Best places in Osaka to catch sakuras
Planning a visit to Osaka in the spring can only mean one thing: Osaka cherry blossoms! From Japanese castles to temple gardens, the city blooms into beautiful shades of pink for a couple of weeks each year. So, if you’re planning to catch the sakuras and wondering where the best cherry blossom viewing spots are, you’re in luck.
This 2026 cherry blossom forecast and a list of our top 14 Osaka cherry blossom viewing points will help you time your visit and pick the best spots so you don't miss the annual pink cherry blossom season in Osaka!
We're closely monitoring the 2026 Osaka cherry blossom forecast, and we'll update you as soon as new blooming forecasts are released.
2026 Osaka Cherry Blossom Bloom Forecast
Cherry blossom full bloom forecast from Japan Meteorological Corporation’s 3rd forecast, announced 22 Jan 2026.
Based on the latest 2026 sakura forecast released by the Japan Meteorological Corporation, the cherry blossoms in Osaka are expected to start flowering on March 254 and reach full bloom a week later, on April 1.
Any further updates to the forecast will be shared as they become available. Those planning to view cherry blossoms in Osaka can start basing their trips on these dates:
Prefecture | Location | 2026 Forecasted Flowering Date | 2026 Forecasted Full Bloom Date | Yearly Average Flowering Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hokkaido | 26 April | 30 April | 1 May | |
Aomori | 18 April | 22 April | 22 April | |
Miyagi | 6 April | 11 April | 8 April | |
Tokyo | 22 March | 29 March | 24 March | |
Ishikawa | 2 April | 8 April | 3 April | |
Nagano | 7 April | 11 April | 11 April | |
Aichi | 21 March | 30 March | 24 March | |
Kyoto | 25 March | 2 April | 26 March | |
Osaka | 25 March | 1 April | 27 March | |
Wakayama | 28 March | 4 April | 24 March | |
Hiroshima | 22 March | 1 April | 25 March | |
Kochi | 21 March | 28 March | 22 March | |
Fukuoka | 22 March | 30 March | 22 March | |
Kagoshima | 26 March | 6 April | 26 March |
IMPORTANT REMINDER: The forecasted flowering and full bloom dates table are based on trends and seasonality as of 22 January 2026. Check out the Japan Meteorological Corporation website for the latest information on flowering and full bloom prediction dates in all prefectures.
Top 14 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Osaka
1. Osaka Castle Park
Cherry blossoms at the Osaka Castle tower
If you’ve searched up on Osaka cherry blossoms, chances are you’ve stumbled upon photos of the Osaka Castle sakura. Located in the central area of Osaka Prefecture, the park is home to the iconic Osaka Castle and the Nishinomaru Garden which boasts about 4000 cherry trees, and a plum grove with trees of different varieties.
The park is free to enter and explore, but we highly recommend getting Osaka Castle tickets if you plan to visit the castle and garden. The Nishinomaru Garden is especially popular for evening walks, as it offers beautiful views of the illuminated Osaka Castle cherry blossom at night. You also don’t want to miss out on the breathtaking scenery of the sakura sea spread across the city from the Osaka Castle observatory.
Address: 1-1 Osaka Castle, Chuo Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
2. Expo '70 Commemorative Park
The blooming Expo ‘70 Commemorative Park
The Expo '70 Commemorative Park was established in 1970 for the Japan World Exposition and remains one of Osaka’s most spacious green escapes. The park’s Natural and Cultural Gardens are designed with the concept of natural forests and mountain settlements, and at its center is the "Tower of the Sun," designed by Taro Okamoto. During Osaka’s sakura season you can witness about 5,500 cherry trees, creating a magnificent sight.
Address: 〒565-0826 Banpaku Kinen Koen, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture
3. Osaka Mint Bureau
Cherry blossom viewing at the Osaka Mint Bureau
The Osaka Mint Bureau is famous for its Cherry Blossom Alley, a tradition that started in the 16th year of the Meiji era. Each spring, around mid-April, it opens to the public for about a week, inviting visitors to see its blooming Osaka cherry blossoms. The Mint Bureau annually selects a "Flower of the Year" from the many cherry blossom varieties. Currently, there are about 125 varieties, with over 300 cherry blossom trees lining the pathway in full bloom.
4. Kema Sakuranomiya Park
Cherry blossoms in bloom at Kema Sakuranomiya Park Image source: flickr｜Tatters
Adjacent to the Osaka Mint Bureau, Kema Sakuranomiya Park combines riverside and greenery, perfect for strolls, dog walks, jogging, or cycling. Along the 4.2-kilometer stretch of the Okawa River from Kemba Wasen Dam downstream to Temma Bridge, you'll find approximately 4,700 cherry blossom trees in full bloom during the spring. And during peak bloom at night, flowers are illuminated, making it a go-to spot to enjoy Osaka cherry blossoms in the evening.
For those who wish to enjoy cherry blossoms from the water, you can take a ride on the Osaka Wonder Cruise which also passes by famous cherry blossom viewing spots like Kema Sakuranomiya Park and the Osaka Mint Bureau.
Address: 1‐10 Nakanocho, Miyakojima Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
5. Osaka Eiraku Dam
Osaka Eiraku Dam during spring Photo Credit: osaka-info
Around the Osaka Eiraku Dam, there are a total of approximately 1,000 cherry blossom trees planted and a 2-kilometer trail perfect for jogging or leisurely walks. With mountains in the background and cherry blossoms reflecting on the water's surface, it resembles a picture-perfect landscape painting. During the Osaka cherry blossoms flowering season, celebrations are held at the upstream Okuyama Ameyama Nature Park, featuring various food stalls, craft stalls, and plant displays.
Address: 2921 Kubo, Kumatori-cho, Sennan-gun, Osaka Prefecture
6. Shitennoji Temple
The flowering Shitennoji Temple Photo Credit: fliggy
Shitennoji Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan, is said to be the first of its kind. The temple's Honbo Garden is home to approximately 100 cherry blossom trees, including various cherry blossom varieties such as Somei Yoshino, Yaezakura, Edohigan, and Yamazakura. The temple complex includes structures like the Five-story Pagoda and Bell Tower. During the Osaka, Japan, cherry blossom season, visitors can also enjoy the serene ambiance of the traditional Japanese garden within the temple grounds.
Address: 1-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
7. Settsukyo Park
Sakuras at the Settsukyo Park Image source: Wikimedia Commons｜663highland
Welcome to Osaka's precious forested scenic area in the suburbs. Here, you can fully enjoy the beauty of unique rocks and rugged cliffs, as well as admire the natural landscapes and flowers throughout the four seasons. The park is home to 1300 Yoshino cherry blossom trees, a 'Cherry Blossom Plaza', approximately 420 plant species, hundreds of insect species, and 13 types of wild birds.
Address: 5-3-14 Tsukawaki, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1036, Japan
8. Daisen Park
People strolling down Daisen Park Photo Credit: osaka-info
Daisen Park is a spacious central park with various recreational facilities, especially popular among residents and visitors on weekends. The park also features a Japanese garden that beautifully represents Japanese culture. As the season for the Osaka cherry blossoms begins, over 500 sakura trees in the park bloom simultaneously. It's a perfect place to admire the pink cherry blossoms while savoring Japanese snacks.
Address: 2-204 Momodani Yukumachi, Sakai-ku, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture 590-0802
9. Kishiwada Castle
Springtime in Kishiwada Castle Photo Credit: flickr｜jpellgen (@1179_jp)
Compared to other famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Osaka, Kishiwada Castle is relatively peaceful. The Hachijin no Niwa garden within the inner castle is a renowned cherry blossom viewing spot. It is home to approximately 170 cherry blossom trees, and the sight of cherry blossoms falling onto the water is particularly wonderful.
Address: 9-1 Kishikiyomachi, Kishiwada City, Osaka Prefecture 596-0073
10. Satsukiyama Park
Hanami at Satsukiyama Park Image source: osaka-info
Located at the foothills and slopes of Mount Satsuki in Ikeda City, you’ll discover a famous hanami spot for Osaka cherry blossoms, azaleas, and autumn leaves at Satsukiyama Park. Inside you'll find plenty of facilities such as a free admission zoo, botanical garden, golf course, and a green center for leisure activities.
Approximately 35,000 cherry blossom trees bloom during sakura season, and on weekends every early April, the park holds a cherry blossom festival on the park plaza, enjoyed by many Japanese families.
Address: 2-5 Ayaha, Ikeda, Osaka, 563-0051, Japan
11. Katsuoji Temple
Katsuoji Temple is renowned for its role in providing protection and blessing for victory. In the past, it was believed to have healed an emperor's illness, and it has also been visited by various rulers seeking success in battles. Acquiring the symbol of "Victory Daruma" from Katsuo-ji allows people to pray for success in various aspects of life, including business, exams, and employment.
Katsuo-ji Temple, the temple for winner’s luck! Photo Credit: Eric Wang
Located at a higher elevation, cherry blossoms at the Katsuoi-ji Temple tend to bloom later than those in lower-lying areas. Approximately 8,000 cherry blossom trees adorn the temple grounds, making it a great option for those who might have missed the cherry blossom season in other areas, as there's still a chance to enjoy them at Katsuo-ji.
12. Oiseki Park
Luscious Oiseki Park
During spring, nearly 600 Yoshino cherry trees bloom, making it the top cherry blossom viewing spot in Izumisano City and a favorite among the public. Every year on the first Sunday of April, the "Sakura Festival" organized by the Izumisano City Tourism Association is a well-attended local event. The park also features well-maintained walking paths on the embankment nearby, making it a popular spot for locals to visit.
Address: Higashiue, Nane Higashi, Izumisano City, Osaka 598-0021, Japan
13. Hirokawadera Temple
Pink Nirvana at Hirokawadera Temple
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, at the foot of Mount Katsuragi is Hirokawadera Temple, where the renowned poet and monk of the late Heian period, "Saigyo Hoshi," entered Nirvana. In spring, approximately 1,500 cherry trees planted within the spacious temple grounds burst into bloom together. But what you should really look out for is it’s diversity of cherry blossom varieties such as wild cherry, double-flowered cherry, misty cherry, and weeping cherry.
Address: 43 Hirokawa, Minamikawachi-cho, Minamikawachi-gun, Osaka 585-0027, Japan
14. Sayamaike Park
Sayamaike Park’s cherry blossom-filled pathway Image source: flickr｜榮宗 陳
Selected as one of the "Top 100 Historical Parks in Japan" Sayamaike Park is striving to become the top Osaka cherry blossoms viewing spot. The park offers a longer sakura season with early-blooming Koshinohigan cherry trees around the pond's circumference, and double-flowered cherry trees that bloom in mid-April.
Sayamaike is also home to Japan's oldest dam-style pond, dating back to the Asuka Period (approximately 616 AD). Within the park, you can find the renowned Tadao Ando-designed "Sayamaike Museum," which houses many precious cultural heritage artifacts. So, besides enjoying the cherry blossoms, you may also want to visit this culturally enriching museum.
Address: Iwamuro, Sayama City, Osaka 589-0032, Japan
Explore More Cherry Blossoms in Kansai
Golden hour in Nara Park
If you have time on your trip during the cherry blossom season in Osaka and are thinking of exploring other areas in the Kansai region, consider joining a day trip to to catch breathtaking sights and discover hidden hanami gems near Osaka!
But wait! Of course, when traveling to new places, it's always a good idea to arrange transportation in advance. For ultimate convenience between attractions and seamless travel around and beyond Osaka, we recommend using the Osaka Amazing Pass and the Klook Pass Kansai.
Cherry Blossom Viewing Day Trips from Osaka
Nara Park and Mount Yoshino
Want to experience the true essence of spring in Japan? Take a Nara Park, Todaiji Temple, and Yoshinoyama Cherry Blossom Viewing Day Tour in Nara Prefecture to see some of the most iconic cherry blossoms sights near Osaka. Here, you can make friends with the deer at Nara Park, explore centuries-old temples, and witness the Mount Yoshino suit up in pink hues.
Amanohashidate and Miyama
If you’re seeking something more scenic, a day trip from Osaka to Amanohashidate and Miyama might just be the one for you! Here, you can enjoy coastal views, traditional Japanese villages, and quieter sakura spots that are just as beautiful (if not more) than city hanami.
FAQs About Osaka Cherry Blossoms
1. When can you see cherry blossoms in Osaka?
Cherry blossoms in Osaka usually bloom from late March to early April, with peak bloom lasting about a week.
2. Where to see cherry blossoms in Osaka in 20265?
Top cherry blossom viewing spots in Osaka include Osaka Castle Park, Kema Sakuranomiya Park, Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, and the Mint Bureau Cherry Blossom Alley.
3. Is mid-April too late for sakura?
For Osaka cherry blossoms, mid-April is typically past peak bloom, but some late-blooming varieties can be found in places such as the Mint Bureau.
4. Which city in Japan has the best cherry blossoms?
There’s no single best city as each one offers a unique cherry blossom experience. Osaka stands out for castle views and riverside parks, Kyoto is great for temples and traditional villages, Tokyo for a accesible city spaces, and Nara is great for nature and spacious landscapes.
5. Is mid-April too late to see cherry blossoms in Japan?
Not necessarily! There are still areas in northern regions and elevated areas like Nagano, Sendai, and Aomori that bloom and peak later in April.
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