Phone Number 06-6755-4146
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Address
Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, 540-0002
6. Waso Sohonzan Shitenno-ji Temple: A colorful cherry blossom paradise
Shitenno-ji, in Osaka's Tennoji Ward, is the main temple of the Wa sect of Buddhism and was built by Prince Shotoku to enshrine the Four Heavenly Kings. While the temple only hosts a mere 100 cherry trees, they're still impressive alongside the majestic temple and its beautiful garden, which is meant to inspire Paradise.
The Honbo Garden (Garden of Gokuraku Jodo), the Kanzakura in front of the Eirei-do Hall, and the Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) in front of the Nokyojo (office) are especially spectacular and produce sighs of delight from visitors.
Best viewing: Late March to early April
Cherry blossom viewing period:
- Hachisuka cherry: Late February to late March
- Someiyoshino cherry blossoms: Mid-March to early April
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Address
1-11-18, Shitennouji, Tennouji-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, 543-0051
View Map -
Nearest Station
Tennouji Station (JR Kansai Main Line / JR Yamatoji Line / JR Osaka Loop Line / JR Hanwa Line)
12 minutes on foot
- Phone Number 06-6771-0066
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Address
1-11-18, Shitennouji, Tennouji-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, 543-0051
7. Daisen Park: Unique cherry blossoms decorate a historical park
In 2019, the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group, which is a combination of Sakai City's "Mozu" and Habikino City and Fujiidera City's "Furuichi" burial mounds was registered as a World Heritage Site. Emperor Nintoku's burial mound in Sakai is Japan's largest keyhole-shaped burial mound. Situated between it and that of Emperor Richu you'll find Daisen Park.
About 1,000 cherry trees are planted across the vast 26,000 square meter park. Weeping cherry trees like Itozakura, Yae-Beni-Shidare, and Shirohigan-shidare, as well as rare varieties like the large-petaled Oyamazakura can be seen.
Best viewing: Late March to early April
Cherry blossom viewing period:
- Kawazu-zakura: Late February to early March
- Someiyoshino: From mid-March to early April
- Shidare and Yae-sakura: Late March to early April
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Daisen Park大仙公園
- Address 2 Chome-204 Mozusekiuncho, Sakai Ward, Sakai, Osaka 590-0802
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Nearest Station
5-minute walk from JR Mozu Station
- Phone Number 072-241-0291
Admission: Free
8. Sayamaike Park: Earliest blooming cherry blossoms in Osaka
Sayamaike Park, located in Osakasayama in southern Osaka Prefecture, opened in 2002 and has since been selected as one of the "100 Best Historical Parks in Japan."
Around 1,400 cherry trees were planted along the path encircling the park's pond, as "the earliest place to enjoy cherry blossom viewing in Osaka."
Many of the trees are early-blooming Koshinohigan trees as well as a mix of Yoshino, Yamazakura and late-blooming Yaezakura, making it a popular destination for its long blossom viewing season.
Every year, the tree-lined path on the north bank of Sayamaike is lit up, making it one of the season's highlights.
Best viewing: Late March to mid-April
Cherry blossom viewing period:
- Koshino Higan: Early to late March
- Someiyoshino: Mid-March to early April
- Venue: Sayamaike North Bank
- Date and time: March 23 - April 7, 2024; Sunset to 10 PM
- Admission: Free
- Phone: 072-366-0011
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Sayamaike Park狭山池公園
- Address Iwamuro, Osakasayama, Osaka 589-0032
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Nearest Station
10-minute walk from Osakasayamashi Station on the Nankai Electric Railway Takano Line
- Phone Number 072-366-0011
Admission: Free
9. Eiraku Dam: Stroll around the dam while looking at the Osaka cherry blossoms
The Eiraku Dam, completed in 1968, in the mountains of Kumatori Town, near the prefectural border with Wakayama, is a water source for the Kumatori region.
The surrounding area makes up Okuyama Ameyama Nature Park (Okuyama Ameyama Shizenkoen). There, you can see Yamazakura and Uwamizuzakura but around the dam itself, about 1,000 Yoshino cherry trees grow for 2 kilometers along the reservoir banks.
You can enjoy cherry blossoms while taking a leisurely stroll along the footpath and the view from Eiraku Dam is a must-see.
Ameyama, which is 312 meters above sea level, was formerly a sacred mountain site used for prayers for rain at the mountaintop Ameyama Ryuo Shrine (now in ruins).
A castle (also in ruins) was built on Ameyama during the Nanbokucho Period (1336-1392), giving the area a feeling the historical romance. During blossom season, lanterns illuminate the trees at night and there are concession stands set up for an enjoyable evening of cherry blossom viewing.
Best viewing: Late March to early April
Cherry blossom viewing period:
- Someiyoshino: Mid-March to early April
- Zinnia kebono: From mid-March to early April
- Venue: Around Eiraku Dam
- Date and time: Late March to April 2.
*Lanterns are lit from 6 PM - 9 PM and some cherry trees are also lit up. - Admission: Free
- Phone: 072-452-6404 (Kumatori Town Hall Water and Greenery Division)
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Eiraku Dam永楽ダム
- Address Kubo, Kumatori, Sennan District, Osaka 590-0436
10. Yamanakadani: 1,000 cherry trees decorate the riverside
During the Edo Period (1603-1867), the Yamanakadani district was known as "Yamanakashuku" and prospered as an inn town and a busy hot spring resort.
To recapture the former bustle, about 1,000 cherry trees have been planted over about 1 kilometer on both banks of the Yamanaka River since 1965, creating a splendid row of cherry blossoms.
The revival efforts have paid off and the area is now a popular blossom viewing destination, drawing many visitors each spring.
At the Hanakaido Yamanakadani Sakura Festival held during the peak bloom, various performances such as Rakko (drumming) and Yosakoi Odori (dancing) are held, and you can enjoy the fantastic cherry blossoms lit up by night.
Jifukuji Temple is famous for its weeping cherry tree whose widely spreading branches cover the temple grounds. Nearby Wampaku Kingdom park (free to enter) is also recommended.
Best viewing: Late March to early April
Cherry blossom viewing period:
- Someiyoshino: Mid-March to early April
- Venue: Wampaku Kingdom and surrounding area
- Date: early April (Lit up from late March to early April from 6 PM to 10 PM)
- Admission: Free
- Phone: 072-471-5678 (Hannan City Hall, Town Vitality Creation Division)
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Yamanakadani山中渓
- Address Yamanakadani, Hannan, Osaka
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Nearest Station
A short walk from JR Yamanakadani Station
- Phone Number 072-471-5678
Admission: Free
There are many other Osaka cherry blossom viewing spots and the collaboration between classic architecture and nature is characteristic of the region's sakura viewing. Be sure to visit for a taste of historic retrospection and beautiful cherry blossoms!
Translated by Gabriel Wilkinson.
*This article was originally published in March 2020 and updated in February 2024. Cherry blossom blooming time, event schedule and details are subject to change.
- Area
- Category
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
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