In spring, Japan transforms into a fairyland blanketed by cherry blossoms. These delicate pink blooms adorn parks, streets, riverbanks, and rural villages, creating a picturesque landscape. During the cherry blossom festivals, you'll see cherry trees adorned with lanterns, traditional performances, and locals enjoying food and drinks beneath the blossoms. This practice is known as hanami. In the evenings, the parks are beautifully illuminated.
1. Ueno Park in Tokyo
- Best viewing time: Late March to early April
- Activities: night illumination, food market, lion dance, etc
Ueno Park is not only renowned for its cherry blossoms but also features a zoo and a museum worth visiting. The park buzzes with a vibrant atmosphere as locals gather for hanami (flower viewing). Each year, Ueno Park hosts lively celebrations, offering visitors flower and plant markets, open-air antique markets, and a variety of performances, including traditional lion dances.
2. Mount Yoshino in Nara
- Most suited to: people who love nature and the great outdoors, and photographers
- The best time to visit: Late March to Mid-April
- Location: 1 to 1½ hours from Nara, 2½ hours from Osaka
- Celebration: Night illumination (18:00～22:00)
Imagine vast mountain ridges and a valley covered with blooming flowers. You could see the scenery at Mount Yoshino.
In spring, half of the mountain ridges are covered by sakura. The cherry blossoms there have various colors, so when viewed from the top, the mountains form an enchanting scene. The mountain is also home to several old temples and shrines. The white walls dotted among pink flower seas create a gorgeous landscape. In the evening, the park is illuminated.
Travelers could hike from the foot of the mountain along a scenic trail to the top. Along the trail, there are several stops at various shrines and temples that can be explored. It takes about 2–3 hours to hike to the top.
For a more relaxing journey, you could choose to take a cable car or bus to reach the summit. The cable car ride starts from Yoshino Station. Buses depart from Yoshino Station or the Yoshino bus terminal.
On the mountain, there are restaurants and snack stalls along the main paths and near the shrines. You won't need to worry about getting hungry.
3. Hirosaki Castle in Aomori
- Why recommended: the unique experience of rowing a boat on the petal-filled moat
- The best time to visit: mid-April
- Festivities: night illuminations, performances and food markets
Hirosaki Castle is one of the three most famous old castles in Japan. In the vast grounds of the castle, 2,500 cherry trees have been planted.
In spring, the red, pink, and white cherry blossoms shroud the castle grounds. These beautiful colors are set against the castle's white facade. Old cherry trees are densely planted around the moat. The cherry blossoms fall, making a petal-filled moat.
You could rent a boat to row among the petals on the moat, which would be a very romantic experience. Or you could enjoy a leisurely walk alongside the water under the tall cherry trees.
During the cherry blossom season, the park holds a cherry blossom festival. During the festival, there are a variety of performances inside the park. Food stalls under the cherry trees provide a variety of local foods and drinks.
Don't miss the chance to explore the castle itself. On top of the castle, you get a view of the distant mountains. The views from the castle windows over the park are gorgeous and should not be missed.
4. Nijo Castle Cherry Blossom Festival
Nijo Castle is one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto. There are around 500 cherry blossom trees and in the evening, the cherry blossoms are beautifully illuminated.
The park also hosts lively celebrations. In 2024, the festivities include a variety of unique activities, such as a 3D light show, a riddle contest, a Kyoto specialty exhibition, food trucks, a cherry blossom tea ceremony experience, Kyoto kimono cherry blossom etc.
5. The Meguro River in Tokyo
- Why it is recommended: Experience the most dreamlike scenery at night in Tokyo's city center.
- Best viewing time: late March to early April
- Location: Tokyo city center
The Meguro River cherry blossoms provide dreamlike scenery in the evening when the entire area is bathed in a soft pink glow from the illuminations. In the evening, pink lights shine upon all of the cherry blossoms, creating a gorgeous scene.
Travelers could choose to walk alongside the river or take a cruise boat on the river to enjoy the scenery.
During the cherry blossom festival, the riverside comes alive with vibrant celebrations. There are performances and stalls selling a great variety of food and drinks.
6. Osaka Castle Park
- Why it is recommended: Experience cherry blossoms while exploring Osaka's top attraction.
- Most suited to: all travelers to Osaka
- Festival time: late March to early April
- Celebrations: night illuminations and cultural activities
If you visit Osaka in spring, you should not miss the cherry blossoms at Osaka Castle. As a cultural heritage site, the castle serves as a window into Japan's rich history. Inside the castle, various ancient artifacts and treasures are displayed.
In the large park around the old castle, there are many cherry trees. The scenery of the cherry blossoms against the background of the old castle is a highlight to behold.
You could find a quiet place in the park for a picnic under the cherry blossom trees or walk around the park to take some great photos.
The castle itself is a highlight to visit. You could climb up to it from the park and explore the history of the city. On top of the castle, you could get a bird's-eye view of Osaka.
In the evening, the park is illuminated, adding a touch of magic to the already enchanting atmosphere.
7. The Philosopher's Path, Kyoto
- Why it is recommended: Enjoy a leisurely walk on a small, quiet trail alongside a winding stream.
- Most suited to: couples or travelers who enjoy the quiet atmosphere
- Best viewing time: early April
The Philosopher's Path is ideal for a quiet stroll under the cherry blossoms. It is a small stone-paved path winding alongside a stream. Both sides of the stream are flanked by tall cherry trees. There are also small houses along the trail. Walking along it, you would feel like you are strolling in the back alley of a small village.
The path is about 2 kilometers (1 mile) long, which may take about 30 minutes to walk along. If you want to take a longer stroll, you may consider taking a detour to visit the small temples along the way. Our recommendation is Honen-in. Located up a small hill, the temple offers captivating views of its moss-covered grounds.
8. Himeji Castle in Himeji
- Why it is recommended: Admire cherry blossoms around the old white castle. It is easily accessible from Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima.
- Most suited to: travelers who are interested in the history of Japan
- Best viewing time: late March to early April
Himeji Castle is one of the three old castles in Japan, and it was built over 700 years ago. The castle is known for its shiny white exterior. The castle survived the bombing during World War II and a massive earthquake.
In spring, the stunning white castle stands out against a backdrop of pink blossoms, creating a truly unique sight. For a unique experience, we suggest you take a trip in a small boat that is rowed along the moat surrounding the castle. The boats are manually rowed by local men in straw hats, and travelers all wear straw hats for the journey too.
Active travelers could choose to climb the steep, narrow wooden steps up to the top of the castle to have a bird's-eye view of the grounds, which are dotted with cherry blossoms and gray buildings.
To avoid the crowds during the cherry blossom season, arrive before lunchtime for a more peaceful visit. The west garden within the park is typically quieter and offers a tranquil retreat.
Himeji Castle is easily reached from Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, or Hiroshima in under 3 hours.
9. Matsumae Park Cherry Blossom Festival
- Best viewing time: Late April to Early May
- Activities: Night illuminations, folk songs, and samurai parades
Matsumae Park is one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Hokkaido. The park is home to Japan's northernmost castle, Matsumae Castle. In spring, the park provides a stunning backdrop of cherry blossoms set against this historic landmark. From late April to mid-May each year, around 10,000 cherry trees burst into bloom.
During the festival, visitors can enjoy enchanting nighttime cherry blossom viewing. In addition to the breathtaking blossoms, the event features a variety of exciting activities, including folk song performances and lively samurai parades.
Let Us Help You Plan Your Cherry Blossom Trip to Japan
Everyone knows the cherry blossom season is the best time to visit Japan. However, planning a visit to Japan during this period is not easy. Just thinking of navigating through the huge crowds may make you crazy. Thankfully, it can be all charm and no stress if you let a local expert help plan the perfect trip for you! Contact us now to plan a Japan trip for 2026!
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