The 7 Best Osaka Gardens You Can’t Miss in Your Next Visit

Osaka, one of the most famous cities in Japan, is home to a few breathtaking gardens and they aren’t just ordinary ones. What’s unique about these Osaka gardens is that it is a blend of nature and art. So not only will you be awed by its beauty, but you’ll also be captivated by the meticulous garden design and cultural significance.

Plus, these famous Japanese gardens are literally in the middle of the city, so you can find peace within the hustle and bustle.

To level up your experience, visit these Osaka gardens in the springtime and say hello to a sea of beautiful cherry blossoms. Springtime can usually cause places to be absolutely chockers, but it’s oh-so-worth it!

Lessen the hassle and discover the wonders of Osaka to the fullest with a Klook Osaka pass. Not convinced to grab one? Here's a handy dandy guide that might change your mind:

There are multiple Japan gardens but there are three that really stood out and are aptly dubbed as the Three Great Gardens of Japan. These include Kairakuen Garden in Ibaraki, Kenrokuen Garden in Ishikawa, and Korakuen Garden in Okayama.

Kairakuen Garden is famous for its plum blossoms. Now, you might think it’s the usual blossoms, but imagine going during the spring season and seeing over 3,000 plum trees blooming!

Gorgeous trees also grace Kenrokuen Garden. Visit during the winter season, and you’ll be left in awe of how beautiful this Japanese garden will look with snow-covered trees.

Last but not least, there’s the Korakuen Garden which features a lovely and large pond and has a lot of pathways, so you can explore to your heart's content.

While these three gardens are considered the greatest in Japan, we've compiled a list of seven others that are equally deserving of your visit.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of Japan’s most famous temples. In fact, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994. But what makes this temple so special is it's surrounded by nature.

When you visit the area, you’ll notice a wooden stage of the main hall, which, in our opinion, offers the best views of the colourful cherry and maple trees. What’s noteworthy, too, is the Otowa Waterfall at the base of the main hall, featuring three distinct streams.

Experience this destination, one of the best gardens in Japan, and more with the Osaka Day Tour from Klook!

Nishinomaru Garden is located on the grounds of the famous Osaka Castle. Here, you can expect to find hundreds of cherry trees and a lush landscape. And so, just imagine the beaut of a display you’ll see during the cherry blossom season! It looks so magical that visitors and even locals flock to the famous garden to watch the flowers, or hanami, which translates to flower viewing. 

Complete your experience with a delicious breakfast when you get your tour passes in Klook!

It's a floral fiesta! Begonia Garden at Nabana no Sato is a literal haven where you'll find an impressive and colourful display of flowers. Spanning an impressive 9,000 square metres, this complex of greenhouses nurtures a diverse collection of begonia and other species for you to admire. Plus, there's a cafe inside so you can take a break, grab a cuppa, and just take in the view.

You can also have a lit experience (literally!) at Nabana no Sato Illumination! With 5.8 million LEDs, you’ll see Nabana no Sato and its botanical gardens light up with scenes of mountains, ocean, flowers, various shapes, and figures. Now, that's what made this one of the most beautiful Osaka gardens!

It’s truly a sight to see, so don’t miss out on Klook’s Begonia Garden Day Tour with a premium lunch. 

Beyond the natural gardens, Osaka also has an artificial wonder that you cannot miss! You may have heard of teamLab, famous for its interactive digital art. Their exhibitions blend cutting-edge technology with artistic expression, resulting in immersive experiences like no other.

In Japan, some of the most famous teamLab exhibitions are found in the capital city of Tokyo, but if you're in Osaka, you can witness a truly one-of-a-kind, "best garden in Japan" kind of experience at teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka!

This Japanese garden is a sight to behold as you see the Nagai Botanical Garden transform into an experiential art space. The garden will feature lights and sculptures that are influenced by the environment and people, making for a very memorable experience!

If there's one thing you should know about Japanese gardens is that they're known for their intricate Japanese gardening. Keitakuen Garden is the epitome of this! You can find a central pond on the grounds that's decorated with lots of lush trees for fresh air. You can also visit the tea house, gazebo, and pavilion.

One of the best bits is that the garden is also located in Tennoji—where many other explore-worthy places reside.

To make the most of your time in Tennoji, consider staying at a nearby hotel. Find the best places to stay in the city with this guide on Osaka hotels:

Speaking of famous Japanese gardens in Osaka, Daisen Park is one of Osaka's strolling gardens and one of the largest public parks at 38.5 hectares. Within its vast landscape, you'll find tonnes of sights and facilities in this Japanese garden, including tea houses, municipal museums, a library, and even a playground for your ankle biters.

But the highlight, as it is with other Osaka gardens, is the endless trees and flowers. Specifically, during the spring season, you can enjoy a walk while admiring the impressive 400 Somei-yoshino and Oshima-zakura cherry trees. You can also see plum trees—best viewed during February.

Located within the Shitennoji Temple, a famous attraction in Osaka, is the paradise that is the Gokuraku-Jodo Garden. If you're already in the area, then take the opportunity to explore the grounds and visit this picturesque garden because you’ll defo have a lot of interesting sights to witness! There's a central pond, waterfall, tea house, and a dry rock garden. If you're booked to visit around springtime, make sure your batteries are on full charge so you can take snaps of the beautiful cherry blossoms!

From traditional Japanese gardens to a rock garden, there are so many sights to see in Japan. In Osaka alone, you'll find these treasures and green sanctuaries that offer breathtaking beauty and a serene escape from city life. Make sure to include these beautiful Japanese gardens in your itinerary for a more memorable trip to Japan.

But that's not all! The Ja-fun doesn’t have to end in Osaka!  In fact, you can even visit the nearby city of Kyoto and discover all of its charm, or perhaps see zen gardens and visit a moss temple. Make it a multi-city trip! Check out this Kyoto and Osaka itinerary for your next visit: