Sakura-Matsuri, or cherry blossom festivals, are a quintessential part of spring in Japan. These festivals often include hanami (flower viewing), outdoor picnics under the cherry blossom trees, nighttime illuminations, cultural performances, and food stalls. Note that there is no set date for the festivals, as they depend on the tree’s bloom cycle, but they usually occur from late March to early May. Here are some notable cherry blossom festivals in Kyoto and Osaka!
Contents
Kyoto
1. Nijo Castle Sakura Festival
2. Hoshinoya Kyoto in Arashiyama
Osaka
1. Imperial Hotel Osaka (Okawa River)
2. Hirakata Park
3. Takeda Castle
Kyoto
1. Nijo Castle Sakura Festival
| Address: 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301, Japan (Google Maps)
| Festival Period: Friday, March 24 – Sunday, April 13
Instagram에서 이 게시물 보기
The Nijo Castle Sakura Festival, also known as “NAKED meets Nijo-jo Castle 2025 Sakura” is a cherry blossom viewing event held at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nijo Castle. Key features of the festival include illuminations of 300 cherry trees, light projections that feature glowing cherry blossoms drifting across the gate along with atmospheric music, and food stalls offering traditional Japanese cuisine and drinks.
📌Recommended Experiences:
2. Hoshinoya Kyoto in Arashiyama
| Address: 11-2 Arashiyama Genrokuzancho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-0007, Japan (Google Maps)
| Festival Period: Tuesday, March 25 – Wednesday, April 9
Instagram에서 이 게시물 보기
Located in the scenic area of Arashiyama, Hoshinoya Kyoto, a hotel that is one of Japan’s Top 100 cherry blossom spots, offers a special experience that allows visitors to enjoy the cherry blossoms in three unique settings. You can choose from a private terrace where you can enjoy a special dinner made with seasonal ingredients, a private wood deck where a special breakfast is served, and a tranquil private boat that makes the cherry blossoms reflect beautifully against the water.
📌Recommended Experiences:
Osaka
1. Imperial Hotel Osaka (Okawa River)
| Address: 1 Chome-8-50 Tenmabashi, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0042, Japan (Google Maps)
Instagram에서 이 게시물 보기
With a view of the Okawa River, which is bordered by 4,800 cherry trees in full bloom, the Imperial Hotel in Osaka is a great place to see the blossoms. In addition to taking a 25-minute river cruise that passes by well-known locations like Kema Sakuranomiya Park and the Osaka Mint Bureau, you can reserve a room that faces the river, which will allow you to see them all just outside your window. A unique cuisine with a sakura theme is also available at the hotel, adding seasonal delicacies to the dining experience.
2. Hirakata Park (~Sunday, April 6)
| Address: 1-1 Hirakatakoencho, Hirakata, Osaka 573-0054, Japan (Google Maps)
Instagram에서 이 게시물 보기
Hirakata Park is a popular amusement park with 300 cherry blossom trees that dot the grounds during the spring. Not only can you view them while walking around the park, but you can also go on rides like the Red Falcon roller coaster, which passes right through the blossoms. For the perfect photo, head to the Ferris wheel area, which is surrounded by falling petals that form a gorgeous pink carpet.
3. Takeda Castle
| Address: Japan, 〒669-5252 Hyogo, Asago, Wadayamacho Takeda, 古城山169番地 (Google Maps)
| Opening Hours: Daily 08:00-18:00
Instagram에서 이 게시물 보기
Takeda Castle, also known as the “Castle in the Sky”, becomes a picturesque location during cherry blossom season with its scenic beauty. The castle ruins, which are situated 353 meters above sea level, provide a stunning backdrop for cherry blossoms, with the combination of ancient stone walls and sakura creating a captivating scene.
📌Check out more things to do in Osaka:
📌Book spring day trips from Osaka or Kyoto:
📌Check out spring special tours in Japan:
📌Read more blogs about spring in Japan:
- Spring in Japan: Cherry Blossom Japan 2025 Forecast
- Top 5 Cherry Blossom Spots in Osaka 2025
- Best 7 Spots in Kyoto for Cherry Blossoms 2025
- Best Spring Day Trip Destinations from Osaka 2025
Whether you’re strolling through Kyoto’s streets or enjoying Osaka’s vibrant parks, sakura season is a sight to behold. Ready to experience the best cherry blossom festivals in Japan? Book your trip now on Trazy.com, Your Travel Shop for Asia!
