The Ultimate Japan Cherry Blossom Guide: Best Viewing Spots You Can’t Miss
Experience Japan’s Stunning Cherry Blossoms
Japan’s cherry blossoms, or sakura, are world-famous, but their bloom is fleeting. A Japanese saying, “sakura lasts seven days,” highlights their short-lived beauty. This delicate and transient nature has made cherry blossoms a national symbol, representing purity, nobility, and passion. Every spring, locals and travelers alike gather under the blooming trees for hanami, the centuries-old tradition of cherry blossom viewing.
To help you plan your trip, we’ve rounded up the best cherry blossom spots across Japan, from Tokyo’s urban marvels to Kyoto’s historic temples and Hokkaido’s late-blooming wonders. 
Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Tokyo
Meguro River
Best Viewing Time: March 19 – March 28
Voted Tokyo’s top cherry blossom spot, the Meguro River is lined with 800 cherry trees stretching over 3.8 kilometers. As petals fall into the river, they create a dreamy pink stream. This location is also famous for its illuminated yozakura (night cherry blossoms), offering a mesmerizing contrast between day and night.
Ueno Park
Best Viewing Time: March 21 – March 28
As Tokyo’s oldest public park, Ueno Park has been a top cherry blossom spot since the Edo period. With over 1,100 Somei Yoshino trees, it attracts thousands of visitors. The park is surrounded by museums, a zoo, and shopping streets, making it an all-in-one experience. In the evening, lantern-lit cherry trees create a magical atmosphere.
Shinjuku Gyoen
Best Viewing Time: March 17 – March 30
If variety is what you seek, Shinjuku Gyoen is the place to go. Home to 65 types of cherry trees, this park has the longest blooming season in Tokyo. Located just a short walk from the busy Shinjuku shopping district, it offers a peaceful escape for hanami picnics.
Chidorigafuchi
Best Viewing Time: March 22 – March 29
Located near Tokyo Imperial Palace, this location is famous for boat rides along its cherry-lined moat. Floating on the pink-petal-filled water is one of the most romantic ways to experience hanami in Tokyo.
Sumida Park
Best Viewing Time: March 24 – April 1
One of Tokyo’s best riverside hanami spots, Sumida Park offers stunning cherry blossoms alongside views of the Tokyo Skytree. During the Sumida River Cherry Blossom Festival, visitors can enjoy local food stalls and seasonal treats.
Cherry Blossom Spots in Osaka
Osaka Castle Park
Best Viewing Time: March 26 – April 3
One of Japan’s Three Famous Castles, Osaka Castle is surrounded by over 3,000 cherry trees. The contrast of pink blossoms against the castle’s grand white walls makes for an unforgettable sight.
Kema Sakuranomiya Park
Stretching 4 kilometers along the river, Kema Sakuranomiya Park boasts 4,000 cherry trees, creating a breathtaking pink canopy. This location is ideal for a peaceful stroll or a hanami picnic with traditional Japanese street food.
Kyoto’s Dreamy Cherry Blossom Spots
Philosopher’s Path
Best Viewing Time: March 24 – April 2
A must-visit hanami spot, Philosopher’s Path is a scenic walkway lined with cherry trees. This enchanting location, once favored by Kyoto scholars and monks, offers a tranquil setting to enjoy the seasonal beauty.
Other Notable Cherry Blossom Destinations
Hokkaido – Late-Blooming Wonders
For those who miss the cherry blossom season in central Japan, Hokkaido offers a second chance. Goryokaku Park in Hakodate features a star-shaped fort surrounded by 1,600 cherry trees. The cherry blossoms here bloom from late April to early May.
Mount Yoshino (Nara)
Recognized as Japan’s top cherry blossom destination, Mount Yoshino is home to over 30,000 cherry trees. Divided into four zones, the entire mountain transforms into a pink wonderland from late March to early April.
Conclusion: The Beauty of Sakura Season
Japan’s cherry blossoms are more than just flowers—they are a cultural experience deeply rooted in history and tradition. Whether you visit Tokyo’s bustling city parks, Kyoto’s serene temples, or Hokkaido’s late bloomers, witnessing sakura in full bloom is a memory that lasts a lifetime.
Which cherry blossom spot is on your bucket list?
