The best places to witness Japan’s cherry blossom season

It’s that time of year again – sakura season. The magnificent display of Japan’s cherry trees in full bloom is something that should be witnessed at least once in your life. Here’s where to see this enchanting floral display across Japan

Everywhere you look, magnificent displays of fluffy pink and white blooms forming a fluffy blanket over Japan’s streets. This is sakura season, and it’s no wonder it draws thousands of visitors to the Land of the Rising Sun each year. A cherished cultural tradition that symbolises renewal, the springtime bloom of the cherry blossoms is a highly anticipated event each year that serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life, and to cherish the beauty of the moment.

The blossoming of the cherry trees marks the arrival of spring across Japan after the frigid winter months. A series of warm days triggers the cherry trees to awaken – a phenomenon known as the ‘ temperature sum’ – but exactly when this occurs depends on the season that year and which part of Japan you are in. Warmer southern prefectures typically see earlier blooms compared to the cooler northern regions, with the season often beginning in Kyushu, southwestern Japan, in March and progressing northward.

Cherry blossom timing varies each year, with blooms generally progressing from southern Japan to northern regions between March and May. Travellers should check the latest annual forecast before finalising their plans. As for how long you can expect to see the actual flowering period, the blossoms usually last about two weeks from the start of their bloom to peak bloom.

Somei-Yoshino trees, known for their pale pink blossoms, and shidare-zakura, or weeping cherry trees, are among the most common and picturesque varieties​​.

Must-visit cherry blossom viewing locations

Shizuoka

Kawazu-zakura are among the region’s earliest-blooming cherry blossoms and typically reach full bloom in early February. The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates these early bloomers, attracting thousands of visitors annually. With fairy lights decorating hundreds of cherry trees that line the riverside, the month-long festival allows visitors to explore local producers selling souvenirs and food stalls while enjoying live entertainment beneath the cherry blossoms.

Naka City

Shizumine Park in Nakashi City is known for its double-flowering cherry trees, which have twice as many petals as typical varieties.

Fukuoka

Nishi Park, with its 1,300 cherry blossom trees, offers stunning views of the city, Hakata Bay, and its islands. This historic park, established in 1875, is a popular spot for spring picnics and features numerous food and drink stalls during the blooming season.

Hiroshima

The iconic Hiroshima Castle is surrounded by 450 cherry blossom trees, providing a beautiful backdrop to appreciate Japan’s flora and historic architecture.

Tokyo

Ueno Park boasts over 1,000 trees, while at Chidorigafuchi Park you can rent boats to view blossoms from the water. Shinjuku Gyoen, Sumida Park along the Sumida River, Yoyogi Park, Meguro River with its stunning pink tunnel of trees, and Inokashira Park in Kichijoji with its sakura-ringed picturesque pond are ideal spots for viewing.

Kyoto

The city of Kyoto is renowned for its historical sites and is a popular destination for viewing blooming sakura.

Nara: Mt. Yoshino

Mt. Yoshino is a renowned viewing spot around 30,000 cherry trees of approximately 200 varieties.

Hirosaki

Hirosaki Park in Aomori Prefecture boasts approximately 2,600 cherry trees across 52 varieties, some over 300 years old. The Sakura Tunnel and illuminated night views are particularly breathtaking.

Hokkaido

As the last region to experience the bloom, Hokkaido Shrine in Sapporo showcases 1,400 trees in full bloom. The location is unique compared to many other viewing spots around Japan because Hokkaido’s climate sees both cherry blossoms and white and red plum blossoms flourish at the same time.

Be sure to check the latest updates on Japan’s cherry blossom season to time your trip for peak bloom.

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