The best places to catch cherry blossoms in Japan 2024
Spring is almost here and one of our favorite things about spring in Japan is definitely getting to see the gorgeous cherry blossoms, known as sakura! 🌸 This ephemeral display of delicate pink flowers holds immense cultural significance, symbolizing the fleeting beauty and renewal of life.
But before you book your flight, don't forget to first check out the latest news on Japan's cherry blossom 2024 forecast for predicted sakura blooming times for Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and more!
Cherry Blossom in Japan
For centuries, the blooming of sakura has held a special place in the hearts of the Japanese people, inspiring countless works of art, poetry, and even philosophy. Its delicate beauty and fleeting nature serve as a poignant reminder of the impermanence of life, encouraging us to live in the present moment and cherish every experience.
Seeing cherry blossoms in Japan embodies this sentiment and has got to be on the travel bucket list for many — and it's not hard to see why. From March to May, many flock to the country to partake in hanami (or cherry blossom viewing), and revel in the breathtaking sight of streets covered in a sea of sakura.
You can also enjoy views of iconic landmarks, like Mt Fuji or Osaka Castle, made even more spectacular against the pretty pink blooms! 😍
Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast 2024
The Japan Meteorological Corporation has released its latest cherry blossom forecast as of 22 February 2024! Cherry blossoms in Japan are expected to reach peak bloom earliest in Kochi and Tokyo (late March) and the latest in Sapporo (early May).
Here's an overview of the forecasted flowering and full bloom dates at a glance:
Prefecture | Location | 2024 Forecasted Flowering Date | 2024 Forecasted Full Bloom Date | Yearly Average Flowering Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hokkaido | Sapporo | 30 April | 3 May | 1 May |
Aomori | Aomori | 17 April | 21 April | 22 April |
Miyagi | Sendai | 2 April | 8 April | 8 April |
Tokyo | Tokyo | 21 March | 28 March | 24 March |
Ishikawa | Kanazawa | 29 March | 5 April | 3 April |
Nagano | Nagano | 3 April | 9 April | 11 April |
Aichi | Nagoya | 19 March | 29 March | 24 March |
Kyoto | Kyoto | 22 March | 31 March | 26 March |
Osaka | Osaka | 24 March | 1 April | 27 March |
Wakayama | Wakayama | 22 March | 30 March | 24 March |
Hiroshima | Hiroshima | 23 March | 1 April | 25 March |
Kochi | Kochi | 19 March | 27 March | 22 March |
Fukuoka | Fukuoka | 21 March | 30 March | 22 March |
Kagoshima | Kagoshima | 29 March | 9 April | 26 March |
IMPORTANT REMINDER: The forecasted flowering and full bloom dates table are based on trends and seasonality as of 22 February 2024. Check out the Japan Meteorological Corporation website for the latest information on flowering and full bloom prediction dates in all the prefectures.
For those who can't wait for the main cherry blossom season, regions like Kawazu on the Izu Peninsula offer a spectacular early taste of spring. The Kawazu-zakura variety blooms with vibrant pink flowers as early as February, creating a stunning display along the Kawazu River.
The month-long Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival draws crowds who stroll among the blossoms and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Other notable early blooming spots include Minami Izu further down the peninsula and the Yodo Suiro Waterway in Kyoto, where rows of Kawazu-zakura create picturesque scenes along the water.
16 Best Places to Enjoy Cherry Blossoms in Japan
Tokyo Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots
Tokyo, Japan's vibrant capital, transforms into a magical wonderland during cherry blossom season. With iconic parks like Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Ueno Park boasting over 1,000 blooming trees each, the city offers a diverse range of locations to experience hanami.
Whether you seek a serene stroll under delicate petals or a lively picnic atmosphere, Tokyo cherry blossom viewing spots are easily some of the most beautiful and accessible!
Tokyo Cherry Blossom Forecast: Sakuras are expected to start blooming on 21 March, with peak bloom reaching on 28 March.
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
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 when 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.
Address: Walk from Meguro Station or Nakameguro Station
Kyoto Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots
Photo Credit: Kristin Wilson
Steeped in history and adorned with ancient temples, Kyoto becomes an ethereal landscape during cherry blossom season. Iconic locations like the Philosopher's Path and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove offer a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural significance, where delicate pink blossoms intertwine with serene paths and towering bamboo stalks.
Immerse yourself in the city's rich heritage and witness the ephemeral beauty of Kyoto's sakura viewing spots against the backdrop of traditional architecture.
Kyoto Cherry Blossom Forecast: Sakuras are expected to start blooming on 22 March, with peak bloom reaching on 31 March.
4. Sagano Romantic Train
Photo Credit: Sagano Romantic Train website
Hop aboard the Sagano Romantic Train, which 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-shabu lunch depending on your choosing.
Address: Arashiyama Station
5. Maruyama-Koen Park
Photo Credit: @ryuzo__photo on Instagram
Offering a calm oasis of nature away from the bustling city center, the Maruyama-Koen Park is one of Kyoto's most famed cherry blossom spots. One unique feature that the park has is its towering shidarezakura (weeping cherry tree), which is also illuminated in the evenings.
The park is also a short walk away from another iconic Kyoto attraction, the Yasaka Shrine, which has a 1,350-year history.
Address: Maruyamacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto 605-0071, Japan
6. Philosopher's Path
Photo Credit: @livingin.nihon on Instagram
One of the most enchanting sights awaits you at Kyoto's famous Philosopher's Path (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.
Photo Credit: @oniwastagram on Instagram
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. 😉
Address: 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 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots
Osaka bursts onto the scene with vibrant energy during cherry blossom season. The iconic Okawa River, lined with over 4,800 trees, transforms into a breathtaking pink corridor, perfect for a scenic cruise or a stroll. One of Osaka's best cherry blossom viewing spots has got to be the historic charm of Osaka Castle surrounded by a sea of delicate pink.
Osaka Cherry Blossom Forecast: Sakuras are expected to start blooming on 24 March, with peak bloom reaching on 1 April.
7. Osaka Castle
Photo 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?
Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan
Klook Tip: 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 your pass and save money on transport and attractions on your Osaka adventures!
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 sight is via a boat ride 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!).
9. Expo 70 Commemorative Park
Photo 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 by countries and corporations around the world.
Photo Credit: @expo70park on Instagram
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 Top Cherry Blossom Spots around Japan
10. Nara Park
Photo 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!
Where: Nara
Address: Nara Park is a short walk east of Kintetsu-Nara Station
11. Arakurayama Sengen park
Photo 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 prettier 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 Japan in a different light.
Where: Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture
Address: 2-chome-4-1 Asama, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0011, Japan
12. Yamazaki River
Photo 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 any time of the year, hence also its name Shikinomichi which translates to the "Path of Four Seasons."
Where: Nagoya
Address: 4 Chome-1 Otodomachi, Mizuho Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture 467-0007, Japan
13. Mt. Fuji Views from Susono City Cultural Center
Photo 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?
Photo Credit: @nobuyuki0123 on Instagram
Check out this amazing shot taken from the Susono City Cultural Center, 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.
Where: Shizuoka Prefecture, about halfway between Tokyo and Nagoya
Address: 586 Ishiwaki, Susono, Shizuoka 410-1117, Japan
14. Himeji Castle
Himeji castle during cherry blossom season. Photo courtesy of @cony_viajando on Instagram
Also referred to as the 'White Heron Castle', Himeji Castle is both a Japanese National Treasure and 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. 😍
Where: Himeji, Kansai region
Address: 68 Honmachi, Himeji, Hyogo 670-0012, Japan
15. Hokkaido-jingu Shrine
Photo 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.
Where: Hokkaido
Address: 474 Miyagaoka, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-8505, Japan
Hokkaido's also known to have cherry blossoms until early May, so if you miss those in April, head over to Hokkaido!
16. Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park
Photo 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!
Where: Hokkaido
Address: 393 Higashimokotosuehiro, Ozora, Abashiri District, Hokkaido 099-3232, Japan
Where to Stay to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan
1. Shuhoukaku Kogetsu Ryokan
Apart from going to nature parks and other attractions to see cherry blossoms in Japan, you can also book your stay at a ryokan that's close to nature to see the beautiful pink trees. Here at Shuhoukaku Kogetsu Ryokan, you won't only enjoy the stunning views of cherry blossoms, but also of Mount Fuji that will greet you all day long! And to make your stay here even better, they recently renovated their Mount Fuji view bath terrace — a guaranteed front seat to the best spring views!
And hey, your booking is inclusive of two meals already — a seasonal Japanese banquet dinner and a Western buffet breakfast. 😋
Address: 2312 Kawaguchi, 401-0304 Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
2. Ubuya Ryokan
Another ryokan that promises beautiful spring views is Ubuya Ryokan. Here, you get to wake up to the views of Mount Fuji right from your room! If you can't get enough of the views of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi, you can also sightsee while taking a dip in their relaxing hot springs.
Whichever package option you choose is inclusive of two meals — a Japanese-style breakfast and a Shabu-Shabu dinner or a Japanese Kaiseki Course dinner. 🤤
Address: 10 Asakawa, Fuji-Kawaguchiko, Japan, 401-0303
3. Kukuna Ryokan
This last ryokan on our list is Kukuna Ryokan where all rooms come with a private balcony overlooking Mount Fuji. Booking your stay here is ideal for spring since it is during spring that the weather is just right (you can definitely go out to enjoy your balcony without freezing 🥶). Feel free to sightsee the pretty pink trees, snack, or just lounge on your balcony with Mount Fuji as your backdrop! 🗻
All package options available are inclusive of two meals — a Western buffet breakfast and a Teppanyaki Dinner or a 4-course Western Cuisine & Buffet Dinner. 😍
Address: 70 Asakawa, Fujikawaguchiko-cho, Yamanashi Prefecture 401-0303
Cherry blossoms in Japan are coming, so make sure to add these sakura viewing spots to your itinerary! Happy and safe travels. 🌸
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to travel between different cherry blossom viewing locations?
With numerous cherry blossom viewing spots all around Japan, we highly recommend getting a Japan Rail Pass that offers you unlimited travel and the flexibility of switching your itinerary around. As cherry blossom season is a peak travel season in Japan, it would also be good to book your Shinkansen tickets ahead of time to ensure you enjoy smooth travels!
If you're looking to cover multiple spots in a single day, one of the best ways to do so is to join a day tour as you don't have to worry about catching public transport, and you can even catch a rest in between spots!
Is it expensive to view cherry blossoms in Japan?
Most cherry blossom spots and festivals are free to enter, with the exception of some castles and gardens that may charge a modest entrance fee.
What are some alternative things to do in Japan during cherry blossom season, in case the weather is bad or the crowds are too large?
There is no short of things to do in Japan, no matter where you are. From the best theme parks to new things to do in Japan, there is always something for everyone! You can also check out some exciting Spring activities!
Are there any etiquette guidelines that visitors should be aware of when viewing cherry blossoms in Japan?
When viewing cherry blossoms in Japan, it's important to be mindful of the etiquette to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone. Avoid touching or climbing the cherry blossom trees as they are delicate and can be easily damaged. You should also follow park rules, be mindful of others, and dispose of your trash properly.
How long do cherry blossoms last?
Cherry blossoms in Japan typically last for 10 to 14 days, with the peak bloom period lasting only a few days. This short window is precisely why it's crucial to plan your trip strategically to catch the blossoms at their most magnificent!
What is the difference between cherry blossoms and plum blossoms?
While they can be easily mistaken for each other, cherry blossoms are typically lighter in color, ranging from white to pale pink, while plum blossoms are rounder and have a wider range of colors, including pink, red, and white.
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