Spring is an eagerly anticipated time in Japan because it is when you can appreciate the most vibrant and beautiful cherry blossom season in Japan. Cherry blossom (Sakura blossom) has an important significance in Japanese culture. It symbolizes renewal and transient life. From late March to early April, people welcome the Japan cherry blossoms in most cities. In this article, we will give you some idea of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan and helpful tips for viewing time and seasonal events.
Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan (Region-by-Region Guide)
1. Ueno Park, Tokyo (Most Famous)
Ueno Park is one of the most attractive places to see cherry blossoms Japan. During the cherry blossom season Japan, you can see about 1,000 cherry trees in full bloom in Ueno Park. Sakura-dori Avenue in the center of Ueno Park is always crowded with sakura viewers. Hanami parties are held from day to day. Away from a mass of pale pink cherry flowers, you can visit various animals in Ueno Zoo or dive into Japan's history in Tokyo National Museum.
2. Meguro River, Tokyo
Approximately 800 sakura trees give the canal a pink hue. In the evening, cherry blossom trees are illuminated by pink lanterns. Nakameguro is the most crowded part of Meguro River. Besides lovely cherry blossoms, you can also fill your day with food stalls and performances if you happen to catch the biggest and busiest Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival. You can take a boat trip on the Meguro River and enjoy cherry blossom from a different angle.
3. Philosopher's Path, Kyoto (Longest Cherry Blossom Walk)
When hundreds of cherry blossom trees burst into bloom, the 2-kilometer-long Philosopher's Path becomes the most charming place to see cherry blossoms in Japan. Wandering along the path, you can take pictures of pale pink flowers and visit quaint cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. It is also worth visiting temples and shrines along the way, like Ginkakuji Temple, Eikando Temple, Honen-in Temple, and Nanzenji Temple. It's easy to spend half a day here unconsciously during cherry blossom season, although it only takes you about 30 minutes to walk through the path at ordinary times.
4. Maruyama Park, Kyoto
Maruyama Park is a popular place for hanami picnics in Kyoto. The weeping cherry blossom tree in the center of the park is a must-see highlight, especially when the night lights are lit. It is worth getting up early to bask in the beauty of cherry blossoms. Stroll in the park and capture the beauty of the sakura.
5. Lake Kawaguchi, Mt. Fuji
Flowering time of cherry blossoms in Mt.Fuji is one week later than Tokyo and Kyoto. You can visit Tokyo or Kyoto first and then transfer to Mt.Fuji for delicate flowers. Lake Kawaguchi is a perfect spot to enjoy cherry blossoms in Japan. Mt. Fuji provides a backdrop to the spectacular sight of cherry blossom. At the north shore of Lake Kawaguchi, there will be a Sakura Festival when the flowers are in full bloom.
6. Mt. Yoshino, Nara
From early to late April, Mt. Yoshino is blanketed by blossoming pink flowers, which forms a sea of cherry blossoms. As a best place to see Japan cherry blossoms, you will marvel at the most remarkable spring views when you hike along the path to the hill. Holding a hanami picnic beneath the cherry trees is one of the most attractive things. Explore shrines and temples and discover great hiding places when you visit Mt. Yoshino. Taking Mt. Yoshino's ropeway is a good way to visit the mountain.
7. Osaka Castle Park, Osaka
As one of the three well-known castles of Japan, Osaka Castle Park is a top place to appreciate sakura blossoms. In springtime, Osaka Castle Park is surrounded by about 3,000 pretty Somei Yoshino cherry blossom trees. It is a wonderful composition of Osaka Castle Main Tower and cherry blossoms branches. Night illumination of cherry blossom trees creates a dreamy atmosphere.
8. Takato Castle Ruins Park, Nagano
Amazing dark pink cherry blossoms make Takato Castle Ruins Park list as one of the three best places to see Japan cherry blossoms. With 1500 cherry blossom trees in full bloom during early to mid-April, Takato Castle Ruins Park attracts a lot of tourists. It's said that some of those old cherry trees are more than 140 years old. At the mountaintop, you can get beautiful views of the city and the Japanese Alps. Ounkyo Bridge is a landmark in the cherry blossom season.
9. Hirosaki Castle, Aomori
Hirosaki Castle boasts over 2,600 Japan cherry blossom trees with about 50 varieties of cherry trees. There's no better place to enjoy Japan's cherry blossom season with the historic castle than in Hirosaki Castle. You can rent a boat to get close to the floating cherry blossom petals on the Hirosaki Castle's moat. Stroll through the sakura tunnel or around the moat covered by petals.
10. Matsumae Castle, Hokkaido
If you perfect a late sakura blossom season, Matsumae Castle is the best place to visit Japan for cherry blossoms. You can experience a longer cherry blossom season in Matsumae Castle because of the quite a variety of cherry blossom trees (about 250 different types). From mid-April to mid-May, early and late blooming varieties of cherry trees come into full bloom in succession. A series of food stalls in the Matsumae Castle Park offer sakura food and local delicacies.
Top Cherry Blossom Festivals in Japan
It is popular to celebrate cherry blossom festivals at top cherry blossom viewing spots. Famous Japan cherry blossom festivals include Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival, Osaka Castle Park Cherry Blossom Festival, Mount Yoshino Cherry Blossom Festival, Goryokaku Cherry Blossom Festival, Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, etc.
When to Visit: Japan Cherry Blossom Season Forecast
The exact flowering time of Japan sakura blossoms depends on the regions. The earliest cherry blossoms usually occur in Okinawa in January, the earliest place to warm up in Japan. From January to May, cherry blossom season Japan moves from south to north. You can see the last blooms in the north of Hokkaido in the middle of May.
The peak of Japan cherry blossom tours is in late March to early April when you can look forward to the most pink or white cherry blossoms and lively celebrations. Therefore, if you want to visit Japan's major cities, such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, around the end of March or early April is the best time to visit Japan for cherry blossoms.
If you plan your cherry blossom trip in January or February, Kawazu town, the islands of Okinawa, and Atami should be covered in your tour itinerary. Mid-May is suitable for Sapporo and Hakodate's cherry blossoms.
Japan Cherry Blossom Viewing Tips
1. Best Time of Day for Hanami
Hanami in Japan literally means flower-viewing. It typically refers to getting together to appreciate the cherry blossom. You can see many Japanese having a picnic under the cherry blossom trees when hanami takes place.
There's no specific time for hanami if you just stroll through the cherry blossom viewing places. However, most of the popular picnic spots are taken up early in the morning. You can reserve a place for your hanami picnic far in advance or save a spot with your picnic blanket before 8:00 a.m.
For hanami in the evening, you can see yozakura (夜桜) in some sakura blossom viewing spots. Japan cherry blossoms are decorated by lanterns with soft light, which is called yozakura. The illuminated cherry blossom trees offer a completely different experience.
2. Etiquette for Cherry Blossom Viewing
Respecting local customs is the recommended way to enjoy cherry blossom season Japan. For example, only take up space you need. It is impolite to take up too much space. Don't take away someone else's place. No littering when you view the cherry blossoms. To protect the cherry blossom trees, don't pick flowers and break branches.
3. Photography Tips for Stunning Sakura Shots
Japan cherry blossom is one of the most breathtaking landscapes for photography enthusiasts. Here are several tips:
Pay more attention to the bloom time of the cherry blossoms and weather forecast before shooting.
Use a macro lens to capture the details of cherry blossoms.
Take a sea of cherry blossom flowers with a wide perspective.
Soft light in the morning or before sunset creates a dreamlike atmosphere.
Dancing petals in the air and upside-down cherry blossoms on the water with floating petals are picturesque and attractive subjects.
Find a low angle to make your photos fill with the entire cherry blossom trees.
Focus on a subject and take cherry blossoms as the backdrop.
FAQs about Cherry Blossoms in Japan
1. When is Cherry Blossom Season in Japan?
It is different from south to north. Japanese cherry blossom season typically begins from late March to early April in most of Japan.
2. Where is the Most Famous Cherry Blossom in Japan?
So many places are top spots for sakura blossoms, such as Ueno Park, Meguro River, Yoshino in Kansai, Maruyama Park, Fuji Five Lakes, Osaka Castle Park…
3. Are Cherry Blossoms Worth Seeing in Northern Japan?
Yes. Northern Japan offers some of the best cherry blossoms. You can see them at Hirosaki Castle in Aomori prefecture, Kakunodate in Akita, Matsumae Castle and Hokkaido Shrine in Hokkaido. The best time to visit Japan's cherry blossoms in the North is from mid-April to early May.
4. How Long do Cherry Blossoms Last in Japan?
The length of Japan cherry blossom is usually one or two weeks. When the first flower blooms, it takes about one week to reach full bloom. Then the peak bloom lasts less than one week without rain.
Experience Cherry Blossoms in Japan with Us
Contact us to design a customized Japan cherry blossom tour and immerse yourself in the magic of stunning cherry blossoms. Whether you like iconic cherry blossom festivals, hanami parties or a leisurely stroll in the castles and parks, HFT can give you a carefree travel service and unique experience during sakura season.
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