Osaka: Blossoms Opening

Today I visited Osaka to check on the state of the blossoms and continue my coverage in western Japan - I was in Nara yesterday and Kyoto the day before. The start of the mainstream Somei Yoshino cherry blossom season, when the first blossoms open, was announced on March 26 in Osaka. Four days since that announcement, I found that the cherry trees in the spots I visited look like they needed a couple more days before they reach their best viewing. Consequently, the best viewing in Osaka is estimated to start from around April 1 and continue for another week or so barring inclement weather. Rain is forecast for tomorrow and the day after, but that should not affect the state of the open blossoms negatively.

For those interested in the cherry blossom situation in cities apart from Osaka, the estimated best viewing information for other major cities can be found on our cherry blossom forecast page. Follow along here to keep up with the latest updates as we bring almost daily on-site sakura reports from various cities.

My first stop was Kema Sakuranomiya Park, a popular cherry blossom spot in Osaka. Thousands of cherry trees can be found in the park, which runs for several kilometers parallel to the Okawa River in central Osaka. Overall, the cherry trees in the park were still under the halfway mark to full bloom, but some sections looked quite attractive already. Consequently, I expect the best viewing here to start from around April 1 and continue for a week or so.

Osaka Castle is another popular cherry blossom spot in Osaka, and my final stop for the day. Thousands of cherry trees are planted on the castle grounds, and there are plenty of locations for visitors to enjoy cherry blossom viewing parties (hanami) with views of the castle keep. Similar to the state at Kema Sakuranomiya Park, the cherry trees need more time before they reach their best. I estimate the best viewing at Osaka Castle to start from around April 1, and for the blossoms to remain attractive for another week or so barring inclement weather.

Until April 12, Nishinomaru Garden at Osaka Castle is illuminated in the evenings from 18:00 to 21:00 (entry until 20:30). The garden is open from 9:00 to 21:00, and admission costs 350 yen.