Even if Osaka is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan, when it comes to cherry blossoms the most famous cities are Tokyo and Kyoto. However Osaka, the largest city in the Kansai area and the second largest in Japan, also has many places that are not so well known to tourists but are great to enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms! From the iconic Osaka castle to the banks of the Okawa river, including several parks where you can have a spring picnic, here is our selection of the 10 best cherry blossoms viewing spots in Osaka area!

▽Check the best season to view cherry blossoms in Osaka this year!▽

▽Check this list of best places to see cherry blossoms all over Japan, too!▽

1. Osaka Castle Park (大阪城公園)

The most popular place among tourists to see cherry blossoms in Osaka is undoubtedly the Osaka Castle (大阪城). Osaka Castle is considered one of the best castles in Japan, and one of the most beautiful and most visited along with Himeji Castle.
In the Osaka Castle Park there are over 3,000 cherry trees that bloom in spring and leave a beautiful image of the castle framed with cherry blossoms. The best place to see cherry blossoms is the Nishinomaru Garden (西の丸庭園) , with 400 cherry trees. In addition during the night a light-up can be enjoyed.

Osaka Castle Cherry Blossom

Location: https://bit.ly/3YwJA3f

Access: short walk from Osakajo Koen Station, Morinomiya Station or Tenmabashi Station

Hours: 9:00～17:00 (~21:00 during the festival)

Fee: Castle-600 yen/Nishinomaru Garden-200 yen

Best time for viewing: late March to early April

2. Kema Sakuranomiya Park (毛馬桜之宮公園) – Okawa River

Kema Sakuranomiya Park (毛馬桜之宮公園), located along the Okawa River is a must-visit spot for cherry blossom viewing in Osaka. Approximately 4,800 cherry trees of different varieties bloom for four kilometers in both sides of the Okawa River. For the sakura season visitors can enjoy food stalls and lit up at night time.

One of the best ways to enjoy the cherry blossom at Okawa river and have an unique and memorable experience is to take a cruise!

Kema Sakuranomiya Park – Okawa River

Location: https://bit.ly/3ZuJsTw

Access: short walk from Sakuranomiya Station

Hours: 24 hours

Fee: Free

Best time for viewing: late March to early April

3. Expo’70 Commemorative Park (万博記念公園)

Expo’70 Commemorative Park (Banpaku Kinen Park/万博記念公園) it’s a large public park built on the site of the Japan World Exposition 1970, also know as EXPO ‘70 in Osaka. With over 5,500 cherry trees this vast park is one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Osaka, specially the place with the famous Tower of the Sun by Japanese artist Taro Okamoto.

During spring the park held a cherry blossom festival and light-up in the evenings.

Expo’70 Commemorative Park Cherry Blossom

Location: https://bit.ly/3SR45qt

Access: 5 mins walk from Banpaku Kinen Koen station (Osaka Monorail)

Hours: 9:30~17:00 (~21:00 during the festival)

Fee: 250 yen

Best time for viewing: late March to early April

4. Osaka Mint Bureau (大阪造幣局)

The Osaka Mint Bureau (Zoheikyoku/造幣局), the Osaka branch of the National Mint Bureau is one of the number one spots for cherry blossoms in the city with over 600,000 visitors. What makes this place so unique and special is that it is available only one week a year. The Osaka Mint it’s not normally open to the public, but they make an exception only for one week during spring to allow people to enjoy their beautiful Cherry Blossom Passage, 560 meter pat lined with over 350 cherry trees from 150 varieties. A light-up of cherry blossoms is also available.

Osaka Mint Bureau

Location: https://bit.ly/3ZrZGwC

Access: 15 mins walk from Temmabashi station (Tanimachi Subway and Keihan Main Line)

Hours: 10:00～21:00

Fee: Free

Best time for viewing: mid April

5. Katsuo-ji Temple (勝尾寺)

Katsuo-ji Temple is known as the temple of victory (from its Japanese kanji) and is famous for having hundreds of darumas, a Japanese lucky charm. The temple gardens are also a well-known site in autumn for momiji, and in summer for cherry blossoms with nearly 8,000 cherry trees.

Located in the city of Minoo, north of Osaka, Katsuo-ji Temple is perfect for those looking for a quieter, more secluded place to enjoy the cherry blossoms.

Location: https://bit.ly/41SUweq

Access: short walk from Osakajo Koen station, Morinomiya station or Tenmabashi station

Hours: 8:00～17:00 on weekdays (close at 17:30 on Saturdays and 18:00 on Sundays and national holidays)

Fee: 500 yen adults /400 yen elementary and junior high school students/ 100 yen preschool child

Best time for viewing: late March to early April

6. Satsukiyama Park (五月山公園)

Located in the northern part of Osaka prefecture, Satsukiyama Ryokuchi is a popular site especially for families. The site has nine hiking trails, a zoo and a park, Satsukiyama Park. From late March to early April around 35,000 cherry trees bloom in the area.

For the cherry blossom season they have a light-up event in the evening, creating a beautiful view.

Location: https://bit.ly/3ZT3XsR

Access: 15 min walk from Ikeda Koen Station

Hours: 24 hours

Fee: Free

Best time for viewing: late March to early April

7. Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park (花博記念公園 鶴見緑地)

The vast parkland have a rose garden, almond forest and many other types of plants, including 1,100 cherry trees of different varieties. The cherry blossoms varieties in the park full bloom in different season, starting with the Kawazu cherry blossoms, which reach their peak from late February and continuing with the Okame, Yoko and Someiyoshino cherry blossoms, allowing visitors to enjoy the flowers for a long period of time.

Location: https://bit.ly/3kVQi5o

Access: 7 min from JR Osaka Station, 9 min from JR/Osaka Metro Kyobashi Station or short walk from Osaka Metro Tsurumiryokuchi Station.

Hours: 24 hours

Fee: Free

Best time for viewing: late February to early April

8. Nagano Park (長野公園)

Nagano Park has five areas within the park, including Okukawachi Sakura Park, Okukawachi Hydrangea Park, and Okukawachi Maple Park. In spring the Okukawachi Sakura Park, with about 500 cherry trees in full bloom, is specially illuminated with bamboo tunnels, Japanese umbrella objects and bamboo lanterns from 18:00 to 21:00 during the Nagano Park Cherry Blossom and Light Corridor event. Visitors can enjoy the fantastic scenery colored by the lights.

In 2023 Nagano Park Cherry Blossom and Light Corridor will be held from March 25 (Saturday) to April 9 (Sunday).

Location: https://bit.ly/3SZA3R7

Access: 8 min walk from Kawachi-Nagano Station

Hours: 24 hours

Fee: Free

Best time for viewing: late March to early April

9. Daisen Park (大仙公園)

Daisen Park is located next to the famous tomb of Emperor Nintoku, the largest keyhole-shaped tomb in Japan and a World Heritage Site. The most famous point of the park is the area around the lake, with 400 cherry trees.

Location: https://bit.ly/3IXAxmo

Access: 4 min walk from Mozu Station

Hours: 24 hours

Fee: Free

Best time for viewing: late March

10. Suminoe Park (住之江公園)

Suminoe Park it’s also on the ranking of favorites places among locals to enjoy the cherry blossom and do a hanami. A park where you can enjoy sports as well as familiarity with nature, with a flower and green square where seasonal flowers are planted, a baseball field, a ball game square, an even pool! In spring visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms for a long period of time, from Kanhizakura, which blooms in early February and can be seen together with red plums, to Someiyoshino, which can be enjoyed until early April along the Sumiyoshi River on the north side.

Location: https://bit.ly/3LbLlQo

Access: 2 min walk from Suminoekoen Station

Hours: 24 hours

Fee: Free

Best time for viewing: late March to early April

Want to go see Cherry Blossom? Buy your train ticket in advance!

During cherry blossom season, popular spots attracts both tourists and locals, and express and bullet trains operate with a reserved seat system, meaning they can quickly become fully booked. So make sure to book your tickets ahead of time to secure your seat.

▶︎Buy your train tickets here!

If you plan to visit other popular areas in Japan before/after Osaka, check these recommended places to view cherry blossoms!

▶︎Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto

▶︎Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo

▶︎Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms around Mt Fuji

▶︎Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Hokkaido

▶︎Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Fukushima

▶︎Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Saitama

▶︎Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Kanagawa

Enjoy the wonderful cherry blossoms in Osaka with the most fun and exciting way! “Osaka Bike Tour” by Magical Trip is a 3-hour sightseeing trip by bicycle around Osaka Castle and surrounding area that allows you to explore the neighbourhood, learn the history and try delicious Osaka street food! See the link below for more details and book the tour with special discount!

Do you wanna explore the best of Osaka with a local expert? Osaka Highlights Private Walking Tour by Japan Wonder Travel is a private 8-hours tour around Osaka City that will allow you to discover the best places of Osaka City with a local guide! From learning the history to try the best delicious Osaka food, this tour is a full experience to enjoy the best your time in the city. See the link below for more details and book the tour!

If you want more travel info about Osaka don’t miss these articles with the best places, activities and restaurants in the area!

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