10 Best Things to Do in Osaka in March 2025

What to do in Osaka in March

Osaka Castle with cherry blossoms

Are you planning to go to Osaka and thinking about what is good to do in Osaka in March?
We know that there are many places to visit in Osaka. But there are other places that are good to visit depending on the season.

In this article, I would like to share the best things to do in Osaka this March. Many places to go and events that you can participate in and enjoy.

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.

March in Osaka

March is one of the best months to visit Osaka. This is due to its perfect weather, being the beginning of spring and the end of the winter season. This is also the month when many cherry trees are blooming early and there are many places or tourist spots that can be visited in Osaka for Sakura viewing.

Many events are held in different places in Osaka where you can enjoy the popular seasonal foods. Because of the nice weather, it is also good to go for a walk or sightseeing; there is an average temperature of 9°C around the Kansai region but sometimes it reaches 20°C during the daytime and there are days that are still cold even during daytime. Here are the 10 things to do in March 2025 in Osaka.

Best Things to Do in Osaka in March 2025

1. Osaka Castle Park, Plum Grove

Plum Festival-min
©OSAKA CASTLE PARK.

Osaka Castle (大阪城) is not only famous for its cherry blossoms but also known for having the best spots to view the plum blossom in the Kansai Region.

There are 1,235 plum trees with different types in 104 varieties that you can see every year from January to March; from its early bloom up to its late bloom.

Official Website:

2. Watch the Osaka Grand Sumo Tournament

Sumo Osaka 2025-min
Copyright © Nihon Sumo Kyokai

Sumo (相撲) was originated in Japan; it’s a Japanese style of wrestling and considered Japan’s National Sport. Japan is the only country where it is practiced professionally and even at the present time, the Sumo sport has ritual elements included such as the use of salt purification from Shinto.

This March, there will be a Grand Sumo Tournament held in Osaka Edion Arena ( Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium) from March 9 to 23, 2025.

Official Website: https://www.sumo.or.jp/En/

For more information about Sumo wrestling, check out the following articles!

▶︎Sumo Wrestling: Things to Know

▶︎How to Watch Sumo in Japan

3. Osaka Asian Film Festival 2025

Osaka Asian Film Festival 2025-min
Copyright © OSAKA ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL,

The Osaka Asian Film Festival (OAFF) is an annual event held in Osaka focusing on showcasing the richness and diversity of Asian cinema. It aims to promote cultural exchange and understanding through the medium of film, featuring a wide range of movies from across the Asian continent.

The event will be held from the 14th to the 23rd of March at the ABC Hall, Cine Libre Umeda, Umeda Burg 7, Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka, and the National Museum of Art, Osaka

Official Website: https://oaff.jp/en/

4. Join the Universal Studio Japan Events

Join the Universal Studio Japan Events-min
TM & © Universal Studios.

Universal Studio Japan in Osaka is one of the best theme parks in Japan. It gives world-class entertainment such as unique and authentic attractions and shows etc. All months of the year are great to go. They have events scheduled for March as follows.

  • Universal Cool Japan 2025
  • Detective Conan World
  • Uni Spring 2025
  • Universal Easter Celebration 2025

Official Website: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us

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

Check out more about seasonal events at Universal Studios Japan in the following article!

▶︎Universal Studios Japan Ticket and Pass List

5. Enjoy Osaka’s Strawberry Festival 2025

Osaka Strawberry Festival 2025-min
Copyright © Kansai Television Co. Ltd.

Enjoying various delicacies of strawberries in Japan, during this season many hotels, establishments, shops, and restaurants hold an events such as sweet buffets and afternoon tea strawberries. In Japan, strawberries are more than just a seasonal fruit it is part of the Japanese culture.

In Osaka, you can enjoy the Strawberry Festival held from the 14th to the 23rd of March 2025 at the Kansai TV Ogimachi Square 1F Atrium just 3 minute’s walk from JR Tenma Station.

For more information about the Strawberry Afternoon Tea in Osaka, check the following article!

▶︎Best Strawberry Afternoon Teas in Osaka 2024-2025

6. Visit Osaka Expo Park

Copyright (C) 2014 大阪府日本万国博覧会記念公園事務所 All Rights Reserved.

Osaka Expo park (万博記念公園) has more than 260 hectares; it has various facilities such as the Japanese Garden and the Japan Folk Crafts Museum Osaka.

It is also a cultural park that protects the natural environment. You can relax at the park and enjoy sightseeing in the plum grove of the natural cultural gardens with over 600 plum trees of 120 varieties and the Japanese Garden with over 80 plum trees of 40 varieties. Admission is free from 9:30 – 17:00. The event period is from February 8 to March 9, 2025.

This is also where the Sakura Expo 2025 is scheduled to be held from late March to early April. There are various cherry blossom-related activities to enjoy at this event such as cherry blossom light up and fireworks at night.

Check out the following article for more information about Osaka Expo Park.

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

7. Visit Museums (History, Culture, and Art)

Visit the Museum-min
Copyright (C) 2012 National Museum of Ethnology, Japan,

Visiting the Museum is one of the best ways to explore Osaka, many museums around Osaka offer various events and exhibitions from traditional Japanese history to modern culture. Discover more about Osaka and enjoy fun activities, each museum offers something to learn and a memorable experience. During this season some museums hold an events related to the spring season so, you can also enjoy indoor walking.

For more information about the Museum in Japan/Osaka, check out the following articles!

▶︎8 Best Museums in Osaka

▶︎15 Best Museums in Japan

8. Cherry Blossoms

©OSAKA CASTLE PARK. All rights reserved

Spring season is the time for cherry blossom which is from early March to late April. It is one of the reasons many tourists visit Japan during this period. Osaka is one of the popular places in Japan with many hotspots to view cherry blossoms.

But there is a right time and best season to view cherry blossoms depending on the area. Cherry blossoms develop early in warmer areas and later in cold climates and the peak season or full bloom of the cherry blossom lasts only for about a week. Here are some places where you can view these cherry blossoms.

  • Osaka Castle Park– one of the famous tourist destinations in Osaka and one of the best places for cherry blossom with almost 3,000 cherry trees.
  • Osaka Mint Museum- The mint museum has a large coin collection and historical exhibits and even the design of the museum is according to the historical Meiji era. It is also known for its cherry trees which are visited during the spring season. The museum is open throughout the year. It is also good to visit in the month of March.
  • Hirakata Park– An amusement park with almost 300 Yoshino cherry trees that bloom from late March to early April.
  • Satsukiyama Park- One of the well-known cherry blossom viewing spots in the city. It is located in central Ikeda City with almost 35, 000 Somei Yoshino and Yamazakura cherry trees that bloom from late March to 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

9. Experience Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel

Copyright@SENYO

There is a giant Ferris wheel at Tempozan Harbor Village (天保山ハーバービレッジ) which is a compound entertainment place facing Osaka Bay. It opened in 1997 and was called the world’s largest Ferris wheel at the time. It has a height of 112.5m and a diameter of 100m. Riding it, you can enjoy the view of the large city of Osaka; and uninterrupted views to the north, south, east, and west.

The night view of Universal Studios Japan, the colorful night view of the skyscrapers of the Umeda area, and also the night view of Kobe and the Akashi Kaikyo bridge. It is good to include it in your itinerary. If you want to visit this place in March, it is open from 10:00-22:00 depending on the season or you can check their website for more information.

Official Website: http://www.senyo.co.jp/tempozan/index.html

10. Visit Dotonbori

Visit Dotonbori-min

Osaka is home to numerous attractions, among which Dotonbori (道頓堀) stands out as a favorite among tourists. Often referred to as the “Japanese Broadway,” this vibrant district is renowned for its massive neon signboards and is a culinary hotspot, offering Osaka’s renowned delicacies.

The area comes alive at night, offering a plethora of activities. Visitors can enjoy the Tombori River Cruise, snap memorable photos by the iconic Glico sign, and indulge in shopping for unique souvenirs to take back for their loved ones.

For more information about the Dotonbori, check out the following articles!

▶︎Dotonbori: Things to Do

▶Best Restaurants in Dotonbori

Events in Osaka (March 2025)

1. Utage Live Show: see “TRAinnovation”

Utage Live Show see “TRAinnovation”
Photo by Rakuten Travel Experiences

Immerse yourself in the electrifying Utage Live Show at Tempo Harbor Theater in Osaka—simply click here to purchase tickets.

Experience an extraordinary fusion of traditional instruments—taiko drums (including a giant 180 cm drum), shamisen, and more—and modern artistry, plus kabuki-inspired lion dances. Choose from dynamic options like Osaka Night Fusion or Sunday’s Wadaiko Rhythm Quest. With flexible tickets valid for up to 30 days, it’s the perfect way to explore Japanese culture without language barriers. Don’t miss out—reserve your spot now and feel the pulse of authentic Osaka!

Book Now

2. Osaka Night Fusion: Wagakki Music and Dance

Wagakki Music and Dance
Photo by Rakuten Travel Experiences

Step into the electrifying world of Osaka Night Fusion at Tempo Harbor Theater—an exhilarating performance where traditional Wagakki instruments blend seamlessly with modern dance, swordplay, and the iconic kabuki lion dance. Click here to purchase tickets.

Created by TRAinnovation, winners of the 2023 Emergenza competition, this dynamic show breathes new life into Japan’s musical heritage with innovative compositions and interactive elements. Guests are invited to participate, making each performance a unique and immersive experience. With flexible tickets valid for up to 30 days, this fusion of past and present is an unmissable cultural spectacle. Book your tickets now and witness the energy of Osaka come alive!

Book Now

3. Wadaiko Rhythm Quest: Play Taiko Drums

Wadaiko Rhythm Quest Play Taiko Drums
Photo by Rakuten Travel Experiences

Step into the spotlight with Wadaiko Rhythm Quest at Tempo Harbor Theater—a one-of-a-kind interactive taiko drumming experience where you become the star of the show! Click here to purchase tickets.

As a drummer in the elite TEMPO DRUMS group, you’ve lost all memory of your performance, from the beats to the costume changes. Can you reclaim your rhythm and deliver a world-class debut, live-streamed to audiences worldwide? Guided by the renowned TRAinnovation troupe, this immersive adventure blends storytelling with hands-on drumming, letting you feel the power of traditional Japanese taiko. With flexible tickets valid for 30 days, your drumming journey awaits—book now!

Book Now

4. Kobe “Monet & Friends Alive” Exhibition

Kobe Monet & Friends Alive Exhibition
Photo by Rakuten Travel Experiences

Step into the vibrant world of Monet & Friends Alive in Kobe, an immersive exhibition celebrating 150 years of Impressionism. Click here to purchase tickets. Kobe is not that far away from Osaka, making it also a destination you can easily visit from Osaka.

From January 4 to March 30, 2025, experience the masterpieces of Monet, Renoir, Degas, Cézanne, and other Impressionist icons projected on massive screens, accompanied by powerful classical music. This multi-sensory journey brings the beauty of Impressionist art to life through stunning visuals, sound, and even fragrance. Held at KIITO Hall, Design and Creative Center Kobe, this limited-time exhibition offers a unique blend of artistry and technology.

Secure your advance tickets now and immerse yourself in this unforgettable experience!

Book Now

Check out more events taking place in Osaka in our Event List in Osaka This Week / Weekend article!

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Thank you for reading. I hope this article helps and provides the information you are looking for about the places to visit in Osaka in March. It is also the best season to see the cherry blossoms with some flowers blooming early in March.

Check out more things to do in March in other popular areas in Japan, too!

▶Top 10 Things to Do in Japan in March

▶Tokyo in March: Best Things to Do

▶Best Things to Do in Kyoto in March

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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.