Spring is the perfect time to visit Osaka when the weather begins warming up, kicking off the much-anticipated sakura season by the end of March.
Cherry blossom season must be only one of several reasons to visit as there are so many things to do in Osaka in spring. Other spring flowers like plum blossoms, nemophila, tulips, rape blossoms, and roses are worth celebrating too. Indeed, spring in Osaka is a remarkable time to visit Japan.
What month is best to go to Osaka?
The best time to visit Osaka is between March and April when cherry blossoms start flowering and are in full bloom. The weather around this time is also warmer until May.
In spring 2023, Osaka is expected to see an increase in tourist arrivals as per previous spring seasons pre-pandemic. Hotel prices also go up around this time, so take note of that. This could extend until the first week of May, the Golden Week holiday for locals.
Also Read: Best Cherry Blossom Festivals in Japan
Is March cold in Osaka?
March in Osaka starts to warm up. The average high temperature is 14°C (57°F) and the average low temperature is 5°C (41°F) with 159 hours of sun. The amount of rainfall is expected to be high with an average of 104 mm (4 inches) falling in 10 days.
What clothes to wear in Osaka in April?
A cardigan or a long-sleeved shirt with a hoodie is perfect for spring in Osaka. Temperature can go lower than usual, so it’s important to take a light jacket or coat with you to avoid chilly evenings.
Top 5 Things to Do in Osaka in Spring
If you are wondering what to do in Osaka in spring, check out these fun activities:
1. Celebrate Hanami with Locals
Of course, first on our list is celebrating the cherry blossom season in Osaka. Also known as “Hanami,” cherry blossom viewing has become a part of the tradition in Japan every spring season. In Osaka, cherry blossoms are expected to start flowering on March 28 and be in full bloom on April 5. Some of the must-visit places to see cherry blossoms in Osaka include the Osaka Castle, Mint Bureau, Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, and Kera Sakuranomiya Park.
2. Catch Sumo Tournament
Sumo annually comes to Osaka and it happens at the Edion Arena Osaka (Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium) in mid-March. Called the March Grand Tournament, this two-week event is a great time to join locals rooting for their favorite wrestlers as well as spot massive wrestlers walking the streets of Osaka. You can buy tickets online or at the venue on the days of the match.
Also Read: 5 Best Michelin Restaurants in Osaka
3. Go on an Aqua Liner River Cruise
Aqua Liner is a water bus running on the Okawa River, which cuts through the central area of Osaka City. It starts from a port near Osaka Castle and goes along the river. In spring, this water bus is on a whole new level as it passes by Shinshigibo Bridge where you can see the Osaka Castle as well as Temma Bridge, Osaka City Central Public Hall, Yodoya Bridge, Namba Bridge, Nakanoshima Rose Garden, and Tenjin Bridge. You see different tourist attractions in Osaka on one cruise, plus be in awe of the cherry blossoms along the way.
Also Read: 5 Best Sushi in Osaka
4. Celebrate Traditional Festivals with Locals
Spring in Osaka is also a season of traditional festivals. Join in the fun as locals celebrate the Ishikiri Tsurugiya Shrine Spring Festival, which happens on April 15 and 16, commemorating an ancient archery ritual in which God is thanked for the blessings he provides on a daily basis. The Nakami Shrine harumatsuri Nakami no Sato Spring Cultural Festival takes place on April 29, celebrating the abundance of growth of crops, progress, and peace for the parishioners.
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5. See Colorful Seasonal Flowers
Although cherry blossoms are the start of spring in Japan, this season also means many other flowers are blooming in all their glory. At the Flower Expo Memorial Park Tsurumi Ryokuchi, cherry blossoms and cornus floridas will blow your mind as they spread on the windmill hill. At Sakai Harvest Hill, a bunch of different seasonal flowers can be seen such as rape blossoms in March, tulips in April, and roses in May. At Osaka Maishima Seaside Park, nemophila gives colors to the entire ground, the biggest nemophila garden in West Japan with over 1 million roots. Nemophila Flower Festival is celebrated annually at Osaka Maishima Seaside Park from the beginning of April to the beginning of May every year.
