Local Trip Info offered by
Washington Hotel and Hotel Gracery

Osaka Castle’s Most Romantic Date Spots – Perfect for Cherry Blossom Season

The cherry blossoms are blooming and spring is in full swing. Many people want to enjoy the scenery of beautiful cherry blossoms. Therefore, this time, we’re going to introduce perfect date courses around Osaka Castle to see cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Experience the Romance of 3,000 Cherry Blossoms at “Osaka Castle Park” for Your Next Date

大阪城公園(Osaka Castle Park)
Photo by @mac.ma2

“Osaka Castle Park” is surrounded by seasonal flowers such as plums, cherry blossoms and hydrangeas. The best time to see cherry blossoms is from late March to early April every year, but it seems that they will reach full bloom earlier than usual in 2023. About 3,000 cherry blossoms are in full bloom in Osaka Castle Park and you can enjoy several types of cherry blossoms, including pale pink Somei Yoshino (ソメイヨシノ, Yoshino cherry) and Yaezakura (八重桜, double cherry blossoms). A recommended place in this park is ‘Nishinomaru Garden’ where about 300 cherry blossoms centered on Yoshino trees are planted. In this area, you can view a row of cherry trees which is planted in a straight line along the inner moat of Osaka Castle. There is no doubt that the view of cherry blossoms in full bloom with the towering Osaka Castle tower in the background is breathtaking. Additionally, there is a glass square where you can have lunch while sitting on a picnic blanket and enjoying the stunning cherry blossoms.”

Opening HoursOpen 24 hours
Address1-1 Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
AccessTake the subway from Namba Station on the Yotsubashi Line and transfer to the Chuo Line at Honmachi Station, then get off at Tanimachi 4-chome Station which is 2 stations away. After getting off, it’s a 16-minute walk.
URLhttps://www.osakacastlepark.jp/?lang=en

Cherry Blossoms and Sightseeing – A Perfect Date on the “Water Bus Aqua Liner” in Osaka

水上バスアクアライナー(Water Bus Aqua Liner)
Photo by @saya_o9o3

The “Water bus Aqua Liner” glides along Okawa, which flows through the center of Osaka. From the boat, you can enjoy the unique waterside scenery of Osaka, including views of Osaka Castle from Shin-shigino bashi (新鴫野橋) and OSAKA CITY CENTRAL PUBLIC HALL (大阪市中央公会堂). One of the highlights is the beautiful contrast between the blue sky in spring, the rows of cherry blossom trees along the banks, and the skyscrapers towering behind them, all reflected on the surface of the water. The “Aqua Liner Osaka Castle Cherry Blossom Viewing Cruise” runs until April 10th and takes you on a journey through the cherry trees along Okawa. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the cruise is available until 6:50 PM, and depending on the time of day, you may be able to see the cherry blossom trees illuminated at night. You can board the water bus from Osaka Castle Port, which is close to Osaka Castle, so it is recommended to visit after sightseeing in Osaka Castle.

Opening HoursMonday – Thursday 10:15AM-4:15PM
Friday – Sunday 10:15AM – 6:50PM
AddressOsajo2 Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
AccessTake the subway from Namba Station on the Sennichimae Line and transfer to the Osaka Loop Line at Tsuruhashi Station, then get off at Osakajokoen Station which is 3 stations away. After getting off, it’s a 3-minute walk.
URLhttps://suijo-bus.osaka/language/

“Jo-terrace OSAKA” – A Must-Visit Spot for Couples to Experience Japanese Modern Atmosphere

Jo-terrace OSAKA
Photo by @yuka.otsuka

“Jo-terrace OSAKA” is a commercial facility that harmonizes with nature, built around the concept of a castle town with greenery. Located on the way to Osaka-Jo Hall and the fountain, this Japanese modern facility offers restaurants in a wide range of genres. After enjoying cherry blossom viewing, why not have dinner at one of the many restaurants available? You can choose from an Italian restaurant with crispy pizza made of pie dough, a burger shop that uses plenty of vegetables and high-quality beef, a Japanese restaurant serving piping hot rice cooked in an iron pot, and a genuine okonomiyaki restaurant, among others. With so many options, you are sure to find a restaurant that you and your partner will enjoy. Make your cherry blossom viewing experience complete by having a wonderful dinner date at Jo-terrace OSAKA.

Opening Hours10:00AM – 10:00PM
*Business hours are different depending on the store, so please check each official website of the facilities
Address3-1 Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
AccessTake the subway from Namba Station on the Sennichimae Line and transfer to the Osaka Loop Line at Tsuruhashi Station, then get off at Osakajokoen Station which is 3 stations away. After getting off, it’s a 3-minute walk.
URLhttps://en.jo-terrace.jp/

Base of this trip

  • Hotel Gracery Osaka Namba
    Hotel Gracery Osaka Namba

    3-min walk from Namba station on the Midosuji line / 6-min walk from Namba station on the Nankai Electric Railway