Sakura, or cherry blossom season is one of the most popular times to travel to Japan. Although this may be the busiest and most crowded time of year, it can make for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Spring in Japan offers nice mild weather, as well as lots of beautifully blooming spring flowers. However, the flower that is really in the spotlight at this time of year is, of course, the sakura. Being so short-lived, you have to catch them in their short few-week blooming period when they are absolutely amazing to see and experience. There are so many places in Japan with cherry blossoms, sometimes it can be hard to know where to pick. But don’t worry, we have you covered with some of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in all of Japan and when it is best to visit each place.
What is cherry blossom viewing (hanami)?
Hanami(花見), or cherry blossom viewing, literally means to look at flowers in Japanese. It is a traditional custom in Japan to enjoy the short but sweet and beautiful sight of the sakura in March and April. In contemporary Japan, hanami is usually done by having a picnic under the blooming cherry blossom trees with food and drinks while observing and appreciating the short-lived delicacy.
When is the cherry blossom season in 2023?
Generally speaking, the cherry blossoms start blooming from the south to the north end of Japan. We have compiled a list of the best spots, festivals, and dates to view Cherry Blossom trees throughout every region in Japan in 2023, from Hokkaido to Okinawa so you don’t miss a thing. Every year, the Japan Meteorological Corporation releases a forecast of the dates when cherry blossoms will start to flower as well as when they will reach full bloom.
Check out the latest sakura forecast for 2023!
Tokyo (Kanto)
Meguro River | Tokyo
This scenic riverside path lined with cherry blossom trees draws many visitors during the spring season. Also at night, when they are illuminated, the trees are a beautiful sight.
Location: Meguro River
Fee: Free
Best time to see cherry blossoms: the end of March to early April
Ueno Onshi Park | Tokyo
One of the most crowded, lively, and popular spots for cherry blossom viewing in Japan. Many hanami parties are organized in Ueno Park.
Location: Ueno Park
Fee: Free
Best time to see cherry blossoms: late March to early April
Shinjuku Gyoen | Tokyo
One of the best spots to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo. Shinjuku Gyoen is one of the oldest traditional Japanese landscape gardens that has fascinating large ponds and bridges.
Location: Shinjuku Gyoen
Fee: ¥200
Best time to see cherry blossoms: late March to early April
Chidorigafuchi Park | Tokyo
A long, narrow park following a palace moat, with a footpath and an amazing view of the spring cherry blossoms. This is where the Chidorigafuchi Cherry Blossom Illuminations take place.
Location: Chidorigafuchi Park
Fee: Free
Boat rental to view Cherry Blossom trees from the water: (30 min, ¥800, boats are available from 9am to 8.30pm)
Best time to see cherry blossoms: late March to early April
Hokkaido
Nijukken Road, Row of Cherry Blossom Trees | Shizunai
Nijukken Road is one of the most well-known places for cherry blossom viewing in Hokkaido, and it has been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots. It is an unbeatable road to drive on during this short sakura season.
Location: Nijukken Road
Fee: Free
Best time to see cherry blossoms: early May to mid-May
Matsumae Park | Matsumae
This part is known as the northern area of “Little Kyoto” with more than 10,000 cherry trees of 250 different kinds where you can relax and enjoy viewing cherry blossoms. Matsumae Park is one of Japan’s top 100 historical sites.
Location: Matsumae Park
Fee: Free, Castle Tower Museum ¥360
Best time to see cherry blossoms: late April to mid-May
Goryokaku Park | Hakodate
This park is Japan’s first French-style fort with an impressive star shape. It is also one of Japan’s greatest cherry blossom spots, with about 1,600 cherry trees in total.
Location: Goryokaku Park
Fee: ¥500 (adults) / ¥250 (children/students)
Best time to see cherry blossoms: late April to early May
Seiryuji Temple | Nemuro
This is an amazing spot where you can see the 150-year-old Chishima Cherry trees. Chishima Cherry trees are a type of cherry tree that you can only find in the eastern and northern areas of Hokkaido. The flowers change colors from when they begin to bloom to when they are in full bloom.
Location: Seiryuji Temple
Fee: Free
Best time to see cherry blossoms: late February to early March
Tohoku
Hirosaki Park | Aomori
This is a historical landmark of the Aomori prefecture. It is one of the Tohoku region’s top 3 best cherry blossom spots. The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival is held every year at this park.
Location: Hirosaki Park
Fee: Free, except for during the Cherry Blossom Festival, ¥310 (adults), ¥100 (children)
Best time to see cherry blossoms: mid April to early May
Kitakami Tenshochi Park | Iwate
There are approximately 10,000 cherry trees of 150 different varieties along the Kitakami River that provide an astonishing sakura display. You can enjoy viewing cherry blossoms in the park in different ways such as simply taking a walk or taking a boat journey on the Kitakami River.
Location: Kitakami Tenshochi Park
Fee: Free
Best time to see cherry blossoms: April
Shiroishi Riverside Hitome Senbonzakura | Miyagi
Hitome Senbonzakura, literally meaning “view of a thousand cherry trees”, is a famous sakura spot in Miyagi prefecture where 1,000 Cherry trees blossom along the Shiroishi River. This is where the Hitome Senbon Zakura Festival takes place.
Location: Hitome Senbonzakura
Fee: Free
Best time to see cherry blossoms: early to late April
Hanamiyama Park | Fukushima
Hanamiyama is a beautiful flower-filled park on a hill in Fukushima City. The park has become one of Fukushima Prefecture’s most outstanding Cherry blossom viewing spots.
Location: Hanamiyama Park
Fee: Free (shuttle bus from Fukushima JR train station to park ¥500)
Best time to see cherry blossoms: mid to late April
Chubu
Takada Park | Niigata
Takada Park in Niigata prefecture is home to castle ruins and is famous for its gorgeous cherry blossoms in the springtime.
Location: Takada Park
Fee: Free
Best time to see cherry blossoms: early to mid April
Takato Castle Site Park | Nagano
Takato Castle Site Park is a great place to view cherry blossoms, where there is a very calming and peaceful atmosphere. Cherry blossom festivals are held here annually.
Location: Takato Castle Site Park
Fee: ¥500
Best time to see cherry blossoms: mid to late April
Kansai
Maruyama Park | Kyoto
At Maruyama Park, about 800 cherry trees bloom every year. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the famous shidarezakura (weeping cherry tree), and the Gion Yozakura (night viewing of the cherry trees in Gion). The illumination emphasizes the beauty of Japanese cherry trees in full bloom.
Location: Maruyama Park
Fee: Free
Best time to see cherry blossoms: end of March to the beginning of April
Daigoji Temple | Kyoto
In the 1600’s this UNESCO world heritage site was a famous spot for hanami, hosting hanami parties with thousands of participants. It is divided into 3 areas, Kami Daigo (upper grounds), Shimo Daigo(lower grounds) and Sanboin, with over 1,000 cherry trees. Various kinds of cherry blossoms can be spotted throughout the temple area along with historical buildings.
Location: Daigoji Temple
Fee: ¥1,500 (adults), ¥1,000 (students)
Best time to see cherry blossoms: late March to the beginning of April
Osaka Castle Park | Osaka
Osaka Castle in central Osaka is considered one of the three best castles in all of Japan and is also famous for its cherry blossoms. Osaka Castle Park during the cherry blossom season is an ideal photography spot.
Location: Osaka Castle Park
Fee: ¥200 (daytime), ¥350 (evening light up)
Best time to see cherry blossoms: mid March to early April
Nara Park | Nara
There are lots of cherry trees in Nara Park and it’s a great place to enjoy the blossoms while in the company of sometimes too friendly deer.
Location: Nara Park
Fee: ¥500
Best time to see cherry blossoms: late March to early April
Mt. Yoshino | Nara
Mt. Yoshino boasts about 30,000 sakura trees that date back to the ancient times. It’s been protected as a sacred place, and you can enjoy viewing cherry blossom trees scattered throughout the mountains.
Location: Mt. Yoshino
Fee: Free
Best time to see cherry blossoms: mid to late April
Chugoku & Shikoku
Matsue Castle | Shimane
Matsue Castle has been selected as one of the 100 best cherry blossom spots in Japan. During the Sakura season, many events are organized over the weekend.
Location: Matsue Castle
Fee: Free
Best time to see cherry blossoms: late March to early April
Peace Memorial Park | Hiroshima
About 300 cherry trees are planted around the famous Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima prefecture, making it a popular hanami spot. The riverbanks are lined with cherry blossom trees, drawing crowds of people who come to view the cherry blossoms during the daytime but also at night, when they are lit up.
Location: Peace Memorial Park
Fee: Free
Best time to see cherry blossoms: late March to early April
Kintai Bridge and Park | Yamaguchi
When the many cherry trees along the banks of the river are blossoming, it’s almost as if Kintai Bridge is brought to life. The park and bridge area are one of Yamaguchi prefectures most photogenic spots and are definitely Instagram material.
Location: Kintai Bridge
Fee: ¥300 (adults), ¥150 (students)
Best time to see cherry blossoms: late March to early April
Kyushu
Fukuoka Castle Ruins | Fukuoka
At these beautiful castle ruins, a sakura festival takes place every year. A night lighting ceremony marks the start of the Fukuoka Castle Cherry Blossom Festival. During a period of several weeks, the walls and cherry blossoms are illuminated at night for a beautiful view.
Location: Fukuoka Castle Ruins
Fee: Free
Best time to see cherry blossoms: mid March to early April
Kumamoto Castle | Kumamoto
Kumamoto Castle is widely regarded as one of the most impressive castles in all of Japan. The 800 cherry trees on its grounds make it a prime blossom-viewing and hanami site.
Location: Kumamoto Castle
Fee: Free
Best time to see cherry blossoms: late March to early April
Okinawa
Nakijin Castle Ruins | Okinawa
At this UNESCO World Heritage Site, every year the Nakijin Gusuku Cherry Blossom Festival is held when the flowers are in full bloom. You can enjoy viewing the cherry blossoms at night with a fantastic illumination along the castle walls.
Location: Nakijin Castle Ruins
Fee: ¥400 (adults) ¥300 students
Best time to see cherrry blossoms: late January to early February
Yaedake Sakura No Mori Park | Okinawa
Along the way leading to the top of a mountain, thousands of sakura trees are planted on both sides of the road. This is also the place where the Motobu Yaedake Cherry Blossom Festival is held every year.
Location: Yaedake Sakura No Mori Park
Fee: ¥400 (adult) ¥300 (students)
Best time to see cherry blossoms: Mid January to early February
As you can see, there are so many great spots to see cherry blossoms throughout Japan. However this is only a short list of spots, and of course there are many more spots worthy of checking out to see the beautiful cherry blossoms. Spring is an amazing time in Japan with the weather starting to warm up as well as various flowers starting to bloom.
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We hope you learned more about the best cherry blossom viewing spots throughout Japan and that you have a wonderful trip!
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