Expo 70 Commemorative Park Plum Festival 2026

• February 1, 2026 at 9:30 am
  Event date:
• March 10, 2026 at 5:00 pm
  Event end:

History

Expo ’70 Commemorative Park was created on the site of the 1970 World Exposition, Japan’s first world fair, which welcomed over 64 million visitors and showcased futuristic technology under the theme “Progress and Harmony for Mankind.” After the expo ended, large parts of the site were transformed into a vast green space preserving the legacy of the event.

The plum groves were carefully planted as part of the park’s Natural and Cultural Gardens and Japanese Garden, reflecting traditional appreciation for ume blossoms as harbingers of spring. These trees have matured over decades, turning the former expo grounds into one of Osaka’s premier early-spring flower destinations.

Today the annual Plum Festival continues the spirit of cultural celebration that began with Expo 70 itself, blending modern park design with centuries-old hanami traditions.

Overview

The Expo 70 Commemorative Park Plum Festival 2026 will run from early February to early March, when approximately 680 plum trees across 160 varieties burst into delicate pink, white, and red blooms. The main groves are located in the Natural and Cultural Gardens (600 trees) and the serene Japanese Garden (80 trees).

Peak bloom usually occurs mid-to-late February, filling the air with subtle fragrance and creating stunning contrasts against the iconic Tower of the Sun sculpture. The relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect for families, photographers, and anyone wanting a peaceful taste of spring before the cherry-blossom crowds arrive.

Highlights

• Diverse Plum Varieties: 160 types of ume trees offering waves of color and fragrance across two distinct garden areas.
• Natural and Cultural Gardens: 600 trees spread over open meadows, ideal for picnics and wide-angle photos with the Tower of the Sun.
• Traditional Japanese Garden: 80 trees in a tranquil setting with ponds, bridges, and stone lanterns for classic scenery.
• Early Spring Serenity: Far fewer visitors than cherry-blossom season, allowing relaxed walks and bench-sitting under blooming branches.
• Seasonal Food Stalls: Vendors selling umeshu (plum wine), plum sweets, and warm treats during festival weekends.

Why Jasumo Recommends?

• Diverse Plum Varieties: 160 types of ume trees offering waves of color and fragrance across two distinct garden areas.
• Natural and Cultural Gardens: 600 trees spread over open meadows, ideal for picnics and wide-angle photos with the Tower of the Sun.
• Traditional Japanese Garden: 80 trees in a tranquil setting with ponds, bridges, and stone lanterns for classic scenery.
• Early Spring Serenity: Far fewer visitors than cherry-blossom season, allowing relaxed walks and bench-sitting under blooming branches.
• Seasonal Food Stalls: Vendors selling umeshu (plum wine), plum sweets, and warm treats during festival weekends.

If you’re coming to Japan or already in Japan, Jasumo can help with custom flower-viewing itineraries, Osaka transportation, park tickets, and more. Just contact us using the contact page.

Schedule

Early February to early March 2026

• Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM)
• Closed: Wednesdays (or the following day if Wednesday is a public holiday)

Pricing

• Park Entry (Natural & Cultural Gardens + Japanese Garden): ¥260 adults / ¥80 elementary & junior high students
• Children: Preschool and younger free
• Plum Festival itself has no additional fee

Location

Expo ’70 Commemorative Park Senribanpakukoen, Suita, Osaka 565-0826, Japan

How to Get There

• By Monorail: 3-minute walk from Banpaku-Kinen-Koen Station (Osaka Monorail).
• From Osaka Station: Take the Midosuji Subway to Senri-Chuo → transfer to Osaka Monorail (total ~35 min).
• By Car: Parking available (¥400–¥1,000 depending on area and day).

Accommodation Options

Nearby Saito and Senri-Chuo offer modern business hotels from ¥7,000–¥14,000 per night with easy monorail access to the park. Luxury options in central Osaka (Umeda) start around ¥18,000–¥35,000 and are only 30–40 minutes away by train.

Minshuku and guesthouses are limited, but Airbnb apartments in the Expo area provide budget stays from ¥6,000. Book early for weekends during peak bloom.

FAQs

When is the best time to see plum blossoms at Expo 70 Park in 2026?

Peak bloom usually falls in the second half of February. Exact timing depends on weather—check the official park website for daily bloom updates.

How much does it cost to see the plum blossoms?

Only the standard park entry fee applies: ¥260 for adults and ¥80 for children. There is no extra charge for the Plum Festival itself.

Is the park closed on Wednesdays during the festival?

Yes, the Natural and Cultural Gardens (where most plum trees are) are closed on Wednesdays unless it’s a public holiday, then closed the following day.

How do I reach Expo 70 Commemorative Park by public transport?

Take the Osaka Monorail to Banpaku-Kinen-Koen Station—the park gates are just a 3-minute walk from the exit.

Are the plum groves wheelchair and stroller accessible?

Yes, main paths in both the Natural and Cultural Gardens and Japanese Garden are paved and relatively flat, making them easy to navigate.

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Location