Lim Chee Wah

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

April is the ultimate time to revel in the joys of spring. With cherry blossoms now in full bloom, the first week of the month is all about catching the seasonal sakura festivals and evening illuminations before they’re gone. Even if you miss this fleeting window, fret not. The late-blooming yae-zakura at the Japan Mint Museum are expected to flower only in mid-April. Just be sure to register for this special viewing in advance, as spots are limited. Of course, Osaka offers more than just pink petals. The jaw-dropping fireworks from last year’s Osaka Expo are returning for a one-off revival, while the public spaces in Umekita transform into a sprawling open-air gallery studded with site-specific installations. Then, from mid-month onwards, the brilliant blue nemophila will be blooming over at Osaka Maishima Seaside Park. So, check out our selection of the best events, festivals and exhibitions happening throughout April, then head out there and enjoy the beautiful weather.  RECOMMENDED: Want more cherry blossoms? Visit these sakura events in Kyoto and other Kansai cities.

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.

While we’ve reached the tail end of the 2026 cherry blossom season, it's not over yet! You can still catch the last few sakura events and illuminations in Osaka, Kyoto and the wider Kansai region. If you're ready for a change of scenery, look to Sakai and Maishima, where brilliant blues have started to bloom. Even if you want a break from all things floral, 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. Looking ahead? Here are the top events and festivals happening in Osaka in April 2026.

Ramen may be the world’s most famous Japanese noodle, and udon has long been synonymous with Osaka, but soba has always flown under the radar. Yet true connoisseurs know that soba is an art. Buckwheat naturally contains no gluten, making it notoriously tricky to work with: it is brittle and lacks elasticity. That’s why many restaurants add wheat flour when making their soba noodles. The masters, however, stick to 100 percent buckwheat, resulting in a firmer, nuttier bite with a subtly toasty flavour. In Osaka, this craft is well represented, with some restaurants even serving two types of soba: one made from polished buckwheat, and the other from whole buckwheat with husks included, creating a more complex, textured flavour. To get you initiated into the world of soba, here are four restaurants where you can experience this exceptional Japanese noodle. We recommend ordering the noodles plain, with just dipping sauce, to fully appreciate their delicate flavour and unique texture. Of course, you can always add a side of tempura to make it a full meal, or enjoy your soba in a hot duck broth, which is another popular way to savour the noodles. RECOMMENDED: 100 must-go restaurants in Osaka

You can’t say you’ve seen Osaka until you’ve been to Dotonbori. The entertainment district is perhaps Osaka’s most famous draw, known for its bustling streets filled with delicious street food, exciting nightlife and colourful neon signs – including the iconic Glico Man, a symbol of the area since 1935, plus the massive Don Quijote store with a ferris wheel. Besides taking it all in on a wide-eyed stroll, you can sample local specialities like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, shop for souvenirs, and explore the many fascinating attractions that make this vibrant neighbourhood a must-visit destination. RECOMMENDED: Best things to do on Osaka's museum island, Nakanoshima

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

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

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. Some of these bars even offer mocktails and alcohol-free options, proving that in Osaka, you don't need proof to have a good time. RECOMMENDED: 100 must-go restaurants in Osaka

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

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

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

It’s easy to dismiss Dotonbori as a tourist trap, what with all the animatronic signboards and bustling crowds, but there’s some good food to be found here. One such spot is Teuchi Soba Akari. Run by a charming elderly couple, this hidden soba joint feels insulated from the frenetic pace outside, despite its prime location on the main Dotonbori stretch. It’s also wonderfully homely, from the serene atmosphere and slightly retro interior to the rustic handcrafted ceramic tableware. The menu is simple and straightforward; there’s even an English version, plus a thoughtful illustrated guide on how to eat soba. For hot options, you can have your buckwheat noodles topped with the classic kitsune fried tofu pocket, submerged in a duck and leek soup, or accompanied by a side of tempura. To truly appreciate soba’s nutty texture, however, cold is the way to go. Zaru, or cold soba served with a side of soy sauce dip, is the standard option, and you can upgrade that with a tempura platter for a more substantial meal. We particularly recommend the kamo-jiru zaru with tempura set, as it’s a good sampler of the two most popular styles of soba.  This satisfying meal pairs the restaurant’s firm, handmade soba with a small bowl of rich and flavourful duck broth for dipping, complete with duck slices, duck meatballs and leeks cooked until soft and sweet. The tempura on the side, featuring seasonal vegetables and shrimp, makes the perfect accompaniment to the hearty soup.  Teuchi Soba Akari is

One of Dotonbori’s earliest mascots, Kuidaore Taro was the face of the long-closed Osaka Meibutsu Kuidaore restaurant. The cheerful mechanical clown – dressed in his signature red-and-white stripes – takes his name from the famous Osaka phrase ‘kuidaore’, meaning ‘to eat until you drop’. So beloved was the character that he was preserved even after the restaurant closed in 2008. Today, Kuidaore Taro greets visitors at the entrance of the recently renovated Nakaza Kuidaore Building, where he has become not only a local landmark but also one of Dotonbori’s most popular photo spots. On the ground floor of the building, right beside the iconic figure, is Naniwa Specialty Ichibirian, a bustling souvenir shop selling a wide variety of Osaka goods. Within it, you’ll find a section dedicated to official Kuidaore Taro merchandise, known as Kuidaore Taro Honpo. Here, you can browse a wide range of character goods from stationery and skincare to snacks, toys and figurines, including the top-selling Kuidaore Taro pudding.

With most temples and cultural sites closing around 5pm, there aren’t many things to do in Kyoto at night. As a result, large crowds are often seen concentrating in areas like Gion after dark. Kyoto Night Market was launched in June last year as a new evening attraction to help spread out the crowds in the city. Since then, the market has seen its popularity grow steadily, with its previous event on March 29 attracting a record 28,000 visitors. This month, the night market returns for its 12th edition on Saturday April 11. It will again be held at Ohigashi-san Plaza in front of the majestic Higashi Honganji Temple, less than 10 minutes’ walk from Kyoto Station. From 3pm to 10pm, the plaza will come alive with a host of food trucks and booths. You can enjoy local street food and seasonal treats, and shop for artisanal crafts and souvenirs. For this special April edition themed 'Cheers Under the Night Cherry Blossoms', the market will be distributing free local sake by Arashiyama-based Tanzan Sake Brewery to the first 300 visitors. There will even be a heart-shaped cherry blossom photo spot for everyone to capture a commemorative spring moment. Beyond food and shopping, the night market also offers live entertainment and cultural experiences. Highlights include ninja shows as well as music and street performances. For those looking for something more hands-on, there are craft workshops and trial rickshaw rides to help make this event a fun night out for everyone.

Prominent creative studio Naked is drawing on its digital art technology expertise to bring the visionary world of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) to life. Following a popular run in Tokyo that attracted over 170,000 visitors earlier this year, the exhibition now arrives in Osaka.  This is not a fan tribute. Held in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death and the completion of the Sagrada Familia’s central tower of Jesus Christ, ‘Naked Meets Gaudi’ is an officially sanctioned exhibition produced in collaboration with the Gaudí Foundation. The comprehensive display of rare archival materials – including letters, manuscripts, personal notebooks, blueprints and architectural tools – offers a deep dive into Gaudí’s genius mind. You’ll learn about his singular approach to architecture, defined by an organic, nature-inspired aesthetic that shaped everything from Casa Batlló and Casa Milà to Park Güell and his magnum opus, the Sagrada Familia. Today, seven of his works are collectively designated as a Unesco World Heritage Site. What sets this exhibition apart from a typical museum show is the inclusion of immersive, experiential elements – something Naked is known for. With cutting-edge projection mapping and interactive installations, you’ll not only see Gaudí’s distinctive designs and understand his revolutionary approach, but also experience his fantastical architecture in a truly sensorial way. In fact, the immersive Sagrada Familia area at this Osaka

Cherry blossoms aren’t the only flowers to see in spring. At Sakai Green Museum Harvest Hill, a sprawling agricultural park in Osaka prefecture’s Sakai City, vibrant tulips and dainty nemophila will be blooming come April. At the park’s Village Area, the Hill of the Sun flower field will see approximately 70,000 tulips reach peak bloom during the week starting April 6. The flowers are expected to remain at their best through mid-April. The tulips here come in six striking colours – red, white, yellow, orange, pink and purple – and are planted in neat rows. This means you can step into the flower field for an immersive photo opportunity surrounded by the blooms. On Saturday April 11 (1pm–3pm), you can even partake in a tulip-picking experience and take home three stems for ¥500. The Village Area is also home to another seasonal highlight. Around 15,000 nemophila (baby blue eyes) have started blooming and are expected to peak around mid-April. The site will transform into a mesmerising sea of blue that lasts until early May, perfect for visiting over the Golden Week holidays. While there’s no additional fee to enjoy the spring flowers, standard park admission applies: ¥1,500 for visitors aged 12 and above, and ¥1,000 for children aged 4 and up. Note: Sakai Green Museum Harvest Hill is closed on April 8, 15 and 22.

One of the world’s most beloved Impressionist artists, Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841–1919) is widely celebrated as the ‘painter of happiness’. Over an illustrious career spanning 60 years, he explored a wide range of subjects – portraits, landscapes, still lifes, nudes – yet they all exude a characteristic joy, warmth and affection. This was guided by a personal belief that paintings should be lovable and beautiful.  To commemorate the 185th anniversary of his birth, Sanno Art Museum has brought together 50 works from its collection to trace Renoir’s artistic journey through the major phases of his life – 12 pieces of which are being exhibited for the very first time. The exhibition unfolds across five chapters. The first covers Renoir’s early years (until 1880), when he was an aspiring artist exploring the early days of Impressionism. Chapter two (1881–1889) highlights his return to classical painting, while chapter three (1890–1900) examines his rising recognition at a time when Impressionism was gaining popular acclaim. From 1901 to 1909, Renoir focused on painting nudes in natural settings while managing his worsening rheumatoid arthritis, as detailed in chapter four. Chapter five (1910–1919) is dedicated to his final years: though confined to a wheelchair, he continued to create joyful, life-affirming works that reflect his unwavering passion for life. Note: the museum is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, except April 29, May 5 and May 6.

Gucci Giardino is impeccably styled – exactly what you’d expect from the Italian luxury house. Located within the redesigned Gucci boutique at the upscale Herbis Plaza in Umeda, this Osaka outpost is only the second Gucci bar in the world. It follows the original Gucci Giardino in Florence, which was ranked on the 2025 World’s 50 Best Bars extended list. The sleek interior is dominated by high-gloss black and red, softened by warm wood panelling, and outfitted with plush leather sofas. There’s a clear attention to craftsmanship. At the entrance, an imposing bamboo installation by contemporary artist Tanabe Chikuunsai IV sets the scene, while a similarly intricate weave appears throughout the interior as a subtle nod to bamboo’s status as a signature Gucci material. That level of artistry carries through to the well-curated menu. Each page is dedicated to a classic cocktail – negroni, margarita, Old Fashioned, pisco sour, etc – but there's nothing conventional about the list. Every cocktail is offered in two iterations: an inspired reinvention drawing on Japanese and Italian flavours, along with a non-alcoholic version. The Memoire de Negroni is perfectly balanced: slightly sweeter and more floral while retaining the drink’s signature herbal bitterness. It incorporates yuzu sake and butterfly pea flower-infused gin to produce a striking purple hue as a tribute to Florence, Gucci’s birthplace. The Cuba Libre’s reinterpretation, on the other hand, is inspired by the Japanese hig

Located near Sakaisuji-Hommachi Station in the bustling business district of central Osaka, Ista is a small eight-seater with big ambitions. It’s also somewhat of a rebel – a coffee shop that operates in the evening, pulling espresso shots long after others of its kind have closed for the day. More interestingly, it doubles as a cocktail bar with one of the most unique and cohesive menus in the city. Owner-bartender Fumiaki Nozato has a laser-focused vision where everything revolves around coffee. Beans are roasted in-house with the micro-roaster tucked away at the end of the narrow bar, before forming the base of his speciality coffee cocktails. Highlights include the decadent Maillard Banana Shake, made with the namesake fruit, rum, milk, chocolate and espresso, as well as the cake-like Element, a world competition winner consisting of coffee, brandy, rose, raspberry, cream and Campari. Ista’s creativity truly shines in the menu section labeled ‘Coffee Tree Cocktails’. Here, the innovative concoctions reimagine what coffee cocktails can be by utilising other parts of the tree: cherries, flowers and even the leaves.  The eye-catching Tea Experience comes served like a tea ceremony, where you whisk the matcha in the bowl before pouring it into a rocks glass filled with a refreshing mix of gin, meloncello, coffee flower, elderflower and green guava. There’s also the vodka-based coffee cherry lemonade and the warm Kouyou cocktail made with roasted coffee leaves. These imaginati

Squishy, stretchy slime has long been a hit with both children and adults. Its tactile, sensory appeal is fun and engaging, with many fans describing the sensation as surprisingly relaxing. Now, children can dive into a slime-filled playground at the Whatawon entertainment mall in Kishiwada City, Osaka Prefecture. Taking over the venue’s Floor Disco Ball event space until April 11, Slime Wonderland is designed as an immersive, full-body slime experience. Children can not only handle the gooey substance, but also stand beneath a slime ‘waterfall’, sit in a slime pool, hurl slime at a target zone, and even create their own custom slime at a DIY station. No reservations are required, although entry may be limited during busy periods. Admission is priced at ¥900 for 30 minutes or ¥1,500 for one hour, with extensions available at ¥250 per 10 minutes. Please note that only cashless payments are accepted.

One of Japan’s most enigmatic folk traditions, the Gyozan-ryu Maikawa Shishi Odori is a regional form of deer dance native to Iwate prefecture in northern Japan. Dancers wear elaborate deer headpieces while performing energetic movements that combine jumping with striking drums strapped to their chests. This tradition, which reflects Japan’s deep reverence for nature, is usually performed to pray for a bountiful harvest and honour the spirits. This special showcase, ‘Dancing with the Land: Special Performance of the Gyozan-ryu Maikawa Shishi Odori from Ichinoseki, Iwate’, will take place for one day only at the 9th-floor Festival Plaza at Hankyu Umeda Department Store. There will be two performances, at 11am and 1pm, each lasting roughly 20 minutes. The performance is part of Hankyu Umeda’s month-long Japan and Me event (April 1–28) celebrating Japanese heritage and craftsmanship. While you’re there, also check out the Momotaro Jeans pop-up on the 8th floor from April 1–14. This is a good opportunity to shop for one of the most renowned Japanese denim brands without travelling to its home base in Kojima, Okayama prefecture.

The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka is a one-of-a-kind hotel in the city. When the property opened in 1997, it was the first Ritz-Carlton in Japan – and while the rooms have been renovated extensively in 2024, the lobby retains its original opulence. It’s essentially a time capsule that harkens back to the classic European luxury that defined the aesthetic of 1990s Japan. With its rich wood paneling and ornate chandeliers, the Ritz-Carlton, Osaka’s lobby floor draws inspiration from the grandiose style of a British aristocrat’s manor. Adjacent to the reception is a lounge complete with sofas in brocade upholstery and a working fireplace, from which corridors branch off towards the hotel’s various facilities.  The interior looks and feels like a private estate: long hallways, cabinets filled with antique china, tabletops graced with decorative arts, and walls adorned with classical paintings from the owners' private collection. On first impression, the hotel possesses a warm, lived-in character that stands in stark contrast to the clean, modern minimalism of today’s hotels.  Photo: The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka What are the rooms like at the Ritz-Carlton, Osaka? To reflect the times, the hotel’s rooms and suites (all 287 in total, excluding the Japanese Suites and the Ritz-Carlton Suites) have undergone a complete makeover. While they still exude the brand’s classic European elegance, the design has been updated to meet the expectations of modern travellers. The rooms are now dressed in calmi

Spring is the perfect season for picnics, and Umekita is just the place to enjoy them. For about two weeks, this lively area next to Osaka Station transforms its open lawns and public spaces into an outdoor gallery, showcasing a series of large-scale installations by local artists. Over at Grand Green Osaka and Grand Front Osaka – the two main anchors of the Umekita area – large curtain-like installations titled ‘Super Open’ act as doorways, welcoming visitors to explore the grounds and hang out with art. ‘Unfolding the Giant Furoshiki’ is another interesting piece. It will move between two sites: Grand Front Osaka’s Umekita Plaza on the weekend of April 4–5, and Grand Green Osaka’s Lawn Plaza on subsequent weekends, April 11–12 and April 18–19. Here, a giant furoshiki, measuring up to 50m × 30m and made from smaller pieces of fabric sewn together, will be laid on the ground from 9am to 6pm to form a massive communal space. Everyone is welcome to sit, relax and spend time on it. Other highlights include a faceless human-like figure titled ‘Anonymous’ (10am–7pm) at Grand Green Osaka’s Lawn Plaza, which encourages passersby to pause and perhaps project their emotions onto the sculpture, as well as ‘Spiral Lumina’, a rope installation at Grand Green Osaka’s Gate Lantern, featuring a spiral form reminiscent of a DNA helix. Also check out ‘Machikururi’ (10am–8pm) over at Grand Green Osaka North Park, an interactive artwork that revolves around the idea of people coming together to

Made from six quintessential Japanese botanicals – sakura flower and leaves, sencha and gyokuro teas, sansho pepper and yuzu peel – Suntory’s Roku Gin is one of the few Japanese gins to have gained international popularity. If you’re a fan, here’s some good news: the distillery in Osaka will be open for public tours starting Friday May 8. Suntory’s Osaka Distillery is the company’s oldest facility, built in 1919 by founder Shinjiro Torii to produce Western spirits with Japanese sensibilities. Just last year, it became the first facility in Japan to win the Liqueur Producer Trophy at the International Wine & Spirit Competition. Photo: Suntory Following a major renovation in 2024, the site now features a newly built Spirits & Liqueur Atelier, where a wide variety of base spirits are produced and blended into products including Roku Gin. The upgrade also includes a dedicated visitor centre. Photo: Suntory This new tour focuses on the making of Roku Gin, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the production process, along with guided tastings. Photo: Suntory The experience begins at the Welcome Lounge, where a large screen introduces the history of the distillery and its range of products. From there, you’ll pass through the Botanical Road, lined with the very plants used in Roku Gin, before learning about the distillation equipment and process. Photo: Suntory Then, in the Creation Room, surrounded by a 360-degree immersive screen, you’ll be guided through a tasting session

One of Japan’s most popular theme parks, Universal Studios Japan officially marked its 25th anniversary on Tuesday, March 31. The good news is, the park is rolling out an exciting anniversary programme throughout 2026, with special events and initiatives both inside the park and across Osaka. What we’re most excited about are the new USJ manhole covers. There will be five exclusive designs featuring the park’s beloved characters alongside iconic Osaka landmarks including Osaka Castle and Osaka City Central Public Hall. These drain covers will appear at 25 locations across the city, and installations are being carried out sequentially. Photo: Universal Studios Japan The first design has already been unveiled – and it’s a vibrant, eye-catching one. It features Woody and Winnie Woodpecker as well as Elmo, posing against the aforementioned Osaka landmarks. Here are the first five locations where you’ll find this particular USJ manhole cover: The sidewalk near the east entrance of Kyocera Dome Osaka The entrance to Fukushima Shotendori Shopping Street, near JR Fukushima Station The sidewalk near exit 8 of Tanimachi 4-chome Station, a key access point to Osaka Castle Outside Exit 11 of Shin-Osaka Station, perfect if you’re arriving in Osaka via the shinkansen Near the west exit of JR Sakuranomiya Station, in front of the Miyakojima Nakano Post Office Happy manhole hunting! We’ll keep you updated as more USJ manhole designs are installed across the city. More from Time Out Osak

Hurray, now that spring is finally here – this year’s cherry blossom season is off to a good start. If you prefer a leisurely cherry blossom experience with more elbow room, this list is for you. We’ve rounded up a few of the more spacious and less crowded (only relatively, to be honest) cherry blossom sites around Tokyo for you to enjoy. Photo: Picture Cells/PixtaKanda River cherry blossoms Kanda River The Kanda River is one of the lesser-known sakura spots in Tokyo. It has similar views to the Meguro River in Nakameguro, but minus the crowds. While several stations are within walking distance from the river, a good access point is Edogawabashi Station, whose Exit 1A leads you directly to the start of the sakura stretch. Double your blossom viewing with a stop by the pristine and scenic Higo-Hosokawa Garden, which is also along the Kanda River.  Photo: Lim Chee Wah Aoyama Cemetery Located in the upscale neighbourhood of Aoyama, this cemetery has been around since 1874. It’s where many of Tokyo’s most significant personalities were laid to rest. The site also has a lot of sakura trees, and it’s especially beautiful in spring. Since this is a cemetery, it sees less crowds and has a more quiet and subdued atmosphere.  Photo: Lim Chee WahKoishikawa Botanical Gardens Koishikawa Botanical Garden Run by the University of Tokyo, this botanical garden is out of the way and hence sees less tourist traffic. However, it has a huge sakura section, with some of the tallest and bigg

[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