8 Best Spots To See Sakura In Kansai-Updated in 2019!-
As spring is approaching, we have promised to write articles of Hanami spots ( Read: Japanese custom of enjoying the beauty of flowers) across big cities in Japan. We have made the list of best spots to enjoy Sakura in Tokyo before, so now we want to show you the best places to enjoy hanami in Kansai region. Let's just stop talking and check these beautiful sceneries when you visit Kansai area.
Cherry blossom forecast in Kansai region: Expected first bloom 24 March - full bloom 3 April (Source: JNTO) Read also 7 Best Spots to See Sakura in Tokyo
1. Philosopher's Path (Tetsugaku no Michi), Kyoto
Photo Credit: Luca Mascaro at Flickr through Creative Commons Licensing.
This is a great place to walk and jog around while enjoying cherry blossom. No wonder it's called philosopher's path as you can't help but think about the meaning of life while walking through the paths. The path follows three canals which lined hundreds of Sakura trees along the way. It starts from Ginkakuji until the Nanzenji area. The walkway is 2 Km long, so we assure you'll get more than enough spots to take an Instagram-worthy picture B)
Information Address : Tetsugaku-no-michi, Jōdoji Ishibashichō, Sakyō-ku, Kyōto Admission fee : Free Nearby Muslim friendly restaurant : Persian & Indian Halal Arash's Kitchen
2. Maruyama Park, Kyoto
Photo Credit: stillthinking_t at Flickr through Creative Commons Licensing.
Maruyama is the oldest park in Kyoto opened on 1886 with more than 800 Sakura trees. This is a favourite spot to enjoy Yozakura (night view of Sakura) in Kyoto. The illumination of cherry blossom trees at night will surely mesmerise your eyes. This park also bounds for many traditional street foods stalls. Trying Japanese street foods delicacy is a must. Check out our article about Halal friendly street foods in Japan and be ready to hunt them while enjoying Sakura in Maruyama park.
InformationAddress : Maruyamacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto Admission fee : Free Nearby Muslim friendly restaurant : Naritaya Halal Yakiniku
3. Togetsukyō Bridge (Arashiyama), Kyoto
Photo Credit: Tetsuji Sakakibara at Flickr through Creative Commons Licensing.
Arashiyama is a western district in Kyoto that has many tourist attractions all at once. The famous Arashiyama bamboo forest, shrines, parks and of course the Togetsukyo bridge. Togetsukyō Bridge is located at the foot of Arashiyama Mountain. During autumn, the mountain will turn into shades of pink filled with cherry blossom trees. At night, the trees and bridges are lightened with an amazing illumination that is reflected beautifully in the river below the bridge.
InformationAddress : Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Admission fee : Free Nearby Muslim friendly restaurant : Yoshiya Arashiyama
4. Osaka Castle, Osaka
Credit picture to Blamethemonkey
Osaka castle is among the must place to go when you visit Osaka. It is a museum about castle's history and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The castle is surrounded by Nishinomaru park which is home to more than 4000 Sakura trees, making it among the best spot to enjoy hanami in Osaka. People love to have a picnic in this park as it has this beautiful view of the castle tower and it lightens up in the evening. Another option is you can go to the top floor of the castle and look out to the garden that turns to a pretty pink land during cherry blossom season.
InformationAddress: Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Admission fee : Castle tower 600 Yen & Nishinomaru Garden 200 yen (350 yen during the extended hours of cherry blossom season) Opening hours : 9 am - 5 pm (The garden open until 21:00 during cherry blossom season.) Nearby Muslim friendly restaurant : KENNY Asia
5. Expo 70 Commemorative Park, Osaka
Credit picture to adventuresofanette
It was the former site of the World Exhibition in Osaka in the year 1970 that was turned into a large public park. That was the story behind the name of this park. You must take a picture with the famous Tower of the Sun created by Japanese artist Taro Okamoto here. With more than 5000 Sakura trees in over 260-hectare area, you can find your favourite spot to enjoy hanami and also visit the festival during the evening.
InformationAddress: 1-1 Senribanpakukōen, Suita-shi, Ōsaka-fu Admission fee : 250 yen Opening hours : 9:30 am to 9:00 pm. Last entrance at 8:30 pm. Nearby Muslim friendly restaurant : Yuigetsuan Sojibo Soba Dining
6. Kema Sakuranomiya Park, Osaka
Photo Credit: TOTORORO.RORO at Flickr through Creative Commons Licensing.
A riverside park with 4,700 Sakura trees lining the terrace of Okawa river from Kema Araizeki to Temmabashi Bridge. You may enjoy watching Sakura by having a picnic in its lawn area, jogging through the walkway along the riverside, or even ship cruising the Okawa river. This park is much less crowded compared to other famous hanami spots in Osaka which let you experience the tranquil feel of cherry blossom.
InformationAddress: 1-chome Nakanocho, Miyakojima Ward, Ōsaka-shi, Ōsaka-fu Admission fee : free Nearby Muslim friendly restaurant : Bagus
7. Egeyama Park, Kobe
Credit photo to Kanpai
This park has 1 km walking path and very popular among the locals to walk their dogs, play with their children, jogging or even just sitting and enjoy the breeze Wheather of Kobe. Located only 85 meters above sea level with 1400 Sakura trees, this park is a good choice for those who want to enjoy Sakura Hanami with a pretty skyline and Kobe sea sight. It is only five minutes walk from the Kamisawa subway station!
InformationAddress: 3-1 Egeyama, Kobe, Hyogo perfecture Admission fee : free Nearby Muslim friendly restaurant : Naan In Kobe
8. Sumaura Park, Kobe
Credit picture to Hen.Koos
This park is located on the hill of Mount Hachibuse mountain. You may ride a cable car or known as Sumaura Ropeway to reach this park. The park continues upward to the top of the mountain with a small amusement park (Sumaura Sanjo Amusement Park) there. Plus from the top, you can have a good view of Akashi bridge. The best spot to enjoy Sakura is the first stop of this park which is home to 3200 Sakura trees. You may just sit there and enjoy the mountain and sea view.
InformationAddress: 5-3-2 Ichinotanicho, Suma-ku, Kobe, Hyogo prefecture Cable car ticket : Adult 450 yen and Kids 230 yen (for one way) Nearby Muslim friendly restaurant: JICA KANSAI Shokudo
So are you ready to enjoy hanami this spring in Kansai? We know you are excited just as we are! But don't forget to take care of your lil tummy by bookmarking Muslim-friendly restaurants above in Halal Navi so you can navigate easily later on during your journey. Or even better, you can search more Halal friendly restaurants nearby the places you want to go in our apps!
