15 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Japan: Where to Go This Summer? Let’s Visit Japan

Traveloka TH
26 Dec 2024 - 15 min read

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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Cherry Blossom Forecast for Japan in 2025: When is the Best Time to See Sakura?

Tokyo: Cherry blossoms begin to bloom in mid-March, reaching full bloom before the end of March.
Kyoto & Osaka: Cherry blossoms begin to bloom before the end of March, reaching full bloom by the end of March.
Fukuoka: Cherry blossoms begin to bloom before the end of March, reaching full bloom by the end of March.
Hokkaido: Cherry blossoms begin to bloom in late April, reaching full bloom by the end of April.

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

1. Chidorigafuchi Park, Tokyo

Chidorigafuchi Park, Tokyo
Chidorigafuchi Park, Tokyo

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!

Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day. During cherry blossom season (around late March to early April), the park is illuminated, and you can enjoy the view from sunset until 10:00 PM.
How to Get There: Take the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line and get off at Hanzomon Station (Z07), Exit 1, then walk about 10 minutes. Alternatively, take the JR Chūō Line or JR Sōbu Line to Kudanshita Station and walk about 10 minutes to the park.

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2. Inokashira Park, Tokyo

Inokashira Park, Tokyo
Inokashira Park, Tokyo

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.

Entrance Fee: Free. However, if you want to use other services within the park, such as boating on Inokashira Lake, there are additional fees. For example, a rowboat rental is 1,000 yen for 2 people (around 30 minutes), and a buffalo boat rental is 1,500 yen for 2 people (around 30 minutes).
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day. However, some services, such as Inokashira Park Zoo, have specific hours of operation, from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
How to Get There: Take a train from Shibuya Station or Kichijoji Station and get off at Inokashira-koen Station (about 5-10 minutes from Shibuya). Alternatively, take the JR Chūō Line to Kichijoji Station and walk about 5 minutes to the park.

3. Nakameguro River, Tokyo

Nakameguro River, Tokyo

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.

Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: There are no specific hours since it's a natural site accessible 24 hours a day. However, during special seasons like spring when the cherry blossoms bloom, there may be events or festivals with specific hours, such as nighttime illuminations from the evening until around 10:00 PM.
How to Get There: Take the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line or the Tokyu Meguro Line to Nakameguro Station (about 10 minutes from Shibuya Station). From there, it’s a short walk to Nakameguro River.

4. Philosopher’s Path, Kyoto

Philosopher’s Path, Kyoto
Philosopher’s Path, Kyoto

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.

Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day, as it's a walking path along the Sannan River, a natural area with no specific time restrictions.
How to Get There: Take the Keihan Line from Gion-Shijo Station or Kyoto Station, and get off at Higashiyama Station. From there, it's a 15-minute walk to the Philosopher’s Path. Alternatively, take the JR Nara Line to Tetsugaku-no-michi Station or Keage Station, and then walk about 10 minutes to the path.

5. Gion Shirakawa, Kyoto

Gion Shirakawa, Kyoto
Gion Shirakawa, Kyoto

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.

Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day
How to Get There: Take the Keihan Line to Gion-Shijo Station (about 5 minutes from Kyoto Station), then walk 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, take bus lines 100 or 206 to the Gion bus stop, then walk about 5 minutes to the location.

6. Maruyama Park, Kyoto

Maruyama Park, Kyoto
Maruyama Park, Kyoto

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.

Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day
How to Get There: Take the Keihan Line to Gion-Shijo Station, then walk about 10 minutes. Alternatively, take bus lines 100 or 206 to Maruyama-koen bus stop and walk about 5 minutes to the park.

7. Himeji Castle, Hyogo

Himeji Castle, Hyogo
Himeji Castle, Hyogo

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.

Entrance Fee: Adults (18 years and older) - 1,000 yen; Students (elementary to high school) - 300 yen
Opening Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM). During summer (June 27 - August 31), the hours are extended from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM). The castle is closed on December 29-30 each year.
How to Get There: Take the JR Sanyo Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station or Kyoto Station to Himeji Station (approximately 30-50 minutes depending on the train type). From Himeji Station, it’s a 15-20 minute walk to Himeji Castle.

8. Shiroishi River, Miyagi

Shiroishi River, Miyagi

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.

Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day
How to Get There: Take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen or JR Tohoku Line from Sendai Station to Shiroishi Station (about 30-40 minutes). From Shiroishi Station, it’s a 10-15 minute walk to Shiroishi River.

9. Osaka Castle, Osaka

 Osaka Castle, Osaka
Osaka Castle, Osaka

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.

Entrance Fee: Adults (16 years and older) - 600 yen; Children (under 15) - Free
Opening Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM). During cherry blossom season (March 24 – April 8) and Golden Week, the hours are extended from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last entry at 6:30 PM).
How to Get There: Take the JR Osaka Loop Line to Osaka Castle Park Station or Morinomiya Station (approximately 10-15 minutes from Osaka Station). From the station, walk about 10-15 minutes to the castle. Alternatively, take the Tanimachi Line or Chūō Line on the subway to Tanimachi 4-chome Station or Osakajō-Kyūjomae Station, then walk about 5-10 minutes.

10. Osaka Mint Bureau, Osaka

Osaka Mint Bureau, Osaka
Osaka Mint Bureau, Osaka

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.

Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM). It may temporarily close during the year-end and New Year holidays.
How to Get There: Take the JR Osaka Loop Line to Osaka-jo Koen Station (approximately 10 minutes from Osaka Station). From the station, walk about 10 minutes to the Osaka Mint Bureau. Alternatively, take the Tanimachi Line on the subway to Tanimachi 4-chome Station or Morinomiya Station, then walk about 10 minutes.

11. Nara Park, Nara

Nara Park, Nara

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.

Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day
How to Get There: Take the Kintetsu Nara Line and get off at Kintetsu Nara Station (Exit 3), which is about a 5-minute walk to the park. Alternatively, take the JR Nara Line to Nara Station and walk for about 20 minutes to the park, or take buses 1 or 5 to the Todaiji Daibutsuden stop, and it’s about a 10-minute walk from there.

12. Mount Yoshino, Nara

Mount Yoshino, Nara

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.

Entrance Fee: Free (Note: there may be fees for the cable car ride)
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day
How to Get There: Take the Kintetsu Yoshino Line from Kintetsu Nara Station to Yoshino Station (approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes). Alternatively, you can travel from Kashiharajingu-mae Station by changing to the Kintetsu Yoshino Line, taking around 2 hours.

13. Takayama, Gifu

Takayama, Gifu
Takayama, Gifu

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.

Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day
How to Get There: Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya Station, then transfer to the JR Hida Limited Express to reach Takayama Station.

14. Kawaguchiko Lake, Yamanashi

Kawaguchiko Lake, Yamanashi
Kawaguchiko Lake, Yamanashi

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.

Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day
How to Get There: Take the JR Chuo Line to JR Otsuki Station (approximately 1 hour), then transfer to the Fujikyu Railway to reach Kawaguchiko (about 1 hour). From there, you can use buses or bicycles to explore the lake and nearby attractions.

15. Oshino Hakkai Village, Yamanashi

Oshino Hakkai Village, Yamanashi
Oshino Hakkai Village, Yamanashi

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.

Entrance Fee: Free to visit the Oshino Hakkai ponds
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day
How to Get There: Take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station (about 1 hour), then transfer to the Fujikyu Railway to Fujisan Station (about 1 hour). From there, take a local bus to Oshino Hakkai (about 20 minutes), or you can take a bus from Kawaguchiko Station (about 20-30 minutes).

Enjoy the most romantic cherry blossoms that you must visit with Traveloka

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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In This Article

• Cherry Blossom Forecast for Japan in 2025: When is the Best Time to See Sakura?
• 1. Chidorigafuchi Park, Tokyo
• 2. Inokashira Park, Tokyo
• 3. Nakameguro River, Tokyo
• 4. Philosopher’s Path, Kyoto
• 5. Gion Shirakawa, Kyoto
• 6. Maruyama Park, Kyoto
• 7. Himeji Castle, Hyogo
• 8. Shiroishi River, Miyagi
• 9. Osaka Castle, Osaka
• 10. Osaka Mint Bureau, Osaka
• 11. Nara Park, Nara
• 12. Mount Yoshino, Nara
• 13. Takayama, Gifu
• 14. Kawaguchiko Lake, Yamanashi
• 15. Oshino Hakkai Village, Yamanashi
• Enjoy the most romantic cherry blossoms that you must visit with Traveloka

Flights Featured in This Article

Mon, 8 Sep 2025
VietJet Air
Bangkok (BKK) to Tokyo (HND)
Start from THB 3,977.41
Book Now
Fri, 29 Aug 2025
HK Express
Phuket (HKT) to Tokyo (HND)
Start from THB 8,197.93
Book Now
Mon, 25 Aug 2025
StarFlyer
Chiang Mai (CNX) to Tokyo (HND)
Start from THB 6,737.10
Book Now
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