2025 Osaka Mint Bureau Sakura Avenue Reservation Guide

Post date: 2025-03-14 | Categories: Japan Travel

The Sakura Avenue at the Osaka Mint Bureau is one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Osaka. However, due to its narrow space and its status as a government facility, advance reservations are required to enter. It is the only cherry blossom viewing spot in Japan that requires reservations.

Osaka Mint Bureau Sakura Avenue 2025: Opening Dates, Reservation Times, Reservation Methods, Visiting Routes, and Precautions

The Sakura Avenue at the Osaka Mint Bureau is open for only 7 days during the cherry blossom season each year and operates on a completely reservation-based system. Anyone can make a free reservation to enter and view the cherry blossoms on a first-come, first-served basis.

1. Opening Dates and Times

1. Opening Period:

April 5, 2025 (Saturday) to April 11, 2025 (Friday), a total of 7 days.

2. Daily Opening Hours:

Weekdays (Monday to Friday): 10:00 to 19:30
Weekends and Holidays (Saturday, Sunday): 9:00 to 19:30

2. Reservation Information

1. Reservation System:

Reservations must be made in advance on the official website, on a first-come, first-served basis, and are completely free.

2. Reservation Limit:

Each reservation can include up to 5 people, excluding infants.

3. Reservation Start Time:

Reservations will open on March 17, 2025 (Monday) at 9:00 AM (Japan Time) and will close on April 11, the last day of the event.

3. Reservation Process

The following is last year’s reservation method. If there are no changes, this year’s reservation process will be the same.

1. Log in to the Sakura Avenue dedicated application page on the Mint Bureau’s official website (https://sakura-ev25.mint.go.jp/), fill in your “Name” and “Email Address,” check the agreement box, and submit the application.

Osaka Mint Bureau Sakura Avenue Reservation

2. After submitting the application, the system will send an email to your inbox. Click the link in the email to access the reservation page.

3. Select your desired date, time slot, and number of people from the calendar.

4. Fill in the applicant’s name (can be in English), katakana, email, and phone number, check the “Personal Information Handling Agreement,” and submit the reservation.

5. After completing the reservation, the system will send a “Reservation Confirmation Email” to your inbox. The email will contain a QR code for entry. You can print it out or save a screenshot on your phone. Show the QR code to the security staff to enter.

4. Transportation Guide

1. Venue Entrance:

Entry is only allowed through the South Gate, and exit is through the North Gate. No re-entry is permitted.

2. Nearest Stations:

(1) JR Tozai Line “Osakajokitazume” Station – Exit 3, turn right after exiting, cross the Kawasaki Bridge to reach the South Gate (about 15 minutes on foot).
(2) Tanimachi Subway Line / Keihan Railway “Temmabashi” Station – Exit 2 of the Keihan East Exit, walk along the bottom of Temmabashi, pass Lawson convenience store to reach the venue (about 10 minutes on foot).

Note: There are no large parking lots nearby, so it is recommended to use public transportation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to cancel or change a reservation?

Cancel: Click the link in the reservation confirmation email to cancel.
Change time slot or number of people: If there are still slots available on the day, you can modify the time slot and number of people on the official website, but the date cannot be changed.

2. What if I don’t receive the registration email?

Check your spam folder and ensure the email address is correct.

3. What if I lose the QR code or my phone malfunctions?

You can verify your identity on-site with your “Name and Phone Number” to get a replacement.

4. What if the number of people entering is less than the reservation?

All members of the reservation must enter together. If the number of people is less than the reservation, entry is still allowed.

5. Is the museum open?

The museum is closed during the cherry blossom event (April 4 to 12) and cannot be visited.

6. Precautions

Resale of QR codes is prohibited: Only the person who made the reservation or their companions can use it.
Late arrival: If you do not arrive during your reserved time slot, you may not be allowed to enter. It is recommended to arrive early.
Alternative options: If you fail to make a reservation, you can also view cherry blossoms along the nearby riverbank.

Osaka Mint Bureau Sakura Festival: A Guide to Experiencing the Timeless Beauty of Cherry Blossoms

Every April, as Osaka Castle is painted with the colors of spring, the Osaka Mint Bureau becomes a pilgrimage site for cherry blossom enthusiasts across Japan. This 150-year-old national mint is not only a financial hub but also famous for its 560-meter-long “Sakura Avenue,” which features over 130 rare cherry blossom varieties. This article will provide an in-depth guide on how to plan the ultimate cherry blossom viewing trip to the Osaka Mint Bureau.

1. Why is the Osaka Mint Bureau’s Sakura Unique?

1. A Century-Old “Craftsman Sakura”

Since 1883, Mint Bureau employees have personally planted cherry trees with a “craftsman spirit,” passed down through five generations, creating a unique cherry blossom culture. These trees are not only for viewing but also carry the story of craftsmanship.

2. A Living Museum of Rare Varieties

This place gathers rare varieties from all over Japan, such as:
- “Yang Guifei”: A light pink double-layered flower reminiscent of the Tang Dynasty beauty
- “Otedama”: A giant flower with a diameter of 5 cm
- “Benitedama”: A rare deep red double-layered cherry blossom
Each year, a specially recommended “Star of the Year” variety is also displayed.

3. The Fusion of Science and Aesthetics

The Mint Bureau uses precision instruments to monitor the blooming period, and the official website updates a “Blooming Map” daily, marking the best viewing times for each tree, making it a model of “data-driven cherry blossom viewing.”

2. Cherry Blossom Viewing Itinerary Guide

1. Golden Hours and Tips to Avoid Crowds

Recommended Times:
- Early morning 7:00-8:30, to avoid crowds and capture cherry blossoms with morning dew.
- Afternoon after 15:00, when most visitors start to leave, and the lighting is ideal for photography.

2. Professional Photography Spots

Takimi Bridge: The best angle to capture cherry blossom reflections with the Mint Bureau’s waterway in the foreground
“Toki no Kane” Square: The Meiji-era mint clock framed with cherry blossoms, full of historical charm
No. 62 “Shogetsu” Cherry Tree: A classic composition of weeping cherry blossoms against red brick buildings

3. Precautions

Alcohol is strictly prohibited
Selfie sticks and drones are not allowed
Sitting is prohibited in certain areas (marked with red lines on the ground)

4. Recommended Nearby Activities

1. Breakfast: Sakura-Themed Wagashi

“Sakura-an” near Temmabashi Station offers a Mint Bureau collaboration “Coin Sakura Mochi,” wrapped in cherry leaves with red bean paste, recreating the Edo-era flavor.

2. Afternoon: Cherry Blossom Cruise

Take the Osaka Castle Gozabune boat, sailing from the Mint Bureau’s waterway to Osaka Castle, experiencing Tokugawa Ieyasu’s cherry blossom viewing route.

3. Evening: Hidden Night Sakura Spot

Walk 15 minutes to “Keema Sakuranomiya Park,” where 2.6 km of cherry trees along the riverbank are lit up, creating a more spectacular view than the Mint Bureau.

5. Conclusion: A Cultural Immersion Beyond Tourism

The cherry blossoms at the Osaka Mint Bureau are not just a natural wonder but also a display of craftsmanship that transcends time. As you stand on the “Path of Coins and Cherry Blossoms,” take a closer look at the nameplates on each tree trunk—the planting dates from the Meiji and Taisho eras tell the story of how a nation perfectly blends industry and aesthetics. This may be the ultimate interpretation of Japanese cherry blossom culture: witnessing eternal craftsmanship in the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms.