Cherry Blossoms in Japan: When and Where to See Sakura

Filled with great scenery, hanami picnics and pink sakura-flavored snacks, it’s no wonder cherry blossom season in Japan draws millions of visitors each year. 

So if you’re trying to plan the cherry blossom-themed trip of your dreams, stick around to find out when and where you can see the best sakura in Japan.

Cherry blossom season refers to the roughly two-week time period in the springtime when sakura, or cherry blossom trees, are in bloom. The arrival of this treasured time in Japan is marked by Vernal Equinox Day (Shunbun no Hi), a public holiday taking place on March 20th. 

This day is popular for hanami (“cherry blossom viewing”), a tradition that involves a picnic with friends and family at your favorite cherry blossom sites, usually drinking sake and eating sakura-themed foods like flower sushi, sakura mochi and more. 

The celebrations continue from the first buds to the point when the ground is covered in a pink blanket. 

Cherry blossom season occurs from late March to late April each year, with some varieties of cherry blossom trees staying in bloom until May. Due to climate change, the time of flowering is moving earlier and earlier in the year, starting first in Kyushu and moving up to Hokkaido as the spring season continues.

According to the 2025 Cherry Blossom Forecast by the Japan Meteorological Corporation, the sakura will start blooming in Kyushu on March 22nd. 

Major cities like Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya and Tokyo will start seeing cherry blossoms between March 24th and March 27th. Central Honshu’s buds will appear around the 30th, with the northern Hokuriku and Tohoku regions not seeing sakura until mid-April. 

Aomori Prefecture and Hokkaido’s blooms won’t emerge until late April, particularly between April 20th and April 30th. 

For those planning on traveling during the cherry blossom season, we recommend coming back to the forecast as close to your trip as possible for more accurate dates! 

Ueno Park is easily the top spot for a quintessential hanami experience in Tokyo. With 1,000 trees surrounding the park and abundant greenery year-round, it’s beautiful and easily accessible for visitors. 

As with many of the places on this list, it’s best to get there early and claim your spot if you want to have a picnic. And if you want to make a full day out of it, you can visit the nearby Ueno Zoo to see the animals enjoying the spring season, too. 

This moat surrounding the Imperial Palace is perhaps Tokyo's most picturesque cherry blossom-viewing spot. This 800-meter-long path makes for a stunning walk with many weeping cherry trees drooping down into the river below. 

Want to make the experience even better? Consider renting a kayak, canoe or boat from Chidori-ga-fuchi Boat Pier to paddle in the water as you take in the pink hues around you. 

For one of the most memorable views in the city, head to southern Tokyo to walk the 8-kilometer-long path alongside Meguro River. You can start at Meguro Station or Nakameguro Station on either end, but expect some healthy crowds.

If you'd prefer a local guide by your side, taking you to all the best spots as part of the Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Festival, here’s the experience for you — complete with seasonal snacks and dinner at a local izakaya bar.

Find out more: Japanese izakaya etiquette you need to know

Taking a stroll through Old Tokyo, eating delicious local snacks with a ceiling of pink flowers? What could be better? On this Tokyo cherry blossom tour, you’ll join a walking tour of Yanaka, exploring the back streets, temples and shrines as you go along. 

To fuel your adventures, you’ll enjoy a seasonal bento box and local snacks, experiencing a day in the life of Yanaka’s friendly residents. Adding a special touch are the plentiful cats and cherry blossom trees in the area!

Hunting for more sakura? Explore Tokyo’s best cherry blossom-viewing spots.

This stone trail along a canal in Higashiyama is what sakura dreams are made of. Named for philosopher Nishida Kitaro, the 2-kilometer-long Philosopher’s Path invites you to do some reflecting as you walk under the fluffy pink flowers, much like Kitaro would have done during the Meiji Period. 

Stretching from the Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji) to Nanzen-ji Temple, you can stop by the shops and cafes once your meditative walk is completed. 

If you want a place to stretch out and observe the cherry blossoms in all their splendor, Maruyama Park is the best place to do so. Right next to Yasaka Shrine in the Higashiyama District, there are a number of restaurants and stalls where you can grab a seat and some food — no picnic supplies needed.

The best way to enjoy Maruyama Park? Visiting at night, when the ancient Shidarezuka, or weeping cherry tree, is lit up as the centerpiece of the property. 

Kyoto’s famed geisha district is made even more appealing when the cherry blossoms provide a pink backdrop for it. From the cobblestone streets to the glowing lanterns to the pink-lined Shirakawa River, its beauty is evident both day and night. 

Interact with the locals by patronizing the shops, restaurants and tea houses along the popular street of Shinbashi-dori. 

And as always, remember to ask if you may take a photo first if you see any geisha out and about. For a more casual way, you can say, “Shashin wa daijoubu desu ka?” 

For a more formal request, you can ask, “Shashin o tottemo yoroshii deshou ka?” Let’s remember to ask for consent so everyone can enjoy Gion in peace!

Find out more: Must-Know Japanese Restaurant Phrases

Located in the foothills of the scenic Mt. Hiei, Kyoto’s Demachiyanagi area is the ideal place for joining a cherry blossom tour, complete with a real hanami stroll, mini picnic and spring-inspired seasonal dish at a classic Kyoto-style restaurant. 

Visit Shimogamo Shrine, Kawai Shrine, a shopping arcade and more, ensuring you get the most out of the sakura season in Kyoto. 

Craving more cherry blossoms in Kyoto? Explore the best places for Kyoto sakura.

Undoubtedly the most iconic place for cherry blossom viewing in Osaka is Osaka Castle. With 3,000 cherry trees spread out over 100 hectares, there’s plenty of space for a quiet picnic with great views. 

Don’t forget to check out the annual cherry blossom illumination festival at night for another perspective of this symbol of Osaka.

Equally as stunning is the Okawa River, which turns into a floral paradise with some 5,000 cherry blossom trees lining the way. Join a river cruise or walk the length of the river to get the most out of the sights. 

If you’re in the mood for a picnic, the lawn areas provide enough room to enjoy a morning or afternoon meal with your loved ones. 

Okawa River connects Kema Sakuranomiya Park and Japan Mint Headquarters, making it the perfect starting point for a day of sakura-themed sightseeing. 

The site of the 1970 World Exhibition, Expo ’70 Commemorative Park is a gorgeous place for viewing sakura. The public park is open during day and night, with illuminations happening in the evenings. Home to over 5,000 cherry trees, there’s plenty to do for visitors of all ages. 

You can rent a boat and paddle around the sculptures in the water in the Dream Pond, walk around the large Japanese garden, view an original pavilion that serves as a memorial for the expo and visit two museums: the National Museum of Ethnology, dedicated to artifacts from around the world, and the Japan Folk Crafts Museum, displaying a collection of Japanese ceramics, textiles, paintings and other crafted items. 

There’s even a shopping complex and a Ferris wheel where you can see the thousands of cherry blossoms from up above!

Learn more about the famous Osaka Expo in our Japan Travel Guide 2025.

Get away from the crowds and dive deep into the Osaka of old on this cherry blossom walking tour of the Karahori neighborhood. Offering a fun blend of nostalgic Japan and modern trends, Karahori gives a glimpse into a completely different side of Osaka than Dotonbori, Shinsekai and Umeda. 

With the help of a guide, you’ll learn about the city’s interesting history, enjoy lunch at a local watering hole, snack on seasonal specialties and interact with locals as you all enjoy the magical cherry blossom season together. 

Find out more: Discover more of Osaka’s best cherry blossoms spots. 

For a mix of history and cherry blossoms, there’s no better place than the samurai district of Kakunodate in Akita Prefecture. 

The best news if you’re visiting Tohoku for sakura season? Full bloom usually occurs during Golden Week in late April and early May, allowing visitors to feel the full holiday atmosphere as families travel during the time off. 

With hundreds of weeping cherry trees along the Hinokinai River, the riverbank is the ultimate location for picnics under the blooms.

As one of Japan’s highest-rated gardens, it should come as no surprise that Ishikawa Prefecture’s Kenrokuen doubles as a fantastic spot for hanami. Connected to Kanazawa Castle, you can even extend the cherry blossom viewing to the grounds of Kanazawa Castle for the best sakura itinerary. 

Find out more: Things To Do in Kanazawa: Top Must-See Attractions

Head to the northern shores of Lake Kawaguchiko for a postcard-like view of Mount Fuji framed by the cherry trees. To get there, you can take the unique retro bus from Kawaguchiko Station for 15-25 minutes. 

The two best spots for a lakeside promenade are the Kawaguchiko Music Forest and the Ubuyagasaki Peninsula near the Kawaguchiko Ohashi Bridge, although you can walk the full 11 kilometers around the lake if your fitness level is high enough for it. 

Go earlier in the morning for the best chance of seeing Mt. Fuji in all its glory. 

One of Japan’s most famous viewing spots, Mt. Yoshino is ideal for those who want to go all out for cherry blossom season. 

Blessed with 30,000 cherry trees, seeing the mountainside covered in pink is almost an otherworldly sight. Don’t worry if you’re not up for hiking, though — you can either take the cable car or a paved pathway to access each of the four main viewing spots. 

Shimo Senbon and Naka Senbon at the base of the mountain are the most popular, while Kami Senbon and Oku Senbon will have fewer crowds, allowing you more time to snap your photos and enjoy the view. Our recommended spot: Hitome Senbon in front of Yoshimizu-jinja Shrine! 

Find out more: Michelin Guide Restaurants in Nara

Heading down south for cherry blossom season? Be sure to add Fukuoka City’s Maizuru Park to your itinerary. 

With 400 years of history held within the walls of Fukuoka Castle, illuminations, food stalls and a cherry blossom festival taking place on the grounds, you can feel the full atmosphere of the cherry blossom season here. 

Although the park has lots of green space for you to spread out, the best views are from the former main citadel within the castle itself.

Find out more: Places to Eat in Fukuoka

Want to know more about spring in Japan? Find out what people eat during hanami, check out the best things to do in Japan during spring and what seasonal foods you should try during cherry blossom season.