Japan’s Top 100 Blossoms: Osaka Castle Park (Osaka)

Osaka Castle was originally built at the end of the sixteenth century by warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who united the country and made Osaka his headquarters. It was burned to the ground on several occasions by war and natural disasters and rebuilt each time. The grounds were turned into a park early in the twentieth century, and the main tower was restored in 1931, thanks to donations from private individuals. The park contains 13 structures that have been designated important cultural properties, and the tenshu (keep) houses a museum featuring various exhibits on the history of Osaka.

Castle Park (Osaka)

• Varieties: Somei yoshino, yaezakura
• No. of trees: 3,000
• When: Late March to early April
• Hours: Open 24 hrs. (castle 9:00–17:00, Nishinomaru garden 9:00–17:00, hours extended during yozakura season)
• Admission: Free (castle ¥600, Nishinomaru garden ¥200)
• Address: Osakajō, Chūō-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
• Website: Special Historic Site Osaka Castle

Related story

• History and Cherry Trees at Osaka Castle Park
• Osaka Castle: Japan’s Most Visited Castle

Nearby hanami sites

• Expo Park
• Japan Mint

Near Osaka Castle Park

• The City of Water: Exploring Osaka by Aqua Bus (Video)
• Osaka Amazing Pass: The Traveler’s Guide to Getting the Best Out of Osaka
• Dramatic Architecture and Views at Osaka’s Umeda Sky Building
• A History of Osaka, Japan’s City of Water

Sakura 100: Japan’s Best Blossoms

(Translated from Japanese. Banner photo © Osaka Castle Park Center.)