Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture
A Slow Walk Beneath the Cherry Trees at Settsukyō Sakura Square A Spring Drive Detour for Looking Up at the Blossoms
I’d always thought of Settsukyō as a gorge, but in spring I’d love to start with a walk through Sakura Square on the south side. Stop beneath the overlapping branches and the sky above fills with blossoms. I want to make time for a slow moment like that on a drive.
This is a story from an early April afternoon at Sakura Square on the south side of Settsukyō Park, where I wander beneath the blossoms, looking up as I go.
SpringEarly April, daytime
Looking for low branches beneath a cloudy sky
In early April, I came to the lower entrance of Settsukyō Park with my friend. I parked and stepped into Sakura Square, where branches stretched from the thick trunks and met overhead. We weren’t in a hurry to get to the gorge today; I wanted to stay here and enjoy the blossoms. Once I’d decided that, my steps slowed too.
I walked along the narrow path through the grass in my black boots. Each time I stepped beneath the branches, more of the sky disappeared behind blossoms. I straightened the cuffs of my mint-green sweater and looked up again. Even under a cloudy sky, I could make out the shape of the nearby petals.
I stopped beside a thick trunk, and my friend called from a little way ahead, “This branch is lower over here.” I looked up with my hands still gathered in front of my waist. From the branch closest to me, the blossoms seemed to continue all the way into the distance. I thought I’d been looking at the trees one by one, but before I knew it, I was taking in the whole square.
On the far left, I could see a small play structure, with shrubs beyond it. The name had made me picture a gorge, so I was surprised to find such a broad, open space for a stroll. I checked the path visible between the blossoms, then walked with my friend to the next tree.
A breeze stirred the branch tips and sent petals drifting down around my feet. I didn’t chase after them. As I watched from where I stood, I noticed a few petals resting on the grass too. My friend and I agreed: “Let’s remember this spot beneath the tree.” Without turning away, I looked up at the same branch once more.
By the time we got back to the car, I was getting hungry. We started planning our next stop: Takatsuki udon gyoza on the way back. Before setting off, I picked “Project Start.” When I get home, I want to remember the petals beneath that tree and how my friend and I stopped to say, “Let’s remember this.”
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
Local food to try
Takatsuki Udon Gyoza
A local Takatsuki specialty made by mixing udon noodles with minced meat and garlic chives, then pan-frying them. After visiting the cherry blossoms, I’d love to head back into town for a plate of this local favorite.
Highlights
The park’s largest open space
Sakura Square is on the south side of Settsukyō Park. Before heading for the gorge, I’d like to take some time to walk beneath the blossoms here.
A riverside walk after the blossoms
Settsukyō also has walking trails along the gorge. After enjoying the blossoms, you might like to make another stop and take in the river views.
Routes and places to walk
Settsukyō: A Gorge Trail
- Total trail length
- 3.1 km (total route length)
- Trail terrain
- Gentle ups and downs
A walking route along the Akutagawa River through the gorge. After enjoying the blossoms, I’d like to add this route if I feel like walking on to take in the river scenery.
If you’re visiting Sakura Square, start from the car park at the lower entrance. I’d like to take in the blossoms first, then decide how far to walk.
More Spot Guides
If you enjoyed this story, you might like these places too. I've gone back to each of them in different seasons, again and again.
