Enjoy Spring in Osaka! 10 Cherry Blossom Tours and Day Trips

The Osaka region has long served as the traditional center of Japan. What better time to experience it than during the splendor of cherry blossom season?

This year, the cherry blossoms are expected to reach full bloom in late March in the Osaka area. Consider one of these tours to enjoy the blooms at splendid locations in Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and beyond.

10 Cherry Blossom Tours Around Osaka

1. Osaka Wonder Cruise
2. Kyoto Sagano Romantic Train Day Tour
3. Philosopher's Path and Arashiyama Cherry Blossom Tour
4. Nara Park and Mount Yoshino Cherry Blossom One-Day Tour
5. Kamo River and Kyoto Botanical Gardens Tour
6. Hachiman-bori and Hikone Castle Cherry Blossom Day Tour
7. Nara Park and Uji Cherry Blossom Tour
8. Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, and Engyoji Temple Tour
9. Lake Biwa, Shirasu Shrine, and Old Bamboo Forest Tour
10. Amanohashidate and Ine Funaya One-Day Tour

1. Osaka Wonder Cruise

Photo courtesy of Klook
Many visitors limit their exploration of Osaka to on-foot sightseeing, but one unique way to truly immerse oneself in the city is through a river cruise.

The Osaka Wonder Cruise offers a perspective on some of the city's most iconic landmarks, allowing for a leisurely observation without being ensnared in the bustling pedestrian traffic.

During the spring season, guests are treated to views of the city along the river adorned with flourishing cherry blossoms. As you glide by, you'll witness several contemporary districts embellished with delicate white flowers along the water's edge.

This cruise also presents the opportunity to navigate Dotonbori and catch a glimpse of the renowned Glico Running Man from the tranquil vantage point of the water. This popularly photographed landmark has evolved into a contemporary pilgrimage site for those visiting Osaka.

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2. Kyoto Sagano Romantic Train Day Tour

Photo courtesy of Klook
There is a particular charm in traveling on the railways through Japan's traditional heartland. Watching the cherry blossoms glide by while listening to the rhythmic clack of the historic train tracks in Kyoto's Sagano area transports visitors back in time.

During this day tour of Kyoto's attractions, you will transition through different historical eras and witness magnificent cherry blossom landscapes much like generations of Japanese before you.

Marvel at the seemingly endless rows of red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, or gaze upon the breathtaking hillside covered in cherry blossoms that envelop the austere wooden platform of Kiyomizudera Temple.

Whether you envision yourself experiencing the blossoms like a courtesan from a bygone era or envisioning the scenes as many did in 18th-century Japan along antiquated steam railways, this promises to be an enchanting and romantic journey.

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3. Philosopher's Path and Arashiyama Cherry Blossom Tour

Photo courtesy of Klook
This tour offers a unique opportunity to witness two of Kyoto's most exquisite locations at the peak of their cherry blossom splendor! Participants will stroll along the renowned Philosopher's Path and explore the natural landscapes surrounding Arashiyama.

The journey commences with a serene walk down the iconic Philosopher's Path, contemplating the transient beauty of cherry blossoms as you traverse between Nanzenji and Ginkakuji (the Silver Pavilion Temple).

The ancient stone trail encourages a leisurely pace, inviting you to savor the delicate petals as they gently caress the flowing stream below.

Subsequently, a visit to Arashiyama awaits, renowned for its natural allure and a favored destination in both spring and autumn. Upon acquiring tickets for the Randen tram, you will embark on a scenic ride to behold the Arashiyama sakura tunnel, a 200-meter stretch of track bordered by vivid pink cherry blossom trees!

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4. Nara Park and Mount Yoshino Cherry Blossom Tour

Photo courtesy of Klook
Named after the hillside in Nara from which they hail, the Somei Yoshino cherry blossom trees are among the most abundant in Japan. Delve into the origins of these blossoms on a captivating one-day excursion that unveils their magnificence.

Following a tour of Nara's cultural landmarks, the journey ascends to Mount Yoshino, a mountainside entirely dedicated to this blooming season. As you ascend, you'll encounter numerous specialty shops offering an array of cherry blossom-themed merchandise.

Kinpusenji Temple stands out as a particularly enchanting site. The ancient wooden gate is adorned by cherry blossoms in varying stages of bloom. From the elevated parklands atop the mountain, you'll witness the temple gate embraced by a sea of pink blossoms.

A rare but prized souvenir to consider acquiring is the conch shell signaling horn, which can elevate your samurai fantasies. These traditional instruments, meticulously polished to a brilliant sheen, serve as both decorative pieces and functional items for the discerning collector.

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5. Kamo River and Kyoto Botanical Gardens Tour

Photo courtesy of Klook

Meandering through the core of Kyoto, the Kamo River stands as the city's vital artery, drawing Kyoto's inhabitants to its banks throughout history.

Over the centuries, the locals have adorned the riverbanks with sakura trees, transforming it into a perennial spot for cherry blossom appreciation. This tour starts with a serene riverside stroll, offering visitors a glimpse into the age-old tradition of admiring blossoms along this iconic waterway.

Next, guests are escorted to the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, renowned for hosting some of the city's most magnificent cherry blossoms. Along one of the pathways, a breathtaking sight unfolds as weeping cherry blossoms drape from the wooden trellises that arch over the walkway.

To culminate the experience, a ride on the Randen tram in Arashiyama transports visitors through the enchanting tunnel of sakura trees, serving as a magical conclusion to this botanical odyssey through Kyoto's natural splendor!

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6. Hachiman-bori and Hikone Castle Cherry Blossom Tour

Photo courtesy of Klook
The interplay between the reflective waters and the gentle descent of cherry blossoms is the very essence of many visitors' fantasies about Japan.

In Omihachiman, located in Shiga Prefecture, these dreams materialize as you glide through Hachiman-bori, soaking in the beauty of cherry blossoms adorning the scenery.

Originally constructed to link the town with the splendor of Lake Biwa, visitors can admire the blossoms from traditional rowed boats, witnessing the pink petals of cherry trees gracefully caressing the water's surface.

The tour takes you next to Hikone Castle, a monument of immense historical significance in Shiga. Although only the castle keep remains standing, the fusion of castles and cherry blossoms creates a captivating ambiance, ideal for capturing memorable and Instagram-worthy photographs.

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7. Nara Park and Uji Cherry Blossoms Day Tour

Photo by Pixta
Allowing visitors to intimately engage with nature and explore several stunning sakura spots in a single day, this day tour from Osaka encompasses both Nara and southern Kyoto.

Begin your excursion by interacting with deer amidst the blooming petals—a scene filled with irresistible charm. Picture a deer bowing gracefully, adorned by the gentle fall of cherry blossoms onto its damp nose—an overload of cuteness awaits!

Following this delightful encounter, delve into the world heritage site of Todaiji Temple, home to a vast bronze Buddha statue at its core. Amidst the grand wooden pillars supporting the edifice, one pillar features a square orifice resembling the Buddha's nostril. Legend has it that passing through this aperture bestows health immunity for a year!

Subsequently, venture to Uji, renowned for its green tea production, and immerse yourself in the traditional allure of this southern Kyoto region. Revel in the harmony of the famed green tea plantations and the flourishing cherry blossoms, promising an enchanting and harmonious experience.

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8. Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, and Engyoji Temple Tour

Photo courtesy of Klook
Immerse yourself in a picturesque scene: envision the serene sway of a traditional wooden boat gliding along a castle moat, cherry blossom petals gently cascading into the water as you gaze skyward in wonder.

Embark on a journey west from Kobe along the coastline to witness Himeji Castle, one of Japan's finest preserved castles, which unfolds in all its glory during the enchanting sakura season.

This exclusive four-person tour offers an insider's perspective on the castle, as your English-speaking guide explains its history and construction.

Additionally, the excursion includes a visit to the serene Kokoen Garden, where you can relish a delightful Japanese lunch after a leisurely stroll through the meticulously landscaped grounds.

Concluding the tour is a visit to Engyoji Temple, a significant stop along a pilgrimage route spanning over 1500 years. This temple showcases the intricate artistry and architectural mastery of Buddhist temples in Japan, doubling as a filming location for the movie "The Last Samurai," adding an extra dimension to its cultural allure.

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9. Lake Biwa, Shirasu Shrine, and Old Bamboo Forest Tour

Photo courtesy of Klook
Embarking from either Kyoto or Osaka, travelers are treated to a unique exploration of Japan's seasonal beauty, particularly during the spring and fall.

The journey starts with a visit to the Miho Museum in Shiga. Established by Mihoko Koyama, the museum's collection boasts a rich array of Japanese art, spanning Shinto and Buddhist art, as well as tea ceremony utensils gathered over four decades.

An exquisite highlight of this museum during spring is the gleaming modern tunnel leading visitors to the cherry blossom garden. Passing by contemporary worship structures for Buddhist deities, visitors are guided to a splendid cherry tree at the pathway's end.

This magnificent tree, especially during the day, casts a radiant pink hue into the tunnel, creating a vivid ambiance that entices crowds of visitors annually to witness its enchanting allure.

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10. Amanohashidate and Ine Funaya One Day Tour

Photo courtesy of Klook
Many tourists exploring Kyoto overlook the fact that the region stretches to the Sea of Japan, where one can discover one of the most captivating sights in all of Japan.

Amanohashidate is a sandbar in Miyazu Bay adorned with dense forests, linking the mainland to an island in the bay. During spring, the mountain observation deck offers a breathtaking view of the sandbar ensconced by a serene grove of delicate pink cherry blossoms.

Travelers embarking on this journey from Osaka are privileged to witness one of Japan's top three most picturesque vistas, framed against the backdrop of captivating cherry blossom petals. It's a magical experience like no other.

Following this awe-inspiring spectacle, guests can indulge in a leisurely stroll through the charming fishing village of Ine, where they can absorb the essence of an idyllic seaside community that has preserved its traditional lifestyle for centuries.

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Enjoy Spring Day Trips from Osaka!

The vicinity surrounding Osaka boasts some of the most picturesque spots to admire cherry blossoms in all of Japan. Rich in historical significance, these locations seamlessly blend Japan's exquisite traditional architecture with stunning natural beauty.

Thus, if you desire to immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of this ephemeral season, akin to numerous generations who have gazed wistfully at the blossoming trees, the area surrounding Osaka undoubtedly offers an ideal setting.