Kema Sakuranomiya Park: Osaka's Largest Cherry Blossom Avenue along the Okawa River

One of Osaka's Largest Cherry Blossom Spots

Kema Sakuranomiya Park stretches along the Okawa River in central Osaka, a leading cherry blossom spot. Running about 4.5 km from Kema to the Temmabashi area, it is planted with several thousand cherry trees, mainly Somei Yoshino and Sato-zakura. During the bloom period from late March to early April, crowds gather at this Osaka symbol of spring, drawn by the blossoms reflected on the river and the open feeling of strolling along the waterside.

Enjoying the Cherry Blossoms

In the park, spreading a picnic sheet under the blossoms is the classic way to enjoy hanami, with families and colleagues gathering beneath the trees in lively Osaka style. The riverside promenade is ideal for walking, and joggers and cyclists are a common sight. Simply strolling the avenue, which forms a tunnel of cherry blossoms, is enough to feel the full spirit of spring.

Boats and Cruises

During cherry blossom season, viewing the blossoms from yakatabune roofed boats and sightseeing craft plying the Okawa is also popular. Looking up at the fully bloomed rows of cherry trees from the water is exceptional, and enjoying the blossoms with a meal or drink makes for an elegant experience befitting Osaka, the city of water.

Combining with the Mint

The Osaka Mint stands right beside the park, and each year around mid-April it holds its "Cherry Blossom Passage," centered on double-flowered late cherries. Because you can enjoy late-blooming cherries even after the Somei Yoshino have fallen, visiting together with Kema Sakuranomiya Park lets you enjoy the blossoms over a longer period.

Practical Travel Notes

• Access: a short walk from Sakuranomiya Station (JR Osaka Loop Line); also within walking distance of Temmabashi Station (Keihan and Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line)
• Admission: free (strolling in the park is unrestricted)
• Somei Yoshino peak: usually late March to early April
• Mint "Cherry Blossom Passage": usually mid-April (dates vary by year, so check the official announcement)
• Suggested time: about 1 to 2 hours for a riverside stroll

The park runs long and narrow along both banks of the Okawa, and you can walk it along the river from Sakuranomiya or Temmabashi stations. Entry is free and hanami can be enjoyed on the open riverbank, but it is very crowded during the cherry season, so allow plenty of time. The Mint's Cherry Blossom Passage runs only for a limited period around mid-April and in recent years has sometimes required advance application, so check the dates and entry method in the official announcement beforehand. Restrooms and shops are limited, so it helps to bring drinks in advance.

Best Time to Visit

Somei Yoshino peak is late March to early April, and the Mint passage is around mid-April. Outside the cherry season it is also a pleasant park for the fresh green along the river and waterside walks. Access from central Osaka is easy, and Osaka Castle is within walking distance along the river.

📚 Sources

This article is based on guidance for Kema Sakuranomiya Park (a roughly 4.5 km cherry avenue along the Okawa River), hanami from houseboats and tour boats, information on the adjacent Mint's Sakura no Torinuke, and tourism information for Osaka City. The somei-yoshino peak and the Torinuke entry method vary by year, so please confirm with official announcements before you go.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About 1 to 2 hours strolling along the river.
• How to get around: The park runs long along both banks of the Okawa, walkable from Sakuranomiya and Temmabashi stations.
• Access: Right by Sakuranomiya Station (JR Osaka Loop Line); also within walking distance of Temmabashi Station (Keihan and Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line).
• Best season: Somei-yoshino peak around late March to early April; it is crowded, so allow time.
• What to bring: Restrooms and shops are limited, so prepare drinks in advance.
• Also enjoy: Pairing with the adjacent Mint's Torinuke (around mid-April, sometimes by advance application in recent years) extends the hanami season.

Practical Information for Your Visit

Kema Sakuranomiya Park

• Opening hours: Open at all times (individual facilities within the park have their own opening hours)
• Parking: None
• Address: Nakano-cho, Miyakojima Ward, Osaka City
• Enquiries: Ogimachi Park Office, tel. 06-6312-8121 / Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park Office, tel. 06-6912-0650
• Access: 3 minutes' walk from Sakuranomiya Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line. You can also walk from Temmabashi Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line and the Keihan Line, or from Osakajo-Kitazume Station on the JR Tozai Line
• Cherry blossoms: About 4,800 trees along the riverside from the Kema Weir to Temmabashi. The best viewing period is from late March to mid-April

The Mint Bureau's Cherry Blossom Passageway (adjoining the park)

• Period: About one week from early to mid-April (in Reiwa 8 (2026), seven days from April 9 to April 15)
• Hours: Weekdays 10:00-19:15, Saturdays and Sundays 9:00-19:15 (all visitors must leave by 19:45). *These are the hours for Reiwa 8 (2026)
• How to enter: Advance application via the internet is required (on a first-come, first-served basis). On the day, you are admitted using the QR code sent to you in the application confirmation email. Bags are inspected on entry
• Parking: There is no parking lot on the Mint Bureau grounds. Please use public transport
• Access: About 15 minutes' walk from Temmabashi Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line (north ticket gate, Exit 2), about 15 minutes' walk from Temmabashi Station on the Keihan Main Line (east ticket gate, Exit 14), or about 15 minutes' walk from Osakajo-Kitazume Station on the JR Tozai Line (Exit 3)
• Note: Visitors are asked to refrain from eating and drinking within the venue, and the whole site is non-smoking. Entry by bicycle, entry with pets (except assistance dogs for people with disabilities) and the use of parasols, selfie sticks and tripods are not permitted

Please note that no admission fee for Kema Sakuranomiya Park is stated on the park introduction page of the Osaka City Construction Bureau (the opening hours are given as open at all times). Please note that no admission fee for the Mint Bureau's Cherry Blossom Passageway is stated on the Mint Bureau's official pages either.

(Sources: Osaka City Construction Bureau, Green City Osaka ONLINE, Kema Sakuranomiya Park page; Miyakojima Ward, Osaka City, Let's Walk Kema Sakuranomiya Park (1); Japan Mint official website)