Cherry blossom season in Japan is coming! March to April is the prime time of cherry blossom season in Japan. From south to north, each region offers a unique cherry blossom viewing experience. During the sakura season, almost every corner in Japan is adorned by pink flowers. Plan your Japan cherry blossom tour now and enjoy this brief but beautiful spring feast!
Catch the Best Time to Visit
Japan for Cherry Blossom The climate is very different in Japan from south to north, so the time to see Sakura in Japan can be from early February to mid-May. The following is an introduction to the cherry blossom season in Japan from February to May, which can help you better plan your itinerary.
Japan Cherry Blossom in February
February is not the peak of Japan's cherry blossom season, but you can still catch early cherry blossom Japan on the coastal Izu or in Okinawa in the south. Cherry blossoms in Okinawa usually bloom from late January to mid-February. If you want to avoid the crowds of Japanese cherry blossom season from March to April, visiting Japan in February is a good choice.
Japan Cherry Blossom in March and April
March to April is the most popular time of the cherry blossom season in Japan and the best time to go to Japan for cherry blossoms. Most parts of Japan are gradually entering the cherry blossoms blooming period, such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Mount Fuji, Nagoya, and other places.
If you start your Japan tour in March or April, you will be immersed in the strong atmosphere of Japan cherry blossom festivals. You can experience true flower-watching culture and participate in lively cherry blossom festivals from busy Tokyo to ancient Kyoto.
Japan Cherry Blossom in May
From late April to mid-May each year, cherry blossoms bloom in northern regions such as Hokkaido. If you missed the cherry blossom season from March to April, Hokkaido and the northern part of the Tohoku Region in May can fulfill your cherry blossom viewing wish. Hokkaido has relatively few tourists in May, making it ideal for travelers who prefer quiet.
Cherry blossoms usually take about one or two weeks from blooming to withering. Due to temperature and weather, the specific flowering time of cherry blossoms varies from year to year. Warm years may open earlier, while cold years may be delayed. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the cherry blossom forecast in advance.
Read Japan Cherry Blossom Season Travel Guide & Forecast and check the detailed Japan cherry blossom forecast.
Decide Japan Cherry Blossom Viewing Places
From Okinawa Prefecture in the south to Hokkaido in the north, Japan's cherry blossom season is like a magnificent visual feast. No matter which city you choose to visit, you can experience the unique charm of cherry blossom Japan.
Cherry Blossom in Okinawa Prefecture
Feel the lively atmosphere of Naha Chura Cherry Blossom Festival at Yogi Park. Lose yourself in a sea of pink cherry blossoms and explore the unique Ryukyuan architecture when you visit the ruins of Nakijin Castle. Yaedake Sakuranomori Park is famous for its 7,000 early-blooming cherry blossoms. Nago Castle Park is also a nice place to spend time during Japan cherry blossom season. In addition to sakura blossoms, February is also the peak month for whale watching.
Cherry Blossom in Central Japan
1. Tokyo: Explore the Meiji Shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Look for cherry blossoms at Sensoji Temple, the oldest and most majestic temple in Tokyo. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden has various cherry blossom varieties, allowing you to enjoy a longer flowering period.
Take a boat trip on Chidorigafuchi Moat and watch the cherry blossoms falling overhead. Hanami parties are often held under the cherry blossom trees in Ueno Park. The night cherry blossoms on the banks of the Meguro River offer a different beauty. Watching cherry blossoms while admiring the Tokyo Skytree in Sumida Park.
2. Kyoto: The ancient city of Japan, Kyoto is famous for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful cherry blossoms. The cherry blossoms of the Philosopher's Path are planted along the canal, forming a pink tunnel. Cherry blossoms are a seasonal highlight in Arashiyama.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of the most famous world cultural heritage sites in Kyoto, renowned for its suspended stage and breathtaking scenery. The night light show makes the cherry blossoms at Kiyomizu-dera Temple even more amazing. Stroll through the ancient streets of Gion and experience the fusion of cherry blossoms and traditional Kyoto culture. The old Machiya architecture is also worth seeing.
3. Osaka: Have a picnic in Nishinomaru Garden, where you can see the combination of Osaka Castle and cherry blossoms. The Osaka Mint Bureau is one of the most distinctive sakura viewing spots in Osaka, with about 140 varieties of cherry blossom trees planted. Cycling through the cherry blossom corridor that stretches for several kilometers in Kema Sakuranomiya Park. Then head to Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori to taste classic Kansai dishes and buy limited items for sakura season.
4. Mount Fuji: Arakurayama Sengen Park is one of the most classic cherry blossom viewing spots on Mount Fuji. The Chureito Pagoda with Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms in the park creates a postcard-like picture. Take photos of the reflection of Mount Fuji and the stunning scenery of cherry blossoms on the east and north banks of Lake Kawaguchi. Many cherry blossom trees are planted around the pools of Oshino Hakkai at the foot of Mount Fuji.
5. Nara: Immerse yourself in the fairyland-like cherry blossoms world in Nara Park and encounter cute deer strolling freely. Visit the thousands of stone lanterns at Kasuga Taisha Shrine and the bronze giant Buddha at Todai-ji Temple. Nara's Mount Yoshino is known as one of the most beautiful cherry blossom viewing destinations in Japan. The whole mountain is covered with pink cherry blossoms during cherry blossom season. From early April to late April, the peak cherry blossom season on Mount Yoshino moves from the foot of the mountain to the top.
6. Atami: Atami offers rich hot spring resources. You can stay at an onsen hotel in Atami and enjoy a traditional Japanese hot spring experience. Climb to the observation deck of Atami Castle and overlook the cherry blossoms and coastline. The Atami Plum Garden is dominated by plum blossoms, but you can still capture the gorgeous Atami-zakura blossoms.
7. Kawazu: Kawazu Sakura is one of the earliest varieties of Japanese cherry blossoms to bloom. The Kawazu Sakura has bright pink flowers that bloom for about a month. When Kawazu sakura is in full bloom, Kawazu holds a grand Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival (from early February to early March).
Cherry Blossom in Northern Japan
1. Aomori: Hirosaki Park is one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing attractions in Japan, with over 2000 cherry blossom trees. The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival takes place from late April to early May each year. It is a great opportunity to watch various performances and visit food stalls. Take a walk along the lake in Ashino Park and admire the pink and white cherry blossoms reflected on the surface of the lake. You might see the Tsugaru Railway slowly running through the Sakura tunnel.
2. Sapporo: Maruyama Park is one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Sapporo, with approximately 160 cherry blossom trees. Visit Hokkaido Shrine to pray for good luck and good health. It also offers beautiful cherry blossoms and plum blossoms.
3. Hakodate: Ascend to the observation deck of the Goryokaku Park and overlook the unique star-shaped design and beautiful cherry blossoms. Take a walk and relax in the exquisite cherry blossom tunnel on Sakura Hill Street.
How Long to Stay & Cherry Blossom Trip Itinerary
We recommend staying in Japan for at least a week, which allows you to experience the cherry blossoms in major cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
If you want to visit a few more cities to experience cherry blossoms and culture, you can spend 10 days visiting Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and other places.
14 days are suitable for an in-depth cherry blossom tour in Japan. You can explore more culture and activities, such as relaxing in Hakone's onsen town and admiring Kanazawa decorated with cherry blossoms.
Recommended Japan Sakura Tour Itinerary
Book Your Flights and Hotels in Advance
Don't underestimate the charm of the cherry blossom season in Japan. It's very important to book in advance. Hotels in popular cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are very popular during the cherry blossom season, so it is best to book your flights and accommodation 6-9 months in advance.
We suggest that you choose accommodation that can be canceled for free before check-in to avoid any changes to your itinerary. For convenience, you can choose accommodation close to cherry blossom viewing spots. Book special events such as Hanami 3-4 months in advance to ensure you have a seat to attend.
Tips for Japan Cherry Blossom Tour
Travel Around Japan with a Japan Rail Pass
Using JR Pass will make it easier for you to travel between cities in Japan. Taking the Shinkansen to quickly shuttle between major cities can save you time on the road. Remember to book your seat in advance after you have confirmed your itinerary for Japan cherry blossom tours. There are 7, 14, or 21 day passes. You can purchase according to the duration of your itinerary. One ticket allows for unlimited travel.
Pack for Your Japan Sakura Tour
Clothing: In spring, there is a large temperature difference between morning and evening, so it is best to wear a light jacket. Cherry blossom viewing often requires a long walk, it is suggested to wear comfortable sports shoes.
Photography equipment: Get your camera or smartphone ready to record the beauty of the cherry blossoms.
Other items: rain gear, common medicine, power bank, etc.
Enrich Your Japan Cherry Blossom Season Tour
Sakura matsuri (cherry blossom festival) is one of the most anticipated events of the cherry blossom season in Japan. Cherry blossom festivals are held at various cherry blossom viewing locations throughout Japan, including traditional performances, food stalls, and light shows. Check Japan cherry blossom festival 2025 schedule in advance.
Hanami: Have a picnic with family and friends under cherry blossom trees and taste bento meals, sake, and cherry blossom themed snacks.
Hot springs: Spring is still a little cold, but it's a good time to soak in hot springs. Some hot spring hotels offer outdoor hot springs where you can enjoy the charming cherry blossom scenery, such as Kijitei Hoeiso (Hakone), Hotel Kaminoyu Onsen (Yamanashi), Hounkan (Nara), etc.
The weather is changeable in spring, and you can arrange indoor activities as alternatives, such as a Japanese tea ceremony experience.
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