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2024 Osaka Cherry Blossom Guide: 10 Spots for Sakura Viewing and Festival Dates

2024 Osaka Cherry Blossom Guide: 10 Spots for Sakura Viewing and Festival Dates

Last updated: 15 February 2023

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
  1. 1. Settsukyo Park: Picturesque beauty
  2. 2. Expo' 70 Commemorative Park: The Tower of the Sun and Osaka Cherry Blossom Competition
  3. 3. Satsukiyama Park: The symbol of Ikeda City
  4. 4. Kema Sakuranomiya Park: Osaka Cherry Blossom Tree Promenade
  5. 5. Osaka Castle Park: The must-see collaboration of Osaka Castle and 3000 cherry blossoms
  6. 6. Waso Sohonzan Shitenno-ji Temple: A colorful cherry blossom paradise
  7. 7. Daisen Park: Unique cherry blossoms decorate a historical park
  8. 8. Sayamaike Park: Earliest blooming cherry blossoms in Osaka
  9. 9. Eiraku Dam: Stroll around the dam while looking at the Osaka cherry blossoms
  10. 10. Yamanakadani: 1,000 cherry trees decorate the riverside

1. Settsukyo Park: Picturesque beauty

A popular place to enjoy a nature-themed day trip, about 20 kilometers from downtown Osaka
A popular place to enjoy a nature-themed day trip, about 20 kilometers from downtown Osaka

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.

Enjoy cycling or walking beneath cherry blossoms in full bloom
Enjoy cycling or walking beneath cherry blossoms in full bloom

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.

A great photo opportunity overlooking the cherry blossoms and the city below
A great photo opportunity overlooking the cherry blossoms and the city below

Best viewing: Late March to early April
Cherry blossom viewing period:
- Someiyoshino: Late March to early April
- Yaezakura: Early April

Settsukyo Sakura Festival
  • 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)
  • Settsukyo Park
    摂津峡公園
    • Address 5-3-14 Tsukawaki, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1036
    • 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

Tower of the Sun, designed with three faces on the outside and a fourth inside, and cherry blossoms
Tower of the Sun, designed with three faces on the outside and a fourth inside, and cherry blossoms

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.

Enjoy cherry blossoms against the backdrop of the Tower of the Sun (as seen from behind)
Enjoy cherry blossoms against the backdrop of the Tower of the Sun (as seen from behind)

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.

The spacious park is beautifully colored with seasonal flowers
The spacious park is beautifully colored with seasonal flowers
Take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about cherry blossom viewing and cherry blossom culture
Take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about cherry blossom viewing and cherry blossom culture

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

Expo '70 Commemorative Park Sakura Festival
  • 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)

3. Satsukiyama Park: The symbol of Ikeda City

Satsukiyama Park, representative of Ikeda City, which borders Hyogo Prefecture
Satsukiyama Park, representative of Ikeda City, which borders Hyogo Prefecture

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 young buds vary from light green to light red, magenta, and brown in a beautiful interweaving of color
The young buds vary from light green to light red, magenta, and brown in a beautiful interweaving of color

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.

The view from the observatory overlooking the Osaka Plain
The view from the observatory overlooking the Osaka Plain

Best viewing: Late March to early April
Cherry blossom viewing period:
- Usuzumi-sakura: Mid-March
- Someiyoshino cherry blossoms: Late March to early April

Ikeda Satsukiyama Sakura Festival
  • 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)
  • Satsukiyama Park
    五月山公園
    • Address 2-5 Ayaha, Ikeda, Osaka 563-0051
    • 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

Kema Sakuranomiya Park is made up of multiple adjacent parks
Kema Sakuranomiya Park is made up of multiple adjacent parks

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.

The area that use to handle Osaka's waterworks is now lined with beautiful rows of cherry trees
The area that use to handle Osaka's waterworks is now lined with beautiful rows of cherry trees

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.

Crowds flock to see about 130 varieties of cherry blossoms every year
Crowds flock to see about 130 varieties of cherry blossoms every year

Best viewing: Late March to early April
Cherry blossom viewing period:
- Someiyoshino cherry blossoms: Late March to early April

5. Osaka Castle Park: The must-see collaboration of Osaka Castle and 3000 cherry blossoms

Nishinomaru Garden, which encircles the castle tower rebuilt in 1931, is a popular destination
Nishinomaru Garden, which encircles the castle tower rebuilt in 1931, is a popular destination

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.

During the cherry blossom season, you can take a boat ride around the moat
During the cherry blossom season, you can take a boat ride around the moat

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.

There are many areas for beautiful photography like the castle's stone walls.
There are many areas for beautiful photography like the castle's stone walls.

Best viewing: Late March to mid-April

Nishinomaru Garden Night Cherry Blossom Viewing
  • 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

6. Waso Sohonzan Shitenno-ji Temple: A colorful cherry blossom paradise

The cherry blossoms in full bloom in Gokuraku Jodo garden leave a strong impression
The cherry blossoms in full bloom in Gokuraku Jodo garden leave a strong impression

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 area around Kiyuujima Bentendo is another highlight
The area around Kiyuujima Bentendo is another highlight

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.

Sakura around the pond next to Warodo
Sakura around the pond next to Warodo

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

  • Shitenno-ji Temple
    • 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

7. Daisen Park: Unique cherry blossoms decorate a historical park

A lush park surrounded by world heritage burial mounds
A lush park surrounded by world heritage burial mounds

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.

The spreading branches of the weeping cherry tree are wonderful!
The spreading branches of the weeping cherry tree are wonderful!

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.

The large park was created in 1989 to give Sakai a Japanese garden with international appeal
The large park was created in 1989 to give Sakai a Japanese garden with international appeal

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

  • Daisen Park
    大仙公園
    • Address 2 Chome-204 Mozusekiuncho, Sakai Ward, Sakai, Osaka 590-0802
    • 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

1,400 cherry trees are planted along the shores of Sayama Pond!
1,400 cherry trees are planted along the shores of Sayama Pond!

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.

A wide variety from early-blooming Shinohigan to late-blooming Yaezakura
A wide variety from early-blooming Shinohigan to late-blooming Yaezakura
During the Sakura Festival, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms by night when those on the north bank are lit up
During the Sakura Festival, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms by night when those on the north bank are lit up

Best viewing: Late March to mid-April
Cherry blossom viewing period:
- Koshino Higan: Early to late March
- Someiyoshino: Mid-March to early April

Osakasayama City-Sakura Festival Spring-Night Sakura Illumination
  • Venue: Sayamaike North Bank
  • Date and time: March 23 - April 7, 2024; Sunset to 10 PM
  • Admission: Free
  • Phone: 072-366-0011
  • Sayamaike Park
    狭山池公園
    • Address Iwamuro, Osakasayama, Osaka 589-0032
    • 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

A natural park selected as one of Japan's "100 Best Water Source Forests"
A natural park selected as one of Japan's "100 Best Water Source Forests"

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.

The cohesion of natural beauty around the dam and the spectacular sight of the cherry blossoms
The cohesion of natural beauty around the dam and the spectacular sight of the cherry blossoms

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.

There is a path around the dam, so you can enjoy a leisurely walk
There is a path around the dam, so you can enjoy a leisurely walk

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

Eiraku Sakura Festival
  • 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)
  • Eiraku Dam
    永楽ダム
    • Address Kubo, Kumatori, Sennan District, Osaka 590-0436

10. Yamanakadani: 1,000 cherry trees decorate the riverside

Many people visit every year to see the rows of cherry blossoms along the river
Many people visit every year to see the rows of cherry blossoms along the river

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.

Cherry blossoms reflected on the surface of the Yamanaka River are among the area's highlights
Cherry blossoms reflected on the surface of the Yamanaka River are among the area's highlights

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.

A row of cherry trees that stretches for about 1 kilometer
A row of cherry trees that stretches for about 1 kilometer

Best viewing: Late March to early April
Cherry blossom viewing period:
- Someiyoshino: Mid-March to early April

Hanakaido Yamanakadani Sakura Festival
  • 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)
  • Yamanakadani
    山中渓
    • Address Yamanakadani, Hannan, Osaka
    • 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.

*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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