Cherry blossoms on a clear day at Haruki (Photo: Bonson Lam)

Cherry Blossoms at Haruki Station

Nankai Railway and Kispa La Park

Bonson Lam   - 1 min read

The name Haruki literally means "spring tree", being on the Nankai or south sea railway from Osaka to Wakayama and Kansai International Airport. Facing the warm Pacific current, it may be one of the first places in Osaka to see cherry blossoms. There are express trains that take you from Haruki station to either Osaka Namba or the Airport, being 20 minutes in either direction. Kispa La Park nearby is an entertainment and shopping complex – being a great place to buy some bento and sake before your hanami picnic, or for some duty free cosmetics or accessories before heading to Kansai International Airport. Kispa La Park also has a bowling alley, children’s play center and some of the cheapest karaoke and lunch options in Japan.

Bonson Lam

Bonson Lam @bonson.lam

I knew my future was destined to be with Japan the moment I flew from Sydney to experience the atmospheric laneways of Kyoto last century.  I am humbled to have met many distinguished people during this time, especially the national living treasures of Japan, such as the doll maker to the Imperia...