Cherry blossom season is here: 8 popular spots to visit in Osaka

Located near the burial mound of Emperor Nintoku, this park features about 1,000 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino and Shidarezakura varieties. Enjoy a stroll through the Japanese Garden or relax at the Shin’an teahouse while admiring these stunning blooms.

Tatler Tip: During cherry blossom season, the park hosts a special nighttime illumination event where cherry trees along Higashi-oji Street light up. Head down early to secure your spot and dress warmly as evenings are chilly.

Situated on Mount Satsuki, this park offers gorgeous views of the Osaka Plain. Visit during cherry blossom season and find over 35,000 cherry trees covering the mountain. The Ikeda Satsukiyama Cherry Blossom Festival is held during this time, featuring cherry tree illuminations and cultural events including outdoor tea ceremonies.

Tatler Tip: Take a trek up to the Hinomaru Observation Deck for panoramic views of Ikeda City and the surrounding Osaka Plain.

At this 100-hectare park, 3,000 cherry trees bloom each spring. While these trees are planted throughout the park, you’ll want to head near the moat on the south side of the castle for stunning views. If you visit in the evening during cherry blossom season, you’ll be able to revel in the sight of 300 cherry trees lit up.

Known for its Tower of the Sun sculpture by artist Taro Okamoto, the park has over 5,000 sakura trees of nine different varieties including higanzakura and kanhiuzakura which begin to bloom in the middle of March.

For a memorable trip, pack a picnic basket with you (Japan is well known for its convenience stores) as there will be plenty of space around the iconic sculpture to sit down and enjoy some light bites.

The Osaka Mint Bureau opens its grounds for one week in mid-April each year for cherry blossom viewing (sakura torinuke). On the grounds, find yaezakura, a double-layered cherry blossom variety that flowers later than the classic somei yoshino variety. This means you’ll still get to catch these blooms in full swing even after the cherry blossom season in Osaka.

Tatler Tip: Avoid large crowds by heading down on a weekday.

One of the most popular parks to visit during cherry blossom season, the Kema Sakuranomiya Park stretches over 4 kilometres along the Ozawa River and is lined with 4,500 cherry trees. Stroll along the bank or take a sightseeing boat to admire the rows of pink blooms.

Spanning over 300 square acres, the Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park extends between Osaka City and Moriguchi City and is home to an array of plant and animal life. Visit the park pond and find it surrounded by hundreds of pink blooms in the spring. On top of cherry blossoms, the park is also home to an array of seasonal flowers including marigolds, tulips and cosmos.

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