Japan: The 10 Best Places to Admire Cherry Blossoms
Japan is well known for its stunning cherry blossoms, or Sakura, which symbolize renewal. In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to see the Sakura.
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 over a few weeks.
So if they’ve fallen by the time you get to 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, based on my experience, are quite accurate.
The Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms – Tokyo
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 trees in bloom, 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), featuring 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 Cherry Blossoms – Mount Fuji
The best places to see Sakura flowers near Mount Fuji include the Fuji Five Lakes area, a stunning region at the base of the mountain with lakes, forests, and cherry blossoms.
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.
The Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms – Kyoto
Among the best places to admire these amazing flowers in the old capital is the iconic Philosopher’s Path, a scenic walk 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 features 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.
The Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms – Osaka
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 path lined with cherry trees 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 blossoms as a spectacular backdrop.
Expo 70 Memorial 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 blossoms, 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.
The Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms – Kanazawa
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 features over 400 cherry trees, which 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 the Sakura are in full bloom.
Another popular place to see cherry blossoms in Kanazawa is Kanazawa Castle Park, where cherry trees line the moat surrounding the castle, and the Higashi Chaya district, a preserved historic quarter with teahouses and traditional stores.
The Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms – Hokkaido
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 blossoms, 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 blossoms, 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.
The Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms – Yokohama
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.
The Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms – Himeiji
Himeji is an amazing town 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 from Himeji Castle, where many cherry trees bloom 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 ambiance 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.
The Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms – Hiroshima
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 scenic 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.
The Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms – Fukuoka
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 where you can admire cherry blossoms, the surrounding trees creating a serene atmosphere.
Travel With Points to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan
Travelling to Japan can be expensive these days, because it’s such a popular destination.
You’ll find plenty of money-saving tips in our ultimate guide to travelling in Japan with points.
You could also use your Aeroplan points: In economy class, a flight to Tokyo from Montreal costs from 45,000 points for a one-way ticket, according to the points predictor.
As for hotels, Marriott Bonvoy establishments are widely present throughout Japan. Their loyalty program even allows you to stay 5 nights for the price of 4 when you book a room with points.
Not enough points? Marriott Bonvoy credit card welcome bonuses are the easy way to earn them.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $120 | |||
| $150 |
Bottom Line
There are many beautiful places to admire 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 be able to find beautiful cherry blossoms to admire on your trip to Japan.
As for me, my favourite is Kenroku-en in Kanazawa. It’s a simply beautiful place, with its historic architecture and delicious food at the fish market.
For more content to help you plan your trip to Japan :
Why are there so many cherry trees in Japan?
Cherry blossom trees are particularly common in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, such as Japan, with a large number of different varieties.
When do cherry trees blossom in Japan?
The best time to see cherry blossoms in Japan is in March and April, when the trees are in full bloom.
Do the Japanese cherry trees bear fruit?
Sakura trees don’t bear fruit.
When to go to Japan to see the cherry blossoms in 2025?
If you want to see the cherry blossoms, spring is ideal.
Where can I buy Japanese sakura cherry trees?
Some garden centers offer ready-to-plant trees.
Where can you go to admire the cherry blossom landscape?
In Japan, there are many places to see Sakura flowers, notably near Mount Fuji, in Kyoto and Tokyo.
Japanese tree varieties
These include Japanese cherry, azalea, bamboo, Japanese maple and Japanese black pine.
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