While February saw a glimpse of the plum blossoms beginning to bloom in Osaka, late March is forecasted to see the start of Japan’s stunning cherry blossoms, painting the city and the parks pink. You may notice the weather is starting to be less chilly, but you will find that there are still days you’ll want your winter coat. With Osaka finally welcoming Spring, let’s explore some activities and things to see to enjoy a Japanese spring to the fullest.
Nishinomaru Garden Illuminations at the Spring Festival – Photo Credit: youinjapan
Osaka Castle Spring Festival
If you still need your cherry blossom fix, Osaka Castle, while having many plum blossoms and cherry blossom trees, conveniently holds a spring festival where you can catch these flowers in bloom. From late February until mid-April, what is regarded as one of the most popular Sakura-themed events happens right at Osaka’s very popular landmarks. With about 300 cherry blossom trees, food trucks around the park, and even an opportunity to take a boat cruise, this festival is one you won’t want to miss if you’re searching for the perfect spring activity in Japan.
If you attend, you’ll find other activities such as the Illumination at Nishinomaru Garden, the Osaka Castle Forest Barbeque, and an event called the Special Opening of the Turrets (the small towers on the building) of Osaka Castle.
Dates: Late Feb – Mid Apr
Website: https://www.osakacastlepark.jp/springfes/en/
Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan
Price: Entry is free, however certain events may have admission fees.
Osaka’s Sumo Wrestlers – Photo Credit: japanistry
Grand Sumo Tournament
Sumo holds great cultural importance in Japan, and in the springtime in Osaka, those traveling to the city will have the opportunity to witness the energetic event that is sumo wrestling. This event is a part of the honbasho, known as six annual tournaments, the March Grand Tournament making the second of the series. Many matches will occur throughout the day, so you can come and go from the arena to watch whenever you like. You can begin searching for tickets starting from February 8th as tickets will start selling online at that time.
Dates: March 9th – March 23rd
Website: http://www.sumo.or.jp/En/
Address: 3 Chome-4-36 Nanbanaka, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0011, Japan
Price: Arena (3,500 yen), Tatami seating (44,202 yen), Class A seating (16,500 yen)
Osaka’s 2025 Strawberry Festival – Photo Credit: prtimes
Osaka Strawberry Festival
What would the start of spring be without strawberries? If interested, you can participate in the 10-day festival that showcases all different ways to enjoy strawberries in Japan, a very popular fruit that has seemed to trend over the years here. Some of the treats you’ll find at this event consist of, but are not limited to: strawberry daifuku, churros, parfaits, and even dessert pizzas topped with this sweet fruit. The festival also has merchandise such as strawberry keychains and events you can enjoy while you’re there!
Dates: March 14th – 23rd
Website: https://www.ktv.jp/event/ichigo/
Address: 2-chōme-1-7 Ōgimachi, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0025, Japan
Price: 450 yen (paid in advance) 600 yen (price at the door)
Osaka’s Ekiden Course – Photo Credit: holospace
Osaka Ekiden 2025
The EXPO Ekiden is a Japanese original sporting event which consists of a long relay race, competed in teams. Quite different from other events available in Osaka, the Ekiden makes for an exciting event to watch competitors at a very close distance from the road, and anticipate who will win the long race. What makes this event attract so many viewers is the fact that the expo permits college teams to compete as well amongst professional teams– bringing out the competitiveness in everyone racing. Even better, the race starts at the Expo ‘70 Commemorative Park which was mentioned earlier in this article as a popular sakura spot, even though sakura tend to bloom in late March, this destination still counts as a great spot to enjoy both a high-energy race and the beginning of the budding sakura flowers.
Dates: March 16th
Website: https://www.expo-ekiden.com/
Address: Senribanpakukoen, Suita, Osaka 565-0826, Japan
Price: Free
Punkspring Performers This 2025 – Photo Credit: punkspring
Punkspring Osaka
Those who are into punk music may be familiar with the popular event Punkspring. While in previous years it has been held in Tokyo, this year this huge music event will be held in Osaka along with Tokyo, perfect for 70s-2000s music lovers who are traveling. If you’re into the punk and emo music scene, this exciting and electrifying music festival is the one for you, hosting many popular bands and groups from mostly America and the UK.
Dates: March 29th
Website: https://www.punkspring.com/english
Address: 1 Chome-5-102 Nankokita, Suminoe Ward, Osaka, 559-0034, Japan
Price: 10,000 – 15,000 yen
Many Participating in Hanami in front of Osaka Castle – Photo Credit: japan-guide
Hanami
If you travel to Osaka in early March, you may be disappointed to find that the cherry blossoms are not blooming yet. This is why it is recommended to follow forecasts for these blooming dates, as it is said to begin in late March and plan accordingly. Thus, a very popular celebration in Japan is called hanami, or cherry blossom viewing. This is when companies, friends, family, or couples go out to parks with cherry blossoms and usually enjoy a picnic or some time in the sun and nice weather. If you plan to be in Osaka during this time, you’ll be able to experience a beautiful and fun part of Japanese culture from a grand selection of spots. Even if having a picnic isn’t your cup of tea, these sites still make perfect spots for a simple stroll through the falling pink petals. Now, let’s take a look at some beautiful locations to experience hanami.
Cherry Blossoms Lining the Okawa River – Photo Credit: insideosaka
Kema Sakuranomiya Park
Kema Sakuranomiya’s Park takes the cake with its stretching paths all lined up with cherry blossom trees following the Okawa River. This spot is recommended for those who are looking for quite a stroll, as the path goes for 4 kilometers in total and takes about 40 minutes to complete. With the sounds of the water right by your side, and the distant Osaka buildings in the distance, this location is recommended to those who want a peaceful getaway, lost in the tunnel of cherry blossoms. Another great feature of this park is that you can enjoy the cherry blossom viewing cruise along the Okawa River from March 26th until April 10th. (Reservations required.)
Dates: Late March – Early April
Times: Open 24 Hours
Website: https://www.osakapark.osgf.or.jp/kema_sakuranomiya/
Address: Nakanocho, Miyakojima Ward, Osaka, 534-0027, Japan
Price: Free
Settsu Gorge Park View – Photo Credit: takatsuki-kankou
Settsu Gorge Park
If you’re looking for a typical picnic spot under pink petals the Settsu Gorge Park has a good amount of flat land perfect for you and some friends or family to lay out some tarp and enjoy a meal in the spring weather. There are various recommended spots in this park, along with different types of cherry blossoms. There are weeping cherry blossoms at the entrance of the park, and even a square with almost 300 pink sakura trees. If you’re feeling hungry during your Osaka trip, take a stop at the locally named “Cherry Blossom Park” and enjoy some seasonal spring foods and drinks or a picnic of your choice.
Time: Open 24 Hours
Website: https://www.city.takatsuki.osaka.jp/soshiki/54/5519.html
Address: Japan, 〒569-1036 Osaka, Takatsuki, 大字原地内ほか
Price: Free
The Sakura Tunnel at Expo ‘70 – Photo Credit: expo70-park
Expo ’70 Sakura Expo
Osaka’s Sakura Expo is regarded as one of Japan’s top 100 cherry blossom locations, where you will find an overwhelming 5,500 sakura trees, and be able to participate in many sakura-themed events. Some of these events include a sakura food court where you can experience various Japanese food items, a chance to sit under the sakura trees and watch street performances, witness a tea ceremony, night illuminations of the cherry blossoms, a craft festival, and much more. This hanami spot is highly recommended to everyone, but especially those looking for all things sakura.
Dates: Mid-March – Early April
Time: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Website: https://japancheapo.com/events/expo-70-sakura-expo/
Address: Senribanpakukoen, Suita, Osaka 565-0826, Japan
Price: Free
Enjoy Osaka to the Fullest This Spring Season
Osaka is starting to warm up day by day, more tourists are starting to come, and various spring events are popping up all over the city. From music, sweet treats, Japanese hanami culture and more, this blog will help you prepare for what to expect to find in Osaka this March. While you’re looking for ways to spend your time in the city, why not also check out the Daytime Hanami Tour with Arigato Travel? What better time to visit during a time when the lively city welcomes spring with its beautiful cherry blossoms, festivals, and traditions?
Featured Photo Credit: Sean Pavone
