Osaka in March 2025: Highlights, Events & Festivals

In March, Osaka transitions from the harshness of winter towards spring. While daytime temperatures are mild, mornings and evenings can still be chilly, so it's recommended to wear easily layerable clothing. As many people in Japan start new chapters of their lives in April, March in Osaka is bustling with shoppers preparing for new beginnings.

Osaka, Japan's second-largest city, is always teeming with people. The city's charm lies in its warm and friendly atmosphere, where even strangers, such as shop staff, actively engage in communication.

While March in Osaka may have fewer events, the cherry blossoms start blooming towards the end of the month, allowing visitors to enjoy "hanami" (cherry blossom viewing). In this article, we'll introduce you to events, hanami spots, and provide basic information, including dates and access to venues.

Special Experiences Unique to Osaka in March

USJ Easter

Source:Official website

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is a hugely popular theme park boasting the highest visitor numbers in Japan. It features various themed areas based on popular franchises like Harry Potter, Mario, and Jurassic Park, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in these fictional worlds.

"USJ Easter" is one of USJ's popular events, transforming the park with Easter-themed decorations. Various areas, including the Minions and Hello Kitty zones, are adorned with colorful and fun decorations featuring egg and rabbit motifs.

Additionally, characters in limited-edition Easter-themed costumes appear throughout the park, participating in parades and interacting with guests. The park becomes even more vibrant and lively than usual. Don't miss the exclusive Easter-themed merchandise and food items available during this period.

<Information>
Dates: TBA (In 2024, it was held from March 8 to June 30)
Access: 6-minute walk from Universal City Station
Admission: Adults from 7,800 yen per person
Prices vary depending on the date.
Various ticket types are available, including 1.5-day passes, Express Passes, and Annual Passes. Please check the official website for details.
Website:https://www.usj.co.jp/web/ja/jp

If you are interested in USJ, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.

Art & Science Festival

Source:KYODO NEWS PRWIRE

The Art & Science Festival takes place at the Expo '70 Commemorative Park, which was the venue for the 1970 Osaka Expo. This event showcases the evolution of science and technology in Osaka from the 1975 Osaka Expo to the upcoming Osaka Event March 2025 Expo.

The festival's highlight is the fusion of art and science, featuring AI-generated artworks and AR-viewable art installations. I attended the 2024 event and particularly enjoyed the AR art experiences.

By pointing your smartphone at various AR points throughout the park, the scenery before you transforms into part of an artwork. I found it fascinating to explore the park in search of different AR points and discover various artworks.

While details for the 2025 event have not been announced yet, given the great success of the 2024 edition, expectations are high for 2025. Stay tuned for updates!

<Information>
Dates: TBA (In 2024, it was held from March 9 (Sat) to 12 (Tue), and 14 (Thu) to 17 (Sun))
Access: 5-minute walk from Bampaku-kinen-koen Station or Koen Higashiguchi Station
Admission: Generally free
Website:https://www.expo70-park.jp/artsscience-expo70/

EXPO EKIDEN 2025 Commemorating the Osaka-Kansai Expo

Source:PR TIMES

"Ekiden" is a Japanese-originated sport where teams compete in a long-distance relay race. Spectators can experience the thrill of runners passing by at close range while cheering from the roadside.

The EXPO EKIDEN 2025, commemorating the Osaka-Kansai Expo, starts at the Expo '70 Commemorative Park, the site of the 1970 Osaka Expo, and heads towards Yumeshima, the venue for the Osaka Event March 2025 Expo. This event symbolizes the cumulative efforts and technological advancements from 1970 to 2025, as teams pass the sash (which serves as a baton in ekiden) from the past expo site to the future one.

This EXPO EKIDEN 2025 is also historic as it's the first-ever event where professional corporate teams directly compete with university teams, which usually participate in separate tournaments. Don't miss this chance to witness a landmark race that will captivate ekiden fans nationwide!

<Information>
Date: March 16 (Sun)
Access: Starting point
5-minute walk from Bampaku-kinen-koen Station or Koen Higashiguchi Station
Finish line
Within walking distance from Yumeshima Station
Course details TBA
Admission: Free
Website:https://www.expo-ekiden.com/

If you are interested in Osaka Expo 2025, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt about it.

5 Spots to Fully Enjoy Cherry Blossoms Blooming from Late March to Mid-April

Expo '70 Commemorative Park (9:30 am - 5:00 pm)

Source:Sankei

The Expo '70 Commemorative Park, selected as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Sites" by the Japan Cherry Blossom Association, boasts about 5,500 cherry trees in full bloom.

The park's charm lies in its variety, offering 12 different types of cherry blossoms. While the Somei Yoshino, often featured in international media, is just one variety, the park allows you to discover a diverse range of unique and beautiful cherry blossoms with varying colors, petal counts, and blooming patterns.

As someone who visited the park multiple times last year, my top recommendation is the "Jindai Akebono" variety. You can enjoy these near the Eastern Plaza. The Jindai Akebono has a charming appearance with whitish centers and pink-tinged petal tips. I encourage you to observe them up close.

<Detailed Information>
- Address: Senri Banpaku Koen, Suita, Osaka
- Access: 5-minute walk from Bampaku-kinen-koen Station or Koen Higashiguchi Station
- Hours: 9:30 - 17:00
*Opening hours may change due to events or weather conditions.
- Closed: Every Wednesday (or the following weekday if Wednesday is a holiday) / New Year's holidays
*Open every day from April 1 to May 2, and throughout October and November
- Phone: 06-6877-3370
- Official website: https://www.expo70-park.jp/flower/2438/
- Admission: 260 yen
*Additional fees may apply for specific facilities within the park

The "Banpaku Park Cherry Blossom Festival" is also held at the Expo '70 Commemorative Park

Source:OSAKA Prefectual Government

The "Banpaku Park Cherry Blossom Festival" is an annual event timed to coincide with the cherry blossom season (in 2024, it was held from March 20 to April 7). It offers a plethora of content and events to maximize your cherry blossom enjoyment.

My top recommendation is the illuminated cherry blossom avenue. At night, the cute and beautiful daytime appearance transforms into a chic and mysterious atmosphere. The 200-meter-long illuminated path allows you to immerse yourself in the ambiance as you walk under the cherry blossoms.

Another attractive point is the numerous food trucks and stalls that set up from late morning to night. Why not enjoy some Japanese street food amidst the falling cherry blossom petals?

Osaka Castle Park (9:00 am - 5:00 pm)

Osaka Castle Park, often featured in international media, is one of Japan's premier cherry blossom viewing spots. You can enjoy about 3,000 cherry trees, primarily of the Somei Yoshino variety.

Cherry trees are planted throughout the park, allowing you to enjoy the blossoms anywhere. However, my personal recommendation is the area around the eastern outer moat, located on the east side of the main tower. Here, cherry trees line the moat, letting you enjoy the reflection of the blossoms on the water surface and the floating petals. The water truly enhances the beauty of the cherry blossoms.

Additionally, from the eastern outer moat, you can view the main tower through the cherry blossoms. Why not take in the combination of traditional Japanese architecture and beautifully blooming cherry blossoms, experiencing the timeless beauty of Japan?

<Detailed Information>
- Address: Osaka Castle, Chuo-ku, Osaka 540-0002
- Access: About 5 minutes on foot from JR Osakajokoen Station
About 15 minutes on foot from Morinomiya Station (Keihan Railway, Subway Midosuji Line)
- Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 0667554146
- Admission: Free (except for Nishinomaru Garden)

If you are interested in Osaka Castle, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.

Enjoy Spectacular Night Cherry Blossoms at the "Nishinomaru Garden Cherry Blossom Night Viewing"

The Nishinomaru Garden is the most popular cherry blossom spot within Osaka Castle Park. As a paid area, it tends to be less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed cherry blossom viewing experience.

The most attractive feature of Nishinomaru Garden is its night cherry blossom illumination. This is the only area within the park where cherry blossoms are illuminated, attracting many tourists annually. The sight of Osaka Castle and the cherry blossoms seemingly glowing in the darkness is truly breathtaking.

Of course, the daytime cherry blossoms are also beautiful. This area has a particularly high concentration of cherry trees within Osaka Castle Park, filling your entire field of vision with a sea of pink blossoms. Here too, you can enjoy the combination of cherry blossoms and Osaka Castle.

Osaka Mint Bureau (9:00 am - 4:45 pm)

Source: Official website

The Osaka Mint Bureau is where you can enjoy the "Cherry Blossom Tunnel," one of Osaka's spring traditions. Along the 560-meter path from the south gate to the north gate, 338 cherry trees of 134 varieties bloom in profusion. Walking this path while admiring the cherry blossoms is known as the "Cherry Blossom Tunnel" experience.

The main attraction of the Cherry Blossom Tunnel is undoubtedly the diversity of cherry blossom varieties. You can find many rare varieties not commonly seen elsewhere, allowing you to appreciate the individuality and depth of cherry blossoms.

Another delightful aspect is walking on the pink carpet created by fallen petals. As the Cherry Blossom Tunnel requires advance online registration, be sure to make your reservation before your trip to ensure you can closely observe these precious cherry blossoms.

If you couldn't secure a reservation, head to Sakuranomiya Bridge. Even from outside the venue, you can enjoy the seemingly endless rows of cherry trees as far as the eye can see.

<Detailed Information>
- Address: 1-1-79 Tenma, Kita-ku, Osaka
- Access: About 15 minutes walk from Temmabashi Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line (North Exit, Exit 2)
 About 15 minutes walk from Temmabashi Station on the Keihan Main Line (East Exit, Exit 14)
About 15 minutes walk from Osakajo-kitazume Station on the JR Tozai Line (Exit 3)
- Hours: Weekdays 10:00-19:30, Weekends 9:00-19:30
- Closed: None
*The Cherry Blossom Tunnel is only open for about a week during full bloom each year
- Phone: 06-6351-5105 (Mint Bureau Public Relations Office)
- Official website: https://www.mint.go.jp/enjoy/toorinuke/sakura_osaka_data.html
- Admission: Free

Kema Sakuranomiya Park (24 hours)

Source:Wikipedia

Kema Sakuranomiya Park is a riverside park built on the floodplain, featuring 4,800 cherry trees. This 4.2 km long park has endless rows of cherry trees along the river. In many areas, the cherry blossoms protrude from both sides of the path, creating a tunnel-like effect.

The park preserves several old Western-style buildings from about 150 years ago. The collaboration between these buildings and the cherry blossoms is a charming point of Kema Sakuranomiya Park. The combination of stylish, dignified Western architecture and delicate cherry blossoms is perfect.

Another must-try experience is the cherry blossom viewing cruise. You can enjoy the cherry blossoms while slowly cruising along the river that flows alongside the park.

<Detailed Information>
- Address: 1 Chome Nakano, Miyakojima Ward, Osaka
- Access: 3 minutes walk from JR Loop Line Sakuranomiya Station or JR Tozai Line Osakajo-kitazume Station
 3 minutes walk from Keihan Temmabashi Station
- Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone: 06-6312-8121 / 06-6912-0650
- Official website: https://www.city.osaka.lg.jp/miyakojima/page/0000617520.html
- Admission: Free

Settsu Gorge Park (24 hours)

Source:Takatsuka City

Settsu Gorge Park, also known locally as "Cherry Blossom Park," is a beloved cherry blossom viewing spot among locals.

The park offers numerous cherry blossom spots. My first recommendation is the "Shidare-zakura" (weeping cherry) variety near the entrance. This variety is characterized by its branches that droop almost to the ground, forming beautiful thick pink pillars during the cherry blossom season.

The "Cherry Blossom Square" is another of my favorite spots. It has a particularly high concentration of cherry trees, with about 280 trees painting your view pink. There's also a large playground nearby, making it ideal for families. Why not enjoy some vigorous play or a delicious picnic amidst the dancing cherry blossom petals?

<Detailed Information>
- Address: 5 Tsukawaki, Takatsuki City
- Access: Take a municipal bus bound for Tsukawaki from JR Takatsuki Station, then walk about 10 minutes from Tsukawaki bus stop
- Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone: 072-674-7516 (Takatsuki City Park Division)
- Official website: https://www.city.takatsuki.osaka.jp/soshiki/54/5519.html
- Admission: Free

If you are interested in hiking spots in Osaka check the article below! I summarized the spots I recommend and how I felt each place.