Akashi Park Cherry Blossom Festival
Celebrate spring at Akashi Park’s Cherry Blossom Festival, one of Japan’s top cherry blossom viewing spots!
Tomas Kauer - News Moderator 
Akashi Park has long been celebrated as one of Japan’s top cherry blossom viewing destinations. Just 15 minutes from Kobe and around 40 minutes from Osaka via the JR Kobe Line, the park bursts to life each spring with over 1,400 cherry trees, creating a breathtaking sea of pink and white blooms. Opened in 1918, Akashi Park surrounds the historic ruins of Akashi Castle — a landmark dating back to the Edo period. The annual Akashi Park Cherry Blossom Festival transforms the park into a lively celebration of spring. With enchanting evening illuminations, fun activities for children, and a bustling market, Akashi Park offers a family-friendly alternative to other popular hanami spots across the Kansai region.
Akashi Park Cherry Blossom Festival
Photo by: PIXTA/ ＭＩＫＯ Go early to secure a boat.
From sunset until 9 p.m., the cherry trees are illuminated by colorful lights, creating a breathtaking nighttime display. The ruins of Akashi Castle, including the iconic Tatsumi and Hitsujisaru yagura turrets, provide a striking historical contrast to the soft pink blossoms. These historic sites are culturally significant and well worth exploring during your visit to the festival.
Many cherry trees surround Akashi Park’s Gonoike Pond. Here, visitors can sit under the trees and watch the cycle boats shaped like ducks drift by. You can rent these boats for a small fee, but be aware that during the festival, there are often long wait times. Picnic spots along the pond fill up quickly, so arrive early.
Festival Highlights
Photo by: PIXTA/ tom Akashi Park promises a memorable spring experience.
The Akashi Park Cherry Blossom Festival lasts a week, but the biggest events take place during the last weekend of March. Visitors can create cherry blossom petal bookmarks, browse a lively market with handmade goods and food trucks and visit a petting zoo. Families can also enjoy a small train ride around the park and a playground near the market. If you visit after the main festival, the cherry blossoms continue to bloom for several more days, making it a perfect time to stroll through Akashi Park and explore the historic castle grounds. Whether you come for the history, food or stunning scenery, Akashi Park promises a memorable spring experience.
