15 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan

The Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan are captivating destinations drawing crowds of visitors each spring. During Sakura season, travelers flock to top cherry blossom spots across the country to admire these delicate pink and white flowers. To help you experience Japan’s famous hanami (cherry blossom viewing), here are the list of great cherry blossom spots in Japan:

Shinjuku Gyoen, Tokyo

Shinjuku Gyoen is undoubtedly one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan. The peak cherry blossom time draws huge crowds to Shinjuku Gyoen. Visitors walk along the central pathway to appreciate the overhead canopy of cotton candy colors. A tranquil lake reflects the cherry trees, making it one of the most picturesque hanami locations. For two weeks in spring, Shinjuku Gyoen offers a joyful and unforgettable cherry blossom experience right in the heart of Tokyo.

Visitors can stroll along the park’s paths, taking in the breathtaking sight of the delicate pink and white blossoms. The park’s vast open spaces, serene ponds, and manicured gardens create a picturesque backdrop for the cherry blossoms.

As petals sway in the breeze, visitors can enjoy traditional hanami picnics under the canopy of trees or participate in tea ceremonies in the park.

Ueno Park, Tokyo

During Sakura season, Ueno Park transforms into one of Tokyo’s most popular hanami spots. Over a thousand cherry trees bloom in the park, surrounding Shinobazu Pond with puffs of pink and white. The main attraction is the weeping cherry tree tunnel that arches over the central pathway.

The park boasts a wide variety of cherry tree species, including Somei Yoshino, which is the most common variety in Japan. As visitors stroll along the park’s pathways and expansive lawns, they are treated to a captivating display of vibrant pink and white blossoms.

Ueno Park’s cherry blossoms create a festive atmosphere, attracting crowds of people who come to enjoy the hanami tradition of picnicking under the cherry trees. Families, friends, and coworkers gather together to relax, indulge in delicious food and drinks, and appreciate the fleeting beauty of the blossoms.

Chidorigafuchi Park, Tokyo

Located along the moat of Japan’s Imperial Palace, Chidorigafuchi Park offers one of the most spectacular cherry blossom tree viewing spots in Japan. Over 700 cherry trees line the pathways, reflecting off the calm waters of the moat. During peak bloom, it creates a tunnel of cotton candy hues.

Visitors to Chidorigafuchi Park have the opportunity to rent rowboats to enjoy a leisurely paddle along the moat, surrounded by the stunning cherry blossoms. This unique experience allows for an up-close and personal encounter with the delicate petals, creating a sense of tranquility and serenity.

The park is particularly popular for its nighttime illuminations, which enhance the magical atmosphere. The cherry trees are adorned with soft lights, creating a dreamlike ambiance that captivates and enchants visitors.

Yoyogi Park, Tokyo

During cherry blossom season, Yoyogi Park transforms into one of Tokyo’s most popular hanami party spots. Hundreds of cherry trees bloom around the spacious lawns and ponds, attracting massive crowds. Groups lay down tarps and hold picnics under the canopy of pink and white blossoms.

Visitors can admire the trees and falling petals while strolling leisurely through the park. Varieties include Somei Yoshino, which bear clusters of soft pink flowers, as well as shidarezakura, known for their delicate weeping branches lightly dusted with pale blossoms.

During cherry blossom season, Yoyogi Park attracts large crowds for hanami picnics under the blooming canopies. It’s a lively atmosphere, with people socializing, eating bento boxes, and enjoying the fleeting beauty of the flowers. Some areas are set up with tarps and barbecue grills for public use during this time.

Kyoto

Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, transforms into a floral masterpiece during Sakura season. Philosopher’s Path is the best place to enjoy cherry blossom in Kyoto. During spring, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the path comes alive with color and beauty. The Philosopher’s Path Cherry Blossom Festival is held annually in early April to celebrate the cherry blossom season. It is one of the most popular cherry blossom festivals in Kyoto. Best time to visit is late March to early April.

Maruyama Park is one of Kyoto’s popular cherry blossom spots. During spring, this public park comes alive with over 600 cherry trees of various varieties, including Yoshino cherry, weeping cherry, and mountain cherry. The park is home to a magnificent weeping cherry tree, known as shidarezakura, which stands as a centerpiece and attracts visitors from near and far. This iconic tree, illuminated at night, creates a breathtaking sight that is truly enchanting.

Kiyomizu-dera is a famous Buddhist temple in Kyoto that comes alive with beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring. The temple grounds contain over 1,500 cherry trees of various kinds, making it one of the best places in the city to view the ephemeral pink flowers. Visitors to Kiyomizu-dera temple have the opportunity to wander through the temple complex and witness the cherry blossoms in a serene and spiritual setting. The temple is particularly captivating when viewed from the wooden terrace, which extends out from the main hall, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding hillsides dotted with cherry blossoms.

Another beautiful sight of the cherry blossoms in Kyoto is the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden. Designed in the Edo period, the sprawling garden contains a pristine landscape of ponds, walkways, and over 1,000 cherry trees. During spring, it transforms into a pink wonderland as the cherry blossoms bloom in breathtaking fashion. It’s definitely one of the best spots in the city.

Osaka

Osaka is another incredible city to enjoy the cherry blossoms, with thousands of trees lining the rivers and decorating the parks. Two of the best spots include Osaka Castle Park, which boasts over 4,000 cherry trees, and Expo ’70 Commemorative Park. Early April is the ideal time to visit to enjoy hanami picnics under the canopy of sakura blooms.

The Osaka Castle Park is one of the top spots in Osaka to view cherry blossoms in the springtime. The sprawling grounds contain over 4,000 cherry trees of different varieties that explode in shades of pink and white during the hanami season.

Expo ’70 Commemorative Park in Suita, Osaka is a 260-hectare park containing around 5,000 of over 200 varieties of cherry trees. Families and friends lay out tarps for hanami flower-viewing parties under the trees while musicians provide entertainment on temporary stages. Food stalls sell street snacks to hungry onlookers. When illuminated at night, the cherry trees reflect magically on the large Symbol Zone Pond.

Hiroshima

Though one of Japan’s most historically significant cities, Hiroshima absolutely comes alive each spring when its estimated 350,000 cherry trees burst into flower. Top viewing spots are along the riversides of the Ota and Motoyasu, or within the grounds of scenic Shukkei-en Garden. Visit in early April for peak blossoms.

At night, the blossoms illuminated by paper lanterns produce an otherworldly beauty against Hiroshima Castle in the background. The contrast of the delicate pink flowers with the city’s modern reconstruction creates a unique scenery.

With its plentiful cherry trees and charming hanami atmosphere, Hiroshima offers visitors an unforgettable opportunity to see the Sakura season in one of Japan’s most historic and resilient cities.

Mount Fuji

The iconic mountain of Japan is surrounded by numerous cherry tree groves that erupt in vivid pink hues in springtime. Some of the most popular spots include Kawaguchiko, Fuji Five Lakes, and the scenic road of Fuji Omuro Sengen. Late March to mid-April are the ideal times for seeing Sakura with majestic Mt. Fuji in the backdrop.

Kawaguchiko is a town on the shores of Lake Kawaguchi in Yamanashi Prefecture, overlooked by the majestic Mt. Fuji. During springtime, thousands of cherry trees bloom around the lake, making it one of the most stunning hanami cherry blossom spots.

The Fuji Five Lakes region at the base of Mount Fuji is renowned for its abundance of cherry blossom trees and picture-perfect views. During spring, thousands of cherry trees bloom around the shores of Lake Kawaguchiko, Lake Yamanakako, Lake Saiko, Lake Motosuko, and Lake Shoji.

Fuji Omuro Sengen Shrine sits at the foot of Mount Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture and is renowned for its striking rows of cherry blossom trees. Over 600 ancient cherry trees bloom on its grounds, making it one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots of the mountain.

Nagoya

Yamazakigawa Cherry Blossoms — Credit: IG @k_photo_241

Nagoya may be better known for its technology and industry over tourism, but it’s also a hot spot famous for cherry blossom viewing spots. Top spots include Yamazakigawa Riverside, Tokugawa Garden, and Hisaya Odori Park. Over 4,000 cherry trees explode in color in early April, so it’s the perfect time to visit.

The Yamazakigawa, one of the best popular spots for cherry blossom viewing, is approximately 2.5 kilometers long, and more than 600 beautiful cherry blossom trees bloom along the river. The cherry blossoms along the Yamazaki River make this spot one of the 100 best cherry blossom spots in Japan. Enjoy cherry blossom viewing in early April.

Tokugawa Garden, nestled in Nagoya, Japan, presents a captivating display of cherry blossoms during the spring season. The garden’s serene ambiance is enriched by the fleeting beauty of these delicate pink blooms, which create a breathtaking spectacle against the backdrop of traditional Japanese architecture and landscaped features.

Hisaya Odori Park, transforms into a captivating wonderland during cherry blossom season. The park’s wide boulevards and scenic pathways are adorned with the delicate hues of cherry blossoms, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere that attracts locals and visitors alike.

Nara

As Japan’s first permanent capital, Nara is filled with historic shrines, temples, and parks that make an exquisite backdrop for hanami. Top spots include Nara Park, which is home to around 1,700 cherry trees, Yoshino, or the scenic temples of Horyuji and Yakushiji. Visit in early April for the most dazzling displays.

Nara Park is a captivating destination in Japan that becomes a breathtaking canvas of pink and white during cherry blossom season. Home to around 1,700 cherry trees, this historic park offers a mesmerizing backdrop for hanami (cherry blossom viewing).

Yoshino is located in Nara prefecture. Yoshino is one of Japan’s most famous and abundant cherry blossom viewing spots, with over 30,000 cherry trees. In early to mid-April, the mountainsides explode in cascading pink and white flowers, creating a fairytale-like landscape.

Horyuji Temple offers a stunning display of cherry blossoms that transforms the temple grounds into a realm of delicate beauty during spring.

Yakushiji Temple offers a breathtaking display of cherry blossoms that enchants visitors during the spring season. With a rich history dating back to the 8th century, this temple provides a serene backdrop for the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms

Hirosaki

Located in northern Japan, Hirosaki is one of the country’s top cherry blossom destinations. In early May, around 2,600 trees bloom in Hirosaki Park/Hirosaki Castle, surrounding the castle’s picturesque moat in a sea of pink petals. It’s one of Japan’s best sakura spectacles.

Hirosaki Castle, located in northern Japan, is a celebrated destination for experiencing the enchanting beauty of cherry blossoms. These blossoms form a breathtaking canopy that surrounds the castle’s picturesque moat, creating a sea of delicate petals.

Hirosaki Castle’s harmonious blend of historical architecture and the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms makes it a quintessential symbol of Japan’s rich cultural heritage and the fleeting wonders of nature.

Sapporo

As the largest city on the northern island of Hokkaido, Sapporo explodes in spring with over 1,500 cherry trees blooming in parks across the city. Visit in late April to early May to catch the blossoms at their height.

The city is adorned with cherry trees, and popular spots to enjoy the blossoms include Maruyama Park, Hokkaido Shrine, and Nakajima Park. The blossoms create a picturesque atmosphere, attracting locals and tourists who gather for hanami, the tradition of picnicking under the cherry trees.

During this time, the parks become vibrant, with visitors enjoying food, drinks, and cheerful celebrations. The Sapporo Cherry Blossoms offer a fleeting beauty that symbolizes the transient nature of life, reminding people to cherish every moment of the enchanting season.

Takato Castle Ruins Park

This public park built around the ruins of a 17th century castle explodes in over 1,000 cherry trees in springtime. Located in central Japan near the mountains, it’s absolutely gorgeous when the castle ruins, stone bridges, and pathways are surrounded by fluffy pink blossoms in mid-April.

As visitors stroll through the park, they are enveloped in a magical atmosphere created by the blooming cherry blossoms. The park offers several picturesque spots where tourists can take in the beauty of the cherry blossoms, including walking paths and observation points.

In addition to the daytime enchantment, the park also hosts nighttime illuminations, adding a touch of romance and charm to the already captivating scene. The Takato Castle Ruins Park cherry blossoms provide a truly remarkable experience, attracting nature enthusiasts and photographers from near and far who come to witness the ephemeral beauty of these exquisite flowers.

Himeji

Another famous Japanese castle framed by pink blossoms is Himeji Castle. Around 1,000 cherry trees bloom on the castle grounds and central Himeji Park in early April, providing stunning scenes of sakura.

During the cherry blossom season, which typically occurs in late March to early April, Himeji Castle and the surrounding areas become adorned with delicate pink and white blossoms. The castle’s elegant white facade, combined with the vibrant hues of the cherry trees, create a picturesque scene that attracts visitors from near and far.

The cherry trees in Himeji come in various varieties, but the dominant one is the Somei Yoshino, which bears clusters of pale pink flowers. As visitors explore the grounds of Himeji Castle, they can enjoy a leisurely stroll beneath the blooming canopies, appreciating the beauty and serenity of the surroundings.

Takamatsu

On the island of Shikoku, the castle town of Takamatsu hosts vibrant cherry blossom festivities as around 4,000 trees bloom in spots like Ritsurin Garden and Megijima Island. Visit in early April for peak views. The city is adorned with numerous cherry trees, creating a vibrant and enchanting atmosphere.

The cherry blossom season in Takamatsu typically occurs in late March to early April, and the city comes alive with the delicate blooms. One of the most popular spots to admire the cherry blossoms is at Tamamo Park, situated near the coastline. The park boasts a picturesque landscape with a moat, traditional stone bridges, and pathways lined with cherry trees, transforming it into a dreamlike setting.

As visitors explore Tamamo Park, they are treated to a mesmerizing display of Somei Yoshino cherry trees, which are known for their pale pink petals. The blossoms create a breathtaking scene, complemented by the tranquil reflection of the trees in the park’s ponds.