Tired of the scorching heat and PM 2.5 draining your energy? It’s time to escape and recharge in Japan! Feel the crisp, refreshing air while witnessing breathtaking cherry blossoms in full bloom. We’ve handpicked 20 perfect sakura getaway spots, from the northernmost Hokkaido to the southern gem of Kumamoto—each location is a feast for the eyes! Ready to go? Grab your travel plan and get set for an unforgettable cherry blossom adventure!

Even before stepping inside, the park's design will steal your heart! Goryokaku Fort was Japan’s first Western-style fort, dating back to the Edo period. But the real showstopper? The breathtaking view from Goryokaku Tower—a stunning star-shaped park surrounded by a crystal-clear moat, with lush greenery all around. And when cherry blossoms bloom? Over 1,600 sakura trees paint the park in dreamy shades of pink, making it the ultimate romantic escape!

📍 Location: Goryokaku Park

Cherry blossom lovers, this is your dream destination! Matsumae Castle and Matsumae Park are legendary sakura hotspots in Hokkaido. And we’re not just talking hundreds of cherry trees—we’re talking 250 varieties and over 10,000 trees! On top of that, the park is bursting with other gorgeous blooms like roses, peonies, and hydrangeas. No wonder it’s known as "The Birthplace of Sakura"—and trust us, it lives up to the name!

📍 Location: Matsumae Park

If you're in Tohoku and skip this spot, you're missing out big time! The Shiroishi River is lined with nearly 1,200 cherry trees stretching over 8 kilometers—perfect for a scenic stroll. The highlight? Hitome Senbonzakura, meaning "1,000 cherry trees at a glance." With Mount Zao in the background, this legendary sakura view is worth every second!

📍 Location: Shiroishi River

Over 1,000 years old, this Shidarezakura (weeping cherry tree) is one of Japan’s three most beautiful sakura trees. The name Takizakura means "waterfall cherry blossom," and it's easy to see why! Standing 13.5 meters tall with branches extending up to 20 meters, this breathtaking tree blooms like a cascading waterfall of pink petals. A true natural wonder!

📍 Location: Miharu Takizakura

Don't just stay in Tokyo—head to Saitama for 3,000 sakura trees in full bloom! Two must-see spots: Kita-Sakura Street: 400 cherry trees forming a 2.5km-long sakura tunnel. Minami-Sakura Street: 200 cherry trees along a 1km stretch. It’s a dreamy walk through pink petals you won’t forget!

📍 Location: Nagatoro

One of Tokyo’s most famous cherry blossom spots, this 700-meter-long tree-lined walkway runs alongside the Imperial Palace moat. With over 260 sakura trees, you can enjoy a relaxing stroll—or better yet, rent a boat and admire the blossoms from the water!

📍 Location: Chidorigafuchi-ryokudo

A classic Tokyo sakura viewing spot! Stroll along the 1.7km riverbank lined with cherry trees from Meguro Shinbashi Bridge to Nakameguro Station. With riverside seating and cozy cafés, it’s the perfect place to soak in the springtime magic.

📍 Location: Meguro River

Step into a traditional Japanese garden blending historic architecture and stunning nature. With beautifully landscaped scenery, seasonal flowers, and 17 historical buildings, Sankeien offers a classic Kyoto-like atmosphere—without leaving Kanagawa!

📍 Location: Sankeien Garden

One of the most iconic views of Japan—a five-story red pagoda, cherry blossoms, and Mount Fuji in the background! Located at Arakura Sengen Shrine, this spot is a must-visit for photographers and travelers seeking that picture-perfect Japan experience.

📍 Location: Chureito Pagoda

Famous for its deep pink cherry blossoms, Kawazu-zakura trees bloom earlier than most, creating a vibrant sakura festival along Kawazu River. With 8,000 cherry trees and bright yellow canola fields, the scenery is straight out of a painting!

📍 Location: Kawazu-zakura

One of Kyoto’s top sakura spots! Maruyama Park is the city's oldest and largest public park, home to about 680 cherry trees. The star of the show? A massive 80-year-old weeping sakura tree (Shidarezakura), beautifully lit up at night. A must-visit for hanami (cherry blossom viewing)!

📍 Location: Maruyama Park

Just admiring the architecture and scenery within Daigoji Temple is already impressive, but if you want to experience its full beauty, visit during cherry blossom season or autumn foliage. This significant temple of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism and a UNESCO World Heritage Site transforms into a dreamlike landscape with vibrant seasonal colors. The vast temple grounds offer various cherry blossom viewing spots, including the Five-Story Pagoda, Bentendo Hall, and the beautiful garden near the Sanboin residence.

📍Location: Daigoji Temple (Daigoji), Kyoto

If you visit Osaka during cherry blossom season, don’t miss the stunning views along the Okawa River. This spot is one of the best places to enjoy cherry blossoms in the city, with over 4,800 trees lining the riverbanks. The best way to take in the scenery is by boat, where you can see the pink blossoms set against Osaka’s key landmarks, such as Kema Sakuranomiya Park, the Mint Bureau, and Osaka Castle.

📍Location: Okawa River, Osaka

Himeji Castle is one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in the Kansai region. This grand white castle has stood for over 400 years, and its surroundings feature more than 1,000 cherry trees of various species. The soft pink blossoms beautifully complement the castle’s elegant design. The best spots to enjoy cherry blossoms here include Sannomaru Lawn, Nishinomaru Garden, and Koko-en Garden.

📍ocation: Himeji Castle, Hyogo

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to around 30,000 cherry trees spanning approximately 200 varieties. The most common variety here is the ancient Shiroyamazakura, and when the trees bloom, they create a breathtaking gradient of pink hues covering the mountain. At night, the cherry blossoms are illuminated, offering a different but equally stunning view from the daytime scenery.

📍Location: Mt. Yoshino, Nara

A visit here is a double treat—you get to see cherry blossoms and adorable deer at the same time! Nara Park boasts over 1,700 cherry trees, most of which are the Naranoyaezakura variety, known for their smaller petals. Alongside the breathtaking blossoms, you’ll find over 500 friendly deer roaming the park. It’s no surprise that this park is ranked among Japan’s top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots.

📍Location: Nara Park, Nara

Ranked as one of Japan’s top three most beautiful bridges, Kintaikyo Bridge features five wooden arches spanning the Nishiki River. One side of the bridge leads to the base of Mt. Yokoyama, where Iwakuni Castle stands. During cherry blossom season, more than 3,000 trees bloom around the bridge, creating a mesmerizing scene. Visitors can take a boat ride along the river to enjoy the view before heading to the Kintaikyo Sakura Festival onshore.

📍Location: Kintaikyo Bridge, Yamaguchi

Prepare to be amazed by the sight of an entire mountain covered in pink cherry blossoms! Mt. Shiude, standing at 352 meters on the Shonai Peninsula, is home to around 1,000 cherry trees. The backdrop of floating mist, the Seto Inland Sea, and the scattered islands make this a one-of-a-kind cherry blossom viewing location. Some of the varieties found here include the popular Someiyoshino and the multi-petaled Yaezakura, which can have anywhere from 10 to 50 petals per blossom.

📍Location: Mt. Shiude, Kagawa

A must-visit for cherry blossom lovers, Omura Park is filled with over 2,000 cherry trees from 21 different varieties, including soft pink, deep pink, and even yellow blossoms. Among them is the rare Omurazakura, which has been designated a Natural Monument of Japan. This unique cherry variety features large, densely layered flowers with 60-100 petals per bloom, resembling a rose in appearance.

📍Location: Omura Park, Nagasaki

Ending the list with a breathtaking cherry blossom experience at Kumamoto Castle! This 400-year-old architectural masterpiece is surrounded by approximately 800 cherry trees spread across its vast 980,000-square-meter grounds. During spring, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the castle's typically imposing and formidable appearance softens, creating a stunning contrast between its historic grandeur and the delicate pink flowers.

📍Location: Kumamoto Castle, Kumamoto

Got plans to escape the heat and enjoy cherry blossoms in Japan? Don't wait too long! If you miss it this year, you'll have to wait until next year! Book your flight and hotels early for the best deals and to avoid the crowds. If you don’t want the hassle, save time, and grab the best promotions, just book with Traveloka. Easy booking, convenient payment – one app does it all! Travel hassle-free with no worries!