[2025] The best time to see flowers is from April to May! 11 spots to enjoy flowers in Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe area)!

Spring is the season when all the plants and flowers that have been sleeping begin to move at once. Why don’t you go out to see colorful plants and flowers that give you a warm spring feeling? Here are some spots where you can enjoy flowers and plants in Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe.   -INDEX- [Nemophila] Osaka Maishima Seaside Park, Osaka [Poppy] Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, Osaka [Aomomiji] Minoh Park, Osaka [Yamabuki] Matsuo-taisha Shrine, Kyoto [Kirishima Azalea] Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine, Kyoto [Peony] Otokunidera, Kyoto [Water Lily] Ryoanji Temple, Kyoto [Wisteria flowers] Nakayamadera, Takarazuka [Azalea] Sorakuen Garden, Kobe [Rose] Aramaki Rose Park, Itami [Japanese Primrose]Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, Kobe Nemophila is a small, lovely flower of clear blue. It is a popular flower in recent years because of its spectacular view of the whole area spreading out like a blue carpet.   About 1 million nemophila plants are in full bloom on an approximately 44,000 m2 site along the sea overlooking the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge. On Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays, the opening hours are extended so that visitors can enjoy the orange flowers and the setting sun over the nemophila fields. There will also be limited-edition gourmet foods that can only be enjoyed here. The most popular item is the soft-serve ice cream, which is a lovely pale blue color like the nemophila flowers. It is recommended to take a picture of the soft-serve ice cream with the nemophila field in the background. The “Kitchen Car Fest in Maishima” will be held at the same time in the park. About 15 kitchen cars from all over Japan will gather to offer visitors the opportunity to taste a variety of Japanese gourmet foods. There is also an area in the park where visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms and tulips with nemophila, so if you are coming to Japan in spring, be sure to visit this area.   Nemophila Festival: 2025 has been cancelled due to the Osaka-Kansai Expo, and will be held again in 2026. Usual viewing time: early April to early May   Poppy is a member of the poppy family that has long been cultivated for ornamental and medicinal purposes. The seeds are also used in cooking.   The Expo ’70 Park’s Shizen Bunka-en (Nature Park) and Hana-no-oka (Flower Hill) are decorated with approximately 380,000 poppies. The contrast of colors between the yellow and orange poppies and the fresh blue nemophila can also be enjoyed.   Usual viewing time: early April to early May Aomomiji refers to the leaves of maple trees that turn from young leaves in spring to increasingly darker green. You can enjoy the fresh and crisp leaves of ao-momiji until they turn red in the fall. Minoh Park is famous for its autumn leaves, but it is also very beautiful in the fresh green season. Enjoy forest bathing surrounded by the sparkling green maples in the sunlight while listening to the murmuring of a mountain stream and the chirping of wild birds.   Usual viewing time: Late April to late May ▼Check this article▼ 8 recommended gourmet restaurants in Minoh Waterfall! Cafes & Shops to stop by for sightseeing Note on how to get to Minoh Waterfall! Points that international travelers should know before going there Yamabuki is a deciduous shrub in the rose family with beautiful, almost orange-yellow flowers. The flower has been familiar to the Japanese people since ancient times.   Matsuo-taisha Shrine, known as a place of famous water, has about 3,000 yamabuki trees, which turn the shrine grounds yellow. The Yamabuki Festival is held every year when the flowers are at their best.   Usual viewing time: mid-April to early May It is very familiar in Japan and is often planted as a roadside tree or garden tree. It is loved by many people for its very vivid flowers.   Vivid Kirishima azaleas are in full bloom at Hachijogaike Pond at Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine. The crimson-tinged path surrounded by azalea plantings more than 2 meters high is magnificent.   Usual viewing time: Late April – early May The peony is a plant that symbolizes beauty and has long been used as a design for crafts and paintings. It produces beautiful and large flowers like roses.   There are 2,000 peony plants of about 30 varieties at Otokunidera Temple. Protected by white Japanese umbrellas for sun protection, the bright pink and red buttons bloom in large profusion.   Usual viewing time: mid-April to early May Water lilies are striking aquatic plants with flowers that seem to float above the water. It is widely distributed in ponds and swamps.   Kyoyoike Pond at Ryoanji Temple, a World Heritage site, is famous for its water lilies. Not only white but also red and pink flowers cover most of the pond. The flowers often open in the morning and close at noon, so the best time to see them is in the morning.   Usual viewing time: Mid-May to late August The Japanese Wisteria flowers is a species endemic to Japan and is mentioned in the Manyoshu(Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves, refers to the extensive collection of poems compiled during the Nara period in Japan). The long, hairpin-like flowers hang down in a drooping manner. Purple flowers are common, but white and pink flowers also exist. At Nakayama-dera Temple’s Star Plaza, there is a magnificent wisteria trellis that stretches about 80 meters. The rows of white wisteria flowers look like “clouds floating in a blue sky. The sweet fragrance of the flowers can also be enjoyed.   Usual viewing time: Mid-April to late April ▼Check this article▼ 7 Best Spots for Wisteria Flowers in Kansai: The Spring filled with purple flowers Sorakuen garden is Kobe City’s only Japanese garden, covering an expansive area of approximately 20,000 square meters, where visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the seasons. In early summer, approximately 4,000 brightly colored white and pink azaleas fill the garden. Every spring, an event called “Tsutsuji Yuusan” is held, during which important cultural properties are opened to the public, musical concerts, tea ceremonies, and other events can be enjoyed.   Usual viewing time: Late April – early May Roses have long been cultivated for perfumery and medicinal purposes.” It is said to be “the flower that symbolizes love,” and is often used in arrangements and bouquets because of its gorgeous appearance and wide variety of types and colors.   At Aramaki Rose Park in Itami, approximately 10,000 roses bloom in a stylish southern European-style garden. The view of the park, with its sloping terrain and colorful colors, is a must-see.   Usual viewing time: Mid-May to mid-June Japanese Primrose is the largest member of the primrose family, with flower stalks that can reach 80 cm in length. It grows in clusters in wetlands at the foot of mountains.   At the Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, numerous alpine plants bloom from May to June. The 5,000 or so Japanese Primrose that fill the wetlands are especially breathtaking.   Usual viewing time: Mid-May to late May ▼Check this article▼ Mt.Rokko, Kobe-1 Day Trip｜Perfect Panoramic Views and Outdoor Adventure Park! The colorful flowers that bloom in spring are a source of comfort and relaxation for those who see them. Why don’t you take advantage of the warm, sunny weather and visit some of the best places and spots for flowers in Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe?

7 Best Spots for Wisteria Flowers in Kansai: The Spring filled with purple flowers

Spring in Japan is the season of flowers! Many people may think of cherry blossoms when they think of spring flowers in Japan, but wisteria flowers is a spring flower that is familiar to Japanese people and has even been written about in waka poems. The best time to see isteria flowers is after the cherry blossoms have fallen. Even after the cherry blossoms are over, there are still some Japanese landscapes that we would like visitors to see!   *Admission and worship fees are required to view some spots. For details, please check the official website of each spot.   -INDEX- [Osaka, Fukushima-ku] Shimofukushima Park, etc. [Osaka, Higashisumiyoshi] Nagai botanical garden [Tamba-shi, Hyogo] Byakugou-ji Temple [Takarazuka-shi, Hyogo] Nakayamadera Temple [Kyoto,Uji] Byodoin Temple [Kyoto, Fushimi] Jounangu [Nara] Kasuga Taisha Shrine Wisteria flowers can be seen even in urban centers. The Fukushima-ku and Noda area, near the Umeda area of Osaka, has been known as a famous place for Fuji trees for about 600 years. This is also where the standard Japanese name for the wisteria flowers(Fuji) is “nodafuji”.   Noda’s wisteria flowers were almost completely wiped out in an air raid during World War II, but have now been restored thanks to the efforts of local residents. The flowers bloom every year at 29 locations in the ward, including parks and public facilities.   In particular, Shimofukushima Park has the largest number of wisteria trellises in the ward and is worth seeing. The plaza in front of Hanshin Noda Station is also picturesque, with its fantastic contrast between the purple hues of the wisteria flowers and the urban landscape.   Usual viewing time: mid-April   The collaboration of blue and light purple flowers at “Nagai Botanical Garden” looks great in photographs. Nemophila, a popular spring flower in Japan in recent years, blooms all over the Life Garden, which covers an area of about 2,000 square meters. Next to it, in mid-April, nodafuji (wisteria flower) blooms with light purple flowers, making this a spot where visitors can see all the popular flowers at once.   The Nagai Botanical Garden is only one subway train ride away from Umeda, Shinsaibashi, and Namba. It is easily accessible from the center of the city, and visitors can encounter a wide variety of plants, trees, and flowers throughout the year. The permanent nighttime outdoor museum “Team Lab Botanical Garden Osaka” is also popular!   ▼For more information, click here.▼ Highlights and things to do at teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka   Usual viewing time: mid-April (Nemophila: mid-April to early May) There is no one who is not moved by the sight of the wisteria at Byakugou-ji Temple! It takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes from Osaka Station to Byakugou-ji Temple by train and cab, but the scenery is so spectacular that it will leave you speechless. The previous chief priest planted this variety of wisteria flowers about 30 years ago, and the flower clusters are over 1 meter long. The volume of the wisteria trellises is overwhelming, as they are set up in an L-shape over a vast area of 120 meters. The wisteria flowers pour down from overhead like a shower. The Byakugo-ji Temple Kyushaku Fuji Matsuri Festival will be held from April 27 (Sun) to May 6 (Tue, Holiday), 2025, from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM. The wisteria light-up runs from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM, but the full effect of the illumination becomes visible after 7:00 PM, creating a scene reminiscent of the aurora flowing across the sky.   * The festival period may change depending on the blooming conditions. Please check the official website for updates.   Usual viewing time: early to mid May Nakayama-dera Temple is famous for its fertility and safe delivery. It is located in Takarazuka, where hot springs spring water gushes out. There is an 80-meter-long wisteria trellis in “Hoshi no Hiroba” in the precincts of the temple, and from mid to late April, the wisteria flowers are in full bloom. Purple wisteria are most commonly seen in Japan, but Nakayama-dera Temple is characterized by its white wisteria. If you visit on a sunny day, they look like clouds floating in a blue sky! The sweet fragrance of the wisteria flowers also wafts through the air.   Usual viewing time: mid to late April Byodoin Phoenix Hall, built in 1053, is a famous landmark depicted on the 10-yen coin, and is a must-see spot if you are visiting Kyoto as a tourist. Byodoin Garden, with its seasonal flowers, together with the Phoenix Hall built on the middle of the pond and the view of the mountains on the other side of the pond, is an image of the Paradise that people envisioned when the temple was built. In spring, the pond is filled with blooming wisteria flowers, which harmonize beautifully with the gorgeous Phoenix Hall. This is truly a paradise-like setting with an elegant Japanese flavor that should not be missed.   Usual viewing time: mid-April to early May Jonangu is a place where visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers. There are five gardens within the precincts of the temple, and every year the hues of wisteria flowers in the “Muromachi no Niwa” garden, a garden with a circular garden with a pond. In spring, there is much to see, as not only the wisteria flowers but also the Yamabuki and azalea trees on the grounds bloom around the same time. In addition, there is a “wisteria miko kagura” performance (free admission) in which a shrine maiden holding a wisteria branch in her hand and crowned with a cluster of wisteria flowers performs a kagura dance, and if you receive a “wisteria flower charm,” the shrine maiden will purify you with a kagura bell (1,000 yen per charm). This is a spot where visitors can not only admire the flowers, but also enjoy the “experience.   Usual viewing time: Late April Wisteria Miko Kagura: twice a day at 10:00 and 15:00 on May 1-6, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25, 2025 Kasuga-taisha Shrine is one of Nara’s major tourist attractions with its beautiful shrine pavilions painted in bright vermilion, and is designated as a World Heritage Site. The wisteria flowers is an important flower for Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and is even used in the shrine’s crest. The wisteria flowers grow wild throughout the shrine grounds, and the “Wisteria of Sunazuri” at the Main Sanctuary is known as a famous tree. In addition, about 300 varieties of flowers and plants related to Japan’s oldest anthology of poetry, Manyoshu, are planted in the Manyoshu Botanical Garden, where about 200 wisteria flowers of 20 varieties are grown, allowing visitors to learn about the differences in shape, size, and color of the flowers depending on the variety.   Usual viewing time: mid-April to early May Since ancient times, Japanese people have been sensitive to the changing of the seasons. Don’t you think that the graceful and dignified impression of the wisteria flowers is linked to the Japanese image of harmony? Please visit a spot where you can see the Japanese-style scenery of the wisteria flowers.

[2025] Best 4 Cherry Blossom Sweets to Enjoy during Spring in Osaka & Kobe

Spring is the season of cherry blossoms. However, cherry blossom viewing under the cherry blossoms in full bloom can only be enjoyed during a short period from late March to early April. Here are some sweets and goods that allow you to enjoy the cherry blossoms even after the cherry blossom season is over. Why don’t you enjoy the cherry blossom season at home or on a trip?   -INDEX- １．Cherry Blossom Sweets (Antenor) ２．Sakura Sweets & Tea for a Hanami Mood (Afternoon Tea Tearoom) ３．Sakura Sweets to Take Out for Hanami (Freshly Baked Cheese Tart PABLO) ４．Spring Limited Parfait (TO THE HERBS) Kobe-based patisserie “ANTENOR” will be offering a variety of colorful and gorgeous tasting sweets under the theme of “Hanami” (cherry blossom viewing) at its cake stores nationwide. These spring-like sweets include a cake combining cherry blossoms and black tea, a cherry blossom Mont Blanc, and a cake combining Nishio green tea and yuzu (a Japanese citrus fruit).   This delicate cake, inspired by cherry blossom petals, features a refreshing peach mousse coated in a sakura-scented glaze. Inside, you’ll find a light and fruity peach-infused sakura sauce and a rich tea-flavored crème brûlée, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.   Enjoy this Hanami sweet at home, or go out and enjoy the cherry blossoms while viewing them.   【Sales period】Until April 30, 2025  *Some items are available only until April 18. 【Store】B1F, Hanshin Department Store Umeda Main Store   Celebrate the arrival of spring with limited-time seasonal sweets and teas, including the beautifully decorated “Strawberry and Sakura Scone Shortcake.” This dessert is crafted from a crisp yet fluffy scone dough and layered with sakura-flavored whipped cream, matcha whipped cream, Uji matcha ice cream, and a subtly fragrant strawberry sakura sauce. Other delightful treats include the “Strawberry and Sakura Milk Mille-feuille,” “Strawberry and Milk Almond Pudding Parfait,” and the “Berry and Lemon Mimosa Shortcake”—all perfect for a springtime tea break. For drinks, the “Sakura and Matcha Milk Tea” is a must-try, blending the refined bitterness of matcha with the gentle sweetness of sakura milk.  Enjoy a taste of spring with these cherry blossom-inspired sweets and teas!   【Sales Period】March 6 (Thursday) – April 23 (Wednesday), 2025【Sales Locations】Hankyu Umeda Main Store 3F, Hanshin Umeda Main Store 7F, etc. PABLO mini Sakura Mochi, a limited-edition treat, is now available at the PABLO Shinsaibashi main store.  This hand-sized cheese tart features a crispy tart shell filled with creamy cheese batter, baked to golden perfection. It is topped with gyūhi (soft rice cake) and generously covered with a cherry blossom-colored sweet bean paste infused with Shizuoka-grown Izu sakura leaves. With its delightful sakura fragrance and chewy gyūhi texture, this cheese tart captures the essence of sakura mochi in a single bite. Perfect for a picnic under the cherry blossoms or as a small after-dinner indulgence at your hotel!   【Sales Period】March 1 (Saturday) – April 30 (Wednesday), 2025【Sales Locations】Freshly Baked Cheese Tart Specialty Store PABLO Shinsaibashi Main Store   TO THE HERBS brings you a special “Sakura, Strawberry, and Matcha Parfait,” celebrating the beauty of cherry blossoms with a perfect balance of matcha’s rich aroma and springtime flavors. This seasonal parfait combines fresh strawberries, sakura monaka (wafer), sakura ice cream, sakura jelly, and a rich matcha panna cotta. It is topped with granola and sakura leaf cookies, adding delightful textures and visual appeal.   【Sales Period】March 15 – April 10, 2025 (Dates may change without notice.)【Sales Locations】TO THE HERBS Nishinomiya Gardens (Hankyu Nishinomiya Gardens 4F)   Even after the cherry blossoms have faded, you can still savor their essence with these delightful sakura-themed sweets. Enjoy the fragrance and flavors of sakura to make the most of spring!

9 Must-Eat Sweets and Cafe in Arashiyama, Kyoto

Kyoto Arashiyama is a popular tourist spot that you must visit when you come to Kyoto. You can walk around many temples, shrines, and Buddhist temples, as well as natural spots such as Togetsukyo Bridge and bamboo grove paths. If you plan to spend a day sightseeing in Arashiyama, you should not miss the delicious sweets. Here are our picks for the BEST 9 Arashiyama sweets.   -INDEX- １．HATOYA RYOYOUSHA  ２．Arashiyama Kotoimo honpo ３．Bread, Espresso & ４．MALEBRANCHE ５．Arashiyama Misora ６．MAMEMONO & TAIYAKI ７．KUMONOCHA CAFE ARASHIYAMA SHOP ８．kyocafe chacha Arashiyama ９．Arashiyama Cannele This Japanese tea stand mainly offers teas and matcha from Kyoto Prefecture. The owner is so particular about tea that he visits tea growers every year to harvest tea. The store has only a counter, and one of the store’s attractions is that matcha is prepared and served right in front of customers. Matcha latte, matcha ice cream, matcha pudding, and other popular menu items are available for matcha fans not to be missed. This Japanese sweets shop is located at the entrance to the bamboo grove path. In Arashiyama, it is popular to eat a little bit of various sweets. Particularly popular at the store is the “Aburi Mitarashi” (roasted mochi dumpling). These dumplings are larger in size and have a chunky, stretchy texture compared to typical Mitarashi dumplings. It is irresistible to eat them intertwined with the mitarashi bean paste that is poured generously into the container.   Seasonal menus are also available, with gourmet sweet potato dishes recommended during the sweet potato season. These gourmet items include fried sweet potatoes with sweet honey, thin, crispy, and savory sweet potato chips, and other delicacies that allow you to taste the true flavor of sweet potatoes. The Fukuda Art Museum opened in October 2019 in Arashiyama as a new center for Japanese culture. The architecture is based on a traditional Kyoto machiya, and the modern Japanese exterior design blends in with the surrounding nature without any sense of incongruity. The “Bread, Espresso & Fukuda Art Museum” is located within the museum. The café was created to provide the most beautiful view of the Wataratsuki Bridge, the symbol of Arashiyama. The museum café is open only to visitors of the Fukuda Art Museum, so you can spend a relaxing time without getting caught up in the crowds. After enjoying the art, enjoy a luxurious tea time while admiring the beautiful Arashiyama scenery.   As the name suggests, the restaurant is popular for its delicious paninis and coffee made with special bread, but the desserts are actually very authentic as well. Popular items include parfaits, coffee jelly sundaes, and cheesecakes that are made with a variety of seasonal ingredients. We also recommend “Bread, Espresso & Arashiyama Garden,” located a 3-minute walk from Fukuda Art Museum. Here you can enjoy sweets, light meals, and aromatic coffee in a renovated old private house. The popular fruit sandwiches feature milky cream and seasonally changing fruit. Enjoy seasonal ingredients such as strawberries in spring and two kinds of melons in summer. Kyoto’s famous confectionery store “MALEBRANCHE” brings you western-style confections that resonate with the senses, utilizing Kyoto’s seasonal aesthetic sensibilities. If you visit the store, be sure to try the “Chachabo” matcha ice cream eclair, a takeout sweet available only at the Arashiyama store. The rich matcha soft serve, made with plenty of Uji matcha green tea, goes well with the savory cookie eclair.   For souvenirs, we recommend “Cha no Ka,” a confection using rich matcha green tea that is representative of MALEBRANCHE and can only be purchased in Kyoto. This confectionary consists of a melt-in-your-mouth dark tea langue de chat sandwiched between white chocolate with a rich milkiness. The packaging, exclusive to the Arashiyama store, is very cute. Arashiyama Misora’s takeout sweets “Drinking Dessert Drink” are popular as a “new type of dessert” because of their colorful and cute appearance. Despite the name “drink,” the can is filled with a variety of textures, making it a great drink. You can enjoy a different menu each season.   In summer, “shaved ice to drink” is recommended. Yogurt soy milk, frozen fruit, and ice are mixed into a cool drink that cools you down from the inside out. Mamemono & Taiyaki is located on the first floor of the Arashiyama Shoryuen complex across from Randen Arashiyama Station. Shoryuen is a complex where Kyoto’s representative long-established stores are gathered together to offer gourmet lunches, cafes, and traditional craft stores.   They insist on using local ingredients: red bean paste made from azuki beans, soy milk squeezed from soybeans, and coffee beans, all of which are purchased from a long-established shop in Kyoto. There are three types of taiyaki: tsubu-an, custard, and an-butter. We recommend the an-butter, which has a shelf life of only one minute before the butter melts. Enjoy the salty-sweet flavor of the butter in the sweet red bean paste. This is the Arashiyama store of the popular Kyoto brand “Kumono-cha”. The interior of the store was thoughtfully designed to match Arashiyama, using bamboo native to Kyoto, with “green” as the theme color, white for clouds, and black for Arashiyama. In particular, the second floor uses bamboo to recreate the “Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Road”. Recommended sweets are the Kumonobamboo Mousse Set and the Kumono Set. The Kumonobamboo Mousse Set includes Kumono-Bamboo Mousse, Dango, and Kumono-Matcha Latte. The matcha-flavored bamboo mousse cake is a whole food sweet with brown sugar jelly on the surface. The cake is smooth to the touch and has a smooth texture. The sticky sesame dumplings are topped with matcha cream, and the savory sesame flavor and bittersweet matcha go very well together.   The Kumono Set includes Kumono Mousse and Kumono Matcha Latte. The matcha latte is made from carefully selected Uji matcha and has a luxurious taste of mildly bitter matcha and rich special milk. The fluffy and cute cloud-shaped latte artwork (HOT only) is Insta-worthy. Kumonomousse is a cloud-shaped sweet that looks cute from any angle. Inside is mousse made with matcha green tea and azuki beans. This is a “Kyo Waffle” store that not only looks cute, but is of course particular about the taste and volume when eaten, and each waffle is handmade one by one. We are particular about every single piece of tableware and interior design so that you can enjoy not only eating the sweets but also spending time there.   The chocolate-dipped waffles are also available for takeout, so it is wonderful to take out and take pictures with the Arashiyama scenery. Introducing the latest must-try sweets in Kyoto’s Arashiyama! A new canelé and tea specialty shop opened in November 2024 inside 98PARK, a park just a short walk from Hankyu Arashiyama Station. Their canelés are baked to perfection—crispy and slightly caramelized on the outside, yet soft and moist inside. The tea selection features flavored teas from CHA YUAN, a renowned tea house based in Lyon, France. From the shop, it’s only about a 7-minute walk to Togetsukyo Bridge, one of Arashiyama’s most famous landmarks. On a sunny day, grab a freshly baked canelé and enjoy it on a bench near the bridge for a relaxing treat! There are various kinds of stores from take-out sweets to cafes. Enjoying delicious sweets along with sightseeing spots will surely make your sightseeing in Arashiyama even more enjoyable. It is also fun to take pictures of the cute looking sweets and the scenery of Arashiyama. We hope you will visit the stores we have introduced.   We also have a video showing the stores we introduced! Please take a look!

7 cherry blossom illumination in Kyoto, Osaka and Hyogo. Fantastic Japanese Spring Nights

Cherry blossoms are an essential part of the spring scenery in Japan. Many people choose the right time of year to visit Japan to enjoy the cherry blossom scenery. While it is nice to visit famous cherry blossom viewing spots during the daytime, the fantastic scenery of cherry blossoms illuminated at night is also very tasteful. This article introduces spots in Kyoto and Hyogo where cherry blossoms are illuminated at night.   *Please note that the admission fees and charges for viewing cherry blossoms illuminated at night may differ from the regular admission fees and charges. *Please check the official website of each spot for details such as the time of the event.   -INDEX- 【Kyoto】World Heritage Site Nijo-jo Castle/NAKED meets Nijo-jo SAKURA 2025 【Kyoto・Higashiyama】Kodai-ji Zen Temple/Spring Night Special Entrance(illumination) 【Kyoto・Higashiyama】Jodo Shu head temple Chion-in 【Kyoto・Okazaki】Heian Jingu Shrine/Sakuraotoyo 2025 【Osaka】Expo’70 Commemorative Park/Cherry blossom trees along Higashioji Street illumination 【Hyogo・NIshinomiya】Shukugawa Park/Sakura Illumination Kurakuen 【Hyogo・Himeji】Himeji Castle/Himeji Castle Night Cherry Blossom Viewing Party Dates: March 14 (Friday) -April 13, 2025(Sunday) Nijo-jo Castle, a World Heritage Site, is home to approximately 300 cherry trees of 50 varieties. Cherry blossoms are usually short-lived, but the blooming period of cherry trees at Nijo-jo Castle differs depending on the variety, allowing visitors to enjoy them for as long as one month.   Experience an enchanting fusion of art and history at NAKED meets Nijo Castle 2025 Sakura. This special nighttime event transforms the historic Nijo Castle into an immersive cherry blossom wonderland, featuring breathtaking projection mapping on the iconic Karamon Gate, as well as digital art installations across seven key locations within the castle grounds.   In addition to the artistic hanami (cherry blossom viewing), the event offers a delightful selection of seasonal food and drinks at the South Gate and Ninomaru Palace Courtyard. Indulge in sakura-themed sweets, beverages, alcoholic drinks, and even vegan-friendly hanami favorites while soaking in the magical atmosphere.   Event Hours: 18:00–22:00 (Last entry at 21:00) *Illumination viewing areas will be limited.   ▼Check this article▼ 5 castles in Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo. From World Heritage Sites to the Newest Castles, Places to Visit for Sightseeing Dates: March 14 (Friday) – May 6, 2025 (Tuesday, National Holiday) Higashiyama is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kyoto. Kodai-ji Zen Temple is one of the most popular temples. During this period, the entire temple grounds, including the hall, garden, and bamboo grove, will be illuminated. The cherry blossoms in the Hashin-tei garden in front of the Hojo (main building) are especially wonderful when illuminated. The pink cherry blossoms standing alone in the white sand garden of Karesansui (dry landscape garden) are showered down like a shower. The dignified appearance of the cherry blossoms in the spotlight is a sight to behold.   Illumination Hours: 5PM-10PM (Last entry at 9:30PM) ▼Check this article▼ The latest in 2025 | 22 Cherry Blossom Spots in Kansai (Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo) Dates: March 26 (Wednesday) – April 6, 2025 (Sunday) Jodo Shu head temple Chion-in is especially famous for the cherry blossoms in front of its national treasure, Sanmon. The beauty of the pretty pink cherry blossoms against the massive and powerful Sanmon is nothing short of impressive. In addition to the approximately 200 cherry trees, the National Treasure Mieido and Daishoro, an important cultural property, are also illuminated, making it a must-see.   From Chion-in to Maruyama Park and Kodai-ji Zen Temple, famous for the “Gion-no- Yozakura” (cherry blossoms at night in Gion), and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, it is recommended to visit all the famous night cherry blossoms in Higashiyama, Kyoto, at the same time.   Illumination Hours: 5:45PM-9:30PM (Last entry at 9PM)   ▼Check this article▼ The latest in 2025 | 22 Cherry Blossom Spots in Kansai (Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo) Dates: April 2(Wednesday) -April 6, 2025 (Sunday) The Shinen of Heian Jingu Shrine is a Japanese garden representative of the Meiji era. Of the vast grounds totaling approximately 33,000 square meters, the red weeping cherry trees in the south and east shrine gardens are famous, and are illuminated at night.   Illumination Hours: 6:15PM-9PM (Last entry at 8:30PM)   One of the most popular spring events at Heian Jingu Shrine is the “Heian Jingu Shrine Sakura Otoyo” concert, held at the Higashi Shin’en Kihin-kan. Set by the tranquil waters of Seiho Pond, this event offers a magical experience where visitors can admire illuminated cherry blossoms while enjoying live performances of traditional Gagaku and classical music. Unlike traditional concerts, this event does not have designated seating. Instead, guests can leisurely stroll through the illuminated gardens of the shrine while listening to the enchanting melodies by the pond. * A separate ticket is required for the concert. There are two ticket options: Concert Admission: Includes access to Higashi Shin’en (concert venue) and Minami Shin’en (cherry blossom illumination). General Admission: Grants access to Minami Shin’en (cherry blossom illumination only).   ▼Check this article▼ Kyoto Goshuin Guide: 6 Goshuin from Famous Shrines to Recommended Goshuincho Dates: March 20 (Thursday, national holiday) -April 6, 2024(Sunday) Expo ’70 Commemorative Park is one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Osaka, selected as one of the 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots. cherry blossoms start blooming around mid-March and the park is dyed in beautiful pink. Until early April, the cherry trees along Higashioji Street will be illuminated. The rows of lustrous cherry blossoms lining both sides of the road are a sight to behold. During the daytime, there will be special openings of the “Pan-an and Banri-an” tearooms in the vast Japanese garden, and tea ceremonies at the “Pan-an” (for a fee). Why not experience a typical Japanese spring scene with cherry blossoms and tea?   ▼Check out this article too▼ Expo ’70 Commemorative Park is a great place to visit in Osaka! Highlights Explained! Dates: March 22 (Saturday) – April 6, 2025 (Sunday) (subject to change depending on blooming conditions) About 10 minutes by Hankyu train from Kobe-Sannomiya station, and about 20 minutes by Hankyu train from Osaka-Umeda station. The rows of cherry trees along the riverside, which can be seen from the platform of Hankyu Shukugawa Station, are one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Hyogo Prefecture, selected as one of the 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan! Approximately 1,660 cherry trees and 1,520 pine trees are planted along the riverside avenue. In particular, the view of Mt.Kabuto and the cherry blossoms from the bridge just outside Hankyu Kurakuen-guchi Station is spectacular.   At night, “Nishinomiya Tourism Association” and “Kurakuen Stores Meeting”, a shopping association around Kurakuen-guchi Station, sponsor a illumination event, which can be enjoyed free of charge. The cherry blossoms are reflected on the surface of the river like a mirror, creating a spectacular scene.   The area around Kurakuen-guchi Station is a residential area, so there are many families and unique restaurants scattered around the area. This is a spot where you can fully enjoy the charm of cherry blossoms from the perspective of everyday Japanese people. Dates: March 28 (Friday) – April 6 (Sunday), 2025 Himeji Castle, designated as a World Heritage Site and a National Treasure, is also famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot. At night, around 100 cherry trees in the Nishi-no-Maru Garden, an area normally closed to the public, are beautifully illuminated. This creates a breathtakingly magical atmosphere, offering a completely different experience from the daytime scenery. Himeji Castle is also called “Shirasagi-jo” (White Egret Castle) because it looks like a white egret with its wings spread. The collaboration of its majestic figure, which rises white in the darkness under the lights, and the cherry blossoms is a sight to behold.   Illumination Hours: 6:30PM-9PM (Last entry at 8:30PM)   ▼Check this article▼ 5 castles in Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo. From World Heritage Sites to the Newest Castles, Places to Visit for Sightseeing The cherry blossoms are illuminated only for a short period of time in spring! Enjoy the heart-stopping scenery and make it a precious memory of your trip.

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