If you are going to go sightseeing, you want to incorporate into your itinerary things that you can only see and experience during that time of the year. In this issue, we will introduce the situation, events, and recommended spots in March in Osaka for those who are interested in such things.
*The events introduced here are subject to cancellation, so please check the official website before heading out.
About Osaka in March
In Osaka in March, the cold winter weather eases and signs of spring can be felt. Late in the month, it is cherry blossom season. There are many cherry blossom viewing spots in Osaka, and they are crowded with people as the cherry blossoms bloom.
Below is some general information about the characteristics and weather in Tokyo in March.
atmospheric temperature
- Early March can still be cold, but temperatures gradually begin to rise, and daytime temperatures are relatively mild.
- Daytime temperatures start around 10 degrees Celsius and can reach 15 degrees Celsius or more by the end of the day.
- Nights can still be chilly, so cold weather is necessary.
- The change of seasons from winter to spring is a time of great temperature differences, with some days being extremely cold and other days being warm and sunny.
Cherry Blossom blooming
- Cherry blossoms begin to bloom in late March and early April. As the cherry blossom viewing season approaches, cherry blossoms gradually begin to bloom in parks and throughout the city, creating a beautiful hanami scene.
- There are many hanami spots in Osaka Prefecture, but they are crowded with many people.
Events
- Since March is a milestone month for Japanese schools, graduation and entrance ceremonies are held from March to April, and from late March onward, school vacations are a time when more people go sightseeing.
- The most typical event in March is the Hinamatsuri (March 3). Hinamatsuri is a traditional Japanese festival to pray for the growth and happiness of girls.
- From March to April is the time when flowers begin to bloom in Japan. Various events such as cherry blossom festivals and flower festivals are held at cherry blossom viewing spots.
travel
- March is the beginning of the tourist season in Japan, and tourist spots are often crowded. Especially during the cherry blossom season, many tourists visit, and there are more events and food stalls to enjoy cherry blossom viewing.
Fashion at this time of year
- In March, temperatures can vary greatly from cold to warm within a single day. A jacket or stole to adjust your clothing will be helpful.
Plum blossom viewing spots
Plum blossoms are trees that bloom beautifully throughout Japan in early spring, and they herald the arrival of spring in Japan one step earlier than cherry blossoms. The flowers are mainly white or pale pink in color and have a fragrance.
The best time to view Plum blossoms in Osaka is usually from January to mid-March. The specific time varies from year to year, but mainly peaks from early February to early March.
Osaka Castle Park
Osaka Castle Park is one of the most popular plum blossom spots in Osaka. In the area called “Plum Grove,” more than 100 varieties of plum trees are planted, numbering approximately 1,270. The earliest plum blossom begin to bloom at the end of December, and many different varieties of plum blossom are in full bloom until March. The best time to view the plum grove as a whole is from mid-February to early March.
The plum grove is located between the inner moat and the east outer moat. Since it is located just a stone’s throw from Osaka Castle, you can take pictures of the castle and the plum trees at the same time. The castle tower overlooking the plum grove is also a recommended viewing spot. The gradation of white, light red, and dark red is very Japanese in its beauty.
Domyoji Tenmangu Shrine
Domyoji Tenmangu Shrine in Fujiidera City, Osaka Prefecture, has approximately 800 plum trees of about 80 varieties planted on its grounds, which attract many visitors every year to see the beautiful plum trees. The “Plum Festival” is held every year from February to March, and a variety of events are held.
Osaka Prefectural Flower Garden
Here are some spots that are holding interesting events to coincide with the blooming of the plum trees. At the Osaka Prefectural Flower Garden in Kawachinagano City, visitors can enjoy viewing Plum blossoms while sitting in a “kotatsu” ! A kotatsu is a low table covered with a futon(quilt), a traditional heating device used in Japan during the winter season. It is usually found at home, and you sit with your legs tucked under it. The view of 240 Plum trees of about 90 varieties looking up from the “Kotatsu” will surely be the talk of the town on social networking sites.
Cherry blossom viewing spots
Osaka Castle Park
Osaka Castle Park, introduced as a spot for viewing plum blossoms, is also famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot. In particular, Nishinomaru Garden is known as a cherry blossom viewing spot with approximately 300 cherry trees. At night, the garden is illuminated to provide a romantic view. There are many other cherry trees planted in the large park, and visitors can enjoy cherry blossom viewing while strolling through the park.
Expo ’70 Commemorative Park
Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, famous for the Tower of the Sun, is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot and has been selected as one of the 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan. From late March to mid-April, the entire park is decorated with approximately 5,500 cherry trees of nine varieties.
Although there is an admission fee for events held in conjunction with the blooming season, many kitchen cars and stalls will be set up, allowing visitors to enjoy gourmet food while viewing the cherry blossoms.
Flower Expo Memorial Park Tsurumi Ryokuchi
Tsurumi-ryokuchi in Osaka City is planted with approximately 1100 cherry trees of about 10 varieties, from early to late bloomers. The variety of cherry trees allows visitors to enjoy cherry blossoms for a long period of time. The “Four Seasons Pond” is especially recommended, where you can enjoy the view of cherry blossoms reflected on the surface of the water.
For a spring-like experience! Strawberry Picking Spots
Sakai Green Museum, Harvest Hill
The Sakai Green Museum Harvest Hill is a perfect spot for children to interact with animals, experience various hands-on activities such as baking bread and making sausages, and enjoy a variety of playground equipment.
At Harvest Hill, visitors can enjoy all-you-can-eat strawberry picking of three varieties: Sagahonoka, Benihoppe, and Tochiotome. Since this is a very popular strawberry picking spot, you need to make a reservation in advance if you want to go.
Strawberry Sakai
Strawberry Sakai” is a strawberry picking spot reputed for its quality strawberries. It is located about 10 minutes from a station in Osaka City, making it easily accessible! You can enjoy up to 12 different varieties of strawberries, and by comparing different kinds, you can learn which variety you prefer.
