It's sakura season in Japan! 🌸
Spring is here and one of our favourite things about spending this season in Japan is definitely getting to see the gorgeous cherry blossoms! From March to May, many flock to the country to partake in hanami (or cherry blossom viewing), revel in the breathtaking sight of streets covered in sakura, and enjoy views of iconic landmarks made even more spectacular against the pretty pink blooms. 🌸
But before you book your flight - don't forget to first check out our trusty guide on Japan's cherry blossom 2024 forecast for predicted sakura blooming times for Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and more!
#KlookTip: If you're heading to all three cities, check out our Klook Rail Value Pass that will cover all your transportation needs - the best part? It's up to ~S$180 cheaper than the Whole Japan Rail Pass.
More info here:
2024 cherry blossom forecast in Japan 🇯🇵
For 2024, cherry blossoms are expected to reach peak bloom earliest in Kochi (late March) and the latest in Sapporo (early May). For more information on flowering and full bloom prediction dates in all the prefectures, check out the Japan Meteorological Corporation website.
*All dates accurate at time of publishing, please check the relevant websites for the most updated information.
16 best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan
Tokyo
1. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is an iconic must-do during hanami season - so you definitely shouldn't miss a pitstop at this park while in Tokyo!
With three distinct gardens within the garden grounds (the Japanese Garden, British Garden, and French Garden), you can actually spend a whole day here just taking in the amazing views at every turn and corner!
- Address: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan
2. Ueno Park
Ueno Park is a well known and loved park in Tokyo, and offers a quick retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. It may be one of Japan's oldest parks but it is truly anything but boring. Ueno Park is home to temples, art, science, and history museums and even a zoo!
However among so many gems, its cherry trees are its most prized possessions - many flock here for hanami and enjoy leisurely picnics under the beautiful pink and white blooms.
- Address: Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0007, Japan
Located just a few train stops away from the park is Akihabara, where you can give a street go-kart experience a try. After viewing the cherry blossoms in Ueno Park, continue your cherry blossom tour as you drive through downtown Tokyo in a go-kart!
3. Meguro River
Meguro River offers a pretty sight of pale pink blooms against the bright blue skies on a clear sunny day in spring. However nightfall is where the real magic happens.
For a unique way to enjoy sakura at Meguro River, come when the sun has set for the Nakameguro Sakura Festival. Join the locals on picnic mats - grab a beer or snack from the roadside stalls and admire the night illuminations and views of the cherry blossoms above.
- How to get there: Walk from Meguro Station or Nakameguro Station
Kyoto
4. Sagano Romantic Train
Image credit: Sagano Romantic Train website
Hop aboard the Sagano Romantic Train, that will take you on a leisurely 25-minute ride around the Arashiyama district. As you glide past landscapes blanketed in fluffy pink blooms, you’ll understand why it’s reputed as one of the most well-loved trails especially for all the hopeless romantics.
For a comprehensive tour, check out the Kyoto Sagano Romantic Train, Arashiyama, Kiyomizudera & Fushimi Inari-taisha Day Tour, which includes a buffet lunch or beef shabu lunch depending on your preference.
- Address: Arashiyama Station (via the JR Pass)
5. Maruyama-Koen Park
Image Credit: @ryuzo__photo on Instagram
Offering a calm oasis of nature away from the bustling city centre, the Maruyama-Koen Park is one of Kyoto's most famed cherry blossom spots, as well as being the oldest park in the city, complete with a Japanese garden, restaurants and teahouses.
When the cherry blossoms start to bloom here, the entire park looks like it is entirely filled with the beautiful pink and white blooms. One unique feature that the park has is its towering shidare-zakura (weeping cherry tree), which is also illuminated in the evenings.
- Address: Maruyamacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto 605-0071, Japan
Just a short walk away from Maruyama-Koen is Gion, where you can rent a kimono - why not explore the streets of Kyoto while wearing the charming Japanese traditional wear?
6. Philosopher's Path
Image credit: @livingin.nihon on Instagram
Image credit: @oniwastagram on Instagram
One of the most enchanting sights await you at Kyoto's famous Philosopher's Path (or also known as Tetsugaku No Michi). The path follows a canal lined by hundreds of cherry trees which, not surprisingly, attract flocks of locals and tourists alike to admire its beauty during springtime.
This path got its name from Nishida Kitaro, one of Japan's most famous philosophers, who was said to practice meditation while walking this route on his daily commute to Kyoto University. Walk in the steps of Nishida Kitaro on your next trip, and who knows you might seek some answers or enlightenment while you're there 😉
- How to get there: From Kyoto Station catch Bus 5 or 17 to the stop called ‘Ginkakuji-michi. This stop is just a short walk from Ginkaku-ji near the northern end of the Philosopher’s Path.
Osaka
7. Osaka Castle
Image credit: @daiki442 on Instagram
Osaka Castle is probably the most iconic spot for cherry blossom watching in Osaka. This heritage site has long been a popular picnic spot and especially so during spring and fall, when the leaves turn into a beautiful fiery red.
And who wouldn't want to capture that IG-worthy shot of the grand castle draped in enchanting pink hues?
#KlookTip: The Osaka Castle Museum is an included activity in the Osaka Amazing Pass. This pass allows you to have:
- Unlimited trips on the Osaka subway, tramway, and bus
- Gain free entry to more than 50 iconic Osaka tourist sites
Get the pass and save money on transport and attractions on your Osaka adventures!
- Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan
8. Okawa River
Enjoy the breathtaking view of over 4,000 cherry trees blooming along the Okawa River (or Kyū-Yodo River)! The best way to take in the splendid dight is on the Okawa River Sakura Cruise which allows you to enjoy the view from a different perspective.
If you have time to spare, other popular spots for hanami around the area include the Kema Sakuranomiya Park and the Japan Mint (which boasts 350 trees of about 130 varieties!).
#KlookTip: The Okawa River Cruise is an included activity in the Osaka Amazing Pass. This pass allows you to have:
- Unlimited trips on the Osaka subway, tramway, and bus
- Gain free entry to more than 50 iconic Osaka tourist sites
Get the pass and save money on transport and attractions on your Osaka adventures!
9. Expo 70 Commemorative Park
Image credit: @expo70park on Instagram
Image credit: @expo70park on Instagram
The Expo 70 Commemorative Park is a sprawling park that hosted the Japan World Exposition in 1970, which exhibited over 75 pavilions done by countries and corporations around the world.
Today, the garden grounds have become a popular destination for locals to soak in the sun and enjoy nature and sports. It is also home to around 5,000 cherry trees, so get ready to behold a magnificent sight like no other!
- Address: Senribanpakukoen, Suita, Osaka 565-0826, Japan
Other parts of Japan
10. Nara Park
Image credit: @s_a_0_8_0_2 ・on Instagram
If spending a day in Nara Park surrounded by cherry blossom trees and polite deer that will bow for their crackers doesn’t sound like the perfect hanami to you, we don’t know what else will!
With about 1,700 sakura trees, head southeast from the Todai-ji Temple main hall and you’ll find a large lawn encircled by cherry trees, perfect for a scenic picnic!
- Location: Nara
- How to get there: Nara Park is a short walk east of Kintetsu-Nara Station
If you're looking for a day tour, this Kyoto & Nara Day Tour from Osaka takes you to visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, as well as to Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park.
11. Arakurayama Sengen park
Image credit: @dvd.ring
With its unbeatable, iconic view of the Arakura Fuji Sengen-jinja Shrine and its five story-pagoda and Mt. Fuji in the backdrop, the Arakurayama Sengen Park offers spectacular views all year round - made even more pretty in pink during spring.
Needless to say, this spot is extremely famous for its sakura views, so come as early as possible if you want to get a shot without the crowd! However, if you're looking to come in the evening, do stay for the night light up to see the pagoda and cherry blossoms in a different light.
- Location: Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Address: 2-chome-4-1 Asama, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0011, Japan
12. Yamazaki River
Image credit: @bluesnow_aom on Instagram
Yamazaki River in Nagoya is ranked as one of the top 100 places in Japan for hanami. Here you will find 600 blooming cherry trees flanking the river banks, promising a glorious walk to remember.
Although this spot is most popular in spring, it also makes for a beautiful stroll anytime of the year, hence also its name Shikinomichi which translates to the 'Path of Four Seasons'.
- Location: Nagoya
- Address: 4 Chome-1 Otodomachi, Mizuho Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture 467-0007, Japan
13. Mt. Fuji Views from Susono City Cultural Centre
Image Credit: @nobuyuki0123 on Instagram
Can't go to Japan in spring and not search for a perfect spot to see cherry blossoms against the grandeur of Mt. Fuji, right?
Image Credit: @nobuyuki0123 on Instagram
Check out this amazing shot taken from the Susono City Cultural Centre, which is in the eastern part of Shizuoka Prefecture. The image of the Kise River in the foreground framed by cherry blossoms and of course, Mt Fuji itself - now that's a postcard-perfect shot for sure.
- Location: Shizuoka Prefecture, about halfway between Tokyo and Nagoya
- Address: 586 Ishiwaki, Susono, Shizuoka 410-1117, Japan
14. Himeji Castle
Image credit: @cony_viajando on Instagram
Also referred to as the 'White Heron Castle', Himeji Castle is both a Japanese National Treasure as well as a World Heritage site. This carefully preserved castle is also one of Japan's 12 remaining original castles - with over 600 years of history! Definitely a must-visit even beyond spring, we say!
Come cherry blossom season, the castle is embellished by blooms from over 1,000 cherry trees on the castle's grounds! Get ready for a spectacular sight 😍
- Location: Himeji, Kansai region
- Address: 68 Honmachi, Himeji, Hyogo 670-0012, Japan
15. Hokkaido-jingu Shrine
Image credit: Sapporo Tourism website
Touted as one of the best places to view cherry blossoms in northern Japan, the Hokkaido-jingu Shrine is home to four guardian deities and a deeply spiritual place for locals to come and pray and pay respects. There are also two tea and sweet shops in the area where you can stop by and have a rest before continuing on your cherry blossom adventures.
- Location: Hokkaido
- Address: 474 Miyagaoka, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-8505, Japan
16. Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park
Image credit: Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park website
Besides the gorgeous cherry blossom trees, Hokkaido is also famous for its breathtaking flower fields and parks, that see rolling hills carpeted with vibrant pink blooms, thanks to the shibazakura flowers (moss phlox). The best places to see them? Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park!
There's also the Higashimokoto Shibazakura Festival to look out for where you can enjoy themed snacks and enjoy the views via go kart or even a helicopter ride!
- Location: Hokkaido
- Address: 393 Higashimokotosuehiro, Ozora, Abashiri District, Hokkaido 099-3232, Japan
Go crazy about cherry blossoms in Japan! 🇯🇵
From now until the 30th of April 2023, plan your springtime travel with Klook as we've got exclusive deals made just for you this cherry blossom season. Flash deals, giveaways and promo codes up for grabs – discover them all here.
More fun activities in Japan 🤩
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