Osaka
Osaka Castle Nishinomaru Garden
Known for its cherry blossoms, Osaka Castle’s Nishinomaru Garden is the most famous viewing spot. The garden is home to around 600 cherry trees, mainly of the Somei Yoshino variety. During the cherry blossom season, the garden is beautifully illuminated at night. The garden is also known for its rhododendrons in summer and vibrant autumn leaves, making it a scenic spot worth visiting throughout the year.
• Best Viewing Time: Early April
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Address: 2 Osakajo, Chūō Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
• Admission: 200 yen
• Transportation: Take the Tanimachi Line or Chūō Line to Tanimachi 4-chome Station, then walk about 10 minutes.
Yodogawa Riverside Park, Sakaigawa Area
The Sakaigawa area, located where the Kizu River and Uji River meet, is lined with about 250 cherry trees. In spring, the blossoms create a pink world, and the 1.4-kilometer cherry blossom avenue turns into a tunnel of flowers. The park also has a lawn square and an observation deck.
• Best Viewing Time: Early April
• Opening Hours: All day
• Address: Yawata-shi, Kyoto Prefecture
• Transportation: Take the Keihan Main Line to Yawata City Station, then walk about 10 minutes.
Nara
Nara Park
Located at the foot of Wakakusa Mountain in Nara, Nara Park is home to famous historical landmarks like Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. In spring, the park transforms into a cherry blossom wonderland, offering a beautiful setting for cherry blossom viewing.
• Best Viewing Time: Late March to Late April
• Opening Hours: All day
• Address: Zoshicho, Noborioji-cho, Kasugano-cho, Takabatake-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture
• Transportation: A 10-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station or JR Nara Station.
Mayayama Park
At an altitude of about 315 meters, Mayayama Park is famous for its cherry blossoms, azaleas, and autumn foliage. The park is popular year-round, with attractions such as a zoo, botanical garden, golf course, and green center. The Mayayama Zoo, which has Australian animals like wombats and wallabies, is especially popular as it has no admission fee.
• Best Viewing Time: Late March to Early April
• Opening Hours: All day
• Address: 2 Ayaha, Ikeda City, Osaka Prefecture
• Transportation: A 15-minute walk from Ikeda Station on the Hankyu Takarazuka Line.
Wakayama
Wakayama Castle
Wakayama Castle, located in the center of Wakayama City, has about 600 cherry trees, including the famous Somei Yoshino variety. When the sakura bloom, the park around the castle is bathed in a gentle pink hue.
• Best Viewing Time: Late March to Early April
• Opening Hours: (Park) 24 hours, (Main Keep) 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Last entry at 5:00 PM)
• Address: 3-1 Ichibancho, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture
• Admission: (Park) Free, (Main Keep) Adults 410 yen, Children 200 yen
• Transportation: Take a bus from JR Wakayama Station or Nankai Wakayama City Station to “Kōen-mae” and walk to the park.