Every spring, Japan turns pink.
But not all cherry blossom spots are equal.
Some are packed shoulder to shoulder with tourists. Others feel like hidden treasures.
If you want to make the most of sakura season, it helps to know where to go.
A well-timed trip can give you views that feel almost unreal.
Petals floating in the air, castles surrounded by soft pink, or Mount Fuji framed by flowering trees.
In this guide, you’ll find 18 of the best cherry blossom spots across Japan.
Some are famous for their history or views.
Others are quiet, local favourites.
All of them offer something special.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or planning a return trip, you’ll have plenty of beautiful places to choose from.
🌸 Experience some of the best cherry blossom spots in Japan:
1) Hirosaki Park, Aomori
If you’re after classic cherry blossoms in Japan, Hirosaki Park in Aomori is a solid choice.
Walk around Hirosaki Castle and take in the sight of more than 2,600 cherry trees.
The park has over 50 types of cherry blossoms, including Somei-Yoshino and Shidarezakura (Weeping Cherry).
The trees usually bloom from late April to early May.
During the peak, pink flowers cover the moats and paths.
The place gets lively during Golden Week, when the festival draws big crowds.
At night, the cherry blossoms are lit up, giving the park a totally different vibe.
2) Takada Castle Site Park, Niigata
If you want to see cherry blossoms at night, Takada Castle Site Park in Niigata is a must.
The park lights up around 4,000 Somei Yoshino cherry trees every spring.
The old castle’s paths look magical during the festival.
You’ll find lots of stalls selling local food and snacks.
Takada Castle Site Park ranks among Japan’s top night-time cherry blossom spots.
Crowds gather to see lanterns glowing among the pink flowers.
The best time is early to mid-April, when the blossoms reach their peak.
If you enjoy photography or evening walks, you’ll want to visit.
3) Arakurayama Sengen Park, Yamanashi
For a classic view of cherry blossoms with Mount Fuji behind, Arakurayama Sengen Park is hard to beat.
The park sits in Yamanashi Prefecture and features the striking five-storey Chureito Pagoda.
Each spring, cherry trees bloom along the hillside, making a fantastic scene.
Pink flowers frame both the pagoda and Mount Fuji.
You’ll find about 400 cherry trees here. The best time to visit is usually early to mid-April.
The climb to the pagoda has plenty of steps, but the view at the top makes it worth it.
Bring your camera and maybe a picnic as you’ll want to soak up one of Japan’s most famous sights.
4) Matsumae Park, Hokkaido
Visit Matsumae Park in Hokkaido.
Enjoy cherry blossoms around Japan’s northernmost castle, Matsumae Castle.
The historic site gives you a peaceful and scenic hanami spot.
There are over 10,000 cherry trees in the park, with about 250 different types.
Flowers bloom at different times from late April to late May.
If you’re hoping for a quieter cherry blossom experience, this park is a good bet.
The mix of blooming trees and old buildings feels special.
You can also wander through nearby gardens and a small theme park area.
Every step brings new shades of pink and white, all in Hokkaido’s cool spring air.
5) Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tokyo
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is one of the best cherry blossom spots in Japan.
It’s in the heart of Tokyo.
Each spring, about 1,300 cherry trees bloom in soft pink and white.
You can stroll along wide lawns or relax under the blossoms with friends or family.
The garden is tidy and large, so you won’t feel crowded.
Shinjuku Gyoen is known for a long cherry blossom season.
Some trees bloom early, others bloom later, so you get more chances to catch the flowers at their best.
Alcohol and pets aren’t allowed here, which keeps things calm and clean.
If you want a quiet hanami in the city, this garden is perfect.
6) Maruyama Park, Kyoto
Maruyama Park stands out as Kyoto’s most famous cherry blossom spot.
It’s right next to Yasaka Shrine in the Higashiyama District.
The main highlight is a huge weeping cherry tree called “Shidarezakura.”
At night, the tree lights up and looks even more beautiful.
The park gets crowded in early April, when people gather for picnics under the pink blossoms.
Several types of cherry trees grow here, so the blooms last a bit longer than in some places.
Visit in the evening for a lively, friendly atmosphere.
Families and friends gather, making it feel like a local festival.
7) Odawara Castle Park, Kanagawa
If you love history and flowers, Odawara Castle Park is a wonderful spot for cherry blossom viewing.
Over 300 cherry trees bloom around the historic Odawara Castle.
Walk beneath a canopy of pink blossoms, with the castle’s white walls as a backdrop.
Many of the trees are about 90 years old and line the moat and walkways.
The area is easy to reach from places like Hakone, so it’s a convenient stop.
The mix of old stone, water, and flowers makes for stunning views.
Local food stalls often pop up during blossom season.
In the evening, the trees sometimes light up for a different atmosphere.
8) Yoshino, Kansai
Yoshino is a famous cherry blossom spot in the Kansai region, tucked away in rural Nara Prefecture.
This mountain area is known for its rows of cherry trees.
You can follow trails through mountain villages and walk among different “tiers” of cherry blossoms.
The view from the top of Mt. Yoshino is something else.
Many people bring blankets and food for hanami picnics under the blossoms.
You’ll also spot historic temples and shrines nearby.
It’s a peaceful place to admire the blossoms and breathe in fresh mountain air.
If you like exploring both nature and culture, Yoshino is worth a visit.
9) Ashino Park, Aomori
If you want a cherry blossom spot in northern Japan, Ashino Park in Aomori is a solid pick.
The park has around 1,500 cherry trees, so it’s a lovely place in spring.
One highlight is the old-fashioned orange train that passes through the park.
The park is popular with both locals and visitors.
There are walking paths, and plenty of spots to relax under the trees.
It’s easy to enjoy a picnic while soaking in the view.
Ashino Park is one of Aomori’s best cherry blossom spots, especially if you want to catch the bloom a little later in the season.
10) Kaege in Kyoto
If you want cherry blossoms without crowds, try Kaege in Kyoto.
This quiet area has sakura trees lining small waterways and stone paths.
You can walk peacefully under the blooming branches, away from the busy temple sites.
Locals often stop on the little bridges to watch petals float downstream.
The morning light makes the blossoms especially beautiful here.
It’s a calm spot that shows Kyoto’s gentler side during sakura season.
11) Fuji Five Lakes area
If you want cherry blossoms with Mount Fuji as your backdrop, the Fuji Five Lakes area is a great choice.
The region sits at the base of Mount Fuji and features five lakes: Kawaguchiko, Yamanakako, Motosuko, Saiko, and Shojiko.
Each lake offers its own views.
Walk along the lakeshores and see cherry trees in bloom while looking out at Mount Fuji.
The cherry blossoms here usually peak in mid-April.
Popular spots include the area around Lake Kawaguchiko and the peaceful Chureito Pagoda.
Oshino Hakkai, between Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Yamanaka, is also famous for its cherry trees and clear spring ponds.
The atmosphere and scenery make it a memorable place for cherry blossom season.
12) Ueno Park, Tokyo
When you’re in Tokyo in spring, Ueno Park is a lovely spot for cherry blossoms.
The park has hundreds of cherry trees, creating bright pink tunnels that are perfect for photos.
Stroll along Sakura Dori, a walkway lined with blossoms, where petals fall like pink snow.
Ueno Park also has Shinobazu Pond, and the view of cherry trees around the water is peaceful.
Many people come here for hanami picnics, so bring a blanket and snacks.
The park gets busy during cherry blossom season, but it always feels festive and welcoming.
If you love museums, you’ll find a few inside the park to explore.
13) Yamazaki River, Nagoya
If you want cherry blossoms in Nagoya, the Yamazaki River is perfect.
The riverbanks are lined with hundreds of sakura trees that bloom in spring.
You can walk or bike along the paths while pink petals fall around you.
Families often spread tarps for hanami picnics right by the water.
The area gets busy during peak bloom but has a festive, local feel.
Evening is especially nice when paper lanterns light up the blossoms.
It’s one of Nagoya’s best spots to experience cherry blossom season.
14) Kema Sakuranomiya Park, Osaka
If you’re in Osaka for cherry blossom season, Kema Sakuranomiya Park is the place to go.
The park sits along the Okawa River and stretches for about four kilometres.
You’ll find thousands of cherry trees lining both sides of the river.
Locals come here for walks, jogging, and picnics.
In spring, the cherry blossoms make a tunnel of pink and white.
You’ll also spot retro buildings nearby, like the Osaka Mint Bureau, from the park.
Visit in April to see the blossoms at their best.
Food stalls set up along the riverside, and the trees glow gently at night.
It’s a lovely spot to relax with friends or family and take in Osaka’s natural beauty.
15) Izu Peninsula cherry blossom trails
Want to catch cherry blossoms before most of Japan?
The Izu Peninsula might be your best bet.
Its mild weather brings blossoms as early as February, and sometimes they stick around until April.
When you walk the trails here, you’ll come across the famous Kawazu-zakura trees.
Their bright pink flowers bloom much earlier than the typical cherry trees elsewhere.
Yellow rapeseed flowers pop up under the trees, making the scenery even more colorful.
The area draws people for the blossoms, but honestly, the beaches and hot springs are just as tempting.
16) Munetada Shrine – Lesser Known Kyoto
Tucked away in northern Kyoto, Munetada Shrine offers a quiet escape during cherry blossom season.
Unlike the crowded tourist hotspots, this shrine sees fewer visitors, making it ideal for a peaceful hanami experience.
The grounds are lined with graceful cherry trees that burst into pale pink bloom from late March to early April.
As petals drift down onto the stone paths and mossy grounds, the atmosphere feels almost timeless.
It’s a favourite spot among locals who prefer calm over crowds and want to enjoy the fleeting beauty of spring in a more intimate setting.
17) Nagano Prefecture sakura sites
Nagano Prefecture offers stunning cherry blossom spots, especially with mountains in view.
Takato Castle Park might be the most famous, with over 1,500 cherry trees and their soft pink blossoms.
Visit during peak bloom in April, and you’ll see branches so heavy with flowers they almost block out the sky.
It gets busy, but the view with the Japanese Alps behind it is honestly worth it.
Nagano’s cooler weather means blossoms bloom a bit later than in Tokyo.
Early to mid-April is usually the sweet spot.
Bring something warm, and enjoy a peaceful walk under the pink canopy.
18) Chidorigafuchi Moat, Tokyo
Chidorigafuchi Moat ranks as one of Tokyo’s favorite places for cherry blossoms.
About 260 cherry trees line the path beside the Imperial Palace moat, creating a soft pink tunnel in spring.
You can walk under the blossoms or rent a boat to see them from the water.
At night, the area lights up during sakura season, and it feels almost magical.
Chidorigafuchi is easy to get to and works for both quiet strolls and photos.
Even though it’s close to the city center, it usually feels peaceful.
Try to go early or on a weekday if you want to dodge the crowds.
