Celebrate spring in full bloom at the Settsukyo Park Sakura Festival, which runs each year from late March until mid-April. Renowned as one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in the region, the park boasts approximately 3000 cherry trees, including the iconic Somei Yoshino variety, drawing visitors from near and far each year.
The centerpiece of the festival takes place at Sakura Square, where guests can stroll beneath soft pink canopies of blossoms. Adding to the atmosphere, the park will feature evening illuminations on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the festival period, from 6pm until 9pm. Watching the cherry blossoms glow against the night sky offers a unique and magical experience, and is said to be the only illuminated cherry blossom display in Takatsuki City.
Beyond hanami, visitors can explore the park’s scenic hiking trails, visit the nearby ruins of Akutagawayama Castle—once home to the famed samurai Miyoshi Nagayoshi—or relax at a local hot spring inn, making for a perfect spring day trip combining nature, history, and relaxation.
Getting there
Settsukyo Park can be accessed via bus from JR Takatsuki Station. Take the bus bound for "51 Tsukawaki," get off at "Tsukawaki," and the park is 10 minutes away on foot. For those who opt to drive, paid parking is available at the Settsukyo Shimoguchi Parking Lot. It's charged at a rate of 1000 JPY per day, or 500 JPY for those visiting after 5pm.
Kim Bergström @kim.b
Almost 12 years living in Asia. Passionate about Japan's off-the-beaten-path spots, family-friendly travel, flower events (all of them!) and the amazing tea culture here. 🍵🌼🌸
