Top 5 Best Cherry Blossom Spots Osaka, Japan (VIDEO)

When it comes to cherry blossoms, Osaka is one of the finest cities to experience them. Every year, around late March to early April, cherry blossoms stun the populous and draw visitors from around the globe.

Here is my Top 5 list of the best cherry blossom spots in Osaka.

5. Osaka Mint Bureau

Number 5 on my list is actually much higher on other lists. This famous cherry blossom spot features late blooming Sakura so it’s a perfect place to see them if you miss the regular blooming period.

The grounds of the Osaka Mint come alive with around 400 cherry trees of over 100 varieties. The 560-metre long route provides loads of amazing photo ops. There are also plenty of yatai or food and drink stalls to get some great street food.

So why did I put this as number 5 when it’s closer to the top of other lists? Well, the crowds are absolutely ridiculous. You are often standing shoulder to shoulder with people and it detracts from the experience. If you can deal with that though, it is an impressive sight.

4. Expo Commemoration Park.

Located 40 minutes north of Osaka by train and monorail [Simpsons monorail song] this huge park is filled with over 5000 cherry trees. This sea of pink and white makes it a very popular spot for hanami or cherry blossom viewing. You’ll see hundreds of picnic blankets with families and groups of friends soaking up the chilled atmosphere. Entry to the park is a measly ¥250 and very well worth it. The canopy of cherry trees lining the paths is a gorgeous sight. Side note, it’s also a great spot for autumn leaves. While you’re there you can also enter the quirky-looking Tower of the Sun. Entry is 700 yen for adults.

3. Kema Sakuranomiya Park

Right next to the Osaka Mint is Kema Sakuranomiya Park. A short walk from Osaka Castle, this impressive riverside park stretches over 32 hectares and is home to some 4700 cherry trees. It’s also easily accessible by the aptly named Sakuranomiya station on the JR Loop Line. In peak bloom, this area is stunning with trees along both banks of the river. You can also take one of the tour boats from either side of the river which is a very popular option during Sakura season.

2. Shukugawa Park

Shukugawa Park is technically not in Osaka City or even Osaka Prefecture for that matter. But this is my list, so here it is. Situated in the neighbouring Hyogo Prefecture and only about 16 mins away from central Osaka by train, it’s actually closer than Expo Park. Shukugawa Park is absolutely stunning with a picturesque stream running through the middle of it flanked by hundreds of gorgeous cherry trees. This beautiful park is known as one of the best places to see sakura in the Kansai region.

1. Osaka Castle Park

There are a few reasons I picked Osaka Castle Park for my no. 1. Well, over 4000 reasons if we’re talking in cherry tree numbers. Located on the grounds of one of Japan’s most famous castles, you can enjoy the Sakura in several areas. One of them is Nishinomaru garden beside the castle. It’s a popular hanami spot and entry costs ¥200 during the day or ¥350 for the evening illumination. If youre Aside from how amazing it looks with the castle backdrop, Osaka Castle Park is right in the centre of Osaka and you can hit up the nearby Kema Sakuranomiya Park when you’re done.

Osaka really is one of the best cities to see cherry blossoms during sakura season. If there are any spots you’d recommend, please leave a comment below.

[OSAKA CASTLE PHOTO CREDIT: Meritxell Garcia https://flic.kr/p/nbwMxN]