Cherry Blossom Japan 2025/2026

Best of Japan

Cherry Blossom Viewing transforms Japan each spring as cities, parks, and riversides become coated in soft pink petals. Visitors gather beneath blooming trees for hanami, a tradition that blends relaxation, food, and nature appreciation. The blossoms appear for only a short time, creating a sense of anticipation as travelers follow the blooming forecast across the country. From iconic parks to quiet temples, every setting feels magical under the drifting petals.

The experience is as much about atmosphere as beauty. Locals and travelers share picnic spots, enjoy seasonal treats, and celebrate the start of warmer days. Whether strolling through historic streets, joining a lively riverside gathering, or simply pausing beneath a tree, cherry blossom viewing invites people to slow down and enjoy a rare moment of fleeting elegance. Many return each year, drawn by the charm and peaceful energy of springtime in Japan. Below is a list of some of Japan’s most popular cherry blossom spots, along with the typical timing for the best viewing in an average year.

Cherry Blossom Forecast 2025

Tokyo

Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen

Late March to early April
Home to over 1,000 cherry trees across many varieties, Shinjuku Gyoen offers early and late bloomers that extend the viewing season. Wide lawns and peaceful paths make it one of Tokyo’s most relaxing hanami locations.

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Ueno Park
Ueno Park

Late March to early April
With more than 1,000 cherry trees lining its central promenade, Ueno Park becomes one of Tokyo’s liveliest hanami spots. Crowds gather for parties, food stalls, and festive spring energy just steps from major museums and Ueno Station.

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Chidorigafuchi
Chidorigafuchi

Late March to early April
Hundreds of cherry trees drape beautifully over the moats of the former Edo Castle. Their branches create soft pink reflections on the water, best viewed by strolling along the paths or renting a boat during the evening light-up.

Sumida Park
Sumida Park

Late March to early April
Around 600 cherry trees stretch along both sides of the Sumida River, offering scenic views with Tokyo Skytree in the background. The riverside paths and evening illuminations make this a favorite spot for relaxed spring walks.

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Yokohama (Kanagawa Prefecture)

Sankeien Garden
Sankeien Garden

Late March to early April
This historic landscape garden features several hundred cherry trees surrounding ponds and relocated heritage buildings. The blossoms add seasonal charm to Sankeien’s tranquil scenery, blending traditional architecture with spring color.

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Mitsuike Park
Mitsuike Park

Late March to early April
One of Japan’s “100 Best Sakura Spots,” Mitsuike Park has over 1,000 cherry trees arranged around three large ponds. The varied scenery, open lawns, and peaceful water views create a relaxing hanami escape in Yokohama.

Kamakura (Kanagawa Prefecture)

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

Late March to early April
The famous Dankazura approach to the shrine is lined with hundreds of cherry trees stretching nearly 500 meters. Their arching blossoms create a tunnel-like path leading toward one of Kamakura’s most important historic sites.

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Izu Peninsula (Shizuoka Prefecture)

Kawazu
Kawazu

Late February to early March
Kawazu is known for its early-blooming sakura, reaching full bloom as early as late February. The riverside path is lined with around 8,000 cherry trees, drawing visitors eager to experience one of Japan’s earliest signs of spring.

Saitama Prefecture

Gongendo Park
Gongendo Park

Early April
About 1,000 cherry trees form a long, colorful row along the riverside, paired beautifully with bright yellow rapeseed flowers. The contrast creates one of the region’s most striking spring landscapes, ideal for photos and strolls.

Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi
Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi

Early April
Around 500 cherry trees line the riverbank, forming a soft pink canopy paired with fields of rapeseed. Easily accessible from Kumagaya Station, this scenic riverside walk is one of Saitama’s most popular spring destinations.

Gunma Prefecture

Akagi Senbonzakura
Akagi Senbonzakura

Mid-April
More than 1,000 cherry trees line a long road leading up Mount Akagi, creating a breathtaking blossom tunnel. Nearby fields of pink moss bloom at the same time, offering a vivid contrast of colors across the spring landscape.

Fuji Five Lakes

Lake Kawaguchiko
Lake Kawaguchiko

Mid-April
Rows of cherry trees line the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, framing Mount Fuji in a perfect spring scene. The combination of water, blossoms, and Fuji views creates one of Japan’s most iconic sakura landscapes.

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Chureito Pagoda
Chureito Pagoda

Mid-April
Hundreds of cherry trees bloom around the five-story Chureito Pagoda, creating the famous image of the pagoda rising above a sea of pink with Mount Fuji behind it. It’s one of Japan’s most photographed spring viewpoints.

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Nagano Prefecture

Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle

Mid to late April
Around 300 cherry trees encircle Matsumoto Castle’s striking black walls, creating vivid contrast around the moats. The reflection of the blossoms on the water adds to the charm of this beautifully preserved feudal landmark.

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Takato Castle Ruins Park
Takato Castle Ruins Park

Mid to late April
With 1,500 cherry trees, Takato Park is considered one of Japan’s top three sakura spots. Its unique “Takato-higanzakura” variety blooms densely, creating fluffy, cloud-like clusters that blanket the historic hilltop ruins.

Niigata Prefecture

Takada Castle
Takada Castle

Mid-April
Around 4,000 cherry trees spread across Takada Park, with extensive night illumination reflecting off the moats. The combination of soft pink petals and lantern-lit water creates one of Japan’s most enchanting evening views.

Kanazawa (Ishikawa Prefecture)

Kenrokuen Garden
Kenrokuen Garden

Mid-April
Kenrokuen features many cherry trees scattered among its ponds, bridges, and historic teahouses. The blossoms enhance the garden’s already famous scenery, blending classical landscape design with spring’s gentle colors.

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Nagoya (Aichi Prefecture)

Yamazakigawa Riverside
Yamazakigawa Riverside

Mid-April
Hundreds of cherry trees line the Yamazaki River along the “Path of Four Seasons.” This 1-kilometer stretch is recognized as one of Japan’s top sakura spots, offering peaceful riverside walks under arching branches.

Nagoya Castle
Nagoya Castle

Mid-April
Over 1,000 cherry trees bloom around Nagoya Castle’s spacious grounds and moats. The large lawns and variety of sakura types create one of the city’s most popular spots for spring strolls and relaxed hanami gatherings.

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Shiga Prefecture

Hikone Castle
Hikone Castle

Mid April
Hundreds of cherry trees frame the moats, stone walls, and paths of Hikone Castle. Their soft blossoms contrast beautifully with the historic architecture, creating one of the region’s most picturesque spring settings.

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Kyoto

Philosopher’s Path
Philosopher’s Path

Early April
Hundreds of cherry trees line the canal between Ginkakuji and Nanzenji, forming one of Kyoto’s most peaceful spring walks. The gentle reflections on the water and quiet streets give it a poetic, relaxing atmosphere.

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Maruyama Park
Maruyama Park

Early April
Famous for its giant weeping cherry tree, Maruyama Park becomes a lively evening gathering spot during spring. Surrounded by food stalls and illuminated blossoms, the park offers one of Kyoto’s most festive hanami scenes.

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Arashiyama
Arashiyama

Early April
Cherry trees bloom around the Togetsukyo Bridge and riverbanks, backed by forested hills. Arashiyama’s blend of natural scenery, mountains, and water creates one of Kyoto’s most scenic sakura landscapes.

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Heian Shrine
Heian Shrine

Mid-April
Heian Shrine’s garden features large numbers of weeping cherry trees that bloom slightly later than other varieties. Their cascading branches and reflective ponds create elegantly layered spring scenery.

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Osaka

Sakuranomiya Park
Sakuranomiya Park

Early April
Nearly 5,000 cherry trees stretch along the Okawa River, forming one of Osaka’s longest blossom corridors. Visitors enjoy riverside walks, picnics, and views of passing boats during the peak season.

Osaka Castle Park
Osaka Castle Park

Early April
Around 4,000 cherry trees bloom across the vast park surrounding Osaka Castle. The mix of historic walls, open lawns, and evening illuminations create one of Japan’s most atmospheric urban sakura destinations.

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Expo ’70 Park
Expo ’70 Park

Early April
With over 5,000 cherry trees spread across wide lawns and wooded paths, this huge park offers spacious hanami spots. The seasonal light-ups and diverse scenery make it a favorite for families and picnickers.

Osaka Mint Bureau
Osaka Mint Bureau

Mid-April
The Mint Bureau features over 300 cherry trees in more than 100 varieties, mostly late-blooming. Its special “Sakura Passage” opens for one week each April, showcasing rare blossoms in dense, colorful clusters.

Nara (Nara Prefecture)

Nara Park
Nara Park

Early April
Around 1,700 cherry trees bloom across Nara Park’s open lawns, temples, and ponds. Deer wandering among the blossoms create one of Japan’s most charming and memorable spring atmospheres.

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Yoshino (Nara Prefecture)

Yoshinoyama
Yoshinoyama

Early to mid April
With around 30,000 cherry trees spread across four mountainsides, Mount Yoshino is one of Japan’s most iconic sakura destinations. The layered bloom—from lower to upper slopes—creates a sweeping pink panorama that has captivated visitors for centuries.

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Himeji (Hyogo Prefecture)

Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle

Early April
Hundreds of cherry trees surround Himeji Castle’s brilliant white keep. The contrast of white plaster, pink blossoms, and stone walls makes this one of Japan’s most striking sakura-and-castle combinations.

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Hiroshima (Hiroshima Prefecture)

Hiroshima Peace Park
Hiroshima Peace Park

Early April
Around 300 cherry trees line the rivers and memorial paths of Hiroshima Peace Park. The blossoms bring gentle spring color to this reflective and historically significant landscape in the heart of the city.

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Miyajima
Miyajima

Early April
About 1,300 cherry trees bloom around Miyajima’s shrines and walking trails. The blossoms frame views of the island’s famous “floating” torii gate, creating an iconic spring scene filled with tradition and nature.

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Okayama (Okayama Prefecture)

Handayama Botanical Garden
Handayama Botanical Garden

Early April
With around 1,000 cherry trees blooming on steep hillside paths, this garden offers layered views over Okayama City. The mix of plant species and elevated scenery creates a rich, colorful spring experience.

Korakuen Garden & Okayama Castle
Korakuen Garden & Okayama Castle

Early April
Together they offer over 500 cherry trees across scenic gardens, castle moats, and riverside paths. The combination of classical garden design, wide lawns, and historic structures creates a beautiful spring setting.

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Tottori (Tottori Prefecture)

Tottori Castle Ruins
Tottori Castle Ruins

Early to mid April
More than 200 cherry trees bloom along the hillside ruins of Tottori Castle. Lanterns illuminate the blossoms at night, creating atmospheric views over the city from the elevated park.

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Inaba Senbonzakura
Inaba Senbonzakura

Early to mid April
This park features around 1,000 cherry trees arranged near sports fields and walking paths. The open lawns and spacious layout make it an ideal spot for relaxed hanami picnics with sweeping pink views.

Kagawa Prefecture

Megijima Island
Megijima Island

Early April
Hundreds of cherry trees bloom around the mountaintop park overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. The combination of sea views, island quietness, and soft blossoms creates a scenic spring escape.

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Ehime Prefecture

Matsuyama Castle
Matsuyama Castle

Early April
Hundreds of cherry trees flourish around Matsuyama Castle’s steep hillside grounds. The view from the keep over the city and blossoms creates one of Shikoku’s most impressive spring panoramas.

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Fukuoka (Fukuoka Prefecture)

Maizuru Park (Fukuoka Castle)
Maizuru Park (Fukuoka Castle)

Late March to early April
Around 1,000 cherry trees bloom throughout the castle ruins, spreading across wide lawns and old stone walls. The mix of open hanami areas and scenic historical remnants makes it Fukuoka’s top sakura spot.

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Kumamoto (Kumamoto Prefecture

Kumamoto Castle
Kumamoto Castle

Late March to early April
Nearly 1,000 cherry trees grow around Kumamoto Castle’s dramatic stone walls and towers. The blossoms soften the bold architecture and provide stunning contrasts across the vast castle grounds.

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Sendai (Miyagi Prefecture)

Mikamine Park
Mikamine Park

Mid to late April
This spacious park features hundreds of large, mature cherry trees surrounded by wide lawns. It’s a popular spot for relaxed hanami gatherings with open views and plenty of space.

Fukushima Prefecture

Hanamiyama Park
Hanamiyama Park

Mid to late April
Dozens of cherry tree varieties bloom across the hillsides, creating a colorful mosaic of pinks and pastels. Scenic walking trails lead to panoramic viewpoints over Fukushima City.

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Miharu Takizakura
Miharu Takizakura

Mid to late April
One of Japan’s “Three Great Cherry Trees,” this 1,000-year-old weeping cherry spreads wide, cascading like a pink waterfall. Its immense size and graceful branches draw visitors nationwide.

Iwate Prefecture

Kitakami Tenshochi
Kitakami Tenshochi

Late April to early May
Thousands of cherry trees stretch for several kilometers along the Kitakami River. The long blossom tunnel, horse-drawn carriages, and riverside scenery make it one of Tohoku’s top spring destinations.

Akita Prefecture

Kakunodate
Kakunodate

Late April to early May
Known for its weeping cherry trees, Kakunodate’s preserved samurai district becomes a soft pink corridor in spring. Hundreds more trees bloom along the nearby river, creating a striking two-part experience.

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Aomori Prefecture

Hirosaki Castle
Hirosaki Castle

Late April to early May
With more than 2,500 cherry trees, blossom tunnels, and petal-filled moats, Hirosaki Castle offers one of Japan’s most complete sakura experiences. The floating petals create a famous “pink carpet” effect.

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Matsumae (Hokkaido Prefecture)

Matsumae Park
Matsumae Park

Early to mid-May
Over 10,000 cherry trees bloom across the only feudal castle site in Hokkaido. Many varieties ensure a long viewing season, with blossoms stretching from the castle grounds deep into the hillside park.

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Hakodate (Hokkaido Prefecture)

Goryokaku Fort
Goryokaku Fort

Early to mid-May
More than 1,000 cherry trees line the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort. The aerial view reveals a star filled with pink blossoms, while ground-level paths offer relaxing walks along the moats.

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Sapporo (Hokkaido Prefecture)

Maruyama Park
Maruyama Park

Early to mid-May
Dozens of cherry trees bloom along the shrine approach and throughout Maruyama Park. Large open spaces and lively gatherings make it Sapporo’s most popular hanami area.

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