Stunning Cherry Blossom Views with Historic Landmarks: 15 Best Hanami Spots in Osaka

The Japan Mint, which occasionally opens its collection of rare coins to the public, is also listed among the “Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan.”
Along the riverside lined with cherry trees on the grounds, the annual “Cherry Blossom Walk” draws huge crowds of visitors every spring.
The breathtaking sight of 336 cherry trees from 137 varieties in full bloom is like something out of paradise.
If you plan to enjoy cherry blossoms in Osaka, this is a must-visit spot.

Osaka Castle Park, a vast green space centered around Osaka Castle built by the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the Sengoku period, is also famous for cherry blossoms.
Approx. 300 Someiyoshino and double-flowered cherry trees, approx. 1,200 plum trees, and the castle keep of Osaka Castle come together here.
This popular hanami spot lets you enjoy historic architecture alongside Japan’s iconic blossoms: cherry and plum.

Washu Sohonzan Shitennoji Temple, founded by Prince Shotoku, is said to be Japan’s first Buddhist temple.
On the temple grounds, Someiyoshino, double-flowered, and weeping cherry trees all come into glorious bloom.
Step into the gardens with their red-and-white halls, pond, and clouds of cherry blossoms, and you may feel as if you’ve wandered into a Buddhist paradise.

Kishiwada, known as the city of “danjiri” festival floats, is also home to its iconic landmark, Kishiwada Castle, where approx. 170 cherry trees bloom around the castle grounds.
The Kishiwada Castle Festival is held during peak cherry blossom season, when paper lanterns are lit and you can enjoy the atmospheric view of the castle framed by softly illuminated sakura at night.
If you want to admire cherry blossoms and a castle beautifully lit up after dark, this is a must-visit spot.

Kema Sakuranomiya Park stretches along both banks of the Okawa River, which flows through central Osaka. This 4.2 km riverside park runs from the Kema Araizeki weir at the fork of the Yodo River downstream to Temmabashi.
It is one of the city’s most famous cherry blossom spots, especially the area from Temmabashi to around Sakuranomiya Bridge, where approx. 4,800 cherry trees burst into full bloom, creating a spectacular scene.
From daytime until late at night, the park is packed with visitors enjoying hanami parties every year.

Best known for its iconic Tower of the Sun, Expo ’70 Commemorative Park is also listed among the “100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan.”
From mid-March, early-blooming varieties like Higan-zakura and Kan-zakura start to flower, and by early April, the Somei Yoshino trees reach full bloom.
With nine different types of cherry blossoms, it is fun to compare how each variety looks, even among trees that are all “sakura.”
Because cherry blossoms can be seen as early as mid-March, this is a great option if you are visiting Osaka a little before the usual peak season.

Satsukiyama Park, located on 315 m-high Mt. Satsuki, offers cherry blossoms throughout the mountainside, making it perfect for a blossom-filled hike.
You can also enjoy the blossoms from your car along the park’s driveway, or take your time admiring the atmospheric night views of cherry trees lit by lanterns, making this spot ideal for enjoying sakura in many different settings.

Settsukyo Park stretches along the upper reaches of the Akutagawa River and is officially designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty in Osaka Prefecture.
Along with lush trees and a clear river, the park features dramatic rock formations and cliffs, offering a variety of natural landscapes.
At the peak of sakura season, Approx. 3,000 Somei Yoshino cherry trees blanket the entire park in soft pink.
It is a rare hanami spot where you can enjoy not only the serene scenery created by the river and cherry blossoms, but also the powerful views of rugged rocks and cliffs.

Katsuo-ji Temple is known as a temple of victory, attracting many visitors who come to pray for success and good fortune.
Within its spacious grounds, various types of cherry blossoms such as Kanhi-zakura, Sato-zakura, and Yama-zakura add soft color to the temple’s stately setting.
There are many highlights around the temple, but the view of the bright red main gate lined with pale pink weeping cherry trees is one you should not miss.

Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park, also known as the Expo ’90 Commemorative Park, is filled with many kinds of cherry blossoms, including Kawazu-zakura, Somei Yoshino, and Yoko-zakura.
Plum blossoms, roses, and other flowers bloom throughout the year, making it a popular place to relax.
Cherry trees are planted all around the park, so you can enjoy both sweeping views of blossoms in full bloom and quiet corners where just a few trees bloom peacefully.
It is a hanami spot where you can have fun finding your own favorite view.

At the main temple of the Nenpo Shinkyo sect, Kongo-ji Temple, you can enjoy cherry blossoms in a calm, contemplative setting.
The contrast between the red-and-white gates and halls and the soft cherry blossoms evokes the Japanese sense of wabi-sabi.
During the peak sakura season, various events are held, including performances of gagaku (traditional Japanese court music), stage shows, and food stalls serving local B-grade gourmet dishes, allowing you to experience uniquely Japanese culture along with the blossoms.

Daisen Park is listed among the “100 Historical Parks of Japan.”
Located between the Nintoku and Richu Imperial Tombs, this spot is a must-visit for history lovers. During cherry blossom season, the park is filled with various types of sakura, including Somei Yoshino and Oshima cherry trees.
The dreamlike view of Approx. 400 cherry trees encircling the pond is a must-see.
With plenty of lawn space, it is an ideal place for a picnic while enjoying the magical pink scenery.

Sayamaike Park, chosen as one of the “100 Historical Parks of Japan,” is one of the earliest places in Osaka where you can enjoy cherry blossoms.
Approx. 1,000 Konoshinohigan cherry trees planted along the loop path bloom earlier than Somei Yoshino, starting from late March. Since there are also late-blooming double-flowered cherry trees, hanami is possible through mid-April.
During cherry blossom season, the “Sakura Festival – Spring” is held, with food stands and stalls lining the paths and the cherry-lined avenue illuminated at night.
Stroll along the fantastically lit rows of different cherry trees while enjoying the festival stalls.

The Yamanakadani Sakura Festival is held every year at the municipal park Wanpaku Oukoku, located right next to Yamanakadani, a well-known cherry blossom viewing spot.
A variety of performances, such as Hannan Taiko drumming and Yosakoi dancing, take place, with the program changing every year.
The spectacular sight of Approx. 1,000 Somei Yoshino trees blooming along the riverbank at Yamanakadani is not to be missed.
Since JR Yamanakadani Station is right by the river, you can also see trains passing through a tunnel of cherry blossoms in full bloom.
During the festival period, the cherry trees are illuminated, so you can enjoy the blossoms at night as well.

The area around Eiraku Dam is blessed with lush nature and has been selected as one of the “Osaka Green 100.”
In spring, approx. 1,000 cherry trees come into full bloom, creating a beautiful contrast of fresh green and soft pink.
During peak cherry blossom season, the Eiraku Sakura Festival is held. Some of the cherry trees are illuminated, and food stalls line the lantern-lit plaza.
Why not enjoy classic festival foods like yakisoba and takoyaki from the stalls while soaking up the magical atmosphere of cherry blossoms at night?