2025 Osaka Cherry Blossom Forecast: A Comprehensive Guide to Early Blooming Spots and Top Hanami Locations

Weathernews Has Finally Announced the ” Cherry Blossom Forecast” for 2025!When will you get to enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms this year?

Osaka is home to countless hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spots! Before planning your hanami outing, check out the bloom forecast and recommended early-blooming locations to get a head start on the arrival of spring. Why not start preparing to make the most of this year’s stunning cherry blossom season?

●Recommended for Cherry Blossom Picnic! Picnic Spots in Osaka

2025.02.26

2025.03.04

Enjoy a Picnic in Osaka Without the Hassle! 6 Must-Visit Spots for a Perfect Picnic Experience

As Spring Approaches, Don't You Just Want to Go for a Picnic? Osa...

The Sakura Featured in It’ ta de’s Logo!
When Will It Bloom in 2025?

When Will Cherry Blossoms Bloom in Kansai?

The cherry blossoms in Kansai are expected to bloom around the average time in 2025, similar to 2024, or potentially even earlier. This winter, the northern regions have reportedly seen significant progress in the “breaking of dormancy” for cherry blossom buds, while the southern regions have lagged slightly behind. However, with temperatures forecasted to return to average levels from late January 2025, dormancy is expected to break, paving the way for the blossoms to bloom.

But what exactly is “breaking dormancy” (kyuumin dappa) when it comes to cherry blossoms? While it may sound technical, it’s actually quite simple! Cherry blossom buds require exposure to cold winter temperatures for a certain period to prepare for blooming in spring. This phase of rest is known as “dormancy,” and when this period ends, it’s called “breaking dormancy.” As the cold days persist, the buds awaken from their dormant state. When warmer temperatures arrive, the blossoms begin to bloom, signaling the much-anticipated arrival of spring.

Get ready to enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms in Kansai this spring as nature comes to life!

Here’s the Cherry Blossom Forecast for Kansai in 2025.

※Please note that the cherry blossom blooming dates may vary depending on the viewing spots.
※This is a forecast as of February 13, 2025.
※Source：Weather News

Here are some of Osaka’s early cherry blossom viewing spots!

Spring in Osaka gradually warms up from March to May, allowing you to feel the changing seasons. By mid-March, the temperatures are already spring-like, and at some of the famous cherry blossom spots, you can even enjoy early blooms! Here, we’ll introduce some of Osaka’s early cherry blossom viewing spots.

Sayamaike Park (Sayama City)

Sayamaike Park, located in Sayama City, is famous for being one of the earliest spots for cherry blossom viewing in Osaka. It has been selected as one of “Japan’s 100 Historical Parks,” and around 1,300 cherry trees are planted around the Sayamaike area. Among the early-blooming varieties, the Koshino-higan blossoms start blooming in late March, making it the perfect spot for those who want to enjoy sakura at the earliest opportunity.

Additionally, the cherry blossom tunnel, a popular photo spot, attracts many visitors every year who come to witness the breathtaking scenery. This makes Sayamaike Park not only a great place to see early-blooming sakura but also a popular destination for photography enthusiasts.

Osaka Castle Park (Chūō Ward, Osaka City)

Osaka Castle Park, a vast park, is home to about 3,000 cherry trees. Although there is an entrance fee, the Nishinomaru Garden, in particular, features around 300 cherry trees, mainly of the Somei Yoshino variety, making it a famous spot for hanami (flower viewing). During the blooming period, the park also offers nighttime illuminations, attracting large crowds of visitors for both daytime and nighttime cherry blossom viewing. In addition to early-blooming cherry trees, late-blooming Yaezakura (double-flowered cherry) trees are also planted, allowing visitors to enjoy the cherry blossom season until the very end.

Recommended Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Osaka

Osaka has many famous cherry blossom viewing spots! Here, we introduce four of the most recommended ones!

Mint Bureau Cherry Blossom Corridor (Osaka City, Kita Ward)

When thinking of famous cherry blossom spots in Osaka, the Mint Bureau often comes to mind! Here, the “Sakura no Toorinuke” (Cherry Blossom Corridor) has been a spring tradition for over 130 years. The cherry trees that line the approximately 560-meter path are elegant and definitely worth seeing. One recommendation from the traveling cat is the “Otemari” cherry blossom, where flowers bloom densely at the tips of the branches, forming a shape like a large handball, which is simply adorable! We expect it to bloom in 2025 as well, so be sure to look out for it! In addition, around 140 varieties of cherry blossoms, mainly double-flowered sakura, bloom here, so make sure to fully enjoy the flower viewing. Please note that the Sakura no Toorinuke requires prior registration, so be sure to check the Mint Bureau’s website for the application details.

Expo ’70 Commemorative Park (Suita City)

Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, which is one of Japan’s “100 Famous Cherry Blossom Spots,” is home to approximately 5,000 cherry trees in full bloom. With its vast grounds, visitors can enjoy cherry blossom viewing in a relaxed atmosphere, making it one of the most popular spots for hanami in Osaka. In addition to cherry blossoms, the park also offers the opportunity to enjoy other spring flowers. The park features various cherry tree varieties, including Somei Yoshino, Yamazakura, Yaezakura, and Shidarezakura, and a must-see highlight is viewing the cherry blossoms alongside the iconic Tower of the Sun.

Tennoji Park (Tenshiba) (Tennoji Ward, Osaka City)

Tennoji Park (Tenshiba) is a popular spot for cherry blossoms, located right in the heart of the bustling city, with easy access from all Tennoji stations. The park features a wide lawn area where you can lay out a picnic sheet and enjoy the cherry blossoms in a relaxed atmosphere.

The Tenshiba entrance area of Tennoji Park is especially known for its stylish cafes, some of which offer picnic sets for purchase. Leisure sheets are also available for rent, which is another reason why this spot is so popular.

It’s just a short walk from It’ ta de ChouChou, so if you’re staying nearby, be sure to take a stroll to Tenshiba and enjoy the cherry blossoms!

Utsubo Park (Osaka City, Nishi Ward)

Utsubo Park, located in the heart of Osaka City, features around 130 cherry trees that bloom along the park’s spacious lawns and walkways. Visitors can enjoy hanami while dining at nearby cafes or simply relax in the tranquil surroundings. Despite being situated in a business district, the park offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, making it a popular cherry blossom viewing spot.

The 2025 cherry blossom season is finally approaching, and we can look forward to the arrival of spring!

Osaka offers a variety of spots where you can enjoy cherry blossoms, from early to late bloomers! Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to appreciate the sakura amidst the city or a spacious park to relax and have a picnic, you might find it hard to choose where to go.

Make sure to visit one of these wonderful cherry blossom spots with friends, family, or a partner to embrace the beauty of spring! Let’s fully enjoy this season and let the sakura soothe our hearts once again!