Sakura in Chiba: Top 11 Places to See Cherry Blossoms

Those flying into Japan may tend to overlook Chiba, eager to get to all the excitement in Tokyo. Contrary to popular opinion, however, Tokyo’s eastern neighbor has plenty going on! First, there’s the unique Chiba Urban Monorail, the expansive Makuhari Messe convention center, and, of course, “Tokyo” Disneyland.

As we head into the spring season, we’re adding these spots in Chiba to our roster of places for the perfect cherry blossom picnic. With fewer crowds and easy access from the big city, here are eleven of the best locations to see sakura in Chiba.

But first, where is Chiba in the first place? Chiba is right next door to Tokyo on the eastern coast of Japan, in what is called the Kanto region. You can get from Tokyo Station to Chiba via the Sōbu Line or the faster Narita Limited Express Line, taking just 24 minutes to get to Chiba City and one hour to get to Narita.

Cherry blossom season typically hits this part of Honshu in late March. According to the 2025 Cherry Blossom Forecast, the first buds are set to flower on March 24th, with full bloom occurring on the 31st. 

For the most accurate, up-to-date information, keep checking our 2025 Sakura Forecast or the Japan Meteorological Corporation’s (JMC) Forecast Map closer to the spring season to better plan your trip.

Find out more: Cherry Blossoms in Japan: When and Where to See Sakura

Before stopping at the second place on our list, we recommend taking a pit stop at Nakayodai Park for a bit of local flair. 

Be sure to stop by local eateries Marond or Kawatoyo Nishiguchikan if you’re hungry before arriving at Nakadai Sports Park, home to the Yoshino, Somei-Yoshino, Kawazu-zakura strains of cherry blossoms, the latter of which is known for blooming a little earlier than most. 

You can also enjoy plum trees — the official tree of Narita — just before cherry blossom season. As it is a sports park, this is also a good place to play a game of baseball, take a nice stroll, or just sit and read a book just a few minutes away from the station. 

Home to the famous Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, Naritasan is a great place to spend an idyllic afternoon among the cherry blossoms. Just 20 minutes by foot from Narita Station, you’ll know you’ve arrived when the iconic three-story pagoda of Shinshoji comes into view. 

Spend a few hours walking through the sakura-covered park, visiting the scenic Ryuchi Pond, the Naritasan Museum of Calligraphy and the statue of Kawashima Shojiro, the Chiba-born vice president of the Liberal Democratic Party who served under Premier Eisaku Sato for 14 terms. 

Although popular for Hatsumode, the first shrine visit during the New Year holiday, Inage Sengen Shrine is also popular for its cherry blossoms. 

Built on top of a slope 1,200 years ago by the Chiba clan, the shrine is a tribute to Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, allowing you to feel like you’ve traveled across borders and through time right in the middle of the pine forest. 

After completing the short hike, don’t forget to explore the rest of the surrounding Inage Park. 

With a mix of early and late-blooming cherry blossom trees, Aoba no Mori is a local favorite in the heart of Chiba City. 

Offering open areas for sports and barbecue, a sculpture square and easy access to shopping malls and restaurants, Aoba no Mori is where you can get all the amenities of, say, Ueno Park, without having to claim your space early!

With a panoramic view of the Edo River, Satomi Park in Ichikawa City offers a gorgeous day trip to see the 200+ trees bursting to life in the area. Once home to a castle during Sengoku — Japan’s Warring States Period — the cherry tree-lined paths offer a full immersion into Japan’s fascinating history. 

What’s more, there’s a renowned rose garden that is famous across the Kanto region. 

Known for being a year-round flower-viewing spot, Funabashi’s H.C. Andersen Park is like a little slice of Europe right outside of Tokyo. The park’s famous windmill is flanked by beautiful sakura trees while the rest of the park is home to playgrounds for children, animal rides and a mini-golf course. 

If you’re hungry or thirsty, there are also restaurants and stalls, ensuring you’ll want to spend as much time here as possible!

Perhaps one of the most famous spots for sakura in Northern Chiba, Omigawa Joyama Park sees visitors coming in droves each season for its wide variety of flowers, including sakura in spring, hydrangeas in summer and olives in the fall. 

There are numerous spots for the perfect sakura snaps, not to mention castle ruins and the Seifuso Center, which runs workout classes and traditional Japanese crafting classes. Whether you’re coming with your family, friends or by yourself, you won’t tire of the picturesque scenery easily! 

For those looking to go truly off the beaten path, head to the Boso Hills of central Chiba near Lake Kameyama. With seasonal colors, excellent local food and abundant hot springs, there’s no better place for a spring-themed camping trip (or afternoon jaunt). 

Enjoy fishing, a guided boat ride and other lakeside activities. The best part? The view of the cherry blossoms framing the floating red torii gate in the middle of the lake. 

There might not be a more photogenic train journey in all of Chiba than the Kominato Railway during the spring season. This local line runs from Ichihara City to Otaki Town, with nanohana yellow flowers and pink cherry blossoms greeting you at the windows. 

One of the most popular places to stop is Itabu Station, a photographer’s dream with its pink foliage. 

With over 2,850 cherry blossom trees on its grounds, Mobara Park is a must-visit destination during sakura season. Earning itself a list on the top 100 places to see cherry blossoms in Japan, the sight of the bright red Benten bridge that crosses the pond contrasting with the pink flowers around it is like something out of a fairytale. 

But don’t worry, there’s more space surrounding the red centerpiece for picnics and strolls, too. 

What could be better than watching planes take off through the cherry blossom trees? Located a stone’s throw away from Narita Airport, spread out a blanket and watch the planes take off for faraway lands as you enjoy your favorite snacks and drinks. 

Be sure to pick up some souvenirs and local products at the nearby Sora no Eki Sakurakan shopping center along the way!

Chasing cherry blossoms across Japan? Here’s where to find the best cherry blossoms spots in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. Or, if you’re just here for the seasonal food, check out these classic Japanese spring foods and things to do in spring.