If you are planning a trip to Japan during Japan’s cherry blossom season, in late March and early April, timing is everything! I know as I’ve missed sakura in Tokyo, but still saw it in other places in Japan.
With thousands of viewing spots across the country, choosing the best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan can be overwhelming. The guide below will tell you where to go!
BEST PLACES TO STAY in JAPAN:
• Be like a bee for Nine hours (my favourite capsule hotel)
• Yiyi Tokyo Disney minpaku (house close to Tokyo Disneyland)
• Fujikawaguchiko Onsen Konanso (onsen and Mt. Fuji view!)
• Kiraku Kyoto Honmachi (the best Ryokan in Kyoto with a private onsen)
• Miyajima guest house (perfect place to stay close to Itsukushima shrine)
• Guest house Pongyi (sleep in old kimono shop!)
• Yudanaka Yasuragi (small traditional Japanese ryokan)
TOP EXPERIENCES in and around JAPAN:
• Drive a Go-Cart on Tokyo streets (super fun Super Mario for a day!)
• The ABSOLUTE BEST museum ever (TeamLab is MUST VISIT!)
• Rent a Kimono (… when in Rome Kyoto …)
• Fushimi Inari Walking Tour (Nice way to learn about Torii Gates)
• Hiroshima and Miyajima (perfect day tour!)
• Food tasting in little Kyoto (come hungry!)
• Shirakawa go Village (see traditional Japan)
• Tea ceremony (experience the art of drinking tea)
Looking for the best way to GET TO JAPAN:
• Find best flight fares to Japan
• Having a Japan Rail Pass is the best way to travel around Japan
Some sakura viewing spots have historic temples, cultural experiences, or urban settings while others provide stunning natural landscapes.
Since cherry blossom season in Japan only lasts a short time, and peak bloom varies by region, use cherry blossom forecast apps, like Sakura Navi, from Japan Meteorological agency, to plan your visits during the peak bloom.
To make planning even easier, I’ve included a map of the best cherry blossom spots in Japan. From sakura spots in Tokyo, Kyoto, and other must-see places. Add at least a few to your Japan itinerary based on scenery, accessibility, and bloom timing.
Read on to find out the best places to see cherry blossoms this season.
FRIENDLY REMINDER
Never leave for a trip without travel insurance. Unexpected issues can arise so I suggest using insurance that covers people from all over the world, while outside their home country. You can buy this travel insurance even if you are already abroad.
Sakura cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan
KEY TAKEAWAYS
● In my opinion, the best city to see cherry blossoms in Japan is Kyoto. But there are numerous Sakura viewing spots all around Nippon.
● The best time for cherry blossoms in Japan is from late March to early April. Experience the hanami parties like a local, book a tour, and have a picnic under the pink cherry tree when you travel around Japan.
● Find out where to see cherry blossom spots in Tokyo, Kyoto cherry blossom spots, sakura places in Osaka, and other popular cherry viewing locations around Japan.
Quick guide to best Sakura viewing spots
If you are in a hurry, here are my favorite Japan cherry blossom places.
I know that with so many places to see blooming cherry trees, it is hard to pick (just) one. You can find more places in the article below.
Famous sakura spot in Tokyo: Ueno park Cherry blossom festival
Best Kyoto cherry blossom place: Kyoto Higashiyama
Best Osaka cherry blossom place: Osaka Castle Park
Must see cherry blossom at Fuji Five Lakes: Mt. Fuji and sakura at Lake Kawaguchiko
Most beautiful castle at sakura: Himeji castle and pink cherry blossoms
Unique cherry blossom place: Deers and cherry trees in Nara
Best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan
TOKYO cherry blossoms spots
Ueno Park
Best time to visit: late March – early April
Closest station: Ueno Station (JR Yamanote Line)
A famous cherry blossom spot in Tokyo with over 1,000 Sakura trees and the Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival. Sadly I missed it.
Ueno Park is FREE and one of Tokyo’s largest hanami spots. The park hosts a well-known cherry blossom festival, with food stalls, evening illuminations, and picnics under cherry trees lining the wide pathways.
Bring your own hanami picnic or join a private sakura tour for guided insights into the best viewing spots. It’s one of the busiest sakura locations, so visit early in the morning for fewer crowds.
After flower viewing, visit the Tokyo National Museum or stroll through Ameyoko Market for street food and local snacks.
Shinjuku Gyoen
Best time to visit: late March – early April
Closest station: Shinjuku Station (JR Yamanote Line) or Shinjukugyoen-mae Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
A spacious garden with a mix of early and late-blooming cherry tree varieties, making it one of the best places for extended Sakura viewing in Tokyo, as cherry trees get to full bloom at different times.
The best time to see cherry blossoms in Shinjuku Gyoen is at the beginning of April. Here you will find cherry trees spread across Japanese, English, and French-style gardens but unlike other parks, alcohol is not allowed. You can bring your own picnic or visit the tea house inside the garden.
Since Shinjuku Gyoen has an entrance fee (500 ¥ | $3.3 | 3€), and reservations are required. It’s usually less crowded and a quieter alternative to party-style hanami spots. Its central location makes it easy to visit before or after exploring Shinjuku.
Meguro River
Best time to visit: late March – early April
Closest station: Nakameguro Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, Tokyu Toyoko Line)
A picturesque cherry blossom spot with sakura trees lining a along the river, creating a tunnel of pink blossoms.
Not as ‘natural’ because of the concrete canal, this sakura spot is known for blooming tree reflections. Trees are lit up in the evening, making it one of Tokyo’s most beautiful nighttime cherry viewing spots. During peak bloom, the Nakameguro Sakura Festival you can try seasonal sakura snacks and drinks and even sakura champagne.
As in other areas, it gets crowded during peak bloom and in the evenings. Book a guided tour and combine your visit with Daienji Temple, one of the Seven Lucky Temples of the Edo period, or explore Gajoen, Japan’s oldest general wedding hall.
Chidorigafuchi
Best time to visit: end of March – early April
Closest station: Kudanshita Station (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Tozai Line, and Toei Shinjuku Line)
Iconic sakura spot in the city along the Imperial Palace moat, with hundreds of cherry trees creating a tunnel of pink over the water.
Walk along the walkway or rent a boat and paddle under the cherry terry in the moats of a former Edo castle. The spot is popular in the daytime and nighttime as the cherries are illuminated during Chiyoda Sakura Festival. With Sakura in Tokyo tour you can visit Chidorigafuchi and other the most popular spots for cherry blossom.
Since this location is one of Tokyo’s most crowded, visit early in the morning or on a weekday for a quieter experience. Nearby, Yasukuni Shrine also has cherry trees and seasonal sakura sweets, offering another great stop for hanami.
Sumida Park
Best time to visit: end of March – early April
Closest station: Asakusa Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line, Tobu Skytree Line) or Honjo-Azumabashi Station (Toei Asakusa Line)
A cherry blossom spot along the Sumida River in Asakusa with cherry blossom trees and Tokyo Skytree in the background.
Sumida Park is a popular one in the Central Tokyo. You can enjoy the beautiful cherry trees with hanami in the park or on a Sumida river Cherry blossom cruise. The park is popular among photographers, thanks to its panoramic views of the 634-meter (2,080 ft) Tokyo Skytree that is perfectly matched with pink petals.
As with other spots, the trees are illuminated in the evening. It is a perfect stop before or after visiting Senso-ji temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple.
FUJI FIVE LAKES cherry blossom spots
Chureito Pagoda
Best time to visit: early to mid April
Closest station: Shimoyoshida Station (Fujikyuko Line)
My favorite, most stunning, and famous spots for viewing cherry trees in full bloom. A famous five-story pagoda with Mount Fuji framed by pink sakura trees.
This will be the best sakura photo you’ll ever take in Japan. Located in Yamanashi Prefecture, Chureito Pagoda is part of Arakura Sengen Shrine and sits on a hillside overlooking Fujiyoshida City. To reach the viewpoint, you’ll need to climb about 400 steps.
You can visit one of the MOST popular spots to see Sakura with a day trip from Tokyo. Come early, to avoid the lines getting to the famous spot. It is also best to come in the morning to see Mt. Fuji without the clouds on the top. After continue your day to the shores of Lake Kawaguchiko for more stunning views.
Lake Kawaguchiko
Best time to visit: early to mid April
Closest station: Ombi bus RED line from Kawaguchiko Station (Fujikyuko Line)
One of the best places to enjoy cherry blossoms with stunning views of Mount Fuji reflected in the lake.
At Lake Kawaguchiko, cherry trees can be found on the eastern and northern shores, creating a stunning contrast between the pink blossoms and the snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji. I’ve visited both, the northern and eastern shores and liked the northern more.
Northern shores offer great viewing spots near the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum. It is one of the most famous spots for photography, while the eastern shore around Ubuyagasaki Peninsula has a quieter, but equally scenic view.
You can visit it with a tour from Tokyo, but I would recommend adding a night in the region to your Japan itinerary.
NAGOYA cherry blossom spots
Nagoya Castle
Best time to visit: early April
Closest station: Nagoyajo Station (Nagoya Subway Meijo Line)
A historic cherry blossom spot with sakura trees surrounding one of Japan’s most famous castles.
In the park around Nagoya Castle (entrance fee (500 ¥ | $3.3 | 3€)), you will find less common cherry trees, Yoshino trees, and weeping cherry trees. It is a great hanami location during blooming season, where you can taste delicious food, and see cultural performances during the Nagoya castle spring festival.
To get the most out of your trip, join a Nagoya walking tour, which includes Nagoya Castle and other key city highlights or visit the nearby Honmaru Palace, with its beautifully restored interiors. Another option is to take a short trip to the Toyota Museum. You will learn how Toyota transformed from a textile company to an automotive giant.
Yamazaki River
Best time to visit: early April
Closest station: Mizuho Undojo Higashi Station (Nagoya Subway Meijo Line)
A scenic Yamazakigawa riverside is one of 100 best cherry blossom spots in Japan with sakura trees lining a 2.5 km stretch of the Yamazaki River.
Yamazaki River is one of Nagoya’s top hanami locations, offering a peaceful walk under cherry blossoms that arch over the water. Unlike busier city parks, here you will find a more relaxed atmosphere. Perfect if you are looking for a less crowded walk with many photography options.
Trees are lit up in the evening, and create a nice reflection on the river. You can opt-in for a Nagoya sakura experience tour, which will take you to the best Nagoya cherry blossom spots. You can also relax in a nearby, Mizuho Park.
Tsuruma Park (Tsuruma Koen)
Best time to visit: early April
Closest station: Tsurumai Station (JR Chuo Line, Nagoya Subway Tsurumai Line)
One of Nagoya’s most popular cherry blossom spots, with a mix of Japanese and Western-style gardens.
Tsuruma Park is a well-known hanami destination, where sakura trees surround the central fountain, historic pavilion, and open lawns. During the Tsuruma Park cherry blossom festival, here you will find food stalls, paper lanterns, and trees lit up in the evening. It is a great spot for both daytime picnics and nighttime viewing.
For a guided experience, you can join the Nagoya walking tour, which will include top cherry blossom locations. After hanami, explore the park’s historical Tsuruma Central Library or visit nearby cafés and restaurants in the Osu district for local Nagoya cuisine.
KYOTO cherry blossom spots
Maruyama Park
Best time to visit: early April
Closest station: Gion-Shijo Station (Keihan Main Line) or Higashiyama Station (Kyoto Subway Tozai Line)
The star of the oldest public park in Kyoto is a massive weeping cherry tree, that is even more impressive and lit up at night time.
Besides the Gion Shidarezakura, with drooping branches creating a waterfall of pink blossoms, here you will also find more than 600 cherry trees, with a mix of somei yoshino and shidarezakura varieties of cherry trees.
The park is right next to the Gion district and Yasaka Shrine and is one of Kyoto’s most popular spots for cherry blossom viewing. Come at sunset and join a Kyoto evening cherry blossom and food tour to catch the lights shining through petals alongside delicious Sakura dishes.
Philosopher’s Path
Best time to visit: early April
Closest station: Keage Station (Kyoto Subway Tozai Line) or a short bus ride from Kyoto Station
A scenic 2 km (1.2 mi) canal-side walkway between Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) and Nanzen-ji Temple.
This is one of Kyoto’s most peaceful cherry blossom experiences, especially, if you start the walk early in the morning when it is quiet. The morning light hitting the blossoms creates the most beautiful sakura carpet effect.
After your walk, stop at one of the sweet traditional tea houses along the way. They’re perfect spots to rest and take in the views. You’ll find the path easily from the northern Higashiyama district – just follow the cherry trees!
Heian Shrine
Best time to visit: early to mid April
Closest station: Higashiyama Station (Kyoto Subway Tozai Line) or a short bus ride from Kyoto Station
A historic Shinto shrine with late-blooming cherry blossom varieties and weeping cherry trees.
Heian Shrine’s garden (Shin’en Garden) is a great spot to view cherry blossoms in bloom for visitors who missed the main Sakura season. More than 300 trees start blooming after other locations have passed their full bloom.
There is an entrance fee (600 ¥ | $4 | 3.75€), but the reflection of the blossoms in the garden’s pond torii gate makes it worth it. For the best experience, visit early in the morning or in the late afternoon. The shrine is also a great stop if you plan to explore nearby Nanzenji Temple or the Philosopher’s Path.
Kiyomizudera Temple
Best time to visit: early April
Closest station: Kiyomizu-Gojo Station (Keihan Main Line) or Kyoto Station (JR Lines, then bus to Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi)
A perfect combination of a Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Site and panoramic views of cherry trees.
My favorite cherry blossom spot in Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera is a must-visit during sakura season. This is a popular spot for sakura photos in a kimono, so consider renting a kimono before your visit.
You will find more trees around the pond, but make your Sakura experience even better, and book the Higashiyama rickshaw tour. You will walk and drive through well known Geisha district, Gion. After, explore the historic Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka streets, lined with traditional tea houses, souvenir shops, and local Kyoto sweets.
NARA cherry blossom spots
Mount Yoshino
Best time to visit: late March – early April
Closest station: Yoshino Station (Kintetsu Yoshino Line)
Mount Yoshino is one of Japan’s most famous cherry blossom spots, with over 30,000 beautiful cherry blossom trees covering the mountainside.
Blossom time is longer than in other places, as the flowers open at different altitudes. You can first see the cherry blossoms at the lower of four sections Shimo Senbon (lower), then Naka Senbon (middle), Kami Senbon (upper), and Oku Senbon (inner) at the latest.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s 100 best cherry blossom spots as it has been a popular hanami destination for centuries. For the best experience, visit in the morning to avoid crowds and take the ropeway or hike up for a more scenic approach. Mount Yoshino is an easy day trip from Kyoto or Osaka, making it a must-visit for cherry blossom lovers.
Nara Park
Best time to visit: late March – early April and late April – early May (wisteria)
Closest station: Kintetsu Nara Station (Kintetsu Line) or JR Nara Station (JR Yamatoji Line)
Nara Park is a must-visit for a unique Sakura experience with friendly deers, cherry blossoms, and wisteria surrounding the temples.
Some of the best viewing spots inside include Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha or Japan’s largest bronze Buddha. Another great spot is Kasuga Taisha Shrine, with its ancient stone lanterns. This is also famous spot with its “Sunazuri no Fuji” wisteria, making it a great spot for both cherry blossoms and wisteria in spring.
You can visit the park as a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka using your Japan Rail Pass, you can also join a guided tour to learn more about the history and architecture of the first capital of Japan.
OSAKA cherry blossom spots
Kema Sakuranomiya Park
Best time to visit: early April and late April – early May (wisteria)
Closest station: Sakuranomiya Station (JR Osaka Loop Line) or Temmabashi Station (Keihan Main Line, Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line)
Thousands of cherry trees lining a park along Okawa River, Kema Sakuranomiya Park is the best Osaka hanami spot.
Just like Sumida Park in Tokyo, this is where you can enjoy picnics along the riverbank or take a boat cruise for a unique view of the blossoms reflecting on the water. After the blooming season, there will be wisterias, adding another layer of beauty to the park.
After enjoying the flowers, head to Osaka Castle, just a short trip away, or visit the Mint Museum, which opens its own cherry blossom garden for a limited time each spring. But before leaving stop by a local café for a seasonal sakura-themed treat and join the Osaka food tour for the best foodie experience.
Osaka Castle Park
Best time to visit: late March – early April and late April – early May (wisteria)
Closest station: Osakajokoen Station (JR Loop Line)
A famous castle surrounded by cherry trees, making it one of Osaka’s top sakura viewing spots.
The castle grounds offer spacious lawns, perfect for picnics under the blossoms, while the moat reflects the pink petals, creating a picture-perfect scene. Nishinomaru Park is a popular place for hanami and stunning castle views, especially in the evenings when they light up the cherry trees.
If you wish to get a panoramic view of the park and Osaka skyline, head to Osaka Castle Tower (entrance fee (350 ¥ | $2.3 | 2.2€)). After, you can join an Osaka Sakura tour, which includes Osaka Castle Park or walk to Kema Sakuranomiya Park for more pink cherry petals.
Expo 70 Commemorative Park
Best time to visit: early April
Closest station: Bampaku-kinen-koen Station (Osaka Monorail)
A former World Expo 70 Commemorative Park transformed into a public park.
Here you can walk under 5000 sakura trees around Japanese gardens, and take a photo in front of the famous Tower of the Sun, a symbol of the 1970 Osaka Expo. There are plenty of trees all around but the best hanami spots are near the Natural and Cultural Gardens and Higashioji Street.
This is one of Osaka’s largest Sakura viewing spots so it rarely feels crowded, even during bloom. After you can explore Osaka, or join Osaka food tour to taste the best city has to offer.
HYOGO cherry blossom spots
Himeji Castle
Best time to visit: early April
Closest station: Himeji Station (JR Sanyo Line, Shinkansen)
You cannot visit Japan during Sakura season without visiting Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Japan’s most famous and well-preserved feudal castle.
This White Heron Castle (Shirasagijo) is known for its elegant white exterior and is surrounded by over one thousand cherry trees, creating a stunning contrast of pink and white during peak bloom. It is my second favorite Sakura location in Japan. Arrive early to beat the crowds.
The Senhimebotanen Garden and the Sannomaru grounds are free to enter, the inner castle grounds have an entrance fee (1000 ¥ | $6.5 | 6.25€). It is easy to visit as a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka using your Japan Rail Pass, you can also join a guided tour to learn more about the history and architecture of the castle.
HIROSHIMA & MIYAJIMA cherry blossom spots
Hiroshima Peace Park
Best time to visit: early April
Closest station: Genbaku Dome-mae Station (Hiroden Streetcar)
A historic site where cherry blossoms bloom around monuments dedicated to peace and remembrance.
The place of Hiroshima Peace Park was once a political and commercial heart of Hiroshima city. Now the park promotes peace and commemorates the victims of the atomic bombing. Here you can see cherry trees that bloom beautifully along the Motoyasu River and around the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome).
You can take a walk on Peace Boulevard, enjoy a hanami picnic near the Children’s Peace Monument, join a guided Hiroshima tour, and visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, located within the park. After you can visit Hiroshima Castle, Shukkeien Garden for plum blossoms, or head to Miyajima Island, to see the floating torii gate at Sakura.
Miyajima
Best time to visit: early April
Closest station: Miyajimaguchi Station (JR Sanyo Line), then a ferry to Miyajima
See the floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine and deers at sakura time.
Just a short (ferry) ride away from Hiroshima, scenic Miyajima Island shows off with almost 1500 cherry trees in springtime. You can see them bloom around Momijidani Park, the shrine, and Tahoto Pagoda. My favorite viewing spot is along the waterfront near the shrine but you can walk to the top of Mount Misen for more panoramic views.
If your itinerary allows it, add a night here and stay in a traditional ryokan, but if not try a local desert Momiji Manju, or plan your visit for the fall to see stunning maple fall foliage in Miyajima.
Practical cherry blossom viewing tips
Cherry blossom season is one of the best times to visit Japan. And is also the most crowded. Below you will find my tips from my time visiting Japan during Sakura.
● Check Bloom times
The best time for cherry blossoms varies around the country. It can start in late March in Tokyo and can last to early May in regions north of Tokyo, like Hirosaki Castle or Hokkaido. You can check the predictions on many Sakura apps, like Sakura Navi before booking flights.
● Plan your itinerary around festivals
Just as the peak bloom season, Sakura festivals vary by location, so research events in advance to catch and visit and experience as many of Japan’s best hanami spots as possible.
● Book hotels in advance
This is crucial! Book your hotels months ahead. Best ryokans in Kyoto,and places to stay in Tokyo close to the top viewing spots fill up fast. I suggest staying near train stations to make spot-hopping easier and to swap between different accommodation options in Japan, from onsens, ryokans, capsule hotels etc.
● Pack for spring weather
Spring in Japan can be warm and sunny, snowy and cold, or rainy and windy. You can even have four seasons in one day. I would suggest to wear layers and to have a light jacket or a poncho always in your bag. You can read more in my Japan packing guide.
● Visit early or late
Popular spots get crowded, so if time permits, visit them early in the morning or after sunset. For night viewing (yozakura), bring a flashlight since many parks aren’t well-lit.
● Carry Cash
Many small vendors at cherry blossom festivals only accept cash, so have yen on hand for food stalls, souvenirs, and transport.
Japan cherry blossom spots on a MAP
HOW TO USE THIS MAP
Use your mouse or fingers to ZOOM in and ZOOM out. For more info about the place, click the icons on the map.
If you wish to SAVE this map for later use, click the small grey star ‘⭐’ next to the map title. Map will be automatically added to your Google Maps account. To view it, go to ‘Saved’, then select ‘Maps’, find a map or click ‘Open My Maps’. You can also find it in your Google My Maps Account under ‘All’ or ‘Not Owned’ or ‘Recent’.
➤ Read more Japan travel guides
Did you enjoy this guide about best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan and where to go for hanami and sakura?
Remember, cherry blossom viewing in Japan isn’t just about the flowers. It’s about embracing the Japanese concept of mono no aware, the bittersweet awareness of life’s impermanence.
If you liked this post, check out others below!
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• Japan phrases for tourists – Learn the basics Japanese travel phrases
• 23 Best app for travel to Japan – From maps, food guides, transport and more
• How to visit Fushimi Inari – Useful guide if heading to Kyoto
• Short Cherry Blossom Captions for Sakura – Caption cherry blossom
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