Hiokayama Park, Kakogawa City, Hyogo Prefecture

A sprawling park in Hyogo prefecture’s Kakogawa City, Hiokayama Park is easily accessible from Osaka as a day trip. And you’ll want to visit this spring, as this green space is one of the region’s top cherry blossom destinations. While Hiokayama Park is home to several sporting facilities, it’s perhaps best known for its abundance of somei yoshino sakura trees – and there are around 1,000 of them spread out across the vast grounds. At the height of peak bloom, you’ll see a panoramic stretch of pink blossoms filling your entire field of vision. For the best experience, visit after sunset between 6pm and 9pm, when the cherry blossom tunnel along the main path is illuminated with the warm glow of countless lanterns. This magical nighttime spectacle offers a completely different atmosphere from daytime sakura viewing. Best of all, admission is free. Getting here from Osaka takes around 60 to 90 minutes. From Osaka Station, hop on a train to Kakogawa Station, then transfer to the JR Kakogawa Line and alight at Hioka Station. The park is just a five-minute walk from the station. Tip: You can check the park's cherry blossom blooming status here.