Are you planning a trip to Japan?
If so, consider visiting during cherry blossom season.
Also known as Sakura season, this is a time when the country is filled with beautiful pink and white flowers, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
Cherry blossom season is a popular time to visit Japan, as people come from all over the world to see the stunning display of flowers.
Historical Significance of Sakura Cherry Blossoms
The tradition of celebrating sakura cherry blossoms dates to the Nara period.
Then, Japanese people began to appreciate the fleeting beauty of these pink flowers.
During the Heian period, hanami, or flower viewing, became popular among the aristocracy.
One can see the grandeur of Sakura blooms at iconic locations.
These include the Imperial Palace and Himeji Castle.
Both offer a glimpse into Japan’s historical love for these blooming cherry trees.
In the Edo period, more people started to view cherry blossoms.
This made the sakura a symbol of Japanese culture.
Today, the Japan Meteorological Agency tracks the sakura zensen, or cherry blossom front.
It moves from south to north.
The front signals the best times for viewing in Japan’s major cities.
Best places to see Cherry Blossoms in Japan
If you are planning a trip to Japan and want to experience the beauty of cherry blossoms for yourself, here are some of the best places to visit.
Tokyo
As the capital of Japan, Tokyo is a top destination for travellers from all over the world.
It is also home to many beautiful cherry blossom spots.
These include Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, which boasts over 1,000 cherry blossom trees.
Other famous cherry blossom viewing locations in Tokyo include:
- Ueno Park
- Yoyogi Park
- Along the Meguro River
- and Chidorigafuchi Moat.
Kyoto
Kyoto is another city worth visiting during cherry blossom season.
With its many temples and castles surrounded by cherry blossom trees, it offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty.
Maruyama Park is home to a large number of cherry blossom trees.
One of my best spots in Japan is Kaege, where you can see the cherry blossoms along the train tracks.
Nara
One of the best places in Nara prefecture is Mount Yoshino.
As the image below shows, Sakura viewing here is spectacular.
This place is within a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lake Kawaguchi
This is a brilliant place and a popular destination, and it offers a picture-perfect view of Mount Fuji.
Add Lake Kawaguchi to any Japan trip if you can.
Osaka
Osaka is the third-largest city in Japan and is known for its food and lively atmosphere.
It is also home to several beautiful cherry blossom spots, including Kema Sakuranomiya Park, which has over 5,000 cherry blossom trees.
What’s more, it’s a popular place for hanami parties.
Other great places to see cherry blossoms in Osaka include the Osaka Castle grounds and the Expo Memorial Park.
Hokkaido
Although it is less visited in cherry blossom season, Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is worth considering.
With its cooler climate, the cherry blossoms in Hokkaido tend to bloom a bit later than in other parts of the country.
Some of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Hokkaido include Sapporo Central Park and the Toda Family Residence.
Aichi prefecture
Okazaki, in Aichi prefecture, is a great place to see sakura blossoms.
Over 1,000 cherry blossom trees surround Okazaki Castle.
The castle is also a popular tourist attraction that is worth visiting for its history and architecture.
Over 1,000 cherry blossom trees surround Nagoya Castle.
This makes it a beautiful location for cherry blossom viewing.
The castle is also a popular tourist attraction that is worth visiting for its history and architecture.
Finally, a lesser-known place is along the Yamazaki River in Mizuhō-ward.
Cherry Blossom Trees
Another factor to consider is the type of cherry blossom tree.
Japan has several different types of cherry blossom trees, which bloom at slightly different times.
Some of the most common types include Somei Yoshino.
It typically blooms in late March to early April.
Also, the Yamazakura, which typically blooms in April.
When is the Japanese cherry blossom?
While the timing changes slightly from year to year, the best time is the end of March to late April.
This can occasionally stretch into early May.
Peak bloom for cherry blossoms in Japan varies depending on the region due to differences in climate.
Generally, the cherry blossom season starts in late March and continues through April.
- Kyoto and Tokyo: Late March to early April
- Hiroshima: Early April
- Osaka: Late March to early April
- Northern regions, like Hokkaido: Late April to early May
For the best experience, check the cherry blossom forecast by the Japan Meteorological Corporation.
The timing can change each year.
Planning Your Sakura Viewing Trip
For those planning a trip to see the Sakura cherry blossoms, early March is when the first blossoms appear in southern cities.
They become bustling hubs for cherry blossom fans.
Consider your transportation
Japan has a large transportation network that includes planes, bullet trains, local trains, and buses.
Many people use the Japan Rail Pass to travel to many cherry blossom spots.
Determine your budget
Japan can be expensive to visit, especially during cherry blossom season when prices may be higher.
Creating a rough itinerary and estimating your costs is a good idea to ensure that you can stick to your budget.
Cherry blossom festivals and events
During cherry blossom season in Japan, many festivals and events are themed around the beautiful pink and white flowers.
One famous festival is the Cherry Blossom Festival in Yokohama, which takes place in April and features:
- food stalls
- live music
- and other entertainment.
Cherry blossom-flavored food and drinks
Besides the festivals and events, you can enjoy cherry blossom-flavored food and beverages during your trip.
Some popular cherry blossom-flavored items include ice cream, pastries, and drinks.
You can also try savoury dishes that feature cherry blossom leaves or flowers, such as cherry blossom leaf tempura.
Many of these cherry blossom-themed foods and drinks are only available during cherry blossom season.
So, be sure to try them while you have the chance!
Off the beaten track
For a unique cherry blossom experience in Japan, consider visiting lesser-known spots.
One example is Hirosaki Castle Park in Aomori Prefecture.
This park offers stunning views with fewer crowds compared to popular locations.
Another hidden gem is the Kakunodate Samurai District in Akita Prefecture.
Here, you can admire the delicate pink cherry blossoms along streets lined with traditional samurai homes.
Also, the Miharu Takizakura in Fukushima Prefecture has a 1,000-year-old cherry tree.
During the blooming season, it creates a breathtaking sight.
These off-the-beaten-path destinations are serene and picturesque.
They are great for enjoying Japan’s iconic cherry blossoms.
The Final Word
Japan has a ton of popular spots to see cherry blossoms.
This unique experience should be on your bucket list.
The first bloom is a precursor to warmer weather, though climate change slightly changes the timing.
With careful planning, Japan’s famous cherry blossom season will be a time to remember.
