Smile Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo - Kyoto 3-Star Hotel
8.3
Kyoto
Hotel
Public Transit (120m)
City Center Location
Free Wi-Fi (All Rooms)
Air Conditioning
- [Top 5 Cherry Blossom Spots and Accessibility](#spots)
- [Hotels Near Osaka Castle Park](#osaka-castle)
- [Namba / Shinsaibashi -- Cherry Blossoms and Food in One Trip](#namba)
- [Umeda / Kita -- Walking Distance to Sakuranomiya Park](#umeda)
- [Budget Hotels and Unique Options](#budget)
- [Full Price Comparison](#price-summary)
- [Practical Tips for Osaka Cherry Blossom Travel](#tips)
- [Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)](#faq)
---
## Osaka Cherry Blossoms in Numbers {#intro}
Osaka currently has over 861 registered hotels. Narrow the list to those within walking distance (1 km) of a cherry blossom spot, and the number drops sharply. The 2026 Osaka cherry blossom season is expected to run from around March 25 to April 10. Full bloom lasts roughly one week from late March to early April.
This article analyzes 12 hotels near Osaka's five major cherry blossom spots using data. Ratings, review counts, nightly prices, and distances to viewing spots form the basis of the analysis. Read alongside the companion piece [Tokyo Cherry Blossom Hotel Guide 2026](/magazine/tokyo-cherry-blossom-hotel-2026) to plan a Kansai-Kanto cherry blossom itinerary in one go.
The selection criteria are as follows:
- **Rating**: 9.0 or higher only (12-hotel average: 9.38)
- **Reviews**: Minimum 100 reviews
- **Price range**: Sorted into 4 brackets from ~$48 to ~$738 per night
- **Accessibility**: Within 30 minutes by public transit to a cherry blossom spot
---
## Top 5 Cherry Blossom Spots and Accessibility {#spots}
Osaka's cherry blossoms bloom 1 to 3 days later than Tokyo's. Since each spot features different varieties and bloom timing, it is practical to choose the spot first based on your schedule, then book accommodation accordingly.
| Spot | Number of Trees | Bloom Period | Highlights |
|------|-----------------|--------------|------------|
| Osaka Castle Park | ~3,000 | Late March -- Early April | Nishinomaru Garden is the highlight. Iconic spot for cherry blossom photos with the castle keep |
| Kema Sakuranomiya Park | ~4,700 | Late March -- Early April | 4.2 km cherry blossom tunnel along the Okawa River. Largest in Osaka |
| Mint Bureau Cherry Blossom Walkthrough | ~340 | Mid-April (1 week only) | Mostly double-petaled cherry blossoms. Viewable even after the main season ends |
| Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park | - | Late March -- Early April | Quiet atmosphere. Well suited for families |
| Expo '70 Commemorative Park | ~5,500 | Late March -- Early April | Tower of the Sun and cherry blossoms combined. 30 minutes from central Osaka by monorail |
Among these, Osaka Castle Park and Sakuranomiya Park have the best accessibility. The two are connected by a 15-minute walk, making it possible to visit both in a single day.
---
## Hotels Near Osaka Castle Park {#osaka-castle}
Osaka Castle Park is the heart of Osaka's cherry blossoms. Around 3,000 cherry trees surround the castle keep. The Nishinomaru Garden on the west side (admission ~$2.40) is particularly famous for its evening illumination. Three hotels within walking distance or one station away were analyzed.
**[파티나 오사카](/hotels/파티나-오사카-patina-osaka)** (★9.4 | 329 reviews | ~$510/night)
A 5-star hotel that opened in 2024. It is 710 m from Tanimachi 4-chome Station and about a 12-minute walk to the south gate of Osaka Castle Park. It scored 9.4 across 329 reviews. Castle-view rooms overlooking Osaka Castle sell out quickly during cherry blossom season. The price is high, but this is the top luxury option for enjoying Osaka Castle up close during the bloom.
**[인터컨티넨탈 호텔 오사카](/hotels/인터컨티넨탈-호텔-오사카-바이-ihg-intercontinental-hotel-osaka-by-ihg)** (★9.4 | 2,804 reviews | ~$469/night)
With 2,804 reviews, this is the most thoroughly vetted hotel in the area. It features a pool and spa, making it a good choice for unwinding after a day of cherry blossom viewing. Osaka Castle Park is about 15 minutes away by public transit. It costs ~$41 less than Patina while having 8.5 times more reviews.
**[미마루 오사카 신사이바시 노스](/hotels/미마루-오사카-신사이바시-노스-mimaru-osaka-shinsaibashi-north)** (★9.3 | 2,976 reviews | ~$276/night)
An apartment-style hotel with a kitchen, making it ideal for extended stays. Though rated 4 stars, the ~$276 nightly rate is reasonable compared to others in the same tier. Osaka Castle is two subway stops away (~10 minutes). Families may also find [Okinawa Family Hotel Guide](/magazine/okinawa-family-hotel-guide-2026) helpful.
### Osaka Castle Area Comparison
| Hotel | Rating | Reviews | Nightly Rate | Class | Access to Osaka Castle |
|-------|--------|---------|--------------|-------|------------------------|
| [파티나 오사카](/hotels/파티나-오사카-patina-osaka) | ★9.4 | 329 | ~$510 | 5-star | 12 min walk |
| [인터컨티넨탈 호텔 오사카](/hotels/인터컨티넨탈-호텔-오사카-바이-ihg-intercontinental-hotel-osaka-by-ihg) | ★9.4 | 2,804 | ~$469 | 5-star | 15 min by transit |
| [미마루 오사카 신사이바시 노스](/hotels/미마루-오사카-신사이바시-노스-mimaru-osaka-shinsaibashi-north) | ★9.3 | 2,976 | ~$276 | 4-star | 10 min by subway |
---
## Namba / Shinsaibashi -- Cherry Blossoms and Food in One Trip {#namba}
Namba and Shinsaibashi form the central entertainment district of Osaka. Dotonbori and Kuromon Market are within walking distance, and Osaka Castle Park is about 15 minutes away by subway. This is the most efficient base for travelers who want to combine cherry blossom viewing with dining. Sakuranomiya Park is also reasonably accessible at about 20 minutes by subway.
**[호텔 더 플래그 신사이바시](/hotels/호텔-더-플래그-신사이바시-hotel-the-flag-shinsaibashi)** (★9.5 | 9,545 reviews | ~$179/night)
The highest-rated (9.5) and most-reviewed (9,545 reviews) hotel on this list. It is 260 m from Shinsaibashi Station. For a 3.5-star hotel to maintain 9.5 across 9,545 reviews speaks to consistent service quality. At ~$179, the price is quite reasonable given the location and rating.
**[호텔 88 신사이바시](/hotels/호텔-88-신사이바시-hotel-88-shinsaibashi)** (★9.4 | 6,945 reviews | ~$124/night)
Just 150 m from Namba Station. Excluding luxury hotels, this property has the best value-to-satisfaction ratio on the list. A score of 9.4 across 6,945 reviews is a statistically reliable figure. At ~$124, the rate is competitive for central Osaka during cherry blossom season.
**[앤 히어 오사카 남바](/hotels/앤-히어-오사카-남바-here-osaka-namba)** (★9.4 | 890 reviews | ~$159/night)
A 3-star hotel just 190 m from Namba Station. With 890 reviews it has less data than the two above, but 9.4 is still a strong score. It costs about ~$34 more than Hotel 88, with the difference largely attributable to it being a relatively newer property.
### Namba / Shinsaibashi Comparison
| Hotel | Rating | Reviews | Nightly Rate | Class | Station Distance |
|-------|--------|---------|--------------|-------|------------------|
| [호텔 더 플래그 신사이바시](/hotels/호텔-더-플래그-신사이바시-hotel-the-flag-shinsaibashi) | ★9.5 | 9,545 | ~$179 | 3.5-star | 260 m from Shinsaibashi Stn |
| [호텔 88 신사이바시](/hotels/호텔-88-신사이바시-hotel-88-shinsaibashi) | ★9.4 | 6,945 | ~$124 | 3.0-star | 150 m from Namba Stn |
| [앤 히어 오사카 남바](/hotels/앤-히어-오사카-남바-here-osaka-namba) | ★9.4 | 890 | ~$159 | 3.0-star | 190 m from Namba Stn |
All three hotels rank among the top listings at [Browse all Osaka hotels ->](/cities/일본-오사카).
---
## Umeda / Kita -- Walking Distance to Sakuranomiya Park {#umeda}
Kema Sakuranomiya Park has the most cherry trees of any spot in Osaka. Around 4,700 trees line a 4.2 km stretch along the Okawa River. Hotels in the Umeda/Kita area can reach this park within 10 minutes on foot or by taxi. Since JR Osaka Station is the main hub, this area also serves as a convenient base for day trips to Kyoto ([Browse Kyoto hotels ->](/cities/일본-교토)) or Nara.
**[더 오사카 스테이션 호텔 오토그래프 컬렉션](/hotels/더-오사카-스테이션-호텔-오토그래프-컬렉션-the-osaka-station-hotel-autograph-collection)** (★9.3 | 562 reviews | ~$414/night)
Located 200 m from Umeda Station. Part of Marriott's Autograph Collection brand. Rated 4 stars, but the facilities are effectively at a 5-star level. Sakuranomiya Park is about a 20-minute walk or 5 minutes by taxi. A score of 9.3 across 562 reviews is a stable figure.
**[Four Seasons Hotel Osaka](/hotels/four-seasons-hotel-osaka)** (★9.4 | 571 reviews | ~$738/night)
The most expensive hotel on this list. The ~$738 nightly rate must be weighed against the Four Seasons brand and 5-star service. It is 430 m from Umeda Station and scored 9.4 across 571 reviews. The hotel often runs special cherry blossom season packages, so checking the official website is worthwhile.
**[월도프 아스토리아 오사카](/hotels/월도프-아스토리아-오사카-waldorf-astoria-osaka)** (★9.4 | 107 reviews | ~$697/night)
Hilton's top-tier brand. Located 370 m from Osaka Station, it has just 107 reviews -- a small data set -- but the 9.4 score is noteworthy. With only a ~$41 difference from Four Seasons, room size and amenities should be the deciding factors when comparing the two.
### Umeda / Kita Comparison
| Hotel | Rating | Reviews | Nightly Rate | Class | Access to Sakuranomiya |
|-------|--------|---------|--------------|-------|------------------------|
| [더 오사카 스테이션 호텔](/hotels/더-오사카-스테이션-호텔-오토그래프-컬렉션-the-osaka-station-hotel-autograph-collection) | ★9.3 | 562 | ~$414 | 4-star | 20 min walk |
| [Four Seasons Hotel Osaka](/hotels/four-seasons-hotel-osaka) | ★9.4 | 571 | ~$738 | 5-star | 25 min walk |
| [월도프 아스토리아 오사카](/hotels/월도프-아스토리아-오사카-waldorf-astoria-osaka) | ★9.4 | 107 | ~$697 | 5-star | 25 min walk |
---
## Budget Hotels and Unique Options {#budget}
Osaka hotel prices during cherry blossom season rise 30-50% above normal. Options under $69 per night are limited, but budget hotels with ratings of 9.3 or higher do exist. On the other end, there is also a traditional ryokan as a unique alternative.
**[Yume夢 動物園前店](/hotels/yume夢-動物園前店)** (★9.4 | 2,184 reviews | ~$48/night)
The cheapest hotel on this list. A score of 9.4 with 2,184 reviews at ~$48 per night is a remarkable figure. It is 180 m from Dobutsuen-mae Station and within walking distance of Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku. Osaka Castle is about 20 minutes away by subway. For a strategy of saving on accommodation and investing in food, this is the most rational choice.
**[Ocean 西九条](/hotels/ocean-西九条)** (★9.3 | 3,387 reviews | ~$69/night)
Just 110 m from Nishikujo Station. Its distinguishing feature is proximity to USJ (Universal Studios Japan). It scored 9.3 across 3,387 reviews. At ~$69, the rate is highly competitive for a 3.5-star property. This is a suitable base for travelers planning a cherry blossom + USJ combination.
**[타케노야](/hotels/타케노야-takenoya)** (★9.7 | 111 reviews | ~$566/night)
The highest rating on this entire list: 9.7. A traditional ryokan located 270 m from Nippombashi Station. The 111 reviews are a natural count for a small-scale property. At ~$566, the rate is standard for a ryokan. For travelers seeking a traditional Japanese lodging experience during cherry blossom season, this is the highest-satisfaction option in the data.
### Budget / Unique Comparison
| Hotel | Rating | Reviews | Nightly Rate | Class | Highlights |
|-------|--------|---------|--------------|-------|------------|
| [Yume夢 動物園前店](/hotels/yume夢-動物園前店) | ★9.4 | 2,184 | ~$48 | 3.0-star | Lowest price. Walking distance to Shinsekai |
| [Ocean 西九条](/hotels/ocean-西九条) | ★9.3 | 3,387 | ~$69 | 3.5-star | Near USJ |
| [타케노야](/hotels/타케노야-takenoya) | ★9.7 | 111 | ~$566 | 5.0-star | Traditional ryokan. Highest rating on the list |
---
## Full Price Comparison {#price-summary}
All 12 hotels sorted by price. The average rating is 9.38, and the average nightly rate is approximately $331.
| Rank | Hotel | Rating | Reviews | Nightly Rate | Class | Area |
|------|-------|--------|---------|--------------|-------|------|
| 1 | [Yume夢 動物園前店](/hotels/yume夢-動物園前店) | ★9.4 | 2,184 | ~$48 | 3.0-star | Shinsekai |
| 2 | [Ocean 西九条](/hotels/ocean-西九条) | ★9.3 | 3,387 | ~$69 | 3.5-star | Nishikujo |
| 3 | [호텔 88 신사이바시](/hotels/호텔-88-신사이바시-hotel-88-shinsaibashi) | ★9.4 | 6,945 | ~$124 | 3.0-star | Namba |
| 4 | [앤 히어 오사카 남바](/hotels/앤-히어-오사카-남바-here-osaka-namba) | ★9.4 | 890 | ~$159 | 3.0-star | Namba |
| 5 | [호텔 더 플래그 신사이바시](/hotels/호텔-더-플래그-신사이바시-hotel-the-flag-shinsaibashi) | ★9.5 | 9,545 | ~$179 | 3.5-star | Shinsaibashi |
| 6 | [미마루 오사카 신사이바시 노스](/hotels/미마루-오사카-신사이바시-노스-mimaru-osaka-shinsaibashi-north) | ★9.3 | 2,976 | ~$276 | 4.0-star | Shinsaibashi |
| 7 | [더 오사카 스테이션 호텔](/hotels/더-오사카-스테이션-호텔-오토그래프-컬렉션-the-osaka-station-hotel-autograph-collection) | ★9.3 | 562 | ~$414 | 4.0-star | Umeda |
| 8 | [인터컨티넨탈 호텔 오사카](/hotels/인터컨티넨탈-호텔-오사카-바이-ihg-intercontinental-hotel-osaka-by-ihg) | ★9.4 | 2,804 | ~$469 | 5.0-star | Osaka Castle |
| 9 | [파티나 오사카](/hotels/파티나-오사카-patina-osaka) | ★9.4 | 329 | ~$510 | 5.0-star | Osaka Castle |
| 10 | [타케노야](/hotels/타케노야-takenoya) | ★9.7 | 111 | ~$566 | 5.0-star | Nippombashi |
| 11 | [월도프 아스토리아 오사카](/hotels/월도프-아스토리아-오사카-waldorf-astoria-osaka) | ★9.4 | 107 | ~$697 | 5.0-star | Umeda |
| 12 | [Four Seasons Hotel Osaka](/hotels/four-seasons-hotel-osaka) | ★9.4 | 571 | ~$738 | 5.0-star | Umeda |
The patterns in the data are clear:
- **Under $69**: 2 hotels. Ratings of 9.3-9.4, virtually no gap from the high-end properties.
- **$69-$207**: 3 hotels. Concentrated in Namba/Shinsaibashi. Overwhelmingly high review counts indicate strong validation.
- **$207-$483**: 3 hotels. 4- to 5-star. This is the bracket where differences in amenities and room size start to matter.
- **Over $483**: 4 hotels. The luxury segment. The ryokan (Takenoya) achieved the highest rating.
There is no meaningful correlation between price and rating. A ~$48/night hotel (9.4) and a ~$738/night hotel (9.4) scored identically. The differences lie in room size, amenities, and service density. For a data-centric approach to hotel selection, [Tokyo Hotel Data Guide](/magazine/tokyo-hotel-data-guide-2026) is also worth a read.
---
## Practical Tips for Osaka Cherry Blossom Travel {#tips}
### Timing
- Expected full bloom date for 2026 Osaka cherry blossoms: around March 30 (based on Japan Meteorological Agency forecasts)
- The ideal viewing window is about 5 to 7 days after full bloom
- The Mint Bureau Cherry Blossom Walkthrough opens separately in mid-April and does not overlap with the main season
### Booking Timing
- Cherry blossom season hotels start selling out 2 to 3 months in advance
- Booking by mid-January secures rates close to the standard price
- An efficient strategy is to book with a free cancellation option first, then adjust once bloom forecasts are confirmed
### Cherry Blossom Photography
- Osaka Castle keep + cherry blossoms: Inside Nishinomaru Garden, 9-10 AM is the window without backlighting
- Sakuranomiya Park: Pleasure boats and cherry blossoms can be captured together from the Okawa riverbank
- Evening illumination: Osaka Castle Nishinomaru Garden, 18:00-21:00 (cherry blossom season only)
### Transportation
- The Osaka Metro 1-day pass (~$5.70) covers most cherry blossom spots
- Only Expo '70 Commemorative Park requires a separate Osaka Monorail fare
- If combining with Kyoto cherry blossoms, the JR Special Rapid from Osaka Station reaches Kyoto in 30 minutes. Check [Browse Kyoto hotels ->](/cities/일본-교토) for base accommodation in Kyoto
### Dining
- If based in Namba/Shinsaibashi, Dotonbori and Kuromon Market are within walking distance
- Stalls inside Osaka Castle Park get crowded during cherry blossom season; buying a bento from a convenience store in advance is the better approach
- Hanami culture: Spreading a picnic blanket and eating in the park is the Japanese way to enjoy cherry blossoms. Osaka Castle Park permits blankets
---
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) {#faq}
Q. When do the 2026 Osaka cherry blossoms bloom?
Based on Japan Meteorological Agency forecasts, first bloom is expected around March 25, with full bloom around March 30. However, there is typically about a one-week variance from year to year, so scheduling between late March and early April gives the highest probability of seeing them.
Q. Which is better -- Osaka Castle or Sakuranomiya Park?
It depends on the objective. Osaka Castle Park offers the iconic combination of the castle keep and cherry blossoms, ideal for photography. Sakuranomiya Park is overwhelmingly larger, with a 4.2 km riverside walking path. Since the two are a 15-minute walk apart, visiting both on the same day is the practical approach.
Q. How much do Osaka hotel prices rise during cherry blossom season?
Prices increase 30-50% above normal. Among the 12 hotels analyzed here, rates range from a low of ~$48 (Yume) to a high of ~$738 (Four Seasons). Even in the sub-$69 bracket, ratings are 9.3 or higher, so quality does not have to be compromised even on a limited budget.
Q. Where should I stay to see cherry blossoms in both Osaka and Kyoto?
The area near JR Osaka Station (Umeda/Kita district) is the most advantageous. Kyoto is 30 minutes away by JR Special Rapid, and Sakuranomiya Park is within walking distance. [더 오사카 스테이션 호텔](/hotels/더-오사카-스테이션-호텔-오토그래프-컬렉션-the-osaka-station-hotel-autograph-collection) (★9.3 | 562 reviews | ~$414/night) has the best accessibility to the transportation hub.
Q. Is the Mint Bureau Cherry Blossom Walkthrough different from the regular cherry blossom season?
Yes. The Mint Bureau features mainly double-petaled cherry blossoms (yaezakura) and opens for only about one week in mid-April. This means it can be enjoyed after the regular Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms have fallen, making it advantageous for mid-April travelers. Advance reservations are required, and the surrounding area gets quite crowded on the day of visit.
Q. Which hotel is best suited for family travel?
[미마루 오사카 신사이바시 노스](/hotels/미마루-오사카-신사이바시-노스-mimaru-osaka-shinsaibashi-north) (★9.3 | 2,976 reviews | ~$276/night) is the most suitable. Its apartment-style layout includes a kitchen for preparing meals for children, and at ~$276 for a 4-star property, the rate is reasonable for a family stay.
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**[Browse all Osaka hotels ->](/cities/일본-오사카)** | **[Browse Tokyo hotels ->](/cities/일본-도쿄-동경)** | **[Browse Kyoto hotels ->](/cities/일본-교토)**
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