The Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan

Discover the finest locations to see cherry blossoms in Japan, along with the very best time to see them.

Cherry blossom festivals are one particular of Japan’s most beloved cultural traditions. Each individual yr, through the Spring festival time, visitors come from all around the earth to see the stunning cherry blossoms. Inside of days of the bouquets opening, Instagram overflows with breathtaking images and movies of the numerous cherry trees in Japan.

Mt. Fuji and Pagoda in Spring

Ideal time to see cherry blossoms in Japan

Because cherry blooms are dependent on the temperature, the exact time the cherry blossoms arise may differ from 12 months to year. Each and every Spring, vacationers wait for the sakura (cherry) trees to burst into bloom, and descend on the country to see this unforgettable sight.

Most festivals acquire put concerning March and May, and they are a amazing position to get in extra than just cherry blossoms. Most festivals feature live songs, food, craft stalls and tea ceremonies beneath the blossoms.

sakura park Japan cherry blossoms in full bloom

To get a tough estimate of when the cherry blossoms start out, choose a glimpse at the past five year’s festival dates, and find an common of that to estimate the time of the cherry trees blossoms.

Very best Locations to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan

Cherry blossoms are a symbol of renewal and hope, and the coming of spring. After you have your visa for Japan in hand, comply with our tips for the best towns to see cherry blossoms.

Whilst you can see quite blossoms at numerous parks and even along boulevards, many cities and tiny towns are especially perfectly recognized for their cherry blossoms. For the most element, these cities have festivals that coincide when the cherry trees occur into bloom.

Wanting to join in the festivities? Listed here are our picks for the best spots to see cherry blossoms in Japan, alongside with the best cherry blossom festivals and viewing spots in Sakura season.

Yoshino, Kansai

Yoshino is recognised as the Cherry Blossom Capital of Japan. Tiny city Yoshino receives rather fast paced through cherry blossom period. Since it attracts thousands of guests, and there are a constrained variety of areas to keep, lodging is generally booked out well in progress.

Thankfully, it’s probable to stop by the Yoshino blossoms on a working day excursion from Nara or even Osaka.

The greatest time to check out Yoshino is commonly from mid-April right until early May well each year. Verify a cherry blossom forecast for more exact dates.

Sunset over cherry trees forest in blossom at Yoshino Nara province

Hirosaki Castle, Tohoku

If you want to stay clear of the crowds, Hirosaki is a terrific selection. When it is massively well-known, the park also handles a massive region of above 50 hectares, which retains it from experience crowded.

The castle below, Hirosaki Castle, is just one of the most common tourist sights in Japan nonetheless all that is still left of the castle these times is the 200-12 months-outdated maintain.

The park itself is crisscrossed with moats from the historic castle with cherry trees flanking the moats, along with beautiful, arching bridges. Walkways are typically lined with a selection of flowers, which includes tulips and irises creating the wander even additional memorable.

There are around 2,500 cherry trees in Hirosaki, making for a absolutely immersive cherry blossom expertise.

Cherry Blossoms in bloom at at Hirosaki park

Fuji Five Lakes, Chubu

The Arakurayama Sengen-kōen park is in Fuji-Yoshida, a city at the base of Mt Fuji, with practically 700 sakura trees.

As you can imagine the photos in Fuji Five Lakes are beautiful, with Mt Fuji in the background, and the Chureitō Pagoda in the front of the frame. It is very likely a image that you have noticed usually and incorporates 3 matters that Japan is acknowledged for in 1 image.

The very best time to see cherry blossoms in Fuji Five Lakes is frequently from late March to early May well.

Mt. Fuji and Pagoda in Spring

Kyoto

Kyoto is a city with a prolonged historical past that dates back again to the 700s. At the time the Imperial metropolis of Japan, the architecture and basic vibe of this tradition-loaded city reflect its origins.

Kyoto has numerous amazing places to see cherry blossoms, making it really hard to choose just 1.

Maruyama-kōen (Maruyama Park) may possibly just be the most effective location to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto.

You will find the amazing Gion Shidare-zakura (in English, the “Weeping Cherry of Gion) in the middle of the park. The tree is over 10 meters tall (32 feet), and lit up at night. The close by Shirakawa canal is lined with cherry trees and lit up at night as nicely.

Even though the Weeping Cherry of Gion is spectacular, there are virtually 700 other cherry trees in comprehensive bloom in the park and it tends to make a terrific place to see in particular person.

Maruyama Park in Spring

Tokyo

Tokyo is household to countless numbers of cherry trees that draw in countless numbers of travelers. Blooms normally last a few of months.

Tokyo’s Yoyogi-kōen (Yoyogi Park in English) is a vibrant, pleasurable put to take in the cherry blossoms. It’s a massive, sprawling location in the coronary heart of downtown Tokyo. Throughout cherry blossom time, it is packed with people today picnicking below the blossoms.

If shots and online video are your priority, pay a visit to the stunningly picturesque Shinjuku-gyoen.

Nakameguro is Tokyo’s very best community for viewing cherry blossoms, with a lot of streets lined with cherry trees.

Tokyo sakura cherry blossoms at night Nakameguro Tokyo

Osaka

Osaka is a person of Japan’s most attractive metropolitan areas, and that’s indicating a good deal in a region identified for its charm.

It is an superb decision to check out if you just cannot go to Japan until later in the cherry blossom period, as cherry trees bloom later in this article than in other areas of Japan.

For the most element, the very best time to look at cherry blossoms in Osaka is the 3rd 7 days of March. The blossoms hit whole bloom (identified as mankai in Japanese) all-around April 1st.

Osaka Castle and its surrounding backyard garden is a great location to see cherry blossoms. The castle itself is a placing piece of medieval Japanese architecture that pictures effectively from the mild pink or white cherry blossoms. the location is acknowledged for.

Osaka castle cherry blossoms

Himeji Castle, Kansai

Himeji Castle is only four several hours west of Tokyo by coach, building it easy to entry for most people.

The castle only reopened to people in 2015, but it has speedily turn into preferred with travelers and locals alike.

There are absolutely free places at Senhimebotanen Backyard (Sannomaru grounds) and paid locations at Nishnomaru grounds.

Japan Himeji castle with sakura cherry blossoms

Matsumae Park, Hokkaido

Hokkaido is Japan’s most northern island, and home to Japan’s northernmost castle in Matsumae Park. There are over 10,000 trees right here, with 250 kinds of blossoms. Because of the quite a few types, which bloom at various instances, Matsumae Park has a very long viewing period right up until late April.

The castle is illuminated at night, making for a magical sight.

Matsumae Park is just a brief walk from the metropolis centre, creating it quick to entry.

sakura park Japan cherry blossoms in full bloom

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