Imagine a city where the heartbeat of everyday life harmonizes with the pulse of joyous celebration — that’s Osaka. While Tokyo and Kyoto may seem distant and lofty, Osaka warmly welcomes you with its bustling streets and hearty cuisine. Here, the exuberance of daily life rivals even the beauty of cherry blossoms. Yes, Osaka holds a special place in our heart. We also include Nara as they are just next to each other! If you’ve yet to experience its magic, now it’s your chance to fall in love.🌸
With “Join The Bloom” – our comprehensive guide by Brady from TripPlus and Maria from Maria Points The Way – we’ll turn your cherry blossom dream into reality across Japan using award travel. From leveraging miles and points to utilizing travel credit, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re planning a solo journey, a romantic escape, or a family adventure, you’ll learn how to make the most of your hanami experience with us!
In this post, you will find:
- What is the forecast for cherry blossom across Japan in 2024?
- Where can you see the cherry blossom in Osaka (bonus: Nara)?
- What are our best spots for cherry blossoms from award travel perspective?
- Osaka Castle Park
- Japan Mint
- Kema Sakuranomiya Park
- Nara Park
- Where to stay in Osaka on points and travel credit?
- What are the best credit cards paired with your cherry blossom travel?
- Our thoughts
What is the forecast for cherry blossom across Japan in 2024?
The Japan Meteorological Corporation recently updated the flowering map on March 28, 2024. This map displays the dates of flowering but doesn’t include dates for full bloom. In Osaka, the first blossoms are expected on March 29, one day sooner than usual, with peak bloom hitting around April 3-4.
Where can you see the cherry blossom in Osaka?
The cherry blossoms in Osaka usually reach their peak beauty from late March to early April, setting the stage for some wonderful hanami gatherings. You’ll find the best spots for blossom viewing in parks and historical sites scattered throughout the prefecture. Osaka Castle, Japan Mint, Nagano Park, Kema Sakuranomiya Park, Daisen Park, Osaka City University, Maishima Shin-yuhigaoka, etc are the common on the list.
What are our top spots for the cherry blossom from award travel perspective?
Our mission is to help you make the most of your cherry blossom holiday by leveraging credit card offers, points, and miles. We consider various factors:
- Whether there are hotels available for redemption
- Whether you can take advantage of credit card benefits
- Their proximity to the landmarks you plan to visit together
Osaka Castle Park（大阪城公園）
- Over 3000 cherry trees are planted inside Osaka Castle
- Ideal for a picnic for castle tower view and the light up
- Join the Nishinomaru light-up from 3/22/2024 to 4/7/2024
Osaka Castle was once the residence of one of the Three Great Unifiers of the Warring States period: Toyotomi Hideyoshi. However, after the battles of those days, the former castle ruins have long been gone. The current white-painted main tower was reconstructed in the 1930s in the style of the Edo period (Tokugawa Shogunate).
The park includes Osaka Castle Tower (Osaka Castle Museum), the Nishinomaru Garden, an ume (plum) orchard, the Osaka-jo Hall, and a Japanese archery ground. It is a top spot for seasonal flower viewings, offering a variety of beautiful blooms like ume, cherry blossoms, and azaleas. It’s the perfect place to unwind and soak in the beauty of nature.
Inside Osaka Castle Park, there are over 3,000 cherry trees of various kinds planted, allowing visitors to enjoy the expansive cherry blossom views due to its relatively elevated terrain. Not only can you come during the day to see the cherry blossoms and the castle, but it is also worth visiting during the cherry blossom season from mid-March to mid-April for the evening events.
Check out the Cherry Blossoms evening light-up and display in Osaka Park this year.🌸
Japan Mint（造幣局）
- Visit Mint museum
- Join the plant tour
- Enjoy breathtaking cherry blossom displays open only 7 days annually
Japan Mint in Osaka was established during the Meiji era under the new government’s ambition to modernize the nation, recognizing the imperative to overhaul the chaotic currency system of the late Edo period. Beyond currency production, the Mint also crafts medals, awards, and various metalwork. Within its premises, the Mint hosts a museum showcasing its history and operations. Take part in the plant tour and immerse yourself in the journey of modernization efforts from the Meiji era to the present. It’s a relaxing way to experience history unfolding before your eyes.
Renowned for its breathtaking cherry blossom displays, the Mint Bureau stands out as one of Osaka’s most sought-after attractions. The Mint opens its gates for a week every April, inviting visitors to stroll along the Cherry Blossom Road (桜の通り抜け). Spanning a length of 560 meters, the Cherry Blossom Road boasts over 300 cherry blossom trees, creating a picturesque setting enhanced by festival stalls.
Mark your calendars for the 7-day event from April 5th – 11th, 2024. Reservation is required. 🌸
Kema Sakuranomiya Park（毛馬桜之宮公園）
- Hop on seasonal Sakura river cruise
- Enchanted by full bloom and Osaka city skyline
- Close to Japan Mint Bureau, suggest combining both spots as a day activity
Feeling a bit worn out from wandering around Osaka Castle? Why not treat yourself to a taxi ride straight here and indulge in the charm of our yearly cherry blossom season aboard the special water bus?
Kema Sakuranomiya Park, Along the serene banks of the Okawa River, stretches a delightful 4.2-kilometer stretch with approximately 4,500 cherry blossoms. Drifting along the water’s edge, you’ll be enchanted by the blossoms in full bloom harmonizing with Osaka’s picturesque skyline.
Don’t miss the Okawa River Sakura Cruise! It’s a leisurely 25-minute journey where you can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms lining the river from Temmabashi to Sakuranomiya. This experience is available for a limited time only, from Saturday, March 23rd to Sunday, April 7th, 2024
This park beckons with its tranquil blend of water, lush greenery, and delicate cherry blossoms. Beyond the historic charm of the nearby Mint Bureau, you can discover inviting features like the water plaza and winding pathways—a perfect sanctuary for leisurely strolls or peaceful jogs. If you are in your youthful vigor, we suggest weaving through all three cherry blossom viewing spots in a single delightful day. 🌸
Nara Park（奈良公園／Nara Kōen）
- 30 minutes from Osaka, suggest including Nara as a day trip
- Fun to interact with the tame deer
- Enjoy the year-round evening illumination
Nara Park is famous for the magnificent temples and shrines. Of course, for those wild-roaming deer in a huge park. You just get on a leisurely half-hour train ride from downtown Osaka to Nara. Here, the expansive Nara Park unfolds not only with treasures like Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Shrine, but also the endless stretches of cherry blossom trees and the enchanting presence of deer that have graced these grounds since the year 710 AD!
A gentle reminder: the deer of Nara hold a special place in Shinto tradition as messengers of the gods, and they’ve grown quite accustomed to the presence of visitors. So, while they may eagerly approach you for deer crackers, we suggest enjoying their company! (while taking care of your belongings).
Nara Park has an evening illumination that can be seen year-round. A collaboration between the Ukimido Gazebo and the cherry blossoms creates a mystical and mesmerizing sight. Be sure not to miss out on this!🌸
Where to stay in Osaka?
Intercontinental Osaka (IHG)
Why: Conveniently connected to Umeda Station, so no need to worry about luggage or transportation. The train station leads directly to the hotel, making it perfect for traveling with elderly and children. Our tip: The Intercontinental Osaka offers both hotel and residence floors, and sometimes the residence floor features excellent prices! Check out any offers before using the points.🌸
- Recommended credit card pairing: Chase IHG One Reward Premier (Please Click)
- Around 60,000 points per night, which translates to almost three nights with the sign-up bonus.
- While holding the card gets you IHG Platinum status, it doesn’t offer much sway at the Intercontinental Osaka. For bookings, it’s suggested to blend points with the Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) program from American Express.
Conrad Osaka (Hilton)
Why: Nestled in Nakanoshima, Conrad Osaka is just a leisurely stroll away from Osaka’s vibrant Umeda district and the tantalizing array of gourmet delights in Dojima. The hotel’s proximity to eateries and shops makes it a stress-free retreat—perfect for unwinding after a shopping spree. Our tip: Deeply enjoy every moment of their impeccable service in each stay! 🌸
- Main credit card pairing: Amex Hilton Honors Aspire (Please Click)
- Enjoy 95,000 points per night or a Free Night certificate.
- Hilton’s Free Night Rewards come with no limitations and are applicable even at its most luxurious properties, including those commanding rates exceeding $1,500 per night with only a limited number of exceptions.
- With the card, you get Hilton Diamond tier benefits, including complimentary breakfast and access to the executive lounge.
Fairfield by Marriott Osaka Namba (Marriott)
Why: Compared to other budget-friendly hotels in Japan, the rooms are surprisingly spacious. Fairfield is located in Namba, so immerse in the vibes of the city with the eateries, pubs and bars are bustling at every corner. That said, it’s a bit of a walk from Shinsaibashi. If you’ve got big luggage, make sure to keep that in mind.🌸
- Main credit card pairing: Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant (Please Click)
- It’s just 22,000 points per night, and you can enjoy a whole week’s stay with just one card!
Natural Hot Spring Asagiri-no-Yu at Dormy Inn PREMIUM Namba ANNEX (Using Travel Credit)
Why: The hotel is right in the heart of Shinsaibashi, offering the perfect blend of shopping and leisurely strolls. Dormy is our favorite Japanese business hotel chain in Japan travel. The rooms are standard in size (quite small by the U.S. standards). What impressed us most is the large communal bath where you can wash away the fatigue after a whole day shopping spree!. Don’t miss out on the nightly ramen after 9 each evening. You can book through either the official website or OTA. 🌸
- Main credit card pairing: Capital One Venture X (Please Click)
- Booking through the Capital One travel portal earns you 10x points back.
- Accommodation expenses can be directly offset by the annual $300 travel credit, effectively making this unique experience stays free upon signup
What are the best credit cards paired with your cherry blossom travel?
Amex® Hilton Honors Aspire (Please Click)
Chase IHG One Reward Premier (Please Click)
Chase Ink Business Preferred® (Please Click)
Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ (Please Click)
Capital One Venture X (Please Click)
Our Thoughts
Osaka is a vibrant and easy-to-navigate city, making it an excellent destination for those new to exploring Japan. As mentioned, there are numerous amazing spots to admire stunning cherry blossoms in Osaka. According to the forecast, Osaka will begin blooming around late March and will be in full bloom in early April. Since Osaka and Nara are very close, we highly recommend arranging a “dual-cities” visit. Whatever your plans may be, seize the opportunity to experience the Sakura both during the day and in the evening, with plenty of events (and snacks) throughout the cities!
This is our first crack at putting together a guide blending award travel tips and seasonal insights. Check out our Tokyo and Kyoto ones – it is just in time for your trip! We’re super excited to hear your feedback – it’ll keep us pumped to keep dishing out more insights until cherry blossom season wraps up!
And as for next week? Well, Kyushu, here we come!
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