Local Guide
 The 8 recommended Hanami spots in Osaka for 2025. Information on cherry blossom viewing season and events.

Courtesy of Osaka Castle Park Center

Osaka has many large parks both in the city and suburbs of Osaka, and you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing here and there. Here are 8 cherry blossom viewing spots in Osaka, including parks where you can take pictures of cherry blossoms along with Osaka's new and old icons such as Osaka Castle, the Tower of the Sun, and Abeno Harukas, as well as cherry blossom viewing spots in the suburbs where you can go for a short trip.

A springtime tradition in Osaka that has continued since the Meiji era (1868-1912).

 Late-blooming yaezakura and other rare varieties of cherry trees (photo courtesy of the Independent Administrative Institution, Mint Bureau)
Late-blooming yaezakura and other rare varieties of cherry trees (photo courtesy of the Independent Administrative Institution, Mint Bureau)

A path lined with cherry trees on the premises of the Osaka Mint's main office is open to the public for a limited period of seven days each April. This "Cherry Blossom Passage through the Mint Bureau" is one of Osaka's springtime traditions that has continued since 1883, and attracts many people every year during this period (advance reservation required). The 560-meter-long passageway along the old Yodogawa River is filled with 340 cherry trees of about 140 varieties from all over Japan, and the sight of them in full bloom is truly dreamlike. Although the pathway is one-way and visitors are not allowed to eat or stay in one place for a long time, it has long been loved by Osaka residents for its fantastic experience of walking through a tunnel of cherry trees in various shades of pink. Another feature of the park is that each year, one of the many varieties is selected and introduced as the "flower of the year," and for the year 2025, the " orchid orchid " was chosen.

The exhibition will be held for one week from April 5 (Sat.) to 11 (Fri.), 2025.
Applications are accepted on the Mint's official website. Applications will be accepted from 9:00 a.m. on Monday, March 17.
https://www.mint.go.jp/enjoy/toorinuke/sakura_osaka_news_r7.html
About 140 species of cherry trees, including kanzan, yokihi, and ootemari (for details, please check the list of cherry trees on the Mint's official website).

 (Photo courtesy of the Independent Administrative Institution, Mint Bureau)
(Photo courtesy of the Independent Administrative Institution, Mint Bureau)
Mint Bureau, Cherry Blossom Passage
  • Address 1-1-79 Tenma, Kita-ku, Osaka MAP
  •  Direction 15 min. walk from Osaka Metro Tenmabashi Stn.
  •  Hours of operation Open to the public for 7 days only, from April 5 (Sat.) to 11 (Fri.), 2025 (advance registration required)
    Weekdays 10:00-19:30, Sat/Sun 9:00-19:30 *Complete closing at 19:45
  •  Admission Fee Free of charge
  •  Parking Parking is available nearby, and traffic regulations apply.
  •  Memo Public viewing is by advance application only (first-come-first-served basis). Applications are accepted on the Mint's official website. Applications will be accepted from 9:00 a.m. on Monday, March 17.

A peaceful urban park where cherry blossoms in full bloom frame a large pond

 Someiyoshino cherry trees surround the large pond. The dark pink of the yokanos is an exquisite accent.
Someiyoshino cherry trees surround the large pond. The dark pink of the yokanos is an exquisite accent.

The park is a redevelopment of the former site of the "International Garden and Greenery Exposition" held in 1990. Approximately 1,400 cherry trees are planted in the vast 123-hectare park, and there are many varieties, from the early-blooming Kawazu-zakura and Okame-zakura cherry trees to the Someiyoshino cherry trees, which are at their best from late March to early April, and the late-blooming Yae-zakura cherry trees. Someiyoshino, which make up the majority of the trees, are planted throughout the park, but are especially abundant around the large pond in the center of the park, so a walk around the pond is recommended. The "Hanasaji" area, which juts out into the earth, and the café-restaurant "Botanical House," which stands beside the Great Pond, are popular viewpoints where visitors can enjoy the scenery of cherry blossoms framing the waterfront in all their glory.
The "Mountain Area" has many gardens and flowerbeds that take advantage of the undulations of the land, and among them, the Spanish Garden and Tsurumi-shinzan are recommended spots where visitors can look over the park with its cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Best time to visit: Usually from late February to mid-April.
Cherry blossom types: Kawazu cherry, Okame cherry, Yokou cherry, Someiyoshino cherry, and Yae cherry.

Hanahaku Memorial Park Tsurumi-ryokuchi
  • Address 2-163 Ryokuchi-Koen, Tsurumi-ku, Osaka City, Osaka MAP
  •  Direction Short walk from Osaka Metro Tsurumi-ryokuchi Station.
  •  Hours of operation Open all day *Mountain area: 9:00-17:30 (November-March: ~16:30)
  •  Closed No holidays
  •  Admission Fee Free of charge
  •  TEL 06-6911-8787(Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park Center)
  •  Parking Charged
  •  Memo The mountain area is closed until March 31, 2025 for renovation.

Osaka Castle towering above the cherry blossoms is worth seeing.

 View from Nishinomaru Garden. Osaka Castle over the nighttime cherry blossoms is beautiful (photo courtesy of Osaka Castle Park Center Osaka Castle).
View from Nishinomaru Garden. Osaka Castle over the nighttime cherry blossoms is beautiful (photo courtesy of Osaka Castle Park Center Osaka Castle).

Osaka Castle Park is one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in the Kansai region, with approximately 3,000 cherry trees, including someiyoshino, yamazakura, and yaezakura. The park also has commercial properties with restaurants, cafes, and stores, and is crowded with many people during the cherry blossom viewing season.
The Nishinomaru Garden, which is a toll area, is one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots, with approximately 300 cherry trees, mainly Someiyoshino. The "cherry blossom specimen tree," which announces the blooming of Osaka's cherry blossoms, is also located in this garden. The garden is also illuminated at night, creating a majestic scene of the Osaka Castle tower floating above the nighttime cherry blossoms in full bloom. On the other hand, many late-blooming yaezakura cherry trees are planted around Tamatsukuri Exit on the southwest side of the park, delighting the eyes of park visitors until the end of the cherry blossom season.

Someiyoshino and yamazakura cherry trees usually bloom from late March to early April, and yaezakura cherry trees bloom in mid-April.
Someiyoshino, yamazakura, and yaezakura cherry trees

Osaka Castle Nishinomaru Garden Cherry Blossom Viewing Night
Date and time: March 22 (Sat) - April 13 (Sun), 9:00 - 21:00 (last admission at 20:30)
Light-up begins around 18:00.
Venue: Nishinomaru Garden

Entrance fee during the period: 350 yen (high school students and older)

 Photo courtesy of Osaka Castle Park Center
Photo courtesy of Osaka Castle Park Center
Osaka Castle Park
  • Address Osaka Castle, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka MAP
  •  Direction A short walk from JR Morinomiya Station or Osaka Castle Park Station
  •  Hours of operation Open all day *Except for some Properties
  •  Closed Open all day *Except for some Properties
  •  Admission Fee Free of charge *Except for some Properties
  •  TEL 06-6755-4146(Osaka Castle Park Center)
  •  Parking Charged

A downtown hanami spot where you can enjoy both the city and the park

 Enjoy the collaboration of
Enjoy the collaboration of "Abeno Harukas" and cherry blossoms in full bloom

Tennozhiba, located in the entrance area of Tennoji Park, is a place for relaxation and recreation with a café, restaurant, flower store, futsal court, etc., in addition to a lawn area. About 30 cherry trees, including Someiyoshino and weeping cherry, are planted here, and many people visit in spring for cherry blossom viewing and picnics. In particular, the east side of the lawn is an area with many Someiyoshino cherry trees and an excellent view. Abeno Harukas, one of Osaka's landmarks, is located nearby, so visitors can enjoy the full view of the 300-meter-high skyscraper and the gorgeous cherry blossoms. Many restaurants and cafes with terraces are located on the premises, so visitors can enjoy cherry blossom viewing while dining.

Cherry blossom viewing season: Usually from late March to early April.
Someiyoshino cherry trees, yamazakura cherry trees, weeping cherry trees

Tenshiba
  • Address 5-55 Chausuyama-cho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka MAP
  •  Direction A short walk from Osaka Metro Tennoji Station
  •  Hours of operation 7:00 - 22:00 (stores in the park vary depending on the store)
  •  Closed No holidays
  •  Admission Fee Free of charge
  •  Parking Paid Parking available nearby

A historic botanical garden where you can enjoy cherry blossoms and spring flowers in a relaxed atmosphere

 One of the largest botanical gardens in Japan. The cherry blossoms on the observation island are one of the highlights.
One of the largest botanical gardens in Japan. The cherry blossoms on the observation island are one of the highlights.

The botanical garden, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024, has approximately 1,200 kinds of plants on its 24.2 hectares of land, and from March to April, various kinds of cherry trees such as the Okanzakura, Kawazu-zakura, Someiyoshino, Yaebenishidare and Kanzan bloom in tandem with the cherry blossoms, Almonds, rhododendrons, lavenders, and nemophilas also bloom in profusion, making the park suddenly come to life. On the observation island floating on the large pond, weeping cherry trees and Someiyoshino cherry trees are planted, and visitors can enjoy beautiful scenes of cherry blossoms reflected on the surface of the pond and flower rafts of light red petals floating on the surface of the water. Various events called "Cherry Blossom Week" are also held.
During the nighttime, art exhibits by "Team Lab" are held throughout the year, and are also very popular. In spring, the lamps floating on the large pond are dyed in cherry blossom colors, adding to the excitement of the cherry blossom season.

Cherry blossom viewing season: Usually from early March to mid-April.
Cherry blossom types】Ookanzakura, Kawazuzakura, Someiyoshino, Yaebenishidare, Kanzan, Edohigan, Jugatsuzakura, etc.

▼ Cherry Blossom Week
Date: March 22 (Sat.) - April 6 (Sun.) (No closing days during the period)
URL: https: //botanical-garden.nagai-park.jp/events/9942/

▼ TeamLab Botanical Garden Osaka: Spring Seasonal Exhibition "Floating Calling Lamps in the Great Pond - Ambiguous Cherry Blossoms" (Japanese only)
Date: February 22 (Sat) - April 13 (Mon), 2025
Venue: Nagai Botanical Garden
Fee: 1,800 yenand up (variable price system)
Hours: 18:30 - 21:30 (varies according to the season)

URL: https://www.teamlab.art/jp/ew/floatingresoatinglamps-cherryblossom/botanicalgarden/

 A work of art only available during the cherry blossom season,
A work of art only available during the cherry blossom season, "Floating Lamps in the Great Pond - Ambiguous Cherry Blossoms" ©TeamLabo
Osaka Municipal Nagai Botanical Garden
  • Address 1-23 Nagai Koen, Higashisumiyoshi-ku, Osaka City, Osaka MAP
  •  Direction 10 min. walk from Osaka Metro Nagai Stn.
  •  Hours of operation 9:30-17:00 (November-February: ~16:30) *Last admission 30 minutes before closing
  •  Closed Mondays (if Monday is a national holiday, the park is open on Monday and closed the following weekday.)
  •  Admission Fee Adults 300 yen, high school and university students 200 yen, junior high school students and younger free
  •  TEL 06-6696-7117
  •  Parking Charged

A lush park where 12 varieties of cherry blossoms herald the arrival of spring

 The Tower of the Sun and the rows of cherry trees along Todaiji Boulevard. A scene of enchanting spring spreads out (photo courtesy of Expo '70 Commemorative Park Management Partners).
The Tower of the Sun and the rows of cherry trees along Todaiji Boulevard. A scene of enchanting spring spreads out (photo courtesy of Expo '70 Commemorative Park Management Partners).

A cultural park developed on the former site of the 1970 Japan World Exposition (Osaka Expo ). The park is famous as the site of Osaka's iconic "Tower of the Sun," and the vast site is home to approximately 5,500 cherry trees of 12 varieties, which have been selected as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossoms in Japan. Many of the cherry trees bloom early, such as Kawazu-zakura and Kanhizakura, so visitors can enjoy viewing cherry blossoms from early in the season. Todaiji," a tree-lined avenue of Someiyoshino cherry trees stretching for about 200 meters, is a popular area where visitors can view the Tower of the Sun over the cherry blossoms. Other recommended areas are the large weeping cherry trees at "Seseragi Plaza" and the avenue ofweeping cherry trees andSomeiyoshino cherry treesat "Sakura-no Stream".
In addition, "SAKURA EXPO 2025" will be held from late March to early April. There will be a "SAKURA food court" with approximately 20 to 40 restaurants, various events, and the cherry trees will be illuminated.

Best time to see the cherry blossoms: Mid-March to mid-April
Cherry blossom species: Kawazu-zakura, Kanhizakura, Higan-zakura, Yokozakura, Someiyoshino, Jindai-akebono, Shidare-zakura, Sato-zakura, and 12 other species.

▼SAKURA EXPO 2025
Date: March 20 (Thu.) - April 6 (Sun.), 2025, 9:30 - 17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
Closed on March 26 (Wed.), open all day in April.
URL: https: //www.expo70-park.jp/event/69059/

 Photo courtesy of Osaka Prefectural Government
Photo courtesy of Osaka Prefectural Government
Expo '70 Commemorative Park
  • Address Senri Expo Park, Suita City, Osaka MAP
  •  Direction 5 min. walk from "Banpaku Kinenkoen Station" or "Koen-higashiguchi Station" of Osaka Monorail.
  •  Business hours 9:30-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
  •  Closed Wednesdays (if Wednesday is a national holiday, the park is open on Wednesday and closed the following day, but open from April 1 to May GW, and open from October to November), year-end and New Year's holidays
  •  Admission Fee Adults 260 yen, Elementary and junior high school students 80 yen (for both the Nature Park and the Japanese Garden) *Prices vary separately for each Property.
  •  TEL 06-6877-7387 (Expo '70 Commemorative Call Center)
  •  Parking Charged

The stunning rows of cherry blossom trees loved by the locals

 The walkway surrounding the pond. Beautiful cherry blossoms cover the overhead like a roof.
The walkway surrounding the pond. Beautiful cherry blossoms cover the overhead like a roof.

Izumisano City, where Kansai International Airport is located, is a relaxing area where you can forget the hustle and bustle of the city. The area around Izumisano Municipal Cultural Hall, known by the nickname "Ebuno Izuminomori Hall," is a favorite cherry blossom viewing spot in the city among locals. To reach the entrance of the hall from the public road, visitors cross a bridge over a pond, and the view from this bridge is magnificent during the cherry blossom season. During cherry blossom season, the view from the bridge is spectacular, with approximately 100 Someiyoshino cherry trees all blooming at once, turning the surrounding area 360 degrees pink. A stroll through the grounds will allow visitors to enjoy the various art monuments and the cherry blossoms above their heads. The cherry blossoms are lit up during the cherry blossom season, so viewing the blossoms at night is also recommended.
In addition, "Izumi no Mori Sakura Festa 2025" will be held on April 6. Baton twirling, hula dancing, and a brass band will be performed on an outdoor stage, and visitors can also enjoy a violin performance while savoring a cake set at the museum's Restaurant.

Best time to see the cherry blossoms: Late March to early April every year
Type of cherry trees: Someiyoshino (Somei Yoshino)

▼ Izumi no Mori Cherry Blossom Week
Date: Late March to early April, illuminated from sunset to 10:00 p.m.

▼ Izumi no Mori Sakura Festa 2025
Date: April 6 (Sun), 2025
Main venue: Outdoor stage in the grounds of Ebuno Izuminomori Hall

Izumisano Municipal Cultural Hall (Ebuno Izuminomori Hall)
  • Address 1-2-1 Ichiba Higashi, Izumisano-shi, Osaka MAP
  •  Direction Take a bus from Nankai Railway Izumisano Station, get off at Izumisano Shiyakusho-mae (Izumisano City Hall), and walk about 4 minutes.
  •  Hours of operation The site is open all day, and the museum is open from 9:00 to 22:00.
  •  Closed Closed on Mondays, or the following day if Monday is a national holiday.
  •  TEL 072-469-7100 (Izumisano Municipal Cultural Hall)
  •  Parking Free (Free parking inside the museum for up to 2 hours, 100 yen per hour thereafter, and free all day in the outdoor parking lot)

The wild valley is one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in southern Osaka.

 Rouji-kei, over which the Taiko Bridge spans, is a scenic spot selected by Osaka Prefecture as one of the 100 best places for greenery in Osaka.
Rouji-kei, over which the Taiko Bridge spans, is a scenic spot selected by Osaka Prefecture as one of the 100 best places for greenery in Osaka.

This nature-rich park is adjacent to Hine Shrine, an ancient shrine in Izumisano City. Approximately 400 cherry trees, including Someiyoshino and Jindaiakebono cherry trees, are planted in the park, which is known as one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in southern Osaka. The main attraction is a ravine in the center of the park called "Rouji-kei. The deep valley stretches along the Kashii River that runs across the park, and from the vermilion-lacquered Taiko Bridge that spans the valley, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the clear stream of the Kashii River, strange rocks, cherry blossoms, and fresh greenery.
Every year on the first Saturday in April, the "Oiseki Cherry Blossom Festival" is held, featuring stalls and bazaars, as well as an outdoor tea ceremony. Why not spend a day in the full bloom of spring while enjoying Japanese sweets and tea ceremony?

Best time to see the cherry blossoms: Late March to early April
Someiyoshino cherry trees, Jindaiakebono cherry trees

▼ Oiseki Cherry Blossom Festival
Date & Time: Saturday, April 5, 2025, 11:00-15:00

Oiseki Park
  • Address Hineno, Izumisano-shi, Osaka MAP
  •  Direction Take a bus from Nankai Railway Izumisano Station, get off at Tojo and walk shortly.
  •  Hours of operation Open all day
  •  Closed No holidays
  •  TEL 072-469-3131(Izumisano Tourist Association)
  •  Parking Free of charge
  •  Memo Parking at Hine Shrine is also open from March 30 (Sat) to April 6 (Sun). Public transportation is recommended due to congestion during this period.
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.