Lim Chee Wah

Osaka is famous for its food – especially takoyaki – but its cultural scene is just as vibrant. As the heart of the Kansai region, the city is packed with museums and galleries presenting a diverse array of exhibitions year-round – from contemporary installations and immersive digital art to thought-provoking commentary and timeless traditional works. With so much to explore, we’re here to help you focus on the most exciting and worthwhile shows. Browse our curated list below and get ready to be inspired by Osaka’s dynamic art world. RECOMMENDED: 12 best things to do in Nakanoshima, Osaka's museum island

It’s that time of year we’ve all been waiting for – the 2026 cherry blossom season has arrived in Osaka. According to this year’s cherry blossom forecast, the best time to bask under Osaka’s pink blooms is from the end of March through mid-April. However, if previous years have taught us anything, weather can play a big factor in how long the blossoms stay around. Japan’s third-largest city is gorgeous come spring, with an iconic castle, flourishing parks and stunning tree-lined streets all covered in the pastel pink petals. Now, get ready for a spectacular sakura season with our definitive 2026 Osaka cherry blossom guide. GOING TO KYOTO? These are the top cherry blossom events and illuminations happening in Kyoto

It’s finally spring! With cherry blossoms now blooming across the Kansai region, including Osaka, Kyoto and Nara, the city is now entering its most vibrant season. There are sakura events and illuminations popping up across the city’s top cherry blossom spots. And if you are looking to check out more, we’ve also compiled a list of our favourite sakura destinations in nearby Kyoto, Kobe, Himeji and Nara. Even if you want a break from the pink blooms, Osaka still has plenty to offer – from art exhibitions to lively festivals and free cultural experiences. Scroll down to explore our curated list of the best things to do in Osaka and start planning your perfect spring weekend now. Going to Kyoto for sakura? Here are Kyoto's most amazing cherry blossom events and illuminations happening right now

Sakura, or cherry blossoms, are synonymous with Japan. Mention spring and, chances are, you'll imagine trees bursting with delicate blooms of white and pink lining the rivers and dotting the parks everywhere in Tokyo. There's a ritual of sorts (known as hanami) that locals adhere to when enjoying this fleeting season, which lasts only for a couple of weeks at most. However, rest assured, even after the flowers have withered, you'll still find the essence of the season in the city's many food and drink offerings, from sakura-flavoured lattes to pretty desserts featuring the beautiful petals.  Here we've pulled together a guide to help you make the most of the sakura season – yes, Instagram inspiration included. Plus, we've also compiled a list of sakura facts that will make you seem like an expert in no time. ALSO SEE: Our cherry blossom progress report for 2026

Spring is almost here, and with it, the highly anticipated arrival of cherry blossoms. If sakura spotting is high on your list this year, Kyoto is the place to be from late March through early April. There is a reason this ancient capital remains one of Japan’s most picturesque spring destinations. Its many Unesco World Heritage sites, temples and shrines boast meticulously landscaped gardens that transform into a sea of pink each year. When set against a backdrop of heritage architecture, the blooming sakura creates the most breathtaking scene, one that has become synonymous with springtime in Japan. Moreover, many of these iconic attractions will even open briefly for special night visits, offering a unique opportunity to admire the blooms at different times of day. If you think sakura look ethereal by day, wait till you see them bathed in soft illumination after nightfall – it’s truly unforgettable. So let us guide you to Kyoto’s best cherry blossom events and illuminations this year: from the centuries-old Nijo Castle and the sprawling mountainside Daigoji temple to a hidden town with one of the region’s largest cherry blossom tunnels, just 20 minutes by train from central Kyoto. BEFORE YOU GO: Check the 2026 cherry blossom forecast for the latest flowering and peak bloom dates

The fleeting nature of cherry blossoms is a poignant reminder for us to seize the moment. This is especially true in early spring, when the delicate pink blooms appear across Japan all at once but last only for about two weeks. To make the most of the season, prepare to visit as many sites as possible between now and early April. Once you’ve explored Osaka’s top sakura spots, along with their limited-time events and illuminations, consider taking a day trip to some of Japan’s most scenic springtime destinations in nearby Kyoto, Nara, Himeji and Kobe. Every location on this list is easily accessible by public transport and offers unique sakura scenery. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Here's the official forecast for the flowering and full-bloom dates of cherry blossoms in the Kansai region

Cherry blossoms are a cause for celebration. Not only do they mark the arrival of spring, but these pale pink blooms also transform Osaka’s parks, gardens and streets into a soft, pastel-coloured landscape. Due to the flower's fleeting nature – sakura last only one to two weeks after blooming – many of the city’s top cherry blossom spots host festivals and illuminations to make the most of the short season.  At these festivals, you can partake in the local hanami tradition, enjoying a picnic beneath the blooms, accompanied by entertainment as well as food and drink stalls. The illuminations, meanwhile, give you extra time to admire the delicate flowers. Cherry blossoms are beautiful in daylight, but at night, they become truly enchanting when set aglow. So for the next couple of weeks from late March to early April, make sure to fill up your calendar with as many cherry blossom events and illuminations as you can. We especially love the festivals at Osaka Castle Park and Expo ’70 Commemorative Park – get all the details below. GOING TO KYOTO? Here are Kyoto’s top cherry blossom events and illuminations for 2026.

Right now, it feels like a great time to celebrate our cities. What cities do best is bring people together – everything we love about urban life, from the galleries and bars to the neighbourhood parks, exists thanks to the communities that make it all happen.  That’s why, every year, we raise a toast to the city with our definitive annual ranking, created on the back of a comprehensive survey of city-dwellers worldwide. Our survey asks not only what people love about their cities – the food scene and nightlife, the shops and museums, the parks and people – but also how it feels to live there. We asked you about happiness, affordability and quality of life, among a variety of other criteria. And, in order to dig deeper into the everyday lives of locals, this year we expanded our survey to cover aspects like love, romance and community feel. Time Out’s Best Cities with Intrepid Travel spotlights the destinations that offer the best of both worlds: an endlessly exciting catalogue of reasons to visit, as well as all the good stuff that makes a place feel like home. The 50 cities that made the list this year did so thanks to the insights of more than 24,000 people across 150 cities worldwide. To determine the final Best Cities ranking for 2026, we combined their thousands of responses with the votes of more than 100 Time Out city experts. Then we tapped up our network of local writers to tell us exactly what makes their city worth a visit right now. The result? A rundown of the m

This list is from 2024. Our latest ranking for 2025 is live here. In 2024, what exactly makes a neighbourhood cool? Craft breweries, natty wine bars and street art are well and good, but the world’s best, most exciting and downright fun neighbourhoods are much more than identikit ‘hipster hubs’. They’re places that reflect the very best of their cities – its culture, community spirit, nightlife, food and drink – all condensed in one vibey, walkable district. To create our annual ranking, we went straight to the experts – our global team of on-the-ground writers and editors – and asked them what the coolest neighbourhood in their city is right now, and why. Then we narrowed down the selection and ranked the list using the insight and expertise of Time Out’s global editors, who vetted each neighbourhood against criteria including food, drink, arts, culture, street life, community and one-of-a-kind local flavour. The result? A list that celebrates the most unique and exciting pockets of our cities – and all their quirks. Yes, you’ll find some of those international hallmarks of ‘cool’. But in every neighbourhood on this list there’s something you won’t find anywhere else. Ever been to a photography museum that moonlights as a jazz club? Or a brewery with a library of Russian literature? How about a festival dedicated to fluff? When communities fiercely support and rally around their local businesses, even the most eccentric ideas can become a reality. And that, in our eyes, is

This list is from 2025. Our latest ranking for 2026 is live here. People who don’t live in cities will tell you they’re busy, lonely and expensive places. But there’s a reason so many people choose to live in them: with world-class art and culture, unbeatable food and nightlife, buzzing neighbourhoods and a dizzying amount of stuff to do and see, there’s simply no better place to be.  Every year, we take the pulse of city living by quizzing thousands of locals across the planet about life in their hometowns. This year, more than 18,500 city-dwellers shared their insights on everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and the overall city vibe. When urban living can sometimes feel isolating and costly, this year we wanted to get a sense of what, exactly, makes a city feel like home. Sure, the nightlife is great, but is the city safe and walkable? Is good quality food and art available at a reasonable price? Is it easy to make friends, find love, and access nature?  Livability was a key factor in our ranking this year. But a great city to live in is, naturally, a great city to visit. So, along with the thousands of responses from locals around the world, we asked Time Out’s global network of city experts to vote on the places they think are particularly exciting right now. After crunching all that data, here we are: Time Out’s definitive ranking of the world’s best cities in 2025. Read on to see how your hometown fared… RECOMMENDED:🛍️ The coolest n

Osaka has a thriving bar scene, with something to suit every mood and occasion. An izakaya serving refreshing lemon sours and hearty okonomiyaki is perfect for a lively night out with friends. A craft beer bar, meanwhile, makes for a great late-afternoon pit stop. But when we’re seeking well-made cocktails – the kind that balance precision and creativity in mixing spirits, liqueurs, mixers and bitters – we make a beeline for the city’s dedicated cocktail dens. In our guide to the best cocktail bars in Osaka, you’ll find places we genuinely enjoy and return to often, as well as spots we’d confidently recommend to our friends. Explore this list of petite hideaways, underground speakeasies and sleek lounges for nights when you’re craving spirited concoctions that push flavour in delectable new directions. We’ve also included an amazing spirit-free bar to prove that somtimes you don't need proof to have a good time. RECOMMENDED: 100 must-go restaurants in Osaka

Cherry blossoms may be Japan’s most celebrated flower, but in the weeks before they emerge, another bloom appears in their shadow. Plum, or ume, blossoms may resemble sakura in appearance, but they tell an entirely different story – some may even argue that they carry deeper cultural significance.  Flowering in the lingering chill of late winter, when much of nature still looks sparse, frozen and arid, these early blooms symbolise strength and resilience. Plum blossoms also come in a range of colours, from pale pink to deep red, bringing a joyous flush to parks, gardens and temple grounds.  As we wait for sakura season to arrive, plum blossoms are here to notify us that spring is just around the corner. But in the meantime, winter, too, has its own captivating beauty. RECOMMENDED: Check out the 2026 cherry blossom forecast for Osaka and Kyoto

Come mid-April, the short but beautiful season of pastel pink cherry blossoms gives way to the brilliant blue of nemophila, also known as baby blue eyes. One of the best places to catch this vivid ground cover is Osaka Maishima Seaside Park. This annual event, held near Yumeshima, was canceled last year due to the Osaka Expo, but returns this year in full splendour. Expect to see 44,000 square metres of nemophila blooming in unison, creating a breathtaking panorama where the sea of blue flowers seems to merge with the sky and the sea beyond. Widely regarded as one of Osaka’s most photogenic spring festivals, the event naturally leans into its visual appeal. Photo spots are scattered throughout the grounds, including areas where nemophila is paired with seasonal favourites like cherry blossoms and tulips. Make sure you submit your best shots to the festival’s photo competition for a chance to win prizes of up to ¥100,000. There’s plenty here for families, too, with a kids’ playground and a lineup of 12 food trucks offering everything from light bites and desserts to heartier options such as beef bowls. For something a little different, stop by the gift shop to try blue soft-serve ice cream or pick up nemophila honey made from nectar collected in the park. On weekends and public holidays, the festival runs until 6.30pm – perfect for catching the sunset, which is often ranked among Japan’s finest. To make sure you visit at the best time, check the blooming status here before you

This one-off, three-day cherry blossom illumination event – created by popular digital art collective Naked to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Kyoto’s Yamashina Ward – is free and requires no prior registration. It’s an ideal last-minute activity for anyone who prefers being spontaneous and isn’t keen on planning their sakura outing ahead of time. For this special occasion, the cherry blossoms and yellow rapeseed flowers at Yamashina Canal Park will be illuminated after sunset to create a mesmerising nighttime spectacle. To enhance your experience, you can rent a Naked Distance Lantern (¥500) to light your walk and contribute to the overall atmosphere. You can also join a workshop and colour your own lantern (¥800). Event-exclusive merchandise will be available, including sakura-shaped picnic blankets that are perfect for enjoying hanami (cherry blossom viewing) picnics. For a fun, interactive experience, try the Naked Flower Fortune Slip, where you select an artificial flower to reveal your fortune. To reach Yamashina Canal Park, take the Tokaido-Sanyo Line from Kyoto Station (about five minutes on the Special Rapid service) and get off at Yamashina Station. The park is about ten minutes’ walk away.

One of Kyoto’s most prestigious temples and a Unesco World Heritage Site, Ninnaji dates back more than a millenium to the year 888. Historically, many Imperial Family members served as head priests here, earning the temple its nickname, the Omuro Imperial Palace. This royal heritage is on display in the Goten, the former head priest’s residence, whose design features resemble those of an imperial palace. Come spring, Ninnaji is popular for another reason – its lush varieties of cherry blossoms. For the two most prevalent species, head to the Kondo main hall for the iconic somei yoshino and the bell tower for the weeping cherry blossoms But what Ninnaji is particularly known for is the late-blooming Omuro Sakura. So even if you missed the somei yoshino cherry blossoms at the end of March (according to the latest forecast), you can still catch these shorter trees flowering near the inner gate sometime around mid-April.

The seaside Sumaura Park in Kobe, together with the adjacent Sumaura Sanjo Amusement Park, is bringing back its popular Atsumori Cherry Blossoms Viewing Festival at the end of March. The evening segment of this annual affair is a major draw, as it’s one of the largest nighttime cherry blossom events in the Kansai region. For 10 days, from 6pm to 9pm, the park’s west area transforms into a glowing wonderland, filled with light displays, illuminations and, for the first time this year, projection mapping. The experience begins right outside Sumaurakoen Station and gradually unfolds deeper into the park. There will be lots to see since both parks boast a combined total of over 3,000 cherry trees. Best to come with comfortable shoes, as you’ll be strolling through a fantastical landscape. Highlights include a photogenic lantern ceiling, a bamboo lantern installation, sakura-themed projection mapping across the ground and even the sea, colourful glowing bridges, a ‘waterfall’ of cascading LED lights, and breathtaking cherry blossom corridors. There’s also a whimsical crescent moon-shaped chair that makes for a perfect photo spot.  From daytime through evening, kitchen cars and food stalls serve up seasonal treats and street eats. If you’d like to take a break with a view, head over to the Suma Marine Fishing Park, where you can relax with refreshments while overlooking the sea. Getting here is easy. There’s a direct train from Osaka-Umeda Station to Sumaurakoen Station, just outsi

Featuring a distinctive red brick facade, the Osaka Mint Bureau stands as one of the city’s last few pieces of Western-style architecture from the Meiji-era (1868–1912). Aside from housing the Japan Mint Museum, the grounds also boast a spectacular garden with over 300 sakura trees, most of which are of the late-blooming yae-zakura variety. Needless to say, it’s one of Osaka’s most popular cherry blossom spots, especially for those who missed out on the earlier-blooming somei yoshino sakura that are more common across the city. However, this beautiful garden is open to the public fully for just one week in spring. This year, the Japan Mint Cherry Blossom Viewing event runs from April 9 to April 15. Advance registration is required to enter the garden during this period, and spots fill up fast – so don’t delay. Registration opens March 18 via this dedicated webpage.

Back in the day – long before it was reopened as a garden and integrated into the expansive Osaka Castle Park – Nishinomaru Garden was believed to be the residence of Kita no Mandokoro, wife of the legendary samurai Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Today, it’s one of Osaka’s most popular cherry blossom destinations. The sprawling 6.5-hectare grounds feature approximately 300 mature sakura trees, primarily the beloved Somei Yoshino variety, along with a scattering of weeping cherry trees. When the sakura are in bloom, the garden extends its hours until 9pm, offering a unique opportunity to admire the blooms after nightfall, when they are bathed in soft illumination. With the majestic Osaka Castle glowing in the background, this setting creates an iconic springtime view of Osaka.  

If you can only visit one location for cherry blossoms this spring, Osaka Castle Park is your best option. Aside from the ticketed Nishinomaru Garden with its cherry blossom illumination, the Ninomaru area near the main enclosure also comes alive with a vibrant month-long event. The free Osaka Castle Spring Festival combines food, music, Japanese culture and, of course, cherry blossom viewing to celebrate the arrival of spring. In addition to the food trucks that are stationed there from 9.30am to 6pm, you’ll also find a host of cultural activities and workshops on selected days – and they are free to join. You can check out the calligraphy experience on Thursday March 19, learn how to make soba on two separate Fridays, March 20 and April 10, discover a chigiri-e (paper collage) art workshop on Thursday April 2, and partake in origami lessons on Thursday April 9. If you prefer to just kick back and enjoy the sights, make sure to visit on Wednesday April 1 for the traditional Japanese music performance, held in conjunction with the 1st anniversary of the Toyotomi Stone Wall Museum. Later, on Saturday April 18, there will be an energetic taiko drum show by the Hido group from Higashinari Ward.  For the exact times of the workshops and performances, check the festival website.

Put on your most comfortable shoes for a picturesque stroll through the massive Expo ’70 Commemorative Park. Formerly the site of the 1970 World Expo, the park is now one of Osaka’s top cherry blossom destinations, boasting around 5,500 sakura trees across 12 varieties. While you’ll find cherry blossoms throughout the grounds, locals tend to flock to Higashioji Street in the Natural and Cultural Gardens. Here, around 100 sakura trees stretch on for about 200 metres to form a stunning cherry blossom tunnel. Throughout the festival period, this scenic spot also hosts lively street performances between 10am and 6pm, making it the perfect place to enjoy a hanami (cherry blossom-viewing) picnic. The organisers have revealed that this section of the park will even stay open after sundown for a special cherry blossom illumination – exact dates to be announced soon. While you're there, be sure to also drop by the Festival Plaza for more Sakura Expo events. One of the main attractions is the Sakura Food Court (March 26–April 5). There will be up to 40 stalls serving seasonal treats for you to enjoy alongside the cherry blossoms. On Saturday March 28, the plaza goes unplugged for the A Cappella Expo (10.30am–4.30pm). This musical showcase will surely be a feast for your ears, as 60 singers ditch the instruments for pitch-perfect vocal harmonies.  Then, on the final day (April 5) of Sakura Expo, the energy gets turned up a few notches with Osaka Tensuiren taking the stage. Founded in 19

With its beautifully preserved historical buildings and immaculately landscaped grounds, Nijo Castle is arguably Kyoto’s most impressive attraction. This spring, you can experience the Unesco World Heritage Site in a whole new light during a limited-time night opening, complete with immersive performances, special-access areas and seasonal illuminations. Award-winning director Junichi Yasuda is presenting an immersive theatre production in a space dominated by a massive 5m-by-29m LED screen, with mesmerising visuals that will engulf your entire field of vision. Titled ‘Shirogeki’ for short, the show is an artistic retelling of the historic Kan’ei Imperial Visit in 1626. Expect a high-energy, multi-sensory spectacle featuring samurai and ninja sword fights, traditional Kyoto dances, immersive surround sound and captivating digital graphics.  Also, for the first time ever, the awe-inspiring Ninomaru Palace will be open for night-time viewing. You can wander through the National Treasure and admire its refined architectural details including the exquisite gold-leaf wall paintings, while experiencing the palace’s historic atmosphere bathed in light and shadow. Of course, no spring event in Kyoto would be complete without cherry blossom illuminations. Projection mapping and light displays inspired by the iconic flower will appear throughout the castle grounds, especially at Ninomaru Palace, the South Gate wall, Sakura Garden, the Honmaru Turret Gate and the Seiryu-en Garden. Over

A Unesco World Heritage Site in Kyoto, Daigoji is an expansive temple complex covering an entire mountainside. Come spring, you can explore its historical buildings, elegant gardens and cherry blossoms after dark, all transformed by illuminations and digital light effects courtesy of Tokyo-based creative studio Naked. After passing through the illuminated Nioman Gate, a lantern-lit pathway will guide you to the event’s various light installations. You’ll find projection mapping and light art at the temple’s two National Treasures – the Five-Storey Pagoda and the Kondo Hall. Fun fact: the pagoda holds special significance as the oldest surviving building in Kyoto. The beautifully landscaped Benten Pond along with the adjacent Bentendo Hall – Daigoji’s most recognisable landmark – will also shimmer with light. More importantly, all the sites mentioned above are surrounded by blooming sakura and they are lit up, too, creating a magical sight evocative of springtime Kyoto. While the admission ticket allows you to explore the illuminations freely, several optional activities require additional fees. These include a scenic tea ceremony (¥1,000–¥1,500) accompanied by digital art visuals held in front of the Five-Storey Pagoda, as well as a traditional Japanese candle workshop (¥1,500). There will also be food stalls on site, serving Kyoto-style oden, sakura latte and hot Japanese tea – because no hanami (cherry viewing) experience is complete without seasonal snacks and drinks. Coll

Of all the best things to do in Kyoto, one stands out: savouring a traditional kaiseki meal in the legendary Gion district. For the uninitiated, this quintessential Kyoto experience may seem daunting. Firstly, kaiseki dining, the pinnacle of Japanese cuisine for which Kyoto is renowned, comes with its own code of formality. When coupled with language barriers, the experience could become more intimidating than enjoyable. Gion Shizuka aims to change that. Set in a restored heritage machiya (townhouse) on a quiet stone-paved street by the picturesque Shirakawa Canal, the restaurant exudes the classic Gion ambience. More importantly, a host presides over the meal, introducing each dish as it’s served, all in smooth English for foreign guests. The explanations are often peppered with culinary and cultural anecdotes for context, so you’ll be able to fully appreciate the food. Don’t dismiss this as touristy, though, just because English is involved. Backed by 45 years of experience, head chef Kazumi Sawada presents a refined kaiseki meal informed by the seasons. He began his career at Gion Maruyama, a long-established Kyoto institution with two Michelin stars, then went on to serve as head chef at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Tokyo and several luxury hotels overseas before taking the mantle at Gion Shizuka. On our visit in winter, we went through a delectable 11-course omakase that showcased the season’s freshest ingredients through a range of Japanese cooking styles in typical

A historic Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto dating back to 1605, Kodaiji only opens for special night visits twice a year. This spring, the serene grounds will host a projection mapping showcase complete with synchronised illumination and immersive 3D sound. The digital effects are more than just flashy graphics. The narrative-driven multimedia show celebrates the friendship of two historical figures: Matsu (Hoshun-in), wife of prominent samurai Maeda Toshiie, and Nene (Kita-no-Mandokoro), who established this temple to pray for the soul of her husband, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of the great unifiers of Japan. While this event is not strictly a cherry blossom illumination, the projection mapping show unfolds at Hashintei Garden in front of the Abbot’s Hall, next to a gorgeous weeping cherry tree that’s about 100 years old.

[Update, March 26] Good news! The 2026 cherry blossom season has officially begun in Osaka. More details here. *** Some good news to get you through the winter blues. The trusty Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) has just released the seventh update to its official cherry blossom forecast for 2026. According to the March 12 report, sakura season is expected to begin in Osaka and Kyoto in less than two weeks. Every year, JMC issues nationwide predictions for both the initial flowering and full bloom dates of somei yoshino, Japan’s most iconic and prevalent cherry blossom species. Through its dedicated website, you can check the estimated bloom dates for around 1,000 cherry blossom destinations across the country, from Hokkaido in the north to Kagoshima in the south. Photo: Japan Meteorological Corporation So what does the latest forecast reveal for the Kansai region? In Osaka, cherry blossoms are predicted to begin flowering on March 24, with trees reaching full bloom (known as mankai) around March 31. Kyoto will most likely see its sakura bloom a day earlier than Osaka, at around March 23, but reaching full bloom a day later, on April 1. That’s roughly three days earlier than average. Elsewhere in Kansai, the outlook is similar In Nara, flowering is expected to start around March 24, with full bloom happening around March 31. In Wakayama, cherry blossoms will most likely emerge on March 26 and reach their peak on April 3. Kobe, on the other hand, will see its first blos

[Update, March 26] Good news! The 2026 cherry blossom season has officially begun in Osaka. More details here. *** On Thursday March 19, Tokyo officially announced the beginning of its 2026 cherry blossom season. But what about Osaka, Kyoto and the wider Kansai region – have sakura started blooming yet? The short answer is: officially not yet. According to the latest 2026 cherry blossom forecast released by the Japan Meteorological Corporation on March 19, the sakura in Osaka are expected to bloom around Tuesday March 24. Kyoto is expected to start flowering a day earlier, around Monday March 23.  For the best views, however, you’ll need to wait about a week for the mankai (full bloom). This is currently predicted to happen on Tuesday March 31 for both cities. This forecast is corroborated by the 2026 cherry blossom data on the Japan Meteorological Agency’s website. At the time of writing, no bloom has been officially reported in the Kansai region yet.  Photo: Japan Meteorological Corporation Official 2026 Japan cherry blossom forecast To help you plan your sakura outing this spring, here are the latest forecast dates you need. Osaka: blooming on March 24, full bloom on March 31 Kyoto: blooming on March 23, full bloom on March 31 Nara: blooming on March 24, full bloom on March 31 Wakayama: blooming on March 26, full bloom on April 2 Kobe: blooming on March 27, full bloom on April 3 Hikone: blooming on March 30, full bloom on April 5 Mark your calendars: top sakura events

Is Osaka overtaking Tokyo as the best city in Japan for food and drink? Current trends seem to point that way. Earlier this year, Osaka coffee shop and roastery Ult was ranked No. 24 on the World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops 2026 list, several spots above Tokyo’s Koffee Mameya Kakeru at No. 28. Just yesterday, at the prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 awards ceremony, La Cime in Osaka was crowned the best restaurant in Japan, beating seven Tokyo restaurants also featured on the list. Photo: La Cime, courtesy of Asia's 50 Best RestaurantsLa Cime chef Yusuke Takada Opened in 2010 and helmed by chef-owner Yusuke Takada, La Cime is a two-Michelin-starred modern French restaurant informed by Japan’s seasonality. The menu celebrates premium seafood and produce from Western Japan, alongside select ingredients from the chef’s hometown of Amami Oshima, a small subtropical island between Kagoshima and Okinawa. Chef Takada’s dishes have been described as innovative and masterful, leading La Cime to secure the No. 13 spot on this year’s Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list – the highest ranking among all the restaurants in Japan featured on the list. La Cime is followed by seven Tokyo stalwarts: modern French-Japanese restaurant Sézanne at No. 16, Sazenka at No. 21, Maz at No. 28, Florilège at No. 31, Myoujyaku at No. 33, Crony at No. 34 and Narisawa at No. 37. Photo: La Cime courtesy of Asia's 50 Best RestaurantsLa Cime The annual Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list is compiled from vote

It’s finally here! After Tokyo announced the official start of its cherry blossom season last Thursday, March 19, we have been eagerly waiting for Osaka's turn. Good news: spring has arrived in the Kansai region. According to the 2026 cherry blossom data compiled by the Japan Meteorological Agency, the first sakura blooms were sighted in the city today, March 26, thus marking the start of Osaka’s 2026 cherry blossom season. In Kyoto, the sakura season began a few days earlier, on Monday March 23. Nara and Wakayama started blooming a day after that, on Tuesday March 24. Cherry blossoms are celebrated for their fleeting beauty. From first bloom, it takes roughly a week for the trees to reach full bloom (known as mankai). After that, the flowers remain at their peak for only a few days before withering. This means the clock is ticking – you have at most a two-week window to enjoy these iconic symbols of spring. Photo: Daigoji TempleCherry blossom illumination at Daigoji Temple, Kyoto To help you plan your sakura outing, we’ve compiled the best cherry blossom experiences across Osaka, Kyoto and the surrounding Kansai region. Keep in mind that Osaka, Kyoto and Nara are expected to reach mankai around March 31. Here are your definitive guides: 6 best places to see cherry blossoms in Osaka in 2026 5 best cherry blossom events and illuminations in Osaka in 2026 7 best cherry blossom events and illuminations in Kyoto in 2026 9 best cherry blossom day trips from Osaka in 2026 Meanw

When it comes to cherry blossoms, tourists often flock to popular destinations like Osaka and Kyoto. Meanwhile, Okayama prefecture offers a calmer alternative, particularly if you're looking to combine cherry blossom viewing with art at nearby Naoshima island. With the city of Okayama serving as a major gateway to Naoshima, the prefecture is an ideal base for both nature and art. According to the latest cherry blossom forecast (as of March 19), Okayama's cherry blossoms are expected to flower on March 28 and reach full bloom on April 3. To help plan your itinerary, here are five of the prefecture's most popular cherry blossom spots. Photo: Takashi Matsuo/Okayama TourismCherry blossoms at Okayama Korakuen Okayama Korakuen Renowned as one of the country’s three most beautiful Japanese gardens, Okayama Korakuen is a must-see spot for cherry blossoms in Okayama city. The garden features around 280 sakura trees, and among them, one stands out. Set by a tranquil pond, the yaebeni-shidare has delicate double-layered petals blooming on graceful, weeping branches. Photo: Adoplex/Okayama TourismCherry blossoms at Asahikawa Sakuramichi Asahikawa Sakuramichi Nearby Korakuen is Asahikawa Sakuramichi, where you'll find around 250 somei-yoshino cherry trees lining a 1km stretch on the east bank of Asahikawa River. The Okayama Sakura Carnival (March 27–April 5, 10am–9pm) held here is the liveliest cherry blossom festival in Okayama city, as it features a variety of food and drink stalls.

As the first of its kind in Asia, Time Out Market Osaka has been a foodie and cultural hub of the city since opening in March 2025. This curated market not only brings together some of the Kansai region’s most renowned chefs and restaurateurs – including several Michelin-rated ones – it also hosts regular arts and music events. This unique character of Time Out Market Osaka, which sets it apart from other food courts around, will be fully showcased for the venue’s first anniversary on Saturday March 21 – and it will be a full-day affair. Here’s what you can expect at the Time Out Market Osaka 1st anniversary celebration. 画像提供：株式会社タイムアウトマーケット大阪 Enjoy Osaka and Kansai specialities and win prizes Spend a minimum of ¥1,000 and you’ll get to participate in an exciting lucky draw. There are seven prize categories, ranging from drink vouchers and Umekita Onsen Ren Wellbeing Park tickets to sake sets, Time Out Market rechargeable payment cards with ¥5,000 or ¥10,000 credit, and the grand prize of a free stay at Hotel Hankyu Gran Respire Osaka. This is a no-loser lottery – so everyone will definitely get a prize. Photo: Time Out Market OsakaKitaro Sushi’s ‘sharikoma’ With 17 eateries and two bars to choose from, it’s incredibly easy to hit that minimum spend of ¥1,000. You could feast on juicy fried chicken from Michelin-starred yakitori restaurant Ayamuya, unique sharikoma sushi from Kitaro Sushi, Osaka soul food okonomiyaki from Koala Shokudo, and more. The lucky draw segment ru

Arashiyama is undoubtedly one of the Kyoto districts most affected by overtourism. Anyone who’s visited knows just how crowded it gets during the day, and this greatly distracts from the area’s natural beauty. Just a few months ago, the local council was even forced to cut down parts of the beloved bamboo forest due to graffiti vandalism. To combat overcrowding and its negative effects, the local council is launching the Meets Arashiyama Project, a two-week event running from Friday March 13 to Sunday March 29. By spreading out the activities across the district at various times, the event is designed to help ease congestion at Arashiyama, improve the overall tourist experience, and, at the same time, boost the local economy. There’s even a green initiative for visitors to participate in local environmental conservation. A highlight of the project is the illumination of Togetsukyo Bridge, one of Arashiyama's most iconic attractions. From 6pm to 9pm, the bridge will light up in a beautiful display designed by Naked, one of Japan’s top creative outfits. Photo: Naked, Inc Photo opportunities aside, the Meets Arashiyama Project is all about making a positive impact. To get your hands dirty – figuratively speaking – you can participate in a cleanup activity around Katsura River (11am–5pm). Once you’re done, take the collected trash over to Nakanoshima Park and be rewarded with prizes such as Saga rice and discount coupons for local shops. Photo: Naked, Inc While you’re at Naka

Tetris is one of the most iconic video games ever invented, and many of us have probably spent one too many hours in our childhood stacking those falling blocks on our computer or TV screens. Well, you can soon relive that nostalgia in Kyoto – this time in a larger-than-life format. Photo: Kyoto Grand Staircase Tetris For just one week from March 19–25, two icons come together to present a unique, mind-blowing experience. One of Kyoto’s most distinguished landmarks, Kyoto Station, designed by visionary architect Hiroshi Hara, features a massive stairway that rises 171 steps from the 4th floor up to the 15th-floor Sky Garden. This jaw-dropping, 35-metre-high Grand Staircase will be transformed into a gigantic Tetris screen. This is no mere projection mapping, though; it’s a playable game of Tetris and everyone is invited. Photo: Kyoto Grand Staircase Tetris Using a dedicated controller, participants can play Tetris on the Grand Staircase. There are single- and two-player modes, along with three difficulty levels: easy, normal and hard. Be ready to bring your A-game, though. To add a competitive edge to the experience, the venue will feature a scoreboard displaying the top players. There will also be photo spots, so you can capture proof that you played Tetris on one of Kyoto’s most spectacular landmarks. The Kyoto Grand Staircase Tetris at Kyoto Station runs nightly from March 19 to March 25, 6pm to 10pm (registration closes at 9pm). Participation costs ¥500 per game (cash

One of the easiest day trips from Osaka, Himeji Castle is a sight to behold. The imposing structure is nicknamed the ‘White Heron Castle’, thanks to its brilliant white appearance and elegant silhouette.  The complex as we see it today was completed in 1609, though many of its buildings and structures date back further. In fact, Himeji Castle is one of the few original castles left in Japan, as it was never destroyed by war or natural disasters. As a result, it stands as the finest surviving example of early 17th-century Japanese castle architecture, a status confirmed by its Unesco World Heritage Site designation in 1993. Photo: Himeji CityHimeji Castle during cherry blossom season Aside from its remarkable architecture and breathtaking beauty, Himeji Castle is also widely cherished as one of the region’s best cherry blossom destinations. Now, if you’re planning to visit, you should be aware that the castle’s admission has been revised to a new dual pricing structure. Up until recently, entry tickets were priced at ¥1,000 for adults and ¥300 for students and children under 18 years old. Effective March 1, ticket prices have increased sharply to ¥2,500 for non-residents, which include foreign tourists and those not living in Himeji City. This is now officially the highest castle admission in Japan. On the flip side, entry has been made free for those under 18 years of age. Tickets for local residents, however, remain at ¥1,000. And that’s fair, since their taxes are used to

Unveiled recently at CoffeeFest Madrid 2026, this year’s World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops list features two Japan spots: Osaka’s Ult Coffee at No. 24, followed by Tokyo’s Koffee Mameya Kakeru at No. 28.  It’s satisfying to see Osaka edge out Tokyo this time, considering the enduring friendly rivalry between the two cities. But more importantly, we’re proud to witness Japan’s exceptional coffee scene being recognised on the world stage, especially with two shops ranked in the top 30. Photo: Lim Chee Wah Making it onto the World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops list is no easy feat, as the evaluation process covers a long list of criteria: coffee quality, barista expertise, customer service, innovation, ambience, sustainability practices, food and pastry offerings, plus overall consistency. Scores are then tallied using a weighted system: expert panel evaluations account for 70 percent of the total, with public votes making up the remaining 30 percent. Photo: Lim Chee Wah Located in the underrated Kyomachibori neighbourhood, which is quietly gaining a reputation for its sophisticated food and drink scene, Ult Coffee is a beautiful space, replete with calming earth tones and artisanal design details. The coffee shop itself is compact, with just a couple of benches, while next door, behind a stylish wooden façade, sits its far more spacious roastery. The fact that the roastery occupies the larger footprint clearly signals where Ult’s priority lies. This is likely a main reason why Ult is

Kyoto is one of Japan’s most visited destinations, so much so that overtourism has become a challenge for the ancient city. To better manage the massive number of tourists, which is expected to surge during the upcoming cherry blossom season, the city council has decided to increase the accommodation tax in 2026. Kyoto City first introduced the accommodation tax in October 2018. While rates previously ranged from ¥200 to ¥1,000, the new 2026 structure can set you back as much as ¥10,000 per night, making it the highest accommodation tax in Japan. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 increase, which came into effect on March 1. The new 2026 accommodation tax rates Accommodation tax in Kyoto is calculated based on the cost of your hotel room per night, inclusive of service charge but excluding meals and consumption tax. The tax is payable per person per night. Here’s the breakdown. Budget hotels under ¥6,000 per night: tax remains at ¥200 Mid-range ¥6,000–¥19,999: ¥400 Upscale ¥20,000–¥49,999: ¥1,000 Premium ¥50,000–¥99,999: ¥4,000 Luxury ¥100,000 and above: ¥10,000 Where to pay your accommodation tax The tax is generally collected at your hotel or ryokan upon check-in. However, some online booking sites and travel agencies may include it upfront in your pre-payment. What the accommodation tax will be used for The Kyoto City Council states that the tax revenue will be used to preserve the city’s historical and cultural heritage – especially its many Unesco World

Good news: you’ll soon be able to experience one of Japan’s most popular destinations the Muji way. The beloved Japanese lifestyle brand is opening Muji Base Kyoto Kiyomizu on May 20, just around the corner from the Unesco World Heritage Site, Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Photo: Muji Base Kyoto KiyomizuKiyomizu-dera Temple Set in the historic heart of Kyoto, the new hotel offers easy access to some of the city’s top attractions, while also providing a soothing retreat to return to after a day spent navigating the crowds.  Photo: Muji Base Kyoto Kiyomizu The property takes over the long-established Amenity Hotel Kyoto. While the familiar exterior is preserved, its 18 rooms have been fully renovated in Muji’s clean, minimalist aesthetic. They are decked out entirely with Muji furniture and decor, complemented by art and crafts by Kyoto-based artisans and creatives.  Photo: Muji Base Kyoto Kiyomizu However, unlike the city-centric Muji Hotel in Ginza, Muji Base follows a different concept. Typically located in local neighbourhoods rather than busy urban centres, Muji Base is designed to make travel seem less like visiting and more like living. Photo: Muji Base Kyoto Kiyomizu To help guests feel more grounded and connected to local life, the rooms at Muji Base Kyoto Kiyomizu come with a map highlighting community-based experiences including kintsugi (the art of repairing broken pottery with gold) workshops, traditional cafés and neighbourhood bathhouses. Guests will also receive