Japan: the 10 best places to admire cherry blossoms

Japan is well known for its beautiful cherry blossoms, or Sakura, which represent renewal; we’ll talk about the best places to see Sakura in this guide.

The best time to see cherry blossoms in Japan is in March and April, when the trees are in full bloom. Due to climate change, cherry trees are flowering earlier and earlier every year.

The cherry blossom season generally starts in southern Japan and moves northwards in a few weeks.

Therefore, if they’ve fallen by the time you arrive in Tokyo, you should head for Miyagi or Hokkaido, as they usually last until early May in the north.

This website offers cherry blossom forecasts, which are quite accurate in my experience.

Tokyo is a wonderful destination to visit in spring, when the city is transformed into a sea of pink by the blossoming of these delicate flowers.

Ueno Park, with over a thousand cherry blossom trees, several museums and a zoo, is one of the best places to see Sakura. Shinjuku Gyoen offers a quieter atmosphere, with many cherry trees of different varieties to admire.

For a romantic evening, the picturesque Meguro River is a popular spot for hanami (cherry blossom viewing), with nearly a thousand cherry trees and beautiful night-time illuminations.

Yoyogi Park is an ideal spot for a picnic or a stroll under the flowers, while Sumida Park offers a unique perspective from a boat ride along the river. Inokashira Park is a peaceful option with a rowing lake. Koganei Park, a little further from downtown, is worth a visit for its two thousand cherry trees of different varieties. Whether you prefer a lively or serene atmosphere, there’s a cherry blossom spot for everyone in Tokyo.

The best places to see Sakura flowers near Mount Fuji include the Fuji Five Lakes area, which is a wonderful area at the foot of the mountain with lakes, forests and cherry blossom.

The Arakura Sengen Shrine, a shrine located near the top of the mountain, features charming cherry blossoms.

Another ideal place to admire the cherry blossom near Mount Fuji is the Chureito pagoda, a splendid pagoda set on a hill overlooking Mount Fuji and the surrounding area. The pagoda is illuminated at night during the cherry blossom season, creating a magical atmosphere.

Among the best places to admire these amazing flowers in the old capital is the iconic Philosopher’s Path, a picturesque promenade lined with cherry trees and temples. Maruyama Park is a popular spot for Hanami celebrations, with hundreds of cherry blossom trees and a large weeping cherry tree.

The vast grounds of Kyoto’ s imperial palace are home to over 300 cherry trees. Nijo Castle boasts a magnificent cherry blossom garden with over 50 different species of cherry trees.

The Arashiyama district is known for its magnificent bamboo forest and, during the Sakura season, the area is transformed by the blossoming of 200 cherry trees. Other recommended sites include the Heian Shrine, with its magnificent garden and large pond, and the Kyoto Botanical Garden, home to a hundred varieties of cherry trees.

One of the best places to see the Sakura is in Osaka Castle Park, with its multitude of cherry trees and stunning castle backdrop. Kema Sakuranomiya Park is a popular spot with a cherry-tree-lined path along the Okawa River. You can hire a boat and admire the cherry blossoms from a unique vantage point. The Nishinomaru Garden, located inside Osaka Castle, offers a peaceful atmosphere with cherry trees as a spectacular backdrop.

The Expo 70 commemorative park is another charming spot with a variety of themed gardens and cherry trees. Yodogawa River Park is also an excellent spot for a picnic or barbecue under the cherry blossom trees, with a riverside promenade and many cherry trees. Finally, the Osaka Mint opens its doors to the public for a week in April, when the cherry trees are in full bloom.

Kanazawa is a charming town on Japan’s west coast. It’s known for its rich history and culture, enchanting gardens and temples, and delicious cuisine; the fish market is a must-see.

Among the things to see in Kanazawa is the Kenroku-en garden, one of Japan’s most spectacular gardens and considered one of the best places to admire sakura in the country. The garden boasts over 400 cherry trees that blossom in early April, creating a stunning atmosphere. You can stroll along the paths while admiring the picturesque views of the cherry blossom trees and the garden’s traditional Japanese architecture. Admission is waived for one week when Sakura is fully open.

Another popular place to see cherry blossom in Kanazawa is Kanazawa Castle Park, where cherry trees line the moat surrounding the castle, and the Higashi Chaya district, an unspoilt historic area with teahouses and traditional stores.

Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost island. One of the best places to see Sakura in the region is Goryokaku Park in Hakodate, with over a thousand cherry trees surrounding a star-shaped fort. The park also offers superb night-time illumination during the sakura season.

Matsumae Park, in the town of Matsumae, is another great place to admire cherry blossom, with over 10,000 cherry trees of different types blooming throughout the park. The park is also home to Matsumae Castle, making it a picturesque place to admire the sakura.

Takino Suzuran Hillside Park in Sapporo is a unique place to admire cherry blossom, with 300 Yoshino cherry trees and several other cherry species, as well as many other spring flowers.

Asahiyama Park, in Asahikawa, is another place to admire cherry blossoms. Thousands of cherry trees create a magnificent pink and white canopy during the season.

Yokohama is a large city south of Tokyo, and an ideal place to admire the cherry blossoms. The best places to see Sakura in Yokohama are the Sankeien Garden, where over a thousand cherry trees bloom throughout the garden. The garden also features traditional Japanese architecture, including several historic buildings that have been relocated to the site.

Another popular spot is Yamashita Park, a seaside park offering magnificent views of the sakura and ocean. You can picnic or stroll along the park’s promenade while admiring the magnificent panoramas.

Mitsuike Park is another great place to admire cherry blossom in Yokohama, with over a thousand cherry trees creating a pink and white canopy during the sakura season.

Himeji is an amazing city in Japan that is well known for its historic castle, but it also offers an extraordinary opportunity to admire the Sakura flowers in spring. One of the best places to see the Sakura is Himeji Castle, where many cherry trees blossom on its grounds, offering a magnificent panorama.

Adjacent to Himeji Castle, the Koko-en garden is another popular spot, with a variety of cherry trees blooming in early April. The garden offers a tranquil ambience with its traditional Japanese architecture, tea houses and ponds.

Otemae Park is also a fantastic place to admire the cherry blossoms in Himeji, with cherry trees lining the walkways and creating a breathtaking backdrop.

Hiroshima is a city in western Japan famous for its tragic history and beautiful parks. One of the best places to see Sakura in bloom is Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, where numerous cherry trees bloom in early April, producing a warm atmosphere. The park also offers an excellent opportunity to learn about the city’s history and pay tribute to the victims of the atomic bombing.

Hiroshima Castle is another place to admire cherry blossoms, with the surrounding trees creating a picturesque backdrop. The castle also offers a series of events during the sakura season, including night-time illuminations and a hanami festival.

The island of Miyajima, a short ferry ride from Hiroshima, is also an ideal place to admire the sakura flowers, the trees lining the paths leading to Itsukushima Shrine. You can also admire the island’s famous floating torii gate and sample the local cuisine.

Maizuru Park is one of the best places to admire Sakura trees in Fukuoka, where over a thousand cherry trees blossom in March. Nishi Park is one of the best places to see the Sakura. With over two thousand cherry blossom trees in bloom between mid-March and early April, it’s an ideal spot for a picnic or a stroll along the park’s paths.

Fukuoka Castle is another place to admire cherry blossoms, with the surrounding trees creating a serene atmosphere.

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You’ll find plenty of money-saving tips in our ultimate guide to traveling in Japan with points.

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There are many beautiful places to admire the cherry blossoms in Japan, and the best time to see them is in March and April. Whether you’re in a big city or a small town, you’ll find plenty of beautiful cherry blossom trees to admire on your trip to Japan.

As for me, my favorite is Kenroku-en in Kanazawa. It’s a simply beautiful place, with its historic architecture and delicious food at the fish market.

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