The much-anticipated cherry blossom season is almost here, and the most special hanami (cherry blossom viewing) experience in Osaka awaits you at the Expo ’70 Commemorative Park and the giant Ferris wheel, OSAKA WHEEL!
Selected as one of the “Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Japan,” this park hosts a special seasonal event called “SAKURA EXPO 2025”.
Here, visitors can enjoy the beauty of streets lined with cherry blossoms, admire the iconic Tower of the Sun, or ride the tallest Ferris wheel in all of Japan — the OSAKA WHEEL, which soars to the height of a 40-story building.
From the sakura-themed cabins, you can take in breathtaking 360-degree views of Osaka City and the sea of cherry blossoms across the entire park.
SAKURA EXPO 2025 at Expo ’70 Commemorative Park
Spanning approximately 260 hectares, Expo ’70 Commemorative Park was once the site of Japan’s first World Expo, held in Osaka in 1970.
More than half a century later, the iconic Tower of the Sun still stands, welcoming visitors to the park.
Every spring, around 5,500 cherry trees from 12 different varieties bloom beautifully, making this not only a favorite spot for locals to enjoy hanami but also earning it a place among the “Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Japan.”
This year, Expo ’70 Commemorative Park presents an exciting upgrade with the event SAKURA EXPO 2025.
From March 20 to April 6, 2025, the Sakura Road on the eastern side, stretching about 200 meters behind the Tower of the Sun, will be lined with around a hundred cherry trees, forming a magnificent pink tunnel on both sides.
Inside the park, the Festival Plaza will host the SAKURA Food Market, featuring around 20 to 40 food stalls serving delicious treats, adding a delightful culinary experience to your cherry blossom viewing.
If you want to experience an even richer atmosphere of spring, don’t miss the chance to visit the park at night!
When night falls, the illumination of the cherry blossoms creates a completely different ambiance from the daytime — the soft petals appear mysterious and romantic under the lights.
Beside them, the giant OSAKA WHEEL will also light up in sakura colors, brightening the night sky and adding a romantic springtime mood that is unique to Osaka.
Location Information
■ Name: Expo Commemorative Park SAKURA EXPO 2025
■ Address: Expo Commemorative Park, Senri, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan
■ Opening Hours: 09:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)
■ Event Period: March 20, 2025 (Thursday) – April 6, 2025 (Sunday)
※ The park will be closed on March 26
■ Ticket Prices:
- Admission to the Natural and Cultural Gardens & Japanese Garden: Adults (260 yen), Elementary/Junior High School Students (80 yen)
Read:
The Breathtaking Pink of the Fuji Shibazakura Festival 2025
OSAKA WHEEL, Japan’s Tallest Ferris Wheel
If you want to experience the beauty of the cherry blossoms at Expo ’70 Commemorative Park in a more special way, don’t miss the chance to ride the OSAKA WHEEL, the tallest Ferris wheel in Japan.
From March 3 to June 30, 2025, the OSAKA WHEEL will feature the “Sakura Ferris Wheel,” offering a new look that lets visitors enjoy the cherry blossom views from great heights!
In addition, the transparent cabins are decorated with sakura-themed ornaments and pink lanterns, creating an atmosphere filled with the beauty of cherry blossoms from every corner.
Visitors can also enjoy original drinks inspired by the spring flowers, enhancing the bright, cheerful vibe of the season!
Standing 123 meters tall, equivalent to a 40-story building, OSAKA WHEEL is located next to Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, with all cabins designed to be transparent for a 360-degree view of Osaka city.
Last winter, OSAKA WHEEL was a huge success with the “Sky Kotatsu Ferris Wheel” event, and this year, they continue with a series of events themed around the four seasons — spring, summer, autumn, and winter — so no matter when you visit Osaka, you can experience the unique seasonal vibes from great heights.
Just about 40 minutes by train from popular tourist areas in Osaka like Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori, you can escape the crowds and enjoy a relaxing spring atmosphere around the park.
This spring, enjoy stunning views of Osaka city and a sea of cherry blossoms from the tallest Ferris wheel in Japan, then head to the large shopping mall beneath the Ferris wheel, LaLaport EXPOCITY, for a tax-free shopping spree.
End the day by immersing yourself in the romantic beauty of the cherry blossoms at Expo Commemorative Park, and create relaxing moments with your loved ones!
Location Information
■ Name: OSAKA WHEEL
■ Address: 2-1 Senri Expo Park, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture, inside EXPOCITY
■ Operating Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Weekends & holidays until 9:00 PM)
■ Event Period: March 3, 2025 (Monday) – June 30, 2025 (Monday)
■ Ticket Price: 1,600 yen + original spring-themed drink
