The Japanese cherry blossom or Sakura are the symbols of springtime in Japan and it has long been adored by people across the globe. “Hanami” (Japanese: the act of cherry blossom viewing) has become a very popular activity in Japan for both locals and tourists during the spring season. So, are you ready to fly to Japan for these stunning white or pink flowers?
Generally, the cherry blossom trees blooming time can vary widely based on the geographical location within the country. Blooms usually open first in the southern region and blooming progresses northward, but the average time for appearing cherry blossom may vary depending on the weather conditions.
Today, we share the 2018 cherry blossom forecast and best viewing spots in Osaka with you!
Osaka: Cherry Blossoms Start from late March to early April
2018: First day of blossoms -Late March (28-03-2018), Full bloom (estimated day): Early April (06-04-2018)
Osaka Castle Park
Photo credit: Fastjapan.com
Over 4000 cherry trees are planted on the spacious grounds of Osaka Castle. A particularly nice place for a picnic is Nishinomaru Park in the castle’s western citadel with wide lawns, views of the castle tower and light up in the evening.
Opening Hours: 9:o0 AM ~ 17:00 PM (Last entry until 16:30 PM)
Illumination: During blooming period
Admission Fee: 600 yen (Castle tower), 350 yen (Nishinomaru Garden during Sakura period)
Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture
Nearest station: Tanimachi 4-chrome Station (Tanimachi Subway Line and Chuo Subway Line) or Osakajokoen Station (JR Loop Line
Website: Osaka castle Website
Kema Sakuranomiya Park
Photo credit: Osakaphotos.com
Nearly 5000 cherry trees line Okawa River for several kilometers. The seemingly endless rows of cherry trees can be viewed from a pleasant riverside promenade or from ships cruising the river. There are also lawn areas with a lot of space for picnics.
Illumination: During blooming period
Admission Fee: Free
Address: 1-chome, Nakano-cho, Miyakojima-ku, Osaka City
Nearest station: Sakuranomiya Station (JR Loop Line) or Osakajo-Kitazume Station (JR Tozai Line) or Temmabashi Station (Tanimachi Line)
Website: Kema Sakuranomiya Park Website
Osaka Mint Bureau Sakura Tunnel
Photo credit: Japan-guide.com
More than 300 trees of over 100 varieties, mostly later blooming yae-zakura trees can be viewed on the premises of the Osaka Mint Bureau. The gates of the garden are opened to the general public for one week in mid April. The garden can also be viewed on the occasion of a visit to the Mint Museum outside of the special opening period.
Special opening: During Sakura season
Admission Fee: Free
Address: 1-chome 1-79, Tenma, Kita, Osaka City
Nearest station: Temmabashi Station (Tanimachi Line)
Website: Osaka Mint Bureau Website
Expo 70 Commemorative Park
Photo credit: Art Huang
Photo credit: expo70-park.jp
The former site of the 1970 World Exhibition in Osaka was turned into a large public park with over 5000 cherry trees along its paths and around its large lawn areas. There is light up in the evenings.
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM ~ 17:00 PM (Last entry until 16:30 PM)
Closed every Wednesdays (except during cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons)
Illumination: During blooming period
Admission Fee: 250 yen (Additional fees are required for the museums and the Japanese garden)
Address: 1-1 Senribanpakukoen, Suita, Osaka Prefecture
Nearest station: Bampakukinenkoen Station (Osaka Monorail) or Osakajokoen Station (JR Loop Line
Website: Expo 70 Commemorative Park Website
Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park
Photo credit: hippokathy88
This large public park served as the site of a flower exhibition in 1990. Hundreds of cherry trees are planted across the park, offering visitors lots of attractive picnic spots. There are also about 50 small, representative gardens from countries across the world.
Admission Fee: Free
Address: 2-163 Ryokuchikoen, Tsurumi Ward, Osaka Prefecture
Nearest station: Tsurumi Ryokuchi Subway Station
Website: Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park Website
Article source: Japan-guide.com, Matcha-jp.com