Walk beneath cherry blossoms in Osaka Castle Park and along the Okawa River, or explore Kyoto’s blossom-lined paths on a day trip. In May, consider the Aoi Matsuri procession in Kyoto.
Cherry blossoms: usually late March–April, varying by year and location. Aoi Matsuri procession: traditionally May 15; check the organizer.
Osaka Castle Park · spring
Events to plan around
New dates are not yet listed here. Check the organizer before planning a trip.
More seasonal ideas
Osaka · Okawa River
Osaka · Okawa River
Okawa River cherry blossoms
Follow the riverside cherry trees in Kema Sakuranomiya Park. Pair a short walk with Osaka Castle Park; bloom timing depends on the weather.
A procession in Heian-period dress travels from Kyoto Imperial Palace through Shimogamo Shrine to Kamigamo Shrine, traditionally on May 15. Choose one viewing area rather than trying to follow the whole procession. Rain can postpone or cancel it; check the organizer for your travel year. The photo shows 2014.
