It’s that time of year again! Time to break out your picnic basket and enjoy playing under the beautiful sakura trees! You might be wondering where the best spots are in Osaka and the Kansai region to see cherry blossoms. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Here are my top recommendations for where YOU should go to experience the stunning beauty of cherry blossoms this spring.
If you’re lucky enough to be in Japan between late March and early April, you’ll get to experience the breathtaking Sakura (cherry blossoms) in full bloom. But when exactly will they peak? The cherry blossom forecast varies slightly depending on the source, but here’s a compiled estimate based on multiple reports:
| Location | Starting to Bloom | Full Bloom |
| Kyoto | March 24th-29th | March 30th-April 6th |
| Osaka | March 25th-30th | March 31st-April 6th |
| Nara | March 25th-27th | April 1st-April 4th |
| Wakayama | March 27th-March 30th | April 3rd-6th |
| Kobe | March 27th-March 29th | April 3rd-April 5th |
If you are planning your hanami (cherry blossom viewing) outing, this guide should help you pick the best time to go!
Be sure to check out my previous blogs to make the most of your Sakura experience in Osaka, Japan!
🌸 Need picnic ideas? The Perfect Picnic in Osaka
🌸 Want to see last year’s sakura fun? Sweet Sakura Scenery
🌸 Starting fresh this spring? Clearing Up My Skin in Japan
This is THE go-to spot for cherry blossoms in Osaka. Literally EVERYONE goes here haha. The park surrounding Osaka Castle is filled with hundreds of sakura trees, making it one of the most picturesque places in the city. Not only do you get to enjoy stunning cherry blossoms, but you can also explore the historic Osaka Castle itself. It’s the perfect combination of nature and history—plus, the views are absolutely Instagram-worthy!
I had completely forgotten about this park until recently! A family I’m close with took me here when I was a university student, and it was one of the first times I saw cherry blossoms in full bloom. This park is HUGE, making it an ideal location for large gatherings, family picnics, or barbecues. If you’re looking for a spacious area to relax under the cherry blossoms, this is the place for you!
You may know this location as Bampaku Kinen Koen, but it’s also referred to as Expo ’70 Commemorative Park. It’s one of the top flower-viewing spots in Kansai, not just for cherry blossoms but for a variety of seasonal flowers throughout the year. The park has a beautiful Japanese garden, and my university senpai used to come here just to nap in the grass—so you can imagine how peaceful it is! Plus, don’t miss the iconic Tower of the Sun while you’re there!
I visit this park often, and it’s first on my list for a reason! Not many people know about it, and it’s mostly frequented by locals. Walking through pathways lined with cherry blossoms is truly magical. It’s a great spot for a peaceful hanami experience without the usual crowds. Here’s a photo I took last year when my friend and I went together!
How nostalgic! This park holds so many university memories for me. My friends and I used to walk through here every week, and we were completely shocked when the cherry blossoms came into full bloom—because we had no idea they were Sakura trees! It’s the perfect hanami location because it’s in a quiet, local area away from the main city. Highly recommend!
If you’re looking for a more off-the-grid cherry blossom experience, this is the spot for you. Not many people know about Old Fujita House Garden, but its traditional Japanese garden setting makes it an incredibly scenic place to enjoy the sakura season. Plus, since it’s lesser-known, it’s usually not too crowded, allowing you to truly appreciate the peaceful atmosphere.
This is one of the most beautiful times of the year, so make sure to take advantage of it! As you can tell, I obviously have fun goofing off with my friends during the cherry blossom season. I recommend that you do too :). Even if you don’t plan a big hanami gathering with friends, at least take a leisurely stroll, put on your favorite playlist, or bring a good book to read under the cherry blossoms. However you choose to enjoy this season, I hope it brings you happiness and wonderful memories.
I am wishing you a beautiful Sakura season!
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