As we enter April, cherry blossoms in Japan are starting to bloom, welcoming travelers like us. For those who have missed this opportunity year after year, don’t let this year pass by without experiencing it! Book your flight to Japan, enjoy the cherry blossoms, take amazing photos, and check in to show off on social media. If you've already got your flight and hotels ready but aren’t sure where to go to see the beautiful sakura, Traveloka has compiled 15 stunning spots for you. Guaranteed to be breathtaking and truly spectacular.
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Since the cherry blossom forecast for 2025 cannot be predicted with high accuracy yet, you can start planning your trip to Japan between late March and early April with Traveloka. Booking your trip in advance will increase your chances of seeing the cherry blossoms in full bloom across various regions before anyone else
Let's start with the first cherry blossom viewing spot at Chidorigafuchi Park, a public park in Tokyo, Japan’s capital. What makes this park special is its location between two drainage canals and its proximity to the Imperial Palace to the northwest. For beautiful photos with cherry trees lining the canals, you can rent a boat and enjoy the sakura from the water – it's truly a fantastic experience!
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Another must-visit cherry blossom spot in Tokyo is Inokashira Park. Here, you’ll find hundreds of cherry trees surrounding the beautiful Inokashira Pond, creating a stunning sight. You can enjoy a relaxing boat ride around the pond while admiring the blooming sakura. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the shopping streets of Kichijoji, visit the Inokashira Zoo, or explore the Ghibli Museum.
Experience the stunning beauty of cherry blossoms along Nakameguro River. The sight of sakura trees blooming on both sides of the river is truly breathtaking. At this spot, you can walk along the riverbanks, relax in the small parks that stretch along the water, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. During cherry blossom season, there are also small food stalls offering grilled treats and other snacks for you to enjoy while soaking in the view.
Kyoto also has a famous cherry blossom viewing route along the Biwako Canal, a small canal connecting Kinkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji Temples. This route is known as the Philosopher’s Path, and it's a must-see for anyone visiting Kyoto to admire sakura in April.
Visit the beautiful cherry blossoms along the ancient streets of Kyoto at Gion Shirakawa. This historic, well-preserved street is lined with sakura trees and bordered by the Shirakawa River. The picturesque setting, with sakura in full bloom and a traditional ambiance, creates a perfect photo opportunity—especially if you’re dressed in a kimono or yukata! It’s truly a magical place for cherry blossom viewing, and we highly recommend experiencing it for yourself.
Continuing our tour in Kyoto, another must-see cherry blossom spot is Maruyama Park, located behind Yasaka Shrine. The park offers a stunning atmosphere, with Japanese cherry trees blooming beautifully in the center. If you visit in the evening, you can enjoy the illuminated sakura for a different, magical experience. The park also has small tables under the sakura trees where visitors can sit and enjoy a picnic.
Himeji Castle, also known as the "White Heron Castle" due to its striking white appearance, is another popular cherry blossom viewing spot. The castle is beautifully preserved and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Surrounding the castle are over 1,000 cherry trees of various species, all blooming in a spectacular display. The sight of sakura petals drifting in the air only enhances the majestic beauty of the castle.
For an unforgettable cherry blossom experience, head to Shiroishi River, where you can witness over 1,200 sakura trees blooming along an 8-kilometer stretch. The view is absolutely stunning, especially on a clear, sunny day, with the mountains of Zao providing a breathtaking backdrop. At night, the sakura are beautifully illuminated. During the Ogawara Sakura Matsuri (Ogawara Cherry Blossom Festival), you can also enjoy various food stalls and activities.
Osaka Castle is another stunning cherry blossom spot that should be on your bucket list. The castle itself is visually impressive, and the surrounding park is filled with sakura trees, creating a picturesque atmosphere. During cherry blossom season, the entire area becomes a perfect backdrop for photographs. Whether you're capturing the sakura with the castle in the background or simply enjoying the beauty of the trees, you’ll find countless stunning angles.
The Osaka Mint Bureau, with its beautiful European-style architecture, is a classic spot for cherry blossom viewing. During sakura season, the area is especially picturesque, with sakura trees lining the grounds and stunning illuminations at night. It's an ideal place to enjoy the blossoms, shop for souvenirs at the nearby stores, and even visit the museum showcasing various coins from Japan's history.
Nara Park is a large, serene park that offers visitors a chance to enjoy both nature and historical sites. The park is home to significant cultural and historical landmarks, including Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and the Nara National Museum. One of the park's highlights is its population of free-roaming deer, which are considered sacred in the region. Visitors can buy sembei (rice crackers for deer) to feed the friendly animals. During the spring, particularly from March to mid-April, the park is also a beautiful spot for cherry blossom viewing, with sakura flowers in soft pink hues contrasting against the green lawns. A visit here offers not only scenic beauty but also the charm of interacting with the deer.
Mount Yoshino, located in Nara, is one of Japan's most famous cherry blossom viewing spots, offering a unique elevated perspective. While the mountain is known for its stunning views year-round, it becomes especially popular during spring when over 30,000 cherry trees bloom in breathtaking shades of pink, covering the entire mountain. One of the best experiences here is riding the cable car up the mountain to view the cherry blossoms from above, creating an unforgettable, scenic experience. The picturesque landscape is a must-see for anyone visiting Japan during the sakura season.
Takayama, a charming city in Gifu Prefecture, is beautiful year-round, but it becomes even more enchanting during the cherry blossom season from April to May. The city offers several scenic spots for sakura viewing, such as the iconic Karyu and Shokawa cherry trees. Strolling through Takayama while enjoying the cool breeze and the delicate scent of blooming sakura is an experience that can truly soothe the soul.
If you want to witness cherry blossoms in full bloom with the majestic Mount Fuji in the background, then Kawaguchiko Lake in Yamanashi is the perfect spot. As one of the five lakes surrounding Mount Fuji, this location offers stunning views of cherry blossoms reflecting off the lake with the iconic mountain in the distance. In addition to the breathtaking scenery, the area around the lake is surrounded by hotels, restaurants, and various attractions, making it a great place to relax, take a boat ride, or snap some beautiful photos for your social media.
Oshino Hakkai is a tranquil village known for its crystal-clear ponds, and it's another great spot for cherry blossom viewing. During spring, over 400 cherry trees of the "Somei Yoshino" variety line the banks of the Shinnacho River, offering a picturesque view of Mount Fuji in the background. The delicate pink cherry blossoms in contrast with the majestic mountain create a peaceful, serene atmosphere. It’s a perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
All 15 cherry blossom viewing spots selected by Traveloka are absolutely stunning! If you want to see beautiful cherry blossoms in Japan, you need to hurry, as each location is in full bloom during April. We don't want you to miss out, because once you miss this opportunity, the blossoms might not be as beautiful. Get ready, both physically and mentally! Book your flight to Japan at an affordable price through Traveloka, where you can find everything you need in one place, including hotels and activities to enjoy cherry blossoms in every corner of the city. Don't forget to bring your camera and snap some pictures of the blooming cherry blossoms in Japan! 📸
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