The Kansai region is known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty, but in spring the area takes on an even more special charm. But in spring, the region takes on an even more special attraction: cherry blossoms in full bloom at night. Yozakura (cherry blossoms at night) is one of the most iconic springtime scenes in Japan, and there are many wonderful nighttime cherry blossom viewing spots in the Kansai region that are well worth a visit. In this issue, we will introduce some of the most recommended spots.
Kyoto
Gion Shirakawa Sakura Light-up
Cherry blossom trees along the Shirakawa River are illuminated to create a magical atmosphere.
［Address]
Gion Shinbashi area, Shirakawa Minami Dori (Kawabata Dori – Tatsumi Daimeishin)etc.
［Business hours]
18:00 – 22:00
［Closed]
No holiday
［Admission]
Free of charge
［Access]
3 min. walk from Keihan Gion-Shijo Stn.
［Venue]
Scheduled for late March to early April 8, 2024 18:00 – 22:00
The rows of cherry trees along the Shirakawa River from Kawabata Dori to Tatsumi Bridge will be illuminated.
The picturesque cherry blossoms and the elegant townscape unique to Gion, with its stone pavement and tea houses with lattice doors, make for a picturesque sight.
Shogunzuka Seiryuden
A night stroll to admire the cherry blossoms in the Kaiyuki-style garden.
［Address]
28, Kuru-Zushioku-Kadori-machi, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
［Closed]
No holiday
［Access]
By train: 15 minutes by cab from Keihan Sanjo Station, by car: 15 minutes from the Meishin Kyoto Higashi Interchange.
［TEL]
075-771-0390
［Period]
Mid-April (7 days for the street walk-through)
Time: 17:00 – 21:30 (reception closes at 21:00) *No changeover between day and night
［Admission]
Adults 600 yen, junior high and high school students 400 yen, elementary school students 200 yen
Osaka
Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle through the cherry blossoms, evoking the essence of spring in Japan.
［Address]
Osaka Castle, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
［Business hours]
Free to walk around (except for some facilities)
［TEL]
06-6755-4146（Osaka Castle Park Center)
［Admission]
Free (except for some facilities)
［Access]
By train: A short walk from JR Osaka-jo Koen Station, Morinomiya Station, or Osaka Metro Morinomiya Station; by car: 5 minutes each from Hanshin Expressway Hoenzaka Exit or Morinomiya Exit
［Period]
(Estimated) Friday, March 22, 2024 – Sunday, April 7, 2024
Opening hours: 9:00 – 21:00 (last admission at 20:30)
Uchijo River flood control green area
The cherry blossoms on the surface of the water fascinate you at night in Neyagawa.
［Address]
25, Tadasakuragaoka, Neyagawa-shi, Osaka
［Business hours]
Free to walk around (except for some facilities)
［TEL]
072-824-1181（Park and Greenery Division, Town Construction Department, Neyagawa City, Osaka
［Admission]
Free
［Access]
By train: 15 min. by bus from Keihan Neyagawa-shi Sta., 5 min. walk, by car: 5 min. from Katano-kita IC of Daini-Keihan Road
［Best time to visit]
Late March to mid-April
Number of trees／Approx. 670
Recommended time／During the lighting-up period
Food stalls/shops/ ○ *Only during the lighting-up period
Toilets/ ○
Leisure seats/ ○
Shiga
Hikone Castle
The elegant pink spring haze against the white glow of the castle tower!
［Address]
Kanekimi-cho, Hikone City
［Business hours]
8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
［Closed]
Open daily
［Admission]
Adults (high school students and above): 800 yen, Elementary and junior high school students: 200 yen
［Access]
By train: 15-minute walk from JR Hikone Station; By car: 10 minutes from the Meishin Hikone IC
[Parking] 600 spaces available (400 yen per use)
［Best Viewing Time]
Early to Mid-April
Event: Castle Town Bustle Market, March 16th to May 6th
Light-up: March 30th to April 18th, 6 PM to 9 PM
Leave a Comment