10 Best Things to Do in Osaka in April 2024

What things to do in Osaka in April

Planning to go to Osaka during the months of Spring? This April, there are many events and festivals in Osaka apart from the beautiful tourist spots known in Osaka. But before that, what is exactly happening in April in Osaka, and what are the good things to do in Osaka in April?

In this article, I would like to share with you the best places to visit in Osaka in April 2024, and some events, festivals, etc. that you can go and enjoy.

April in Osaka

April is one of the months of the spring season and a perfect month to visit Osaka to view the cherry blossom. The peak season of cherry blossom lasts only for one week and you can see its full bloom in April. The weather is good as well with moderate temperatures during the daytime and cool at nighttime. However, the climate is still changing from time to time so it is better to check the weather before visiting.

Many tourist visit Osaka in April to witness the cherry blossom in full bloom: both locals and foreigners. And many events are held in April in different areas of Osaka. There are also foods that are available only during spring. Here are the 10 things to do in the month of April in Osaka.

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1.  Visit Famous Cherry Blossom Viewing Spot

©OSAKA CONVENTION & TOURISM BUREAU

During the spring, one of the main things to do is to view the cherry blossoms. And here in Osaka, there are many places where you can see it but there are famous places where there is the best spot to see cherry blossoms.

One of them is the Osaka Mint Bureau in Kita Ward Osaka, a well-known tourist spot in addition to the Expo 70 Commemorative park and Osaka Castle Park.

  • Osaka Mint Bureau has more than 300 trees with almost 100 varieties and this year 2024 the special opening for cherry blossom viewing is scheduled to be held from Early April and early reservations are required.
  • Osaka Castle one of the most famous parks in Osaka for viewing cherry blossoms with almost 3,000 cherry trees throughout the park usually takes place in early April.
  • Osaka Expo ‘70 the park has more than 5000 cherry trees around and is one of the most popular places for cherry blossom viewing which usually in early April

Check out the following article for more information about cherry blossom hotspots in Osaka.

▶10 Best Spots to View Cherry Blossoms in Osaka

2. Join Universal Studio Events

Join Universal Studio Events-min (1)
TM & © Universal Studios.

It is one of the places in Osaka that you don’t want to miss when visiting. It is also one of the best theme parks in Japan. Aside from the attractions and shows here, there are different events held every year depending on the season.

This spring season, you can enjoy the Universal Easter Celebration starting from March up to the end of June. During this time, you can experience the typical tradition of Easter as well as many other attractions to enjoy the place. Above all, it is a happy place where all months of the year are the best time to visit.

<<Book Universal Studio Tickets Online HERE!!>>

For more information about Universal Studio Japan, check out the following article!

▶Best Things to Do at Universal Studios Japan

▶10 Best Rides at Universal Studio Japan

3. Visit Osaka EXPO Park

Osaka EXPO Park-min
Copyright (C) 2014 大阪府日本万国博覧会記念公園事務所

The Expo 70′ Commemorative Park is one of the famous parks in Osaka, where the Tower of the Sun can be seen which symbolizes the park. Many events are held here depending on the season. You can enjoy sightseeing and feel nature in the Japanese Garden, and the Natural and Cultural Garden where you can see different kinds of flowers. Various flower festivals are held here, especially when cherry blossoms spout in the spring. Enjoy the Sakura Expo 2024 with many activities related to the cherry blossom from March 20 to April 7, 2024.

Apart from flower viewing, you can also visit museums here that hold special exhibitions. And a variety of activities that your family and friends can enjoy at Expo City within walking distance from the Park.

For more information about Expo Park in Osaka, check out the following article!

▶Osaka Expo Park: One of Osaka’s Most Attractive Parks

4. Hanami at the Park

©OSAKA CONVENTION & TOURISM BUREAU

Hanami (花見) is a Japanese word that means “cherry blossom viewing” and it is also one of the cultures in Japan every spring season having hanami parties with families and friends. They usually do this in a park under the cherry trees and lay down something to sit and start enjoying a picnic and drinking while watching the beauty of the cherry blossoms.

There are many famous places in Osaka where you can enjoy hanami such as Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, Osaka Castle Park, Tsurumi Ryokuchi Expo ’90 Commemorative Park as well as some parks like Satsukiyama Park and Hirakata Park are some of many parks in Osaka where you can enjoy Hanami.

For more information about Hanami, check out the following article!

▶What is Hanami?

▶10 Best Spots to View Cherry Blossoms in Osaka

5. Okawa River Sakura Cruise

The Okawa Sakura Cruise is one of the famous cherry blossom viewing cruises and it will start operating again this year from March 23 to April 7, 2024. The cruise is about 25 minutes, departs from Temmabashi Hachikenyahama pier, and goes to the various cherry blossom sites.

Official Website: http://osakacitycruise.info/info/5036104

6. Visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan-min
(C) Osaka Aquarium KAIYUKAN

The Kaiyukan Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in Japan located in Osaka with over 600 marine mammals to be seen including the famous whale sharks, dolphins, sea lions, penguins, otters, and many more. The whole family will surely enjoy especially with kids and you can also enjoy seeing these amazing creatures even at night.

Apart from aquariums, many activities can be enjoyed here, there is the Tempozan Harbor Village an amusement and entertainment complex, there is also a shopping center, a cruise ship, and other rides.

For more information about this Kaiyukan Aquarium, check out the following article!

▶Kaiyukan Aquarium

7. Experience the 7th Washu Fes at Osaka Bay Tower

washu fes 2024-min
Copyright (c) 2024 和酒フェス

Alcoholic beverages in Japan such as sake, shochu, and sweet cooking rice sake are called Washu. It is one of the famous Japanese traditional industries, especially among tourists who visit Japan.

And the 13th and 14th of April the Seventh Washu festival will be held in Osaka Bay Tower. Washu Fes is a sake festival where you can taste different types of sake in Japan.

Official Website: https://sakefes.com/osaka07/

8. Visit Dotonbori

Dotonbori at nightDotonbori (道頓堀) is a well-known place in Osaka, especially for tourists it is the version of the city that never sleeps in the Kansai area. And also called the Japanese Broadway with the huge sign boards downtown that most tourists look forward to. There are many great things to do in Dotonbori in addition to Osaka’s famous food that you can also taste here.

Every spring, Dotonbori hold various event where you can enjoy the new entertainment experience in the city especially at night.

For more things to do in Dotonbori, check  out the following article.

▶Dotonbori: Things to Do

9. Strawberry Buffet Collection

Super Sweet Buffet 2024 at Satsuki Lounge-min
Copyright © New Otani Co., Ltd.

Strawberries are in season in Japan from January to May and many hotels hold an event for a strawberry buffet collection where you can taste different sweets made from strawberries. Here are some of the restaurants in Osaka that offer Strawberry sweets buffet and Afternoon teas.

Genre: The Red Strawberry Buffet
Location: Art Hotel Osaka Bay Tower SKY BUFFET 51 (Sky Buffet 51)
Dates: March 1 to May 12, 2024
Website: https://sky-buffet51.com/2024/02/08/the-red/

Genre: Super Sweet Buffet 2024 at Satsuki Lounge
Location: Hotel New Otani Osaka
Dates: January 5 to May 6, 2024
Website: https://www.newotani.co.jp/osaka/restaurant/satsukilounge/strawberry/

Genre: Artistic New York Strawberry Buffet
Location: Hilton Osaka
Dates: January 5 to May 6, 2024
Website: https://osaka.hiltonjapan.co.jp/plans/restaurants/sweetsbuffet/folkkitchen-strawberry

For more information about this event, check out the following article!

▶Best Afternoon Tea in Osaka: Spring 2024

▶Best Afternoon Tea in Kyoto: Spring 2024

10. Viewing Seasonal Flowers

nemophila AC-min

Besides the cherry blossom, many different types of flowers bloom during spring. One of these is the beautiful Nemophila, a small blue flower that blooms during spring. The Nemophila Flower Festival is held in Osaka Maishima seaside park from the beginning of April and May every year. It is the best place to see this flower.

For more information about seasonal flowers in Osaka, check out the following article!

▶Best Flower Parks in Osaka

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Thank you for reading. I hope this article helps and provides the information you are looking for about the places and events to visit in Osaka in April. It is also the best season to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom.

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Written by

Greetings to all mommies I am a supermom from Philippines. Previously, I worked and lived in Dubai for seven years, until 2015 the year I  moved in Japan. Currently, I am happily settled here with my Japanese husband and our 7 months old baby. I could only describe my almost 6 years of living here as a roller coaster ride more so, after I gave birth to my son. Japan had changed me in ways unimaginable. It has influence my lifestyle, my perceptions and beliefs. I was able to witness firsthand the pros and cons of living in the country. From their  language, culture and ethnicity, the people, place and in work. Those years were enough to give me quite personal and memorable experiences which I would be more than delighted to share with you.