Nishinomaru Garden, Osaka Castle Park

Back in the day – long before it was reopened as a garden and integrated into the expansive Osaka Castle Park – Nishinomaru Garden was believed to be the residence of Kita no Mandokoro, wife of the legendary samurai Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Today, it’s one of Osaka’s most popular cherry blossom destinations. The sprawling 6.5-hectare grounds feature approximately 300 mature sakura trees, primarily the beloved Somei Yoshino variety, along with a scattering of weeping cherry trees. When the sakura are in bloom, the garden extends its hours until 9pm, offering a unique opportunity to admire the blooms after nightfall, when they are bathed in soft illumination. With the majestic Osaka Castle glowing in the background, this setting creates an iconic springtime view of Osaka.