Have a relaxing time while seeing spring scenery unique to Osaka! 3 recommended cherry-blossom spots around the surrounding areas of Kansai Airport

Cherry blossoms in Osaka began to bloom around 22nd March a little later than the Kanto and Kyushu region, so the best season is around the corner. Visiting the surrounding areas of Kansai Airport, we can come across cherry blossoms starting to bloom at spots famous for cherry blossoms such as Kishiwada Castle and good out-of-the-way ones.

This time, we’re going to introduce 3 spots from cherry-blossom ones in the area around Kansai Airport, where those who have kids can also be intoxicated by spring scenery while having a relaxing time.

“Yamanakadani Valley” making you feel as if you’re riding a dream train heading to a cherry-blossom world

“Yamanakadani Valley” had the first post town on the Kishu Kaido at the Edo period, where the Kishu Tokugawa family stayed on the way of Sankinkotai (under that system, provincial lords were ordered to serve the central military government every other year). In addition, it was flourished as a hot spring town until the mid-Showa period. When you visit Yamanakadani Station with various histories by train between late-March and early-April, a row of cherry trees along a railroad jumps out at you from a window. Moreover, both banks of the river flowing close to the station are covered with about 1,000 cherry trees planted to revitalize the area, such as Yoshino cherry and Yama-zakura. Why not enjoy graceful scenery created by them while leisurely strolling around the town with an old atmosphere?

Cherry Tree Growth Status	The cherry blossoms bloom forecast 23rd March／ Expected peak bloom date 29th March
Access	Hop on a rapid train on the Kansai Airport line at Rinku-Town Station and transfer to the Hanwa line at the next station, Nineno Station. Kumeda Station is 5 stations away from there.
URL	https://osaka-info.jp/en/page/yamanakadani-valley

“Oiseki Park” fascinating you with dynamic natural scenery having a combination of a mountain stream and cherry blossoms

Spreading across ‘Roji Valley’ in the middle stream of the Kashii River flowing from the east to the west of Izumisano City, “Oiseki Park” is rich in nature. A view of the valley formed by the clear stream flowing at the bottom of it and impressive rocks is so superb that it’s chosen as one of the Top 100 of Osaka’s Greenery. In particular, a view from Taiko Bridge in the park will touch at your heart and make you feel refresh. In spring, it becomes more elegant because about 600 Yoshino cherry add color. By the way, there are Hine Shrine whose feature is the Kasuga-zukuri style main hall next to this park and many cultural assets such as pagoda of Jigenin temple, one of national treasures. So, it might be a good idea to stop by the park while sightseeing spots-hopping.

Cherry Tree Growth Status	The cherry blossoms bloom forecast 25th March／ Expected peak bloom date 31st March
Opening Hours	Open all year round
Address	Higashiue Hineno, Izumisano City, Osaka Prefecture
Access	A 10-min walk from Higashiue Bus Sop *Hop on an express train on the Nankai Airport line at Rinku-Town Station and transfer to bus at Izumisano Station.
URL	https://osaka-info.jp/en/page/oiseki-park

The well-kept-secret spot of cherry blossom “Kumeda Temple” with a history of approximately 1,300 years

“Kumeda Temple” built in 738 is closely related to a monk, Gyoki, who is famous for working on irrigation projects for poor farmers during the Nara period. Next to this temple, there is Kumeda Pond, one of Osaka prefecture’s largest ponds for irrigation water storage. It’s said that Gyoki gathered people and took 14 years to make it for helping farmers in Kumeda suffered from drought. Anyway, at Kumeda Temple where you can feel his mercifulness, cherry blossoms proudly bloom against the background of ‘Tahoto Pagoda,’ whose bright vermilion is eye-catching, in the best season for cherry blossom. You can enjoy quaint Japanese traditional scenery because pine trees are also planted. Besides, gorgeous and luxurious scenery created by countless cherry blossoms that are planted along the road around Kumeda Pond is one of the best charms.

Cherry Tree Growth Status	The cherry blossoms bloom forecast 22nd March／ Expected peak bloom date 28th March
Opening Hours	Open all year round ※Reception hours for praying is from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. (November – April 6:30AM to 5:00PM)
Address	934 Ikejiri-cho, Kishiwada City, Osaka Prefecture
Access	A 10-min walk from Kumeda Station *Hop on a rapid train on the Kansai Airport line at Rinku-Town Station and transfer to the Hanwa line at Higashikishiwada Station. Kumeda Station is 2stations away from there.
URL	https://www.city.kishiwada.osaka.jp/site/kishiwada-side/kumedadera.html