Springtime is in full swing so ditch those coats and come explore this beautiful city in Japan. We’ve assembled five events happening this month that encapsulate the diverse culture in Osaka, from flower-viewing festivals to seasonal treats, roller coaster rides, and an art exhibition. You’re sure to find the right event just for you.
Nemophila fields – Photo Credit: Nguyen TP Hai on Unsplash
Nemophila Festival
Did you miss all of the cherry blossom viewing parties? Don’t worry we’ve got you covered. Check out The One Million Blue Eyes Festival also known as Nemophila Festival. Rivaling the beauty of the cherry blossom, nemophila or ‘baby blue eyes’ blooms throughout April overlooking the beautiful Osaka Bay. While basking in the enchanting visions of the fields of azure, don’t miss out on seasonal products such as cookies, sodas, and ice cream also now featuring blue coloring.
Dates: Throughout April to the first week of May
Location: We recommend Osaka Maishima Seaside Park
Start/End Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM weekdays, 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM weekends
Fees: ¥1,500 for Adults and ¥500 for Children aged 4 to 12
Website: https://seasidepark.maishima.com.e.agi.hp.transer.com/nemophila/
Washu Fes – Photo Credit: Sake Fes
Washu Fes
Washu Fes is a sake festival that celebrates seasonal Japanese sake, food, and culture. Held every spring, summer, and autumn, Washu Fes brings traditional sake breweries and sake enthusiasts together. With over 150 different types of sake from 25 breweries across Japan, you’re sure to find a flavor to your liking. Alongside the extensive selection of sake will be several dishes prepared with local ingredients that pair excellently with sake. There will also be live performances of calligraphy, shinobue (Japanese flute), and taiko (Japanese drums).
Dates: April 13th – 14th
Location: OSAKA BAY TOWER Atrium
Start/End Time: 12:00 PM – 2:10 PM, 3:00 PM – 5:10 PM both days
Fees: ¥3,300 per person
Website: https://passmarket.yahoo.co.jp/event/show/detail/02gha59bnhj31.html
Universal Studios Japan Hogwarts Castle – Photo Credit: Soyoung Han on Unsplash
Universal Studios Japan – XR Rides
Built in 2001, Universal Studios Japan was the first of its kind outside of the US, boasting several attractions across 10 different areas of the park such as; Super Nintendo World, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and the Land of Oz just to name a few. One such attraction called XR Rides marries virtual reality and your inner daredevil. Parkgoers are set on a unique VR experience while riding a roller coaster. The XR ride features Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Mugen Train experience, certainly a must for any anime fan.
Dates: Featured XR Rides February 1st – June 9th
Location: Universal Studios Japan
Start/End Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Fees: ¥8,600 for Adults and ¥5,600 for Children (4-11)
Website: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us
Strawberry Dessert Buffet – Photo Credit: Anacrowne osaka
Strawberry Fair
Do you have a sweet tooth and a love for strawberries, well this is the perfect event for you. With a whopping 300 different types of strawberries harvested every year, at strawberry fairs, many shops, restaurants, and hotels select the best variations to create a variety of seasonal desserts, such as; Strawberry and prosciutto ham on croissant, Strawberry and Framboise Mousse and Strawberry Tiramisu just to name a few. Welcome spring the right way in this celebration of one of the most colorful and delicious fruits Japan has to offer.
Dates: January 15th – May 7th
Location: Crowne Plaza – ANA Osaka, an IHG Hotel
Start/End Time: Weekdays: No time limit, Weekends & Holidays 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Fees: ¥5500 Adults, ¥3000 Children (6-12),
Website: https://www.anacrowneplaza-osaka.jp/en/dessert-lunch-buffet-strawberry
Claude Monet – Photo Credit: Public Domain
Claude Monet: Journey to Series Paintings
For our art connoisseurs, the Nakanoshima Museum of Art will now be showcasing “Journey to Series”, an exhibition following the career of prominent impressionist painter Claude Monet. This exhibition marks the 150th anniversary of the “First Impressionist Exhibition” held in Paris in 1874. “Journey to Series” constitutes works from over 40 museums, both within Japan and overseas, briefly capturing the breath of Monet’s nearly 2000 painting catalog.
Dates: February 10th – May 6th
Location: Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka
Start/End Time: 10 AM – 6 PM
Fees: ¥2500 Adults
¥1500 University Student High School Students
¥500 Elementary and Junior High School Students
Website: https://nakka-art.jp/en/exhibition-post/monet-2023-en
From the beauty of the nemophila festival to the seasonal delicacies of the Washu and Strawberry festivals, the excitement of XR Rides at Universal Studios Japan, and Monet’s breathtaking artwork, Osaka offers a variety of fun experiences to enjoy in the season. With the rising temperatures and the city’s flora at the peak of its bloom, Osaka is the best place to be in April. So make sure to book your visit now, and begin to make memories that are sure to last you a lifetime. We look forward to seeing you there!
Feature photo credit: Roméo A. on Unsplash
Want to have more fun on your trip to Osaka? Join a culinary tour and discover the city as a local!
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