Hunting for Sakura in Osaka

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Spring is not complete without hanami or flower viewing. Though the literal translation implies watching flowers (all kinds) bloom in spring time, hanami in modern Japanese culture refers to reveling in the beauty of sakura or cherry blossoms. This is the season when the whole Japan is in a party mood to mark the end of winter and welcome spring. If you hate seeing hordes of people, then avoid parks at this time because for sure they are packed with picnic-lovers as they enjoy watching the beautiful sakura trees.

I didn't know about the existence of sakura until I came to Japan years ago. So imagine my surprise upon seeing an ark-like arrangement of cherry blossom trees in the park close to my dormitory. I was really amazed at their beauty that my friends and I would even go out in the wee hours and walk around. It felt like heaven - walking under pinkish blooms. It was really an experience of a lifetime.

If you plan to visit Japan and you're into nature, the best time to come is between last week of March or first week of April. But you have to take note that sakura blooms at different times depending on which region of Japan you are visiting. If you're planning to come to Osaka, then the best period would be the first week of April. Though you can see cherry blossoms anywhere, the nicest place to go to is a park. I recommend that you visit Kema Sakuranomiya Park in Miyakojima-ku, Osaka City because it's known for its sakura trees. There are many ways on how to get there. If you're in JR Osaka Station, take the Osaka Loop Line and get off at Sakuranomiya Station. It will cost you 120 yen. If you're taking a Keihan Line or Tanimachi Line, get off at Temmabashi Station and walk from there. You can also access it through JR Tozai Line and get off at  Osakajo-Kitazume Station. You must bear in mind that this is a popular venue for hanami, so if you plan to have a picnic then come early so you can get a good spot.

Minami-Senri Park in Suita, Osaka is also a good place for watching cherry blossoms. Compared with Kema Sakuranomiya Park, it is less crowded. You can access it through the Hankyu Kita-Senri Line. If you're coming from Umeda, just take a Hankyu train bound for Kita-Senri and get off at Minami-Senri Station. It will cost you 220 yen. Though it's more expensive than going to Kema Sakuranomiya (from Osaka City), I assure you it's worth the trip.  :)  Below is a snapshot of a portion of Minami-Senri Park on a rainy spring day.










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