Ah, the cherry blossom season—one of the most enchanting times of the year in the Land of the Rising Sun. In Japan’s spring season, vibrant pink and white flowers, known as “sakura” in Japanese, blanket the country, attracting locals and tourists to cherry blossom festivals known as “Hanami.” Hanami literally means “flower viewing”. During this time, the Japanese flock to gardens or parks for dainty picnics with loved ones while admiring the spring flowers.
Cherry blossoms in Japan usually hit their peak from March to April. But catch them as early as January in Southern Regions like Kawazu and Atami or as late as May in colder regions such as Sendai and Hokkaido.
After harsh weather during winter, the warmth of Spring is welcomed with open arms and more receptiveness to go outside for activities. From exploring historic temples framed by blossoms to taking strolls along canals lined with flowering trees—your options are endless!
Read on as we guide you through some must-visit locations, recommend local delicacies, and much more! Already feeling excited? We sure are!
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1. Get to See the Special Kawazu Sakura Up Close
Ride a charming carriage under a pretty canopy of cherry blossoms Credits: Klook
Take a day trip from downtown Tokyo to the charming Kawazu Town, where you can see the Kawazu cherry blossoms in their full glory from mid-February to early March. This variety, with its distinctive pink hue—a blend of Oshima Sakura and Kanhi Sakura—creates a breathtaking canopy that’s a must-see.
After taking in the floral sights, stroll across Lovers Bridge and the Bamboo Forest Trail before heading to the Michelin two-star Shuzenji Temple. Wander through its perfectly manicured Japanese garden and encounter adorable rabbits, goats, and shiba-inu dogs roaming the temple grounds!
Follow that marathon walking sesh with a relaxing dip in the Izu Shuzenji Takitei Hot Spring Hotel. Their natural hot spring baths are renowned for their therapeutic properties and will surely melt all your stress and worries away.
2. Discover the Most Instagrammable Spots in Kawaguchiko
Mt. Fuji towers majestically over the quaint streets below Credits: Klook
Looking for a photo op that’s sure to get auto-likes? Look no further than Lawson (yep, the convenience store—dubbed the prettiest one in the world)! Its branch in Kawaguchiko Station and the famed Hikawa Timepiece Store have the majestic Mount Fuji as their backdrop—drawing tourists like magnets!
For views of Mount Fuji with cherry blossoms, head over to the serene shores of Lake Kawaguchi at Oishi Park, where the delicate branches of cherry blossom trees frame it. And while you’re there, consider walking along the 350-meter-long park promenade, lined with flowers of every color imaginable.
Can’t get enough of Mount Fuji? Climb the 398 steps at Sengen Park for unbeatable mountain views and Fujiyoshida City. Bonus—get to visit the five-story Chureito Pagoda perched atop. Wrap up your adventure with a stopover at the ancient Hakone Shrine, known to help keep bad juju at bay.
3. Stroll Along Tokyo’s Charming Meguro River
Spend dreamy nights along the Meguro River Credits: Klook
More than just pretty flowers, cherry blossoms in Japan hold a deep cultural significance. Hanami, which translates to “flower viewing,” is a practice where people gather not only to appreciate the beauty of cherry blossoms but of life’s fleeting moments, the beauty of change, and the fresh start of hope.
There’s no better place to immerse yourself in this practice than the Meguro River’s cherry blossoms promenade. The trees above create a stunning pink tunnel, mirrored beautifully on the water’s surface. Amping up the magic, in the evenings, lanterns light up the petals.
Join locals for a picnic under the trees, sample seasonal treats from nearby vendors, and capture the picturesque scenery with your camera. Don’t forget to stop by the charming shops along the way for unique Sakura-themed souvenirs to remember your Tokyo cherry blossom experience!
4. Indulge in the Flavors of Cherry Blossom-Infused Treats
During cherry blossom season, Japan offers a delicious array of Sakura-flavored sweets that are as fleeting as the flowers. Indulge in sakura-infused green tea, savor the subtle sweetness of cherry blossom cookies, or treat yourself to decadent cakes adorned with edible cherry blossoms. Yum!
Don’t miss out on traditional favorites like sakuramochi—a traditional Japanese sweet made of chewy mochi rice cake, filled with red bean paste, and wrapped in a pickled cherry blossom leaf. These are readily available at local supermarkets such as FamilyMart or confectioneries like Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory.
Another highly anticipated participant during Spring is Starbucks Japan. They never fail to come up with ‘gram-worthy sips and snacks to commemorate the season. Last year, their blends featured pink sakura jelly and sakura strawberry sauce. But hurry—these special menus usually disappear by early April!
5. Embrace the Sakura Season with Themed Merch
The cherry blossom in Japan inspires not just food but limited-edition products, too! Enter any souvenir or stationery shop, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by an array of items featuring the sakura motif, from elegant writing materials to charming drinkware.
A highlight for many is the exclusive Sakura-themed lifestyle items from Starbucks: pastel pink tumblers, adorable towels, and beautifully designed notebooks. Each one is adorned with the iconic Starbucks emblem with a touch of cherry blossom flair.
These sought-after items are only available briefly, making them highly coveted by locals and tourists. So, watch out for these special finds and grab the opportunity to bring a piece of the Sakura season home before they vanish from the shelves!
Whether you’re capturing Insta-worthy photos under the blooming trees or indulging in Sakura-themed delights, there’s something magical about this fleeting season. It only sticks around for a while, so don’t wait too long to experience the magic of springtime cherry blossoms in Japan. Gather your friends, map out your must-see spots, and let the cherry blossom adventure begin!
