Osaka Mint Bureau Sakura Viewing

I will be in Kansai from end Mar to 12 Apr in 2014. I am contemplating to visit the Osaka Mint Bureau to view the cherry blossoms. However, based on past schedules, I would likely miss the special opening period. According to japan-guide.com, the cherry tree garden can also be viewed outside of the special opening period. However, from what I have known from other sources, it seems that people only visit during the special opening period. So is it possible and worth visiting the cherry tree garden outside the special opening period?

People who do not like large crowds will prefer a visit outside the special opening. But the peak of the season usually falls into the special opening period.

If you were lucky enough to be there just before the special opening period I would recommend going then. The crowds for the special opening time are immense, and I would not do it again, even thought the Sakura were superb.
IMHO a few days before would be perfect.
Enjoy!

To view the sakura outside the special opening week, do you have to first pay to get into the museum and then visit the garden OR can you just visit the garden only (for free) ?

cherry trees in Mint Bureau are different from other popular cherry trees. They bloom 1-2 weeks late. You can't see at the same time.

Several years ago I enjoyed the cherry-blossom viewing event at Japan Mint at night; a crowd of people was well controlled and I had no major trouble due to it, but I recommend you would avoid a weekend as long as your itinerary allows.

Hopefully you can check the duration for the year2014 on the website before your departure.
- Japan Mint: Latest Info. on Cherry Blossom Viewing in Osaka
http://www.mint.go.jp/enjoy-eng/sakura-eng/eng-viewing-intro.html
- Japan Mint: announcement on the year 2013 event
http://www.mint.go.jp/enjoy-eng/sakura-eng/toorinuke-ng/eng_osaka_view...
- Japan Mint: web contact form
https://www.mint.go.jp/inquiry/eng-contact

The Osaka Mint is not usually open to the public before mid April.

The Mint, including the cherry tree garden, is actually open to the public also outside the public viewing period (except on weekends, national holidays and the day before the public viewing period begins). It can make for a much more pleasant experience. Admission is explained on the following page:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4008.html