Osaka Spring Itinerary: Castles, Hanami & Street Food

With pleasant weather, festivals, cherry blossoms and picnics by Osaka Castle, Osaka is an ideal city for spending the spring season in Japan. That’s why we’ve created a spring itinerary for Osaka, complete with tours you can join, places to see sakura and activities the whole family can enjoy.

With the cherry blossoms forecasted to flower in Osaka in late March and be in full bloom by early April, the hardest decision you’ll have to make is where to see the cherry blossoms! 

Wondering where you go? Here are the best places to see sakura in Osaka.

Find out more: Japan’s cherry blossom forecast

Book a cherry blossom-themed tour in Karahori, a hidden gem for hanami lovers. This tour takes you through charming communal gardens, narrow streets and unique local shops where you can grab some delicious local snacks. 

Enjoy your picnic under the stunning cherry blossoms while soaking in the beauty of spring. This off-the-beaten-path experience offers an authentic way to appreciate the season away from the crowds. 

You wouldn’t think a Mint Bureau could be this magical, but the 560m Cherry Blossom Passage is nothing short of it. Lined with cherry blossom trees and red and green lanterns, adding this romantic tunnel to your Osaka itinerary is a must. 

Home to Sayamaike Park, which has been selected as one of the “100 Best Historical Parks in Japan,” Osakasayama is worth getting out of Osaka City for. 

During cherry blossom season, 1,400 cherry trees line the path circling Sayama Pond, creating an idyllic route for strolls, runs and bike rides. By mixing early and late-blooming varieties, this park is known for its longer cherry blossom viewing season. 

Stay past sunset to see the sakura illumination! 

Undoubtedly one of the most recognizable castles in Japan, Osaka Castle is a must-visit inside and outside of cherry blossom season. Spread across 100 hectares with 3,000 cherry trees to boot, there’s plenty of space for a serene spring picnic with spectacular views. 

Don’t miss the cherry blossom illumination festival at night if you’re there in late March or early April.

Find out more: Osaka 3-Day Itinerary

For those eager to explore all of Osaka in just one day, this five-hour walking tour covers must-see spots like Osaka Castle, Amerika-mura, Shinsaibashi-suji, Dotonbori, Hozen-ji Temple and Kuromon Market. 

Led by a bilingual guide, you’ll be introduced to the city’s essential sights and local delicacies, ensuring you don’t miss a thing. Whether you're a first-timer or returning to Osaka, this tour offers an unforgettable experience of the city's vibrant culture and flavors. 

Make sure to come hungry — there’s plenty to taste and discover. Book your spot now and get ready for an amazing day.

There’s no better way to enjoy hanami season than eating lunch underneath the pink petals. As we detail in our guide to hanami picnics, you’ll be in good company whether you bring a konbini meal or your own homemade lunch. 

But if you want to celebrate in style, why not try making your own hanami bento box? Learn how to make a tamagoyaki egg roll, karaage fried chicken, and miso soup in this bento cooking class near Osaka Tenmangu Shrine. 

Take the recipes home with you so you can recreate the bento box yourself during your next sakura picnic!

With its diverse range of bars and unique character, Namba is symbolic of Osaka’s nightlife. Join this bar-hopping and food tour of Namba for an unforgettable night out, whether you’re hoping to meet new people or bringing along friends and family. 

Along the way, you’ll try out all of Osaka’s specialties, including takoyaki octopus balls, kushikatsu and okonomiyaki, before washing it all down at a sake bar. 

Find out more: See all our bar-hopping tours in Japan.

The site of the 1970 World Exhibition, Expo ’70 Commemorative Park is a great place to spend the day with the family. The public park is open day and night, and, during cherry blossom season, hosts cherry blossom illuminations each evening. 

Even if you don’t get to see the 5,000 cherry trees in full bloom, there is still so much to get up to…

Rent a boat and paddle around the sculptures in the water in the Dream Pond, walk around the large Japanese garden and visit two museums: the National Museum of Ethnology and the Japan Folk Crafts Museum. 

There’s even a shopping complex and a Ferris wheel!

Originally from North America, nemophila is a small blue flower that blooms in the springtime. Osaka Maishima Seaside Park is the first place dedicated to nemophila flowers in Osaka. In total, there are around 1 million roots of nemophila, turning the park into a brilliant blue carpet each year. 

Consider visiting during the annual Nemophila Flower Festival, held from the beginning of April to the beginning of May. Photographers will want to get a shot with Osaka Bay in the background — a stunning blue landscape. 

Easter isn’t celebrated in Japan, but Universal Studios Japan is one exception. Every year from the beginning of March to the end of June, the entire park is decorated with brightly-colored flowers, rabbits and Easter eggs. 

The characters, too, don Easter-themed costumes, encouraging you to collect four Easter egg stamps. In between riding the coasters, don’t forget to try out the special edition Easter food.

Not to be confused with the Dotonbori river cruise, the Aqua Liner is a water bus running on the Okawa River through central Osaka. 

Spot iconic landmarks like Osaka Castle, Namba Bridge, Nakanoshima Rose Garden, Temma Bridge and more as you feel the spring breeze on your face. If you’re lucky enough to ride during cherry blossom season, you’ll have a view of sakura trees lining the river the whole way.

Under an hour away from Osaka Station by train, Nara is the perfect destination for a spring day trip. 

Greet the deer at Nara Park resting on the cherry blossom petals, hike up Mt. Wakakusa for amazing views, and walk through the historic Kasuga Taisha and Todaiji Temple. 

Pick up some sakura or kudzu mochi along the way to feel the full Nara vibes!

Find out more: Michelin Guide Restaurants in Nara

Looking to plan the ultimate trip to Japan? Check out our Japan travel bucket list, our 2-week and 7-day Japan itinerary and a guide to spring in Japan.