tripuuu.log
Event Guide · Kansai

Japan Mint Cherry Blossom Walk-Through (Sakura no Torinuke)

AprilOsaka
Search by dates and destination
Overview

Overview

A spring tradition in Osaka dating back to the Meiji era. You walk one way along a roughly 560 m path inside the Japan Mint grounds, normally closed to the public, beside the former Yodo River while admiring the cherry blossoms. About 330 trees of around 140 varieties, mainly double-flowered yaezakura, bloom here, letting you enjoy many rare varieties at once. Entry now requires advance online registration (first come, first served).

When
Usually 7 days in early to mid-April (dates set according to the bloom)
Venue
Japan Mint grounds (1-1-79 Temma, Kita-ku, Osaka; path along the Okawa River / former Yodo River)
Official website
https://www.mint.go.jp/
Highlights

Highlights

A wide range of double-flowered cherry varieties that bloom after Somei-yoshino, such as Gyoiko with its green flowers and the ball-shaped Otemari. The 2026 "Flower of the Year" was Gyoiko, and a new variety, Fukuzakura, also made its debut. After sunset the cherry trees are lit up.

Times

Times

Walk-through (weekdays)10:00–19:15

All visitors must exit by 19:45. 2026 example

Walk-through (weekends)9:00–19:15

All visitors must exit by 19:45. 2026 example

Advance registration opens9:00–

In 2026, registration opened at 9:00 on March 18, first come, first served

Times can change from year to year. Check the official website for the latest information.

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓Advance online registration is required for entry (first come, first served; in 2026 up to 5 people per registration). You cannot enter without it, so check the official website for when registration opens in mid-March
  • ✓Show the QR code from your registration confirmation email at the entrance. Make sure your smartphone is charged
  • ✓The course is one-way, entering at the South Gate (Temmabashi side) and exiting at the North Gate (Sakuranomiya Bridge side). You cannot turn back partway
  • ✓The dates are decided shortly beforehand based on the bloom. Keep your travel plans flexible for early to mid-April
  • ✓Eating and drinking are not allowed on the course. For a hanami meal, try the food stalls in nearby Kema-Sakuranomiya Park along the Okawa River
Access

Getting there

Nearest stations
  • Temmabashi Station (Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line / Keihan Main Line)About a 15 min walk to the South Gate (entrance)
  • Sakuranomiya Station (JR Osaka Loop Line)Within walking distance of the North Gate (exit)Convenient for the return trip
From major stations
  • Osaka Station / Umeda Station: Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line (from Higashi-Umeda Station) to Temmabashi Station (About 5 min + about a 15 min walk)
  • Kyoto (Sanjo / Gion-Shijo): Keihan Main Line (Limited Express) to Temmabashi Station (About 50 min)
  • Shin-Osaka Station: Subway Midosuji Line to Umeda, then transfer to the Tanimachi Line to Temmabashi Station (About 20–25 min + walk)
Extra buses & shuttles
None
IC cards (Suica etc.)
IC cards such as ICOCA and Suica can be used on Osaka Metro, Keihan and JR
Getting back
  • The exit is the North Gate (Sakuranomiya Bridge side), and you cannot go back to the Temmabashi-side entrance. Head home via JR Sakuranomiya Station or walk along the Okawa River toward Temmabashi
  • There is no parking, and traffic restrictions are in place nearby. Please use public transportation
  • From the evening, the cherry-lined Okawa River also gets crowded. Leave plenty of time for your train home
Open in Google Maps ↗
Crowds

Crowds & best timing

Busiest times
Weekend afternoons and early evening when the illumination begins
Quieter times
Weekday mornings (around 10:00–12:00)
Time needed
30 minutes to 1 hour for the roughly 560 m walk
Weather

Weather & what to wear

Evening temperatures
Osaka's average April low is around 10°C (approximate, based on JMA normals). Even if the day is warm, nights get chilly
What to wear
A light jacket during the day, and a light coat or cardigan for the evening illumination. On rainy days, a raincoat is more practical than an umbrella in the crowds
Where to check for cancellations
Japan Mint official website (https://www.mint.go.jp/)
☁ Kansai weather in April →
Etiquette

Local rules & etiquette

  • !No eating or drinking on the course
  • !The course is one-way; keep moving with the flow and don't stop along the way
  • !Do not break branches or touch the cherry trees
  • !Refrain from using tripods and selfie sticks on the crowded course
  • !Take your trash home
  • !Public trash bins are rare in Japan. Bring a small bag and take your trash with you.
  • !Smoking while walking is banned in many cities. Use designated smoking areas.
Facilities

Facilities

Toilets
Toilets near the course get crowded. It is best to go at Temmabashi Station or nearby facilities beforehand
Lockers & luggage
Coin lockers are available at Temmabashi Station and Osaka Station. Leave suitcases at a station or your hotel before coming
Paying at food stalls
Some nearby food stalls are cash only, so bring cash
ATMs
Convenience store ATMs (Seven Bank, etc.) are available around Temmabashi Station
Seven Bank ATMs (inside 7-Eleven stores) usually accept cards issued overseas.
Wheelchairs & strollers
The course is a flat path, but moving with a wheelchair or stroller takes time during crowded hours. Weekday mornings are recommended
Food

Food

Local favorites
Street food from stalls along the Okawa RiverTakoyakiHanami dango (cherry-blossom-viewing rice dumplings)
Vegetarian & halal
Food stalls rarely have vegetarian or halal labels, so check the ingredients with each vendor
Tours & tickets for this eventPR
🏨 Where to stay during the event

Early to mid-April is cherry blossom season and Osaka hotels fill up easily, so book early

Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Japan Mint Cherry Blossom Walk-Through (Sakura no Torinuke)PR

PRSee more places to stay near Japan Mint Cherry Blossom Walk-Through (Sakura no Torinuke) on Agoda →

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

Attractions

Attractions in Osaka

Theme park

Universal Studios Japan

Kansai ・ Osaka

This large theme park in Osaka’s Bay Area lets you step into the worlds of Hollywood movies and popular characters. Ride attractions, shows, and seasonal events can easily fill a full day.

Aquarium

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Kansai ・ Osaka

Located in Tempozan Harbor Village in Osaka, this is one of the world’s largest aquariums. Tanks recreating the natural environments of the Pacific Rim are arranged along a route that leads from the top floors down. It houses about 30,000 creatures of some 620 species.

☂ Mostly indoors · rain-friendly
Photo coming soonAquarium

NIFREL

Kansai ・ Suita

A "living museum" inside EXPOCITY, the large entertainment complex next to Expo '70 Commemorative Park in Osaka. Blending elements of an aquarium, zoo, and art museum, it's built around the theme of "touching" the individuality of living creatures. It's run by the same company as Kaiyukan.

☂ Mostly indoors · rain-friendly
Zoo

Tennoji Zoo

Kansai ・ Osaka

Opened in 1915, this urban zoo run by the City of Osaka has more than 100 years of history. It sits in Tennoji Park right next to Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku Tower, and keeps about 1,000 animals of some 170 species across roughly 11 hectares. Admission prices were revised in July 2026.

Amusement park

Hirakata Park

Kansai ・ Hirakata

Opened at its current location in 1912 (Taisho 1), it's the oldest continuously operating amusement park in Japan. It has about 40 kinds of attractions and is just a short walk from Hirakatakoen Station on the Keihan Main Line. It's about 30 minutes by train from both Osaka and Kyoto.

See all attractions →
Events

Events & festivals in Kansai

January

Wakakusa Yamayaki

Kansai ・ Nara

Usually the fourth Saturday of January (fireworks from around 18:15 in the evening, ignition around 18:30)

Photo coming soonJanuary–February

Kobe Luminarie

Kansai ・ Kobe & Arima Onsen

Usually about 10 days from late January to early February (lit from dusk to around 21:30)

2027 (32nd): Jan 29 – Feb 7

February

Baikasai (Plum Blossom Festival)

Kansai ・ Kyoto City

Every year on February 25 (outdoor tea ceremony 10:00–15:00)

Every year on February 25 (Feb 25 in 2027)

May

Aoi Matsuri

Kansai ・ Kyoto City

Every year on May 15 (postponed to the 16th if it rains; if it also rains on the 16th, the procession is canceled). Preliminary rites such as Yabusame horseback archery (May 3) and the Saio-dai purification ceremony (May 4) are held in early May

2027: May 15 (held every year on May 15; postponed to the 16th if it rains)

May–October

Noryo Yuka / Kawadoko (Kamogawa & Kibune)

Kansai ・ Kyoto City

Kamogawa Noryo Yuka usually runs May 1 – October 15, and Kibune Kawadoko usually runs May 1 – September 30 (season and hours vary by restaurant). In 2026, Kamogawa Noryo Yuka runs until October 15

July

Gion Matsuri

Kansai ・ Kyoto City

Usually July 1–31 (Yamahoko procession: Saki Matsuri July 17, Ato Matsuri July 24; Yoiyama eves: Saki Matsuri July 14–16, Ato Matsuri July 21–23)

July

Tenjin Matsuri

Kansai ・ Osaka

Every year on July 24 (Yoimiya) and 25 (Hongu). Related events from late June

2027: Jul 24 (Yoimiya) & Jul 25 (Hongu) (held on the same dates every year)

Photo coming soonJuly

Nachi Fire Festival (Nachi no Ogi Matsuri)

Kansai ・ Shirahama & Nanki

Every year on July 14 (held during the day; Yoimiya offering events are also held the day before, on the 13th)

2027: Jul 14 (held every year on July 14)

August

Koyasan Candle Festival (Mando Kuyo-e)

Kansai ・ Koyasan

Every year on August 13 (the candle festival runs from evening into the night; the Mando Kuyo-e memorial service starts at 20:00)

2027: Aug 13 (held every year on August 13)

September–October

Kishiwada Danjiri Festival

Kansai ・ Osaka

The September festival is usually on a weekend in mid- to late September, and the October festival on a weekend in early to mid-October (2 days each)

Next: 2026 October festival (Higashi-Kishiwada district and others), Oct 10 – Oct 11. The 2026 September festival was held Sep 19 – Sep 20

Photo coming soonOctober–November

Annual Exhibition of Shōsōin Treasures

Kansai ・ Nara

Usually late October to early November (about 2–3 weeks)

2026 (78th): Oct 24 – Nov 9, open every day during the exhibition

October

Kanname-sai

Kansai ・ Ise & Shima

Usually October 15–17 (Geku first, then Naiku). Hatsuhobiki is usually on October 15 and 16

2026: Oct 15 – Oct 17 (Geku: night of Oct 15 – Oct 16; Naiku: night of Oct 16 – Oct 17)

Photo coming soonDecember

Kasuga Wakamiya On-matsuri Festival

Kansai ・ Nara

Usually December 15–18 (the Owatari-shiki starts at noon on December 17)

2026: Dec 15 (Tue) – Dec 18 (Fri); Owatari-shiki on Dec 17 (Thu)

See all events →

Dates, times and access are based on official and other primary sources. Only dates confirmed by official sources are shown as “Confirmed dates”; otherwise the usual timing is given.

Last checked: 2026-09-30

PRKlookKimono & Yukata Rental and Photo Shoot (Osaka Castle / Osaka Tenmangu) by Kimono Rental MisakiRent a kimono at a shop in the Osaka Tenmangu / Osaka Castle area and stroll among the cherry blossomsView