Dreaming of Japan in spring, when the whole country turns pink with cherry blossoms?
It’s an enchanting time to visit, with soft, fluffy flowers dusting landscapes urban and rural.
This guide will help you plan your own perfect hanami – flower viewing – trip to Japan.
It includes when and where it is best to see the blossoms, and background on the nation’s cherry blossom festivals.
By the way, don’t forget to bring an iRoamly Japan travel eSIM to stay connected, so you can easily share your hanami moments with friends and family.
When Do Cherry Blossoms Bloom in Japan?
1. City Differences
Known as "sakura" in Japan, cherry blossoms don't bloom at the same time across the country. Southern Okinawa's cherry blossoms first bloom in January, with peak season traveling north to Hokkaido and ending in early May.
In major urban centers such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, peak cherry blossom bloom usually lands in the first or second week of April, depending on the weather in the run-up to spring.
2. Full Bloom Period
Once cherry blossoms have bloomed, they are famously ephemeral. The period of full bloom, when the flowers are at their most photogenic, typically only lasts a week.
After that week, the cherry blossom falls to the ground, sometimes generating piles of hanafubuki – the term for when the petals are carried in a flurry.
3. What is hanami?
Hanami is a Japanese tradition. It means "flower viewing." People picnic under cherry blossoms to celebrate spring.
Top Hanami Spots
1. Tokyo – Shinjuku Gyoen
Best Viewing: Early April
Address: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo
Fee: Yes
Recommended reason: This spacious park, with its beautiful landscaping featuring thousands of different types of cherry trees, is perfect for hanami picnics and walks alike. It is one of Tokyo’s most popular hanami destinations.
2. Kyoto – Maruyama Park
Best Viewing: Early April
Address: Maruyamacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
Fee: No
Recommended reason: The oldest park in Kyoto, Maruyama Park is home to a magnificent shidarezakura, or weeping cherry tree, which is illuminated at night. Yatai (street vendors) and tea houses add charm to the festive atmosphere typical of hanami in Kyoto.
3. Osaka – Osaka Castle Park
Best Viewing: Early April
Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka
Fee: No (park); Yes (castle)
Recommended reason: Surrounding the iconic Osaka Castle, Osaka Castle Park is another location with multiple hanami spots. Nishinomaru Garden contains over 600 cherry trees, all complementing the historic architecture of the surrounding area.
4. Hiroshima – Peace Memorial Park
Best Viewing: Early April
Address: 1 Nakajimacho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima
Fee: No
Recommended reason: While better known for its memorial monuments and museums related to the atomic bombing of the city in 1945, Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park is also home to around 300 cherry trees.
5. Sapporo – Moerenuma Park
Best Viewing: Late April to Early May
Address: 1-1 Moerenuma Koen, Higashi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Fee: No
Recommended reason: Designed by artist Isamu Noguchi, the artistic landscape of Moerenuma Park is given a splash of color by the cherry blossoms in spring. The lesser-known nature of the park means it gets fewer visitors and is a quieter alternative for hanami viewing.
Cherry Blossom Festivals in Japan
1. Introduction
The Cherry Blossom, or “sakura,” is Japan’s most famous natural beauty, and, contrary to common perception, it isn't just something to look at but something to celebrate, with spring festivals throughout the nation.
Known as “sakura matsuri,” these festivals are the perfect chance to engage in Japan’s cultural heritage, with everything from traditional music and dance to food and community rolled out under the blooming, pink canopies.
2. When Are Cherry Blossom Festivals?
The timing of sakura festivals mirrors the blooming of cherry trees that produce the blossoms, and that date changes by region.
In places such as Tokyo or Kyoto in the south, events might start from late March and continue throughout April, whereas in the north – say Hokkaido – it might be late April or early May by the time festivals begin. If you're planning to visit Tokyo during this time, exploring cherry blossom festivals is one of the best things to do in Tokyo, Japan to experience the beauty of the season.
The festivals usually run for the duration the flowers are out, so a typical event will last about two weeks.
3. Where Are Cherry Blossom Festivals Held?
Literally everywhere in Japan, from small neighborhood parks to grand temples and historic sites are potential sites for sakura matsuri.
Ueno Park in Tokyo is one of the most famous, if also most packed, spots to view cherry blossoms in full bloom, and the adjacent festival is a great introduction to the overall season. Meanwhile, the Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto is famous for the cherry tree canopy that sees petals falling like snow.
Top Japan Cherry Festivals
1. Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival – Hirosaki Park, Aomori
The festival is set around over 2,500 cherry trees, with Hirosaki Castle providing a surprisingly dramatic backdrop. The festival is also known for its lantern-lit evenings and boat rides under branches laden with pink petals.
2. Takada Castle Cherry Blossom Festival – Joetsu, Niigata
The festival is mostly held in the evenings, with thousands of paper lanterns shedding light over the trees. Nighttime Hanami (flower viewing) is popular here.
3. Yoshino Cherry Blossom Festival – Mount Yoshino, Nara
On the mountain’s slopes, some 30,000 cherry trees bloom during springtime, from the base of the mountain to its peak, in what is one of Japan’s top cherry blossom spots.
4. Ueno Sakura Matsuri – Ueno Park, Tokyo
The aforementioned Ueno Park fest features 1,000 cherry trees and hosts traditional performances and a market-like atmosphere.
5. Miyako Odori – Gion, Kyoto
Not a cherry blossom festival, rather a month-long event presenting dance performances by geiko – a Kyoto geisha – based on the seasonal colors.
Tip and Taboos:
Tip: Arrive early, be respectful of the blossoms, and take your litter with you.
Taboos: Please don't get too tipsy and keep your voice down, for the sake of your fellow blossom - viewers.
FAQs About Cherry Blossoms in Japan
1. Can I go to a cherry blossom festival?
Absolutely – tourists are welcome at cherry blossom festivals across Japan, which often include parades, performances, games, and locally produced food.
2. How long do cherry blossoms last once they bloom?
Full bloom generally only lasts for around a week, but you can expect the blossoms to be viewable from spots for upwards of a month as they propagate further and further north in the country.
3. What should I bring for hanami?
A ground mat, some snacks and beverages, and a camera are all essentials.
4. How do I work out the best time to see cherry blossoms?
Scientifically - minded travelers might want to check out a sakura forecast online from the Japan Meteorological Agency – otherwise local news sites and newspapers will often give updates as spring draws closer.
5. Are there any cherry blossom souvenirs?
Here you can find anything you wish for in hanami season, from food and drink to fashion, crafts, and gifts with Sakura flower motifs. If you're curious about what Japanese souvenirs to buy, cherry blossom-themed items make perfect keepsakes to take home.
Summary
Seeing cherry blossoms in Japan is a must for nature and culture lovers.
Plan your trip from late March to early May to catch the sakura. Enjoy nighttime views in Tokyo, cycle in Toba, or stroll in Hiroshima's peace park.
Cherry blossoms will make your trip peaceful. Happy travels!