Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan: Top spots & insider tips for sakura season

There are few destinations in the world quite as enchanting as Japan in spring. As cherry blossoms bloom, the whole country bursts into shades of soft pink, and for a few short weeks, parks, temples, and riversides become picture-perfect dreamscapes.

More than just a seasonal spectacle, these delicate flowers carry deep meaning in Japanese culture, symbolising new beginnings and representing the transient nature of life itself. They're a reminder to slow down, soak in the moment, and appreciate beauty while it lasts.

If you’ve ever imagined strolling under cherry blossom trees, enjoying a hanami (flower viewing) picnic, or experiencing a vibrant sakura festival, you’re in the right place! This guide will walk you through the best times to visit, top cherry blossom viewing spots, unmissable festivals, and everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable trip to the 'Land of the Rising Sun'.

So, grab your camera, plan your adventure, and get ready to chase the sakura — because this is one bucket-list experience you don’t want to miss!

"Cherry blossom season is one of the most sought-after times to visit Japan. Hotels, flights, and tours fill up quickly – often months in advance. Booking a year ahead not only secures the best hotels in prime locations but also offers peace of mind. The cherry blossoms are fleeting, and advanced planning ensures you don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime travel experience."– Erica, Asia Product Manager

Keep reading to find out:

• When is cherry blossom season in Japan?
• The best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan
• Understanding Hanami: Japan's cherry blossom viewing tradition
• Cherry blossom festivals in Japan
• Planning your perfect Japan trip for sakura season
• Getting around Japan during cherry blossom season
• Tips for enjoying cherry blossom season in Japan

When is cherry blossom season in Japan?

• Between March and May (depending on region)
• Check the Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) forecast

Cherry Blossom Season in Japan is one of the most spectacular times of the year, but timing is everything! Thanks to Japan’s diverse climate, sakura blooms start earlier in the south and later in the north.

Blooming season by region

Southern Japan: Early to mid-March until early April

Popular destinations: Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kagoshima

Central Japan: Late March to mid-April

Popular destinations: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka

Northern Japan: Late April to early May

Popular destinations: Hokkaido, Tohoku

How long does the blooming period last?

Once the blossoms start blooming, they reach full bloom (mankai) in about a week. This is when the trees are at their most striking, covered in pink and white petals. But the season is fleeting — within one to two weeks, the petals start falling, creating a surreal ‘sakura snow’ effect before they’re gone. If rain or wind hits, the season can be even shorter!

Get the most accurate blossom forecast for your Japan trip

To help visitors plan, the Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) releases its first sakura forecast in February, with regular updates. Many people plan their hanami (flower viewing) picnics around these predictions to catch the blossoms at their peak.

The best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan

Tokyo

• The country's neon capital
• See highlights like the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Skytree and the Ghibli Museum
• Add in a visit to Disneyland Tokyo or venture out to Mount Fuji

Ueno Park

Ueno Park is the place to go if you love a lively hanami vibe — over 1,000 cherry trees line the paths, making it feel like you’re walking through a pink wonderland.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Shinjuku Gyoen is perfect if you want a more peaceful spot to enjoy the sakura in Tokyo, with beautifully manicured gardens and different cherry tree varieties that bloom at different times.

Chidorigafuchi Park

Chidorigafuchi is pure magic, especially at night — picture yourself gliding in a boat under glowing cherry blossoms, right by the Imperial Palace moat.

Already explored Tokyo? Read our travel guide to the best places to visit in Japan besides Tokyo.

Kyoto

• The 'City of 1,000 Temples'
• See the Torii Gates
• Dine at the Pontocho district

Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park is Kyoto’s hotspot for viewing cherry blossoms. Go at night when the weeping cherry tree is all lit up, creating the perfect atmosphere for a picnic under the stars.

Philosopher’s Path

Philosopher’s Path is a 2km, scenic walk along a canal, lined with hundreds of cherry trees that make it feel like you’re strolling through a sakura-filled dream.

Osaka

• Visit the vibrant Dotonburi with its buzzing neon signs
• Foodies can fill up at Kuromon Market
• Add in a visit to Universal Studios Japan

Osaka Castle Park

Osaka Castle Park is amazing for taking stunning photos of cherry blossoms, with the majestic Osaka Castle providing a picture-perfect backdrop.

Kema Sakuranomiya Park

Kema Sakuranomiya Park is a true gem, with thousands of cherry trees lining the riverside, making it the ideal place to enjoy a leisurely stroll with spectacular views of the water and Osaka’s skyline.

Hokkaido

• Discover the rural side of Japan
• Savour authentic ramen and craft beer
• Visit beautiful National Parks

Goryokaku Fort

Goryokaku Fort in Hakodate is absolutely breathtaking, with its star-shaped fort surrounded by a moat filled with blooming sakura, offering a beautiful and historical setting for hanami.

Southern Japan

• Learn Japan's history at Nagasaki and Hiroshima
• Take a dip in the hot springs
• Sample local sake

Kumamoto Castle

Kumamoto Castle is truly a sight to behold during cherry blossom season, as the sakura trees bloom around the castle grounds, framing its historic stone walls and towering structures.

Maizuru Park

Maizuru Park in Fukuoka is a tranquil place to see cherry blossoms in the south. The park’s spacious grounds, combined with the beautiful backdrop of the castle ruins, create an idyllic setting for hanami.

Understanding Hanami: Japan's cherry blossom viewing tradition

Hanami is a beloved national pastime where people gather to enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms. During hanami, friends and family head to parks, gardens and other scenic spots to admire the cherry trees in full bloom. It’s a time to relax, have picnics, sip on refreshing drinks, and enjoy the fleeting beauty of the flowers together.

A brief history of hanami

With its roots in ancient Japan, this charming tradition dates back over 1000 years to the Heian period (794-1185). During this time, the aristocracy would gather in Kyoto to admire the plum blossoms, as originally, hanami referred to flower viewing in general – not just cherry blossoms.

Fast forward to the Kamakhura and Murimachi periods (1185-1573), and hanami gradually shifted towards cherry blossoms as the favoured flower and the practice trickled down from the elite to the masses.

Japan’s love of hanami peaked during the Edo period (1603-1868), when the country began to host widespread festivals in public parks dedicated to the event.

Today, its celebrated by millions in Japan and around the world, with family picnics, nighttime illuminations, and festivals marking the arrival of spring.

Why are cherry blossoms important in Japan?

Cherry blossom season is more than just a time to admire beautiful flowers — it carries deep philosophical meaning in Japanese culture. The delicate blossoms represent themes of ephemeral beauty, renewal, and the passage of time, making them one of Japan’s most cherished symbols.

The concept of 'mono no aware'

Since cherry blossoms only bloom for a short time before their petals fall away, they perfectly capture the idea of ‘mono no aware’ — the Japanese appreciation of the impermanence of life. This theme has inspired poetry, art, and even samurai philosophy, reminding people to embrace each moment and live with honour.

Marking the beginning of spring

Sakura season also marks the beginning of spring and is therefore synonymous with renewal. Their arrival each year coincides with the start of the school year in April and a new business cycle in Japan, making it a time of fresh starts. The blossoms represent hope and the promise of new opportunities for the Japanese people.

How the locals celebrate

Picnics & gatherings

Hanami is all about good food, good company, and stunning cherry blossoms. Families, friends, and even coworkers gather in parks, laying out picnic blankets under the trees. Some bring homemade bento boxes, while others grab delicious treats like sakura mochi, onigiri, and crispy tempura from nearby shops. Of course, no hanami is complete without a few drinks — whether it’s sake, beer, or a fragrant cup of tea.

Nighttime illuminations

As the sun sets, yozakura (nighttime blossom viewing) takes the experience to another level. Parks like Ueno in Tokyo and Maruyama in Kyoto light up the cherry trees with lanterns, creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere. People stay out late, chatting, singing, and soaking in the beauty of the glowing blossoms. It’s a mix of calm and celebration, where the night air is filled with the sweet scent of sakura.

Festivals

Hanami festivals bring even more excitement to cherry blossom season! All across Japan, people gather for food stalls, performances and events. You’ll find street vendors selling local snacks, tea ceremonies under the blossoms, and live performances ranging from traditional dance to samurai reenactments. Whether it’s a small-town festival or a huge event at places like Hirosaki Castle or Osaka Castle, hanami season is all about embracing the beauty of spring with fun, culture, and plenty of delicious treats.

Need some delicious inspiration for your hanami picnic? Discover the best things to eat in Japan.

Cherry blossom festivals in Japan

Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival — Tokyo

Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival is unmissable if you’re basing your trip in Tokyo. It’s held every year from late March to early April in Ueno Park and attracts millions of visitors eager to see the park transformed into a pink wonderland. With over 1,000 cherry trees lining its pathways, lots of street food stalls and lanterns lighting up the cherry trees at night, it's one of the top viewing festivals in Japan.

Kyoto Cherry Blossom Festival — Philosopher’s Path

Kyoto Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the most enchanting celebrations of sakura in Japan, as the city’s historic temples, tranquil gardens, and traditional tea houses provide the perfect backdrop for the explosion of pink petals in the sky. One of the most serene and scenic places to enjoy the blossoms is the Philosopher’s Path – a 2km walk along a canal lined with over 150 cherry trees.

Hirosaki Castle Cherry Blossom Festival — Aomori

The Hirosaki Castle Cherry Blossom Festival in Aomori is something of a hidden gem, despite it being one of most visually spectacular places to view sakura trees in the country. Held every spring in Hirosaki Park, the festival showcases over 2,600 cherry trees, including the iconic somei-yoshino variety, which are set against the striking backdrop of the black-and-white Hirosaki Castle.

Planning your perfect Japan trip for sakura season

When should I travel to Japan to see cherry blossoms?

Cherry blossoms don’t bloom all at once across the country, so the timing of your trip should depend on the region you're visiting. Here’s a general guide:

March

The first blooms usually appear in Fukuoka, Nagasaki and southern Honshu (Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto). Tokyo’s cherry blossoms typically start blooming in late March.

April

This is peak season for Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, with full bloom happening in early to mid-April. Northern areas like Aomori start to see blossoms toward the end of the month.

May

The last cherry blossoms bloom in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, with peak sakura season around early to mid-May.

How long do cherry blossoms last?

Once cherry blossoms start blooming, they only last for about one to two weeks before petals start falling. Full bloom (mankai) — when the trees are at their most exquisite — only lasts about three to five days before the petals begin to scatter.

Where to stay?

Cherry blossom season is one of the most popular times to visit Japan, so hotels fill up fast. If you’re serious about seeing the sakura, book your stay as far in advance as possible to give yourself the pick of the country’s finest properties — especially in major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto.

If you want to stay near top cherry blossom spots, here are some of the finest luxury hotels in the best locations.

Tokyo

Hotel: Keipo Plaza Hotel

Distance to cherry blossoms: 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station (to access Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden)

Hotel: Mandarin Oriental Tokyo

Distance to cherry blossoms: 10-15 minute by taxi or 15-20 minutes by train to Ueno Park

Hotel: The Peninsula Tokyo

Distance to cherry blossoms: 15-minute walk or 5-minute taxi ride to Chidorigafuchi Park

Kyoto

Hotel: Hyatt Regency Kyoto

Distance to cherry blossoms: 5-minute taxi ride or 20-minute walk from both Maruyama Park

Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto

Distance to cherry blossoms: 10-minute taxi ride or 20-minute walk to Philosopher’s Path

Looking for somewhere seriously unique to stay?

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, consider staying in a traditional ryokan (Japanese inn) in Hakone.

Hotel: Hakone Kowakien Tenyu

Distance to cherry blossoms: 10-minute drive from Hakone Gora Park (with views of Mount Fuji)

"Cruising also offers a unique and leisurely way to experience Japan during cherry blossom season, allowing you to witness the stunning beauty of the blooms as you visit multiple iconic locations. It’s a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, offering easy access to scenic spots and cities, all while enjoying the luxury of a floating hotel." – Erica, Asia Product Manager

Consider using a Travel Specialist

If planning the perfect cherry blossom trip feels overwhelming, why not enlist the help of an expert? Someone who's been there, done that, smelled the cherry blossoms.

Inspiring Travel's dedicated Travel Specialists can:

• Guide you to the best locations for cherry blossom viewing based on your travel dates
• Secure luxury hotel reservations near cherry blossom hotspots
• Arrange private guided tours, sakura-themed river cruises, and other special experiences, such as hanami picnics
• Handle train passes and travel logistics so you can simply enjoy wandering through pink wonderlands

While it’s possible to plan a trip on your own, a Travel Specialist can seriously take the stress out of the process and give you the best experience possible.

When is the best time to book a holiday to see the cherry blossom?

• Recommended booking time: 12 months in advance

For the best experience, it’s recommended to book your trip 12 months in advance – if not more.

With travellers flocking from all over the world to see the sakura in full bloom from late March to early April, flights, hotels, tours and even rail passes sell out quickly.

Booking early gives you the best chance of securing your top choice of hotels in prime viewing locations and ensures you won’t miss out on the magic of Japan’s most beautiful season.

Getting around Japan during cherry blossom season

• Travel between major cities with a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)
• Travel within cities using an IC card on trains, subways & buses
• Best ways to get between blossom hotspots: train, walking or bike rental  
• Enhance your experience with special sakura-themed transport

Navigating Japan’s trains during sakura season

Japan’s train system is famous for being clean, efficient, and fast, making it the best way to hop between cherry blossom hotspots. If you’re planning to visit multiple cities – say, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka – the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a must. This pass gives you unlimited rides on JR trains, including the bullet train, for set periods of either seven, 14 or 21 days.

For shorter distances within a city, grab an IC card, such as Suica, Pasmo, or ICOCA. These rechargeable cards work on trains, subways, and buses, offering a super convenient way of getting around. No fumbling around with cash or tickets here!                   

Best ways to get between blossom hotspots

Often, the best way to get between blossom is by using local train lines. Many parks and cherry blossom spots are just a short train ride away. For example, Chidorigafuchi Park in Tokyo is best reached via the Tokyo Metro, while Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path is easily accessible by the Keihan Line.

Or if you prefer sightseeing at a more leisurely pace, you can always walk or rent a bike. Sometimes the best sakura views aren’t at the big tourist spots but along quiet backstreets, riversides and shrines. Cities like Kyoto are super bike-friendly, and riding under rows of cherry trees is a wonderful experience.

Special sakura-themed transport

Japan loves to go all out for cherry blossom season, and that includes some pretty unique ways to travel. If you want to add a little extra magic to your journey, check these out:

Seasonal sightseeing buses

Cities like Kyoto and Hiroshima have special cherry blossom routes that take you straight to the best hanami spots. If you don’t feel like navigating trains or walking long distances, this is a great option.

Sakura river cruises

Floating under cherry blossoms? Yes, please! Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka all offer river cruises that let you enjoy the blooms from the water. Meguro River in Tokyo and Okazaki Canal in Kyoto are especially stunning. Some boats even serve sakura-themed drinks while you cruise!

Scenic train rides

For a seriously special rail journey, hop on the Sagano Romantic Train in Kyoto, which takes you through cherry blossom-filled mountains. Another great option is the Gono Line in northern Japan, where you’ll see the region’s sakura-lined coast.

Tips for enjoying cherry blossom season in Japan

Book everything in advance

If you’re thinking about visiting Japan during cherry blossom season, don’t wait until the last minute to book hotels, tours, or special experiences. This is one of the busiest travel seasons, and places fill up fast. Whether you’re eyeing a hotel near Ueno Park in Tokyo or dreaming of a guided nighttime sakura tour in Kyoto, get those reservations locked in as early as possible.

Plan well to avoid crowds

Cherry blossoms are fleeting, and everyone wants to see them at their best. That means parks, riversides, and popular hanami spots get packed – especially on weekends. If you want to avoid the biggest crowds, aim for early mornings or weekdays. And don’t be afraid to check out lesser-known festivals, such as Hirosaki Castle Cherry Blossom Festival in Aomori.

Try traditional sakura treats

One of the best things about spring in Japan? The seasonal food! Every café and street food vendor goes all out with cherry blossom-themed treats. Some ‘must tries’ include sakura mochi, a delicate pink rice cake with sweet red bean paste wrapped in a slightly salty cherry leaf. Sakura lattes are another must — soft, floral, and just the right amount of sweet.

Respect the hanami etiquette

Having a picnic under the cherry blossom is a key part of the tradition, but there are some unspoken rules to keep in mind. If you’re planning to grab a spot in a park, go early, but don’t just leave a tarp there for hours without anyone on it — that’s considered bad form. Also, be sure to clean up after yourself. Bins can be rare in Japan, so bring a bag to take your rubbish with you.

Top Tailormade Tours to Japan

Ready to start planning your 2026/27 Japan trip?

It's never too early to start planning your visit to Japan — especially if you want to experience the magic of cherry blossom season.

Why not speak to one of our dedicated Travel Specialists? They've been to the 'Land of the Rising Sun' and have all the first-hand knowledge you need to help you create the ultimate sakura viewing itinerary.

Get inspired with our collection of tailormade tours or browse our handpicked selection of luxury hotels in some of Japan's best cherry blossom hotspots.