Enjoy Spring in Osaka’s Expo ‘70 Commemorative Park!
The “Expo ’70 Commemorative Park” exists on the site of the 1970 Japan World Exposition. The expansive area, spanning approximately 260 hectares, contains many sights and facilities, like the park’s symbolic Tower of the Sun, a variety of trees and flowers, and hands-on experience facilities.
This time, we will be introducing four flower-viewing events held this spring in Expo ’70 Commemorative Park.
1. Cherry Blossom Festival
The park’s cherry blossom festival is held from late March to early April. The view of the park, dyed a vibrant pink by around 5500 blooming cherry trees of 9 varieties, is an absolute masterpiece! Expo ’70 Commemorative Park’s cherry blossom festival has also been chosen to be one of “Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.” During the cherry blossom festival, the park’s hours of operation are extended until 21:00 (last entry at 20:30), and the trees are illuminated at night. Both sights, with gorgeous cherry blossoms in the daytime and bewitching cherry blossoms shone on by lights at nighttime, are worth seeing!
- Location
- Higashiooji, Shizen Bunka-en, Expo ’70 Commemorative Park
- Dates and Times
- Late March through early April, 9:30-21:00 (last entry at 20:30)
- Closed
- Open all days throughout event period
2. Tulip Festa
The “Tulip Festa” is an event during which you can enjoy the gorgeous scene of around 100,000 tulips of 32 varieties, from red and white to yellow, pink, and even more colors, in full bloom! The best time to see tulips is around the time where cherry blossoms are in full bloom, so the Tulip Festa takes place just after the above-introduced cherry blossom festival (from early to late April). Enjoy these stunning tulips blooming in a rainbow of colors, with red, white, yellow, pink, purple, and more!
- Location
- Tulip Garden, Shizen Bunka-en, Expo ’70 Commemorative Park
- Dates and times
- Early to late April, 9:30-17:00
3. Poppy Fair
Around 380,000 colorful Iceland poppies bloom and cover the entirety of hills during the “Poppy Fair.” Shirley poppies, also known as red poppies, and chamomile are at the peak of their blooming in early May. This event offers a chance to enjoy a wide variety of colorful flowers, from red and orange to yellow, pink, and white. Be sure to take this chance to see these lovely flowers blowing in the spring breeze.
- Location
- Flower Hill, Shizen Bunka-en, Expo ’70 Commemorative Park
- Dates and times
- Early April to early May, 9:30-17:00
4. Tsutsujigaoka
Tsutsujigaoka takes place in the Japanese gardens starting in late April. During this event, you can take in the sights of a variety of types of azaleas, including the Kurume azalea, which has been developed since the late Edo period.
- Location
- Tsutsujigaoka, Japanese Gardens, Expo ’70 Commemorative Park
- Dates and times
- Late April to early May, 9:30-17:00
3 recommended spots in Osaka’s Expo ‘70 Commemorative Park
In the event that you are unable to visit the park during the spring, we will also introduce some facilities that you can enjoy year-round!
1. Dream Pond Pedal Boats
Swan-shaped pedal boats are available to ride on Dream Pond in Shizen Bunka-en. Why not enjoy relaxing as you take in the view of Expo ’70 Commemorative Park from the water?
- Hours
- 9:30-17:00 (last departure 16:30)
- Closed
-
Wednesdays (or the following day, in case of holidays), year-end and New Year’s.
※Open April 1st through the end of Golden Week, and October 1st through November 30th. - Price
- 20 minutes for 2 people starting at 900 yen (admission to Shizen Bunka-en required separately)
2. Shinji-Ike Pond Koi Feeding
Gorgeous and colorful koi fish swim around in Shinji-Ike Pond, located in the Japanese gardens. You can feed these koi fish while taking in the beautiful garden scenery. This is a particularly exciting activity for children!
- Hours
- 9:30-17:00 (last admission 16:30)
- Closed
-
Wednesdays (or the following day, in case of holidays), year-end and New Year’s.
※Open April 1st through the end of Golden Week, and October 1st through November 30th. - Price
- Koi Feeding 100 yen
3. Forest Train
The Forest Train’s platform is about a 5-minute walk from the Monorail Expo Commemorative Park Station! The train makes a round trip through five stops, including the festival plaza. This train can take you around the entirety of the park in around 1 hour.
- Operating period
-
Every day in April, May, October and November.
Saturday, Sunday and holidays in March and September.
Not available June-August or December-February.
*Operation is conditional. Train may or may not operate on the days mentioned above. - Hours
- 9:55-16:05 (time of last departure from the central entrance)
- Fees
- 300 yen (ages 3 and older)
