Cherry Blossom Forecast 2013

Below is a list of Osaka's most popular spots for cherry blossom viewing (hanami), including the typical timing for best viewing in the average year and japan-guide.com ratings. See also our nationwide list of famous cherry blossom spots.

Kema Sakuranomiya Park Early April Sakuranomiya Station (JR Loop Line) No admission fee, nightly illuminations from April 4 to 10, 2013, until 21:00 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.

Osaka Castle Early April No admission fee except for the Nishinomaru Garden Nishinomaru Garden: 9:00 to 20:00; 200 yen (daytime), 350 yen (evening light up) 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.

Expo 70 Commemorative Park Early April Banpaku Kinen Koen Station (Osaka Monorail) 9:30 to 17:00 (until 21:00 for light up from March 30 to April 14, 2013), 250 yen 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.

Osaka Mint Bureau Mid April 10 minute walk from Temmabashi Station Special opening: April 16 to 22, 2013; 10:00 to 21:00 (weekend from 9:00); free admission Mint Museum: 9:00 to 16:45 (entry until 16:00); free admission; closed on weekends, public holidays, special cherry blossom opening period, day before special opening period 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.

Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park Early April Tsurumi Ryokuchi Subway Station No admission fee 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.

Ratings:    best of the best    best of Japan    outstanding

Guide to Cherry Blossoms
How to do hanami?
When do they bloom?
Popular hanami spots
Cherry tree varieties

Cherry Blossom Report 2012
Cherry Blossom Report 2011
Cherry Blossom Report 2010
Cherry Blossom Report 2009

Kita (Umeda)
Minami (Namba)
Osaka Bay Area
Shinsekai

Osaka Castle
National Bunraku Theater
Sumiyoshi Taisha
Shitennoji Temple
Tenmangu Shrine
Mino Park

Universal Studios Japan
Osaka Aquarium
Osaka Station City
Umeda Sky Building
Peace Osaka
History Museum
Science Museum
Museum of Art

Tenjin Festival

Osaka Food Guide
Osaka Shopping Guide
Osaka Museum Guide
Cherry Blossom Spots