The Best Places To Have A Hanami Picnic In Osaka

The appearance of striking pink petals signals the start of spring in Japan. Cherry blossom season, also known as hanami (which means “flower viewing”), begins at the end of March, and the number one activity during this time is to simply take in the views. Combine the site-seeing with copious amounts of eating and drinking for a truly good time at any of these top spots for picnics among the cherry blossoms in Osaka.

1. Expo ‘70 Commemorative Park

Park

Osaka Expo Park, as it’s known locally, is a haven of activity all year, but especially during cherry blossom season. Originally the site of the 1970 World Exposition, today the park is home to gardens, sports facilities, museums, the famous Tower of the Sun, and plenty of cherry blossom trees, which draw springtime crowds from all over. Have a picnic surrounded by the flowers, and then enjoy the swan-shaped paddle boats.

2. Osaka Castle Park

Museum, Park

Few places rival the scenic beauty of Osaka Castle Park on any given day, but during hanami season, it’s truly something special. Hundreds upon hundreds of sakura (cherry blossoms) trees cover the grounds of this massive park that houses the historic Osaka Castle. The pink flowers frame the towering fortress and make the park look like something out of a traditional Japanese painting. The spacious grounds easily accommodate the hordes of spectators who come to picnic and enjoy the sakura in early spring. There are also food stalls and other attractions for additional entertainment.

3. Kema Sakuranomiya Park

Park

In case the name doesn’t give it away, Sakuranomiya is the place to see cherry blossoms in Osaka. Thousands of trees line both sides of the scenic O River, and there is plenty of green space to set up a picnic or barbecue and hang out, which they do in droves this time of year. There is even a man-made beach to enjoy while there. Although there isn’t much else to do in Sakuranomiya, the cherry blossoms are reason enough to make the excursion.

5. Tsurumi Ryokuchi Expo ‘90 Commemorative Park

Park

Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park’s main claim to fame is flowers, so it would stand to reason that the grounds would thrive during cherry blossom season. Originally the site of the 1990 International Garden and Greenery Expo, the park has remained home to a variety of exotic flora, as well as the largest greenhouse in the nation. There is a lot to do at the park, and there is even a restaurant, if you’d rather pick up your picnic when you arrive. Head across the grounds to have your picnic among the cherry trees, and be sure to check out the traditional Japanese tea house when you’re finished.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.