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10 Less Crowded Cherry Blossom Spots Around Osaka
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Explore some of Osaka's lesser-known cherry blossom locations to enjoy the blooms at leisure, without the crowds. These 10 spots include historic castles, picturesque cherry blossom-lined corridors, beautiful temple gardens, and more!
Written by
Travel writer and assistant editor at MATCHA with extensive travel around the Osaka, Kyoto, and Wakayama areas. A Kansai insider who knows their Akashiyaki from their Takoyaki, Iain enjoys getting authentic stories from traditional craftspeople and interesting creators. Particularly fond of temples and shrines, Iain delves deep into the crossroads of tradition and modernity in his eight-plus years living and writing about Japan.
Imagine the thrill and excitement of being surrounded by cherry blossoms in Osaka. You’re ready to enjoy a delightful picnic under cherry blossom trees until you realize every spot as far as the eye can see is taken!
By taking the road less crowded, you’ll find spectacular locations that draw in less of a crowd but are nonetheless picturesque and beautiful to see.
10 Less Crowded Cherry Blossom Spots Around Osaka
1. Katsuoji Temple
2. Utsubo Park
3. Kyuhoji Ryokuchi Green Space
4. Shukugawa Park in Kobe
5. Sumaura Sanjo Park
6. Ono City Cherry Blossom Corridor
7. Himeji Castle
8. Kimiidera Temple
9. Wakayama Castle
10. Taimadera Temple
Read also
1. Katsuoji Temple
Photo by Pixta
Located in Minoh City, Katsuoji is a Buddhist temple famous for its beautiful scenery during the spring and the fall.
During the spring, Katsuoji plays host to a number of beautiful cherry trees, with the most spectacular being the large weeping sakura trees that cascade over the front vermilion gate of the temple.
Its popular claim to fame is that the temple’s name includes the Japanese character for “winning,” making it known as the place where winners go to keep on winning! This is exemplified by the incredible number of Daruma dolls (good luck charms) that are purchased and brought back to the temple upon the completion of a goal.
To reach Katsuoji, your best option is to take the Hankyu Line from Umeda Station and then transfer to the branch line heading to Minoh. A bus from there should take you to a stop just before the temple grounds.
2. Utsubo Park
Photo by Pixta
Tucked away inside the financial and business heart of Osaka is a calm haven called Utsubo Park. With around 9.7 hectares of space, the park itself isn’t expansive, but it is filled with a variety of botanical wonders.
Its oval rose garden, the oldest in Osaka, borders a small lawn area, with a narrow stream running through its center. During the cherry blossom season, this space becomes one of the most popular spots in Osaka to view these beautiful blooms.
The park is renowned for a cherry blossom species prized for its deep pink color, often blooming earlier than other locations.
The most convenient access point is from Hommachi Station on the Yotsubashi Subway Line, just two stops from Nishi-Umeda Station.
Utsubo Park
Location: Osaka, Nishi Ward, Utsubohonmachi MAP
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3. Kyuhoji Ryokuchi Green Space
Photo by Pixta
The second of the expansive green spaces highlighted in this article, the Kyuhoji Ryokuchi Green Space showcases a variety of flowers throughout the year, making it a paradise for visitors who appreciate all things botanical and natural.
During spring, cherry blossom trees adorn the park's numerous pathways, enhancing the space with their delicate pink petals.
To access the Kyuhoji Green Space, visitors can utilize either the JR Yamatoji Line or the Kintentsu Osaka Line.
Kyuhoji Ryokuchi Green Space
Location: Osaka, Yao, Nishikyuhoji 323 MAP
4. Shukugawa Park in Kobe
Photo by Pixta
For an authentic cherry blossom viewing experience with a local touch, consider visiting Shukugawa Park in the Kobe area.
This park holds a prime position for cherry blossom viewing in Kobe and is a favorite spot among locals and nearby university students. A key attraction of the park is the cherry trees that gracefully hang over a picturesque riverbed, complemented by stone steps allowing visitors to traverse from one side of the park to the other.
Featuring ample space for a cozy picnic, the park is perfect for indulging in the traditional delight of Japanese sweets and snacks while admiring the falling petals.
Accessing Shukugawa Park is straightforward—simply take the local Hankyu Line from Kobe Sannomiya and alight at the Shukugawa stop.
Read also
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5. Sumaura Sanjo Park
Photo by Pixta
In times past, this location was famous for being a battlefield for samurai clashes. Nowadays, visitors can relish the scenic views from this mountainside and admire the beautiful pink cherry blossoms in full bloom.
Sumaura Park is an excellent spot to relax and take in panoramic vistas extending to Awaji Island, as well as to appreciate the approximately 3,200 black pine and Yoshino cherry trees that embellish the park's green expanse.
The park is conveniently located near several amusement attractions and a quaint sea fishing spot for visitors to enjoy. It is also a favorite among hikers as it marks the beginning of a trail leading to one of the most stunning nighttime scenery points on Mt. Rokko.
To reach Sumaura Park, take the ropeway that ascends to the observation deck. The most convenient way to access the ropeway is via the Sanyo Dentetsu Line, which will take you to a station bearing the same name as the park.
Hotels near Sumaura Yamagami Amusement Park
6. Ono City Cherry Blossom Corridor (Hyogo)
Photo by Pixta
Walking through a cherry blossom-lined corridor along the banks of a stunning river in Hyogo Prefecture is akin to fulfilling a dream!
In Ono City, a picturesque corridor has been established by planting four different cherry tree varieties in rows, crafting one of Japan's longest stretches of cherry blossoms.
The Ono City Cherry Blossom Corridor, also known as the Ono Sakura Dzutsumi Corridor, extends for 4 km along this pathway. Visitors can delight in a spectrum of pink hues, from the soft, almost white blooms of Somei Yoshino cherries to the vivid weeping cherry blossom types.
To reach this enchanting corridor, take the JR Sannomiya Line and embark on a leisurely 20-minute walk from Ao Station.
Ono City Cherry Blossom Corridor
Location: Hyogo, Ono, Suminagacho MAP
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7. Himeji Castle Area
Photo by Pixta
Resembling a majestic white crane spreading its wings, the castle in Himeji City gracefully presides over the castle grounds. During springtime, it rests upon a breathtaking carpet of soft pink cherry blossoms that blanket the park grounds, offering an iconic glimpse of historical Japan.
Visitors can experience a sense of being modern feudal lords as they gaze upon over 1,000 cherry trees adorning the castle grounds, with the option to enjoy a traditional boat ride along the castle moat.
You can opt to explore the castle grounds for free or pay an entrance fee for access to the inner grounds and the castle's interior, including the splendid Kokoen Garden.
Himeji Castle is conveniently located just a 20-minute walk from Himeji Station on the JR line and is easily accessible via the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen service.
Hotels near Himeji Castle
8. Kimiidera Temple
Photo by Pixta
While many visitors immediately think of Kyoto and Kobe when considering destinations near Osaka, it's worth considering Wakayama as well. A brief train journey on the Nankai Line transports visitors to a scenic coastline and a temple revered for its cherry blossom viewing, a tradition passed down through generations.
Close to the city of Wakayama, Kimiidera Temple is renowned for its early blooming cherry blossoms, signaling the start of the season in the Osaka region.
Images of the temple often depict the traditional worship hall adorned with delicate pastel pink blossoms as visitors ascend the stairs. One could argue that the temple serves as a natural forecaster for the cherry blossom season across Western Japan.
The most convenient route to Kii Miidera is via the JR Kinokuni Line, which features a dedicated station in close proximity to the temple grounds.
Kimiidera Temple
Location: 1201 Kimiidera, Wakayama, 641-0012 MAP
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9. Wakayama Castle
Photo by Pixta
A beautifully restored castle paired with a magnificent Japanese garden forms a stunning setting for the cherry blossoms of Wakayama!
Wakayama Castle, constructed during the era of one of Japan's renowned unifying warlords, presents a striking sight for visitors.
In spring, throughout the day, the sweet fragrances of flowers waft through the air while the castle tower is enveloped by thick clouds of pink blossoms. By night, the cherry blossoms are illuminated, crafting a magical and ethereal ambiance.
To reach Wakayama Castle, the most convenient method is to board a local city bus from JR Wakayama Station, with the Koen-mae bus stop located nearby.
Hotels near Wakayama Castle
10. Taimadera Temple
Photo by Pixta
A historic temple nestled in a serene corner of Nara unveils one of Japan's most exquisite gardens and showcases Buddhist artistry.
Taimadera, an ancient Buddhist temple steeped in pilgrimage tradition, boasts a captivating garden and a 300-year-old weeping cherry blossom tree. The meticulously tended gardens offer visitors a peaceful and revitalizing ambiance.
Beyond its natural splendor, the temple shelters the sole pair of intact original pagodas dating back to 710 AD and a well-preserved Buddhist mandala, symbolizing the cosmic order.
The temple is most conveniently reached by a stroll from Taimadera Station on the Kintetsu Minami Osaka Line.
Taimadera Temple
Location: Nara, Katsuragi, Taima 1263 MAP
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Enjoy the Cherry Blossoms around Osaka
From scenic castles to serene temples, cherry blossoms are adored by all, and there is no shortage of locations to revel in their beauty. Osaka serves as an excellent starting point to explore these sights.
If you are making your second or even third visit to Japan and seeking a fresh destination, consider these ten hidden gems for your next adventure in Japan.
Read also
Main image by Pixta
Travel writer and assistant editor at MATCHA with extensive travel around the Osaka, Kyoto, and Wakayama areas. A Kansai insider who knows their Akashiyaki from their Takoyaki, Iain enjoys getting authentic stories from traditional craftspeople and interesting creators. Particularly fond of temples and shrines, Iain delves deep into the crossroads of tradition and modernity in his eight-plus years living and writing about Japan.
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