Sakura season have long been praised and celebrated with joy and enthusiasm in Japanese tradition. Not only in Japan, it is now being adored across the world as Cherry blossom. Thousand of visitors travel to Japan during this season to enjoy the beautiful view of white and pink flowers in full bloom.
As in Japanese tradition, Sakura season is considered as a symbol of renewal, vitality and beauty. You can enjoy the Hanami Picnics at parks and have varied local eateries, sweets and drinks derived from Sakura flowers.
Season starts from mid-March at around Kyushu and Shikoku islands, moves norther and eastern towards Tokyo, and ends in early May at Hokkaido. The prediction about Sakura blooming are realised every year by JMC and one can plan their travel accordingly.
In this article, I would like to share some of the best and magnificent places to enjoy Sakura season (cherry blossoms) in Japan.
Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan 2024
- Hirosaki Park, Aomori
- Philosopher’s path, Kyoto
- Mt. Yoshino, Nara
- Chidorigafuchi Green Way, Tokyo
- Lake Kawaguchiko
Hirosaki Park, Aomori
This park is situated around the Hirosaki castle at Aomori Prefecture and offers one of best cherry blossom viewing spot. The prefecture organises Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival every year around late-April which is in parallel to the time when the park is at its peak of blooming season. The park is covered by around 2600 trees of 50 distinct varieties planted so densely that one cannot view the sky when the flowers are in full bloom. Visitors praise more than 400 plants that are over 100 years old, the oldest one is over 135 years old.
Philosopher’s path, Kyoto
Viewing the temples and shrines of Kyoto during Sakura season is no doubt marvellous experience itself. However, one of the best being Philosopher’s path in Kyoto’s Higashuiyama district, place also known as Tetsugaku no Michi. This 2 kms long path is along the Lake Biwa Canal offers best hanami spots because of the beautiful hanging of Sakura flowers along the canal’s path. Visitors enjoy the temples, beautiful cafes and boutiques under the canopy of pink and white flowers along this path.
Mount Yoshino, Nara
Yoshino has long been famous as cherry blossom viewing spot at Nara, covering around 30,000 cherry trees. These trees cover the whole mountain and blooms from mid-March till April in steps because of the varied mountain elevation. Prefecture organises buses to reach the top of the mountain, and also special events where trees lit up during the evening.
Chidorigafuchi Green Way, Tokyo
Although the urban architecture of Tokyo renowned and marvellous but still it holds vibe of typical Japanese cultures and traditions. Chigorigafuchi Greenway is a 700 m long pathway adjacent to a moat on west side of Imperial Palace, and considered as one of the best cherry blossom spot at Tokyo. There are around 260 cherry trees covering the path and 330 trees in Kitanomaru Park which is on the opposite side of moat. Visitors enjoy and relax this spectacular view of pink flowers by renting boats and riding on the moat. Night illumination are also happening during the season (check in 2021).
Tokyo also have other beautiful cherry blossom spots which one shouldn’t miss, covering Shinjuku Gyeon with over 1000 trees, Meguro Garden or Nakemeguro, Ueno park and Yoyogi Park.
Lake Kawaguchiko
Viewing magnificent Mt. Fuji closely at Kawaguchi is all-year round tourist destination in Japan. During cherry blossom, it shines with beautiful post-card worthy view covering the snowy mountain and pink flowers at the bottom. Visitors and photographers enjoy the view from seaside promenade near kawaguchiko music forest to capture this worthy sight.
Here are some other recommendations for cherry blossom viewing in Japan,
- Himeji Castle, surrounded by Senhimebotanen Garden, Sannokmaru grounds and Nishnomaru grounds.
- Kawazu, Shizuoka on the east coast of Izu Peninsula for its earliest blooming in late-February
- Goryakaku Park, Hokkaido with star-shaped fortress ruins covered by cherry flowers and blue sky reflections on the moats
- Kyoto botanical garden at Kyoto with 12000 species of vegetation, also Kano river offers an ideal romantic spot for couples.
- Tshuchiura, Ibaraki also have castle, park and river who looks incredible during blossom
- Yamagata Castle (Kajo Park) planted lot of sakura tress around the castle, good to walk and enjoy the scenic beauty.
Japan Cherry Blossom 2024 Forecast (Updated)
- Tokyo Flowered: March 23 / Full bloom: March 31
- Sapporo Flowering: May 2 / Full bloom: May 5
- Sendai Flowering: April 8 / Full bloom: April 13
- Kanazawa Flowering: April 1 / Full bloom: April 9
- Nagoya Flowering: March 21 / Full bloom: March 26
- Kyoto Flowering: March 23 / Full bloom: March 27
- Osaka Flowering: March 25 / Full bloom: March 29
- Hiroshima Flowered: March 22 / Full bloom: March 27
- Fukuoka Flowered: March 21 / Full bloom: March 29
