Sakura season in Japan never fails to captivate with the exquisite allure of cherry blossoms. The enchanting charm of the white and pink blooms, also known as sakura, that blossom every spring are a huge draw to Japan for tourists. But, they only bloom for a few weeks each year. Read our guide to understand the best time to book your trip to Japan, where in Japan to go, and the best parks in the country to have a truly magical visit.

From north to south, Japan spans about 3,000 kms, so the season does vary a bit depending on where you are in the country. As Japan sits in the northern hemisphere, cities in the south warm up earlier in the year, and cherry blossoms tend to bloom earlier. The trees on Hokkaido, in Japan's north, tend to bloom the latest.

You're most likely to see them in major cities if you travel in the latter half of March and the first half of April. These are the dates when the blooms are most likely to peak:

The timing of cherry blossoms' average bloom varies significantly across different geographic locations, influenced by winter climates. Warmer areas experience an earlier bloom, initiating in the south and advancing northward. Wind, rain, and temperature fluctuations can alter the usual bloom schedule, either hastening or delaying the flowering season.

Generally, the peak period typically occurs in late March, starting from the southern regions of Kyushu, where the milder temperatures prompt an earlier bloom. This blossoming spectacle gracefully progresses northward, reaching Hokkaido in the north by early May.

Best for: Early blooms
Location: 3 hours southwest of Tokyo, Honshu Peak: During Kawazu's Cherry Blossom Festival, which is 7-8 February in 2026

In regions south of Tokyo, cherry blossoms unveil their delicate beauty as early as late January due to the warm climate. One such locale is the coastal city of Kawazu, situated on the Izu Peninsula, approximately three hours away from the capital by car or train. Kawazu is home to a unique variety of cherry trees known as Kawazu-zakura, which bloom in February, about a month earlier than conventional cherry blossoms.

In Kawazu, the cherry blossoms last for a month, with the optimal viewing time spanning two weeks, from early mid-February to early March. For the best experience, visit Kawazu during the Cherry Blossom Festival, which is held from 7-8 February, so right at the beginning of the season. Kawazu's proximity to Tokyo makes it a convenient destination for people eager to see cherry blossoms early.

Best for: Early blooms and proximity to Tokyo
Location: 40 minutes southwest of Tokyo, Honshu Peak: Early February

Atami City, located just 40 minutes from Tokyo by Shinkanzen, is home to the enchanting Atami-zakura along the tranquil banks of a meandering stream.

This particular cherry blossom variant also graces the landscape a month earlier than the typical bloom seen across Japan, usually from late January to early February, similar to Kawazu. If last year's dates are anything to go by, as of early February 2025, they were already blooming.

Atami provides a small-scale bloom of Sakura, which lasts around 10 days. Atami City's scenic beauty, coupled with the early bloom of Atami-zakura, provides a tranquil setting for contemplative walks and leisurely appreciation of the blossoms.

Best for: Manicured gardens
Location: Tokyo, Honshu Peak: 23-31 March

Yes, Japan's largest city is actually an excellent place to view the blooms. The city is dotted with beautiful gardens that truly come alive in the spring with various blooms including cherry blossoms.

The Sakura season in Tokyo typically runs from late March to early April, depending on the weather conditions. During this period, this city is awash with hues of pink and white as cherry blossoms fill parks, streets, and riverbanks. In 2026, the cherry blossoms in Tokyo are expected to start blooming around 23 March.

Shinjuku Gyoen,a grand park in Tokyo, home to various cherry tree species, a perfect place to enjoy the sakura season in Japan. You can also rent a rowboat at Chidorigafuchi and paddle around the Imperial Palace’s moat surrounded by cherry blossoms.

Another place to enjoy the sakura season in Tokyo is Ueno Park, a haven for over 1,000 cherry trees, making it the perfect spot for hanami (flower viewing) parties or a peaceful walk.

Best for: Cherry blossoms along the river
Location: 50 minutes by train east of Osaka, Honshu Peak: Starts from 20 March

In Nagoya, the Sakura season typically begins at the end of March, with cherry blossoms starting to bloom around 20 March. This central Japanese city boasts various charming spots to enjoy cherry blossoms. The Yamazaki River is a beautiful spot adorned with the delicate pink hues of cherry blossom trees.

You can also enjoy the sakura blooming at Tsuruma Park, which stands out as a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in the bustling city of Nagoya. This park features over 1,000 cherry trees, each contributing to the spectacular display of blossoms in the spring. While at Nagoya Castle, you can also enjoy the cherry blossoms against the backdrop of the historical castle grounds.

Best for: Cherry blossoms with castle backdrops
Location: Osaka, Honshu Peak: 30 March - 6 April

The Sakura season in Osaka is a spectacle worth seeing. The flowering starts on 30 March. The city has numerous cherry blossom viewing spots you surely cannot miss. The first spot is Osaka Castle Park, where hundreds of cherry trees surround the majestic castle, creating a breathtaking sight.

Not only that, you can also take a leisurely walk under the cherry blossoms along the wide riverside paths of Kema Sakuranomiya Park, located by the Okawa River. You may also want to take a visit to the Expo ‘70 Commemorative Park. It’s a large area featuring various cherry tree species, offering a unique and unforgettable sakura-viewing experience.

Best for: A iconic Japanese atmosphere
Location: Kyokto, Honshu Peak: 29 March until 6 April

In Kyoto, the Sakura season typically happens at the same time as Tokyo’s, starting around 29 March. This ancient capital of Japan provides an enchanting backdrop for cherry blossom viewing. You can’t miss the Philosopher’s Path Walk (Tetsugako No Michi) while enjoying the Sakura season in Kyoto. This stone path runs along a canal, cuddled by cherry trees on either side of the path.

Another great spot to enjoy cherry blossoms in Kyoto is Maruyama Park. This place has a grand weeping cherry tree and a vibrant atmosphere for cherry blossom viewing. Let’s not forget about Kiyomizu-dera Temple too. Here, you can admire the cherry blossoms against one of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks.

Best for: 1,000-year-old trees
Location: 3 hours from Sendai, Honshu Peak: From early April

Exploring Tohoku, in Northeast Japan, is especially enchanting during its late sakura season. The blossoms usually start blooming from early April 2 or 3. To make your trip to Tohoku more enjoyable, consider checking out the JR East Pass Tohoku on Traveloka.

Notably, Miharu Takizakura, a national natural treasure, stands as one of Japan's Three Most Famous Cherry Trees, aged over 1,000 years. This majestic weeping cherry tree, surrounded by a scenic walking path, offers an enchanting experience.

Moving to Miyagi, Hitome Senbonzakura unfolds 8 kms along the Shiroishi River, presenting breathtaking views of cherry trees against the snow-capped Zao Mountains. Lastly, Hirosaki Park in Aomori, spanning 49 hectares and hosting around 2,500 cherry trees, earns acclaim as a prominent cherry blossom viewing destination in Japan.

Best for: Late cherry blossoms
Location: Northern Japan From: 24 April until 1 May

Hokkaido experiences some of the last blooms in Japan of cherry blossoms from late April to early May. Noteworthy sites in this region include Moerenuma Park in Sapporo, crafted by sculptor Isamu Noguchi.

This artistic haven boasts imposing sculptures and is adorned with vibrant pink cherry blossoms each spring. Goryokaku Tower and Castle in Hakodate present a unique experience within a star-shaped French-style fortress surrounded by many cherry blossoms.The adjacent 107-metre-high Goryokaku Tower provides a distinctive vantage point for observing Hokkaido's cherry blossoms.

The Sakura season in Japan unfolds its exquisite beauty, commencing in the south in January and culminating in Hokkaido by late April. Noteworthy destinations like Kawazu, Atami, Miharu Takizakura, Hitome Senbonzakura, and Hirosaki Park offer diverse cherry blossom experiences.

Planning your visit during this enchanting period promises a unique encounter with nature's ephemeral masterpiece. To witness these breathtaking scenes, seize the opportunity to explore Japan's captivating landscapes during the Sakura season in Japan.

Start your Sakura journey by planning with Traveloka, ensuring an unforgettable experience amidst the timeless charm of cherry blossoms. Book your trip today and immerse yourself in the splendour of Japan's Sakura season.