Cherry blossom season, known as sakura season, is one of Japan’s most iconic and breathtaking times of the year. From late March to early April, parks, temples, and streets are transformed into vibrant shades of pink as cherry blossoms bloom across the country. This period is celebrated with hanami, the traditional custom of flower viewing, where locals and visitors gather in parks to enjoy picnics under the blossoms.
Cherry blossom season is one of the busiest times to visit Japan, with accommodation and transport often booking out months in advance. Popular viewing spots can become incredibly crowded, making it essential to plan your trip well ahead of time. For a more relaxed experience, consider exploring lesser-known locations where you can still enjoy the beauty of the blossoms without the overwhelming crowds.
Peak Cherry Blossom Viewing Times Across Japan
Since Japan spans multiple climate zones, cherry blossoms bloom at different times depending on the region:
Okinawa – Mid-January to early February
Kyushu (Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, etc.) – Late March to early April
Shikoku & Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, etc.) – Late March to early April
Chubu (Nagoya, Takayama, Kanazawa, etc.) – Early to mid-April
Kanto (Tokyo, Yokohama, etc.) – Late March to early April
Tohoku (Sendai, Aomori, etc.) – Mid-April to early May
Hokkaido (Sapporo, Hakodate, etc.) – Late April to early May
Popular Cherry Blossom Spots
Some of Japan’s most famous and scenic places to view cherry blossoms include:
Shinjuku Gyoen (Tokyo) – A vast park with early and late-blooming varieties, making for an extended hanami season.
Ueno Park (Tokyo) – One of the most famous and lively spots, but often extremely crowded.
Maruyama Park (Kyoto) – Known for its stunning illuminated weeping cherry tree at night.
Osaka Castle Park (Osaka) – A perfect mix of history and cherry blossoms surrounding the castle.
Himeji Castle (Hyogo) – A breathtaking view with Japan’s most beautiful castle framed by sakura.
Hirosaki Park (Aomori) – One of Japan’s most spectacular spots, with thousands of trees and a moat filled with floating petals.
Matsumae Park (Hokkaido) – Features over 250 varieties of cherry blossoms, offering an extended season.
Lesser-Known Alternatives
To avoid crowds, consider visiting off-the-beaten-path sakura spots that still offer stunning scenery:
Shingashi River (Kawagoe, near Tokyo) – Cherry blossoms arch over the river, creating a picturesque tunnel.
Mikamine Park (Sendai, Tohoku) – A peaceful alternative in northern Japan.
Takato Castle Ruins Park (Nagano) – Famous for its unique cherry blossom variety and historic setting.
Mount Yoshino (Nara) – A mountainside covered in thousands of cherry trees, offering breathtaking layered views.
Moerenuma Park (Sapporo, Hokkaido) – A modern park with sakura and artistic landscapes.
Booking in Advance is Essential
Cherry blossom season is one of the busiest times for tourism in Japan. Hotels, flights, and shinkansen (bullet train) tickets can sell out months ahead, especially in major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. To secure the best deals and locations:
Book accommodation at least 3-6 months in advance (earlier for Kyoto).
Reserve domestic travel, including the JR Pass and shinkansen tickets, early.
Plan visits to famous spots on weekdays to avoid peak crowds.
Final Tips for Cherry Blossom Viewing
Arrive early to secure a good picnic spot in popular parks.
Check the cherry blossom forecast, as blooming times can shift depending on weather conditions.
Bring a picnic or buy seasonal snacks from convenience stores or local vendors.
Respect nature by cleaning up after yourself and avoiding shaking or picking the blossoms.
Whether you choose a famous location or a hidden gem, cherry blossom season in Japan is an unforgettable experience. With proper planning, you can enjoy the beauty of sakura without the stress of overcrowding.
