Top 10 Sakura Bloom Locations: Where To Do Hanami in Japan

Springtime calls for sakura season in Japan, and honestly, what better way to experience the bloom of the cherry blossoms than with hanami? Translating to “flower watching” or "flower viewing" in English, hanami is Japan's springtime cultural tradition where people soak in the beauty of the sakura blossom.

Just picture hundreds of petals in shades of pink and white sprinkled on the streets. Now, add in the great company of friends and family—that's hanami. It's symbolic of hope and new life for Japanese people. Culturally, the sakura embodies beauty and the fleetingness of life. It's a wake-up call to appreciate the moments that pass by.

So, if you want to see the beauty of Japan's famous pink flowers in person, then get ready, 'cause we've got the lowdown on the top sakura bloom locations and everything you need to know about hanami!

During hanami and in every cherry blossom festival of the season, folks from families to friend groups flock to iconic spots like Ueno Park in Tokyo. How do Japanese people celebrate hanami, you might ask?

Well, day or night — with some groups even coming early in the morning — people flock to parks in droves and have picnics, lounge around, and just stare at the sakura trees and the sakura in full bloom. So tip: If you plan to join in, snag a spot in advance and arrive early because there's no doubt these parks get packed!

But when really is best time to see cherry blossoms in Japan? The nation turns into a floral wonderland as early as March because the blossoming trees are everywhere. Other years, the cherry blossom season comes around late March or early April and stays until early May, but you get the picture — ordinary parks and riverbanks automatically become a dreamy spectacle.

But here's the kicker: within a couple of weeks, it's like confetti falling from the trees! Why so fast, you may ask? Well, the weather (like rain and wind) is a big factor in its longevity and can cut its blooming season much shorter.

Want to do hanami but don't know where to start? Don't worry; we've got your back with the best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan.

If you've seen those stunning sakura pics, chances are it's Meguro River stealing the spotlight. This spot is the go-to for hanami in Japan — and the top-notch spot for your Tokyo cherry blossom viewing — with a river stretching 8km and exploding into a pink extravaganza over 1km during spring.

It's a prime cherry blossom Tokyo date spot with limited seating, but hey, there's a lineup of food stands along the river—the perfect combo! With Klook, explore Tokyo like a local with a guided three-hour walking tour with the best Nakameguro has to offer end the night with dinner and drinks at the local izakaya — all part of the package.

With its sprawling sakura tunnels, Sankeien Garden in Yokohama feels like entering a real-life Japanese fairy tale. The view is akin to shojo animes, complete with the sakura flowers in full bloom.

Created by tea master Tomitaro Hara, this place is filled with 17 historic buildings, including cultural landmarks. As you venture inside the garden, you'll find rolling hills, ponds, and a three-story pagoda—views that are definitely perfect for the gram. Don't miss the Sankei Memorial Museum with a traditional tea room to cool off after a chilly day walking through these sakura sights!

Are you a history buff, thrill-seeker, foodie, or everything in between? Check out Klook's ultimate guide to the must-experience Japan activities for every tourist!

If you're craving cherry blossoms, history, and a bit of strawberry-picking fun, then Takato Castle Park should be on your travel list!  It's one of Japan's top cherry blossom spots, alongside Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture and Yoshinoyama Park in Nara Prefecture. 

Home to 1,500 cherry trees and a backstory involving famous daimyōs or powerful landowners, Takeda Shingen and Oda Nobunaga's sons, it's a history buff's paradise. For fans of Japanese history out there, Oda Nobunaga solidified his place in history by unifying the country's provinces during a time when clans would go to war to claim each other's territories.

Many of the trees here have stood for over 150 years, adorning the former castle grounds atop a hill that has stunning views of the city and the Japanese Alps.

Whether you're strolling through the park during the sakura festival or enjoying lunch featuring a special miso-flavoured nabe, commonly known as Japanese hot pot, cherry blossoms will be your constant companion. And to top it all off, why not indulge in a chartered Ena Gorge cruise and a delightful strawberry-picking adventure with Klook while you're at it?

Let Klook walk you through the best viewing spots to do your hanami and the cultural significance of the sakura flower in Japan. Make the most of the sakura season with this comprehensive Japan cherry blossom guide.

Shukkeien Garden is like a magical little world in Hiroshima. Dating back to 1620, it's got valleys, mountains, and forests—all in miniature. The tea houses around the main pond offer killer views, and there's a winding path taking you through all the mini-sceneries. 

It also houses plum blossoms, which makes it special from other parks and private gardens across the country.

If you're looking for private gardens to enjoy your intimate flower viewing parties, then the Garden is the place to be to avoid large crowds. Its serene nature and traditional Japanese garden setting make it perfect for a stroll while soaking in the first blooms and viewing flowers in peace.

The Yodo River Park turns into a blend of colours during cherry blossom season when the flowers are in full bloom. The park is located just by the riverside where three rivers meet to Yodogawa River. It's the perfect setting for your cherry blossom viewing with friends and family or even the next drop for the 'gram with its 1.4-kilometre sakura stretch.

The path is littered with cherry blossom trees, making it one of the best venues in the country for your hanami parties. Of course, don't forget to pack blankets for your picnics under the blooming branches! If you're looking to appreciate the flower's transient beauty from another lens, make your way up the observation tower for a panoramic view of the park.

While in town, you might as well swing by local tea shops to enjoy a sip of hamacha! It's their speciality green tea with leaves that thrive only in the area's fields. Time your visit from late March to early April and catch food stalls set up by locals, where you can also enjoy snacks like sakura mochi.

The Kawazu-zakura Park boasts large pink flowers that are in peak from February to March — making it the perfect spot to consider for your cherry blossom viewing. With 8,000 cherry blossom trees along the Kawazu River Park, it's a month-long celebration drawing a million visitors since these flowers are in full bloom for longer periods compared to other sakura flowers that last only two to three weeks. 

A visit is worth your time, not only for pictures but also to enjoy the company of friends or family as you admire the view. Stretching 49 miles, it has thousands of Kawazu-zakura Namiki cherry blossom trees, so you can count on a spectacular view despite the chilly weather!

Want to see more of the Kawazu-zakura in peak bloom? For a dual spectacle of the Kawazu cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji, head to Nishihirahata Park in Kanagawa. Since this is one of the earliest cherry blossoms Japan has during springtime, tourists flock to these many parks to catch a glimpse of the first sakura trees blooming!

The combination of pink Kawazu cherry blossoms and yellow rapeseed creates breathtaking spring scenery. And don't miss the fun—watch out for The Slide where you can glide through the blooming cherry blossoms! Roam further around; take your photos at the now-defunct Furusato Railway and soar to the sky with the Matsuda Sky Swing.

What's special about Matsuda Nishihirahata Park is that it allows you to enjoy the flowers at night and an illuminated view of the trees. With Klook, you can also head on over to pay your respects at the Hakone Shrine and Lake Ashi Torii. It's the area's most famous Shinto shrine, packed with a history spanning over a thousand years!

Hirano Shrine is a hanami hotspot featuring a whopping 60 cherry tree varieties. The trees peak in the first week of April, starting with the sakigake-zakura, a variety that originated there in Kyoto.

If you're planning to stay until the evening, you can definitely catch the nighttime illumination for a unique view of night sakura! Do two things at once and mark your calendar for the Okasai Festival on April 10, too. One of the things to watch out for is the Ōka-sai Matsuri, the cherry blossom procession, known as Kyoto's oldest event for over a thousand years now.

A ceremony at the shrine starts the celebrations at 10:00, and afterwards, you can immediately catch another ceremony at Emperor Kazan's mausoleum. An omikoshi (portable shrine for the gods), priests, women dressed in traditional kimonos, and mounted warriors on horseback march through the grounds. The procession leaves the shrine and parades through the neighbouring community before making its way back to Hirano Shrine.

Headed down south and haven't had enough of the bloom season? Witness the breathtaking beauty of cherry blossoms in Japan with the best Kyoto hanami spots — all created for your viewing by Klook!

Opened in 1924, Kyoto Botanical Garden is a cherry blossom haven without the hassle. With 12,000 plant varieties and 200 sakura types, the flora around you sets the stage for a beautiful yet serene spot to stroll, picnic, and connect with nature.

Marvel at a grove of weeping cherry trees, especially the majestic one by the large lawn at the heart of the garden. With Klook, you can rest assured knowing you'll be guided to the best spots that locals go to, and everything you need to know about the sakura tree will be taught—all in the comfort of a private tour.

Osaka Castle is more than a tourist landmark to tick off your bucket list. It's also a prime cherry blossom destination. The 100-hectare sakura palace in Japan is home to nearly 3,000 cherry trees, making it a springtime haven. 

A 15-20 minute walk from JR Osakajokoen Station or Morinomiya Station, this castle park offers a stunning contrast between the soft pink blossoms and the castle's stone walls.

Plus, plan your visit wisely so that you can also witness the annual light-up event and head to Nishinomaru Garden to marvel at about 300 illuminated cherry trees. 

What are you waiting for now? See Japan at its finest in the spring and take in the finest sights at the best sakura bloom locations with Klook!