Osaka boasts numerous popular spots to view cherry blossoms. You don’t have to limit yourself to historic landmarks like castles and temples; lesser-known parks and rivers are also great places to appreciate flowers at leisure. The cherry blossom forecast for 2023 predicts blooms to start on March 26th (Sunday), with the peak expected to last around a week starting from April 3rd (Monday). This article will introduce carefully selected cherry blossom viewing spots in Osaka.
5. Flower Expo Memorial Park Tsurumi Ryokuchi
Japanese:花博記念公園 鶴見緑地の桜
https://4travel.jp/travelogue/11615051
Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park is a vast park with various plants, including a rose garden and an almond forest. Cherry blossoms also decorate the park with different types blooming each season, including the Kawazu cherry in late February and the Okame, Yoko, and Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms, providing a long period of enjoyment.
Significantly, the Somei Yoshino cherry blossom accounts for over half of the park’s approximately 1,100 cherry blossom trees, with many concentrated in areas such as the west and northeast sides of the large pond and the entrance of the Midoriguchi bridge, as well as scattered in small groups throughout the park, making it fun to discover your favorite cherry blossom.
4. Cherry blossoms at Nagai Park
Japanese:長居公園
https://osakaphotos.com/nagaipark-201903/
In Nagai Park, approximately 500 cherry blossom trees are planted throughout the park, including the “Kyodo no Mori” and “Omoide no Mori” areas. In the southeastern corner of the park, the Nagai Botanical Garden features around 400 cherry blossom trees, including the popular Somei Yoshino that blooms around mid-March, the vivid pink flowers of “Yokou” that bloom in mid-March, and the large, double-flowered blooms of “Shougetsu” that bloom in mid-April around the observation island and large pond. These trees bloom one after another, creating a breathtaking sight for visitors.
3. Japan Mint Head Office
Japanese:造幣局 桜の通り抜け
https://e-curiosita.com/lifestyle/3362/
https://www.mint.go.jp/enjoy/plant/plant-osaka/hakubutu_blog_20220414.html
Every year, during the cherry blossom season, the “Sakura Tunnel” is open to the public for one week. The tunnel spans approximately 560 meters, and about 140 species and 340 cherry blossom trees bloom, attracting many visitors. The tunnel primarily comprises Yaezakura, which blooms later than Somei Yoshino. The general admission period is for one week from early to mid-April, and admission is by reservation on a first-come, first-served basis. Details on how to apply for entry will be announced on the official website around mid-March when the event is scheduled.
・Top 5 Must-See Tokyo Cherry Blossom Spots in 2023
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2. Cherry blossoms at Expo’70 Commemorative Park
Japanese:万博記念公園の桜
https://icotto.jp/presses/7065
The cherry blossoms at Expo ’70 Commemorative Park have been selected as one of the “Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Sites in Japan.” From mid-March, Higan-zakura and Kanhi-zakura began to bloom, followed by Somei Yoshino, painting the park pink.
1. Cherry blossoms in Osaka Castle Park
Japanese:大阪城公園の桜
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001255.000014571.html
Approximately 3,000 cherry blossom trees cover the entire Osaka Castle Park. In particular, the Nishinomaru Garden (admission fee required) features about 300 cherry blossom trees, mainly Somei Yoshino. On the other hand, late-blooming double cherry blossoms are planted at the Tamatsukuriguchi, allowing visitors to enjoy cherry blossoms until the end of the season.
