Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan: 5 City You Must Visit!

Global Team
28 Jul 2024 - 6 min read

You can find many best cherry blossom spots in Japan that will give you beautiful views that soothe the eyes. As you know, Japan is renowned for its stunning cherry blossoms, or known as "sakura" which bloom across the country in spring, typically between late March and early April.

Although the exact timing varies depending on factors such as location and weather conditions, but cherry blossom spot is a must when you visit Japan in spring.

Cherry Blossom in Japan

Cherry Blossom in Japan

Cherry blossoms stand for beauty, rebirth, and the fleeting aspect of life. They have been honored for centuries in literature, art, and festivals and are a fundamental part of Japanese culture. In Japan, there is a tradition known as "hanami," or watching cherry blossoms. People congregate in green spaces and other outdoor areas during the cherry blossom season to enjoy picnics, mingle, and take in the beauty of the blossoms. Food, beverages, and entertainment are frequently served during hanami parties outside under the cherry blossom trees.

Cherry blossom festivals, or "sakura matsuri," are held in numerous towns and cities around Japan to commemorate the approach of spring. These celebrations frequently include parades, shows, food vendors, and lit-up nighttime glimpses of the cherry blossoms. The cherry blossom festivals of Kyoto, Tokyo, and Hirosaki are a few of the most well-known.

A few cherry blossom locations are lit up at night so that people can take in the beauty of the blooms and the enchanted ambiance it creates. In places like Tokyo and Kyoto, where famous sites are immersed in the gentle glow of cherry blossom lights.

Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan

If you are wondering where is the best cherry blossom in Japan, come to these beautiful places to see the magnificent view of sakura. Witnessing cherry blossoms in Japan is a treasured and unique experience, whether you choose to enjoy hanami with friends and family or just take in the flowers on your own, those are the best part here. Below is the place where you can take a glimpse of the cherry blossom view in Japan!

Tokyo

Cherry blossoms in Tokyo are Ueno Park

Popular locations for cherry blossoms in Tokyo are Ueno Park, Chidorigafuchi, and Shinjuku Gyoen. Hundreds of cherry trees flank the Meguro River, which is especially well-known for its breathtaking nighttime illuminations during cherry blossom season.

Ueno Park: With more than a thousand trees lining the road that leads to the National Museum and surrounding Shinobazu Pond, Ueno Park is one of the busiest, liveliest, and most well-liked locations in Japan for cherry blossom celebrations. The cherry blossoms at Ueno Park usually open a few days earlier than those in many other parts of the city.
Chidorigafuchi: Hundreds of cherry trees create one of Tokyo's most spectacular cherry blossom panoramas at Kitanomaru Park, which is surrounded by the moats of the historic Edo Castle. You can rent boats here, but you can't bring picnics. In the evenings, trees are illuminated. There are food vendors in Yasukuni Shrine, which is adjacent and has thousands more cherry trees.
Shinjuku Gyeon: There are many different kinds of cherry blossom trees in the park, including the most popular variety in Japan, somei yoshino, as well as yaezakura and shidarezakura. Whether you'd rather take a leisurely stroll or have a picnic beneath the flowers, there's plenty of space for hanami because of the large lawns and walking routes.
Meguro River: Another well-known location in Tokyo to see cherry blossoms is the Meguro River. Hundreds of cherry trees border the riverbanks during sakura season, producing a breathtaking tunnel of pink blooms. It is a lovely experience to stroll along the riverfront, especially in the evening when the trees are lit up.

Kyoto

Weeping Cherry Tree at Maruyama-Park, Kyoto City, Kyoto Pref., Japan

There are several places in Kyoto to see cherry blossoms, such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Philosopher's Path, and Maruyama Park. The famous Arashiyama neighborhood offers a beautiful landscape with cherry blossoms framing traditional wooden houses and temples, especially along the Katsura River.

Arashiyama: Arashiyama is a bustling, charming neighborhood outside of Kyoto. At the base of the Arashiyama mountains, there are a lot of cherry trees in the area surrounding the Togetsukyo Bridge, particularly at the riverside Nakanoshima Park.
Philosopher's Path: The Philosopher's Path is a lovely walkway beside a canal that links the area of Nanzenji with Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion). There are hundreds of cherry trees lining it that make it magical.
Maruyama Park: The most popular park in Kyoto for cherry blossom gatherings is Maruyama Park. The location that next to Yasaka Shrine and a massive weeping cherry tree makes it illuminated at night and serves as the focal point of the area. There are plenty of food vendors and makeshift eateries with tables beneath the trees for you to unwind and enjoy.

Osaka

Osaka Castle in Osaka, Japan is one of Osaka's most popular hanami spots during the cherry blossom season

One of Osaka's most famous locations for cherry blossoms is Osaka Castle Park, which is surrounded by the old castle and has thousands of cherry trees along its roads. Take a boat ride on the moat surrounding the castle for a special view of the cherry blossoms. Osaka Castle has almost 4000 cherry trees planted on its expansive grounds.

Also, Nishinomaru Park that located in the western citadel of the castle, is a particularly lovely spot for a picnic since it has expansive lawns, views of the castle tower, and is lit up at night. Another park you may visit is Kema Sakuranomiya Park that is located in Nakanocho. Along the Okawa River there are several kilometers are close to 5,000 cherry trees. You can admire the seemingly endless rows of cherry trees from ships navigating the river or from a beautiful promenade along the river. There are also large lawn areas that are ideal for picnics.

Fukushima

Japanese Geisha with Full bloom Sakura - Cherry Blossom at Hirosaki park.

There are some lovely locations in Fukushima to see cherry blossoms in the spring. Fukushima City's Hanamiyama Park is one noteworthy place. This park is well known for its breathtaking cherry blossom show, along with a variety of other flowers that combine to create a charming landscape that draws tourists from all around Japan. Below is the list you may see cherry blossoms in Fukushima!

Tsurugajo Castle: Cherry blossoms bloom magnificently in the springtime on the grounds of Tsurugajo Castle, offering a picturesque setting for viewing the blossoms.
Miharu Takizakura: Known as "The Waterfall Cherry Tree," Miharu Takizakura is among the most well-known cherry trees in Japan. Known to be more than a millennium old, it is a cherished emblem of Fukushima Prefecture. When the tree is in full blossom, its cascading branches are breathtaking viewing.
Dake Onsen Cherry Blossom Festival: Every spring, Dake Onsen has a cherry blossom festival where guests can unwind in the hot springs and take in the beauty of the cherry blossoms.

Hokkaido

Japan Famous Sakura Cherry Blossoms along the water strips of the city Hokkaido the northernmost of Japan’s main islands.

Goryokaku Park in Hakodate, Hokkaido, is well-known for its star-shaped fort encircled by cherry trees. From the observation platform, visitors may take in expansive views of the cherry blossoms and boat tours around the moat. Here is another place you can see cherry blossom:

Matsumae Park: Matsumae Park is home to over 10,000 cherry trees of various varieties, including some rare species. The park hosts the Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival during peak bloom, featuring food stalls, performances, and illuminations in the evenings.
Maruyama Park: Maruyama Park is located in Sapporo. The park features cherry trees that bloom in late April to early May. The park is also a popular spot for hanami picnics.
Asahiyama Memorial Park: Asahiyama Memorial Park boasts approximately 3,000 cherry trees. The park offers beautiful views of cherry blossoms against the backdrop of the Daisetsuzan mountain range.

That’s the 5 big cities that will spoil your eyes. Uncover the charm of Japan's hospitality with Traveloka's curated selection of authentic accommodations.

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