Springtime cherry blossoms in Japan are a big deal. So much so that even the country’s meteorological department announces frequent weekly forecasts towards the start of the season.
Popularly known as Sakura, this is the time for family and friends to gather beneath blossoming trees and have mass outdoor celebrations in parks and gardens.
This is a matter of national excitement that you shouldn’t be missing out on. If you are, then you’re missing out, big time. One thing about Hanami (flower viewing season) is that it can vary depending on where you are in the country.
Ahead, you will find some of the best places to be in Japan if you are visiting for a view of the spectacular cherry blossoms.
But first…
When is the Cherry Blossom Season?
Well, this varies, each year is different, and the variations in different regions are different too. Besides, different flowers come into the season at different times. The same goes for the length of time trees are in full blossom.
However, on average, this lasts for around two weeks.
If you want to catch the earliest blooms, then the perfect place to be is Okinawa, and the best time to be there is January. If you can only get to Japan around early May, you will be lucky enough to catch the blooms in Hokkaido.
However, any time between the end of March and the start of April is the ideal time window when the pink is at its peak.
When is the Best Time for the Cherry Blossom Festival?
The festivals are arranged to coincide with the first blooms. In Okinawa, for instance, you can catch the Motobu Yaedake Cherry Blossom Festival any time between mid-January and early February.
If you miss this one, worry not. Most of the festivals happen between March and May. From barbecue to picnics, live music, food and craft stalls, and tea ceremonies, there is always a lot that you can find in these festivals.
Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan
Now is the best time to visit Japan and see these beautiful blooms open up, it’s time to look at some of the best destinations for this.
Philosopher’s Path, Kyoto
Kyoto is hands down one of those destinations that should be at the top of your list of must-visit sites in Japan. And if you happen to be visiting during the cherry blossom season, then you have yet another reason not to miss visiting this region.
Well, you can visit at any time of the year and marvel at the Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, and everything else there is to see in this area.
It’s no surprise then that Kyoto has come to be known as Japan’s cultural capital.
But even with all its rich history, nothing accentuates the beauty of this area as the blossoms of the cherry trees that line up the Philosopher’s path. This place gets its name from a particular philosopher who used to meditate while walking on this path.
However, this is not the only destination in Kyoto where you can see beautiful blossoms, there are many more locations to explore in this region.
Tsurugaoka, Hachimangu Shrine
Tsurugaoka is considered a national treasure, with the shrine being the most important of Kamakura’s Shinto shrines. And as it turns out, the region has a treasure of its own too.
You will find different varieties of cherry blossom species here, which means you have a better chance of visiting outside the usual season and still getting to see the beauty of nature.
Take a stroll along Dankazura – the path that leads to the shrine’s entrance, which happens to be one of the best spots in Kamakura to see blossoms in their ultimate beauty and glory.
You can even widen the scope by booking a walking tour, with round-trip tickets from Shinjuku included.
You will also get an English-speaking guide to take you around historic areas such as the Great Buddha, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, and Hase-Dera.
Fuji Five Lakes, Yamanashi Prefecture
Nothing beats watching the sight of beautiful blooms. Well, the only better view would be a backdrop of the five lakes in this region, which form an arc around Mt. Fuji. Each lake, Kawaguchi, Saiko, Yamanaka, Shoji, and Motosu, has something special to offer.
There’s plenty to do here, from boating and hiking to cycling around the lakes. The area is full of history and culture, with traditional festivals and local crafts for you to learn about. Spending the day in an onsen (hot spring) will give you some of the best views of the blooms as you relax in warm waters.
The resort town of Lake Kawaguchi is a perfect start. The best time to visit is in early April.
Miyajima Island
Maiyijima is popular thanks to its friendly deer and the red torii gate. Also known as Itsukushima, this is one destination you’ll never regret visiting.
Plus, getting here involves a fun ferry ride from Hiroshima. You can also enjoy a day trip in this area. But it’s the cherry blossom season that truly throws an irresistible charm into this whole area.
There’s nothing quite like the splashes of pink that Sakura brings over the mountain. You can take a stroll along the walking trails, or prefer to get a better vantage point view by heading to the top of Mt. Misen.
If you get the Hiroshima Tourist Pass, you will get unlimited use of the buses, Miyajima ferry, and even streetcars for ¥1,000.
Chureito Pagoda
Chureito Pagoda’s iconic attraction makes it stand out to draw in crowds throughout the year. Who wouldn’t want to be here to see Mt. Fuji, a pagoda, and of course, those cherry blossoms?
If you choose to get an up-close view, the only challenges you might run into are the steep walk and crowds of other visitors along the way. Thankfully, there is a little photo platform where you can snap a pic and it’s worth it.
There’s more than just the stunning views, you can also treat yourself to a lunch of Hoto noodles, or challenge yourself to the adventurous Mt. Fuji panoramic ropeway. Chureito Pagoda is a dream for photographers and nature lovers alike, offering a taste of Japan’s beautiful scenery and rich heritage.
Kawazu
This is the place to visit if you’re in Japan early in the year. Kawazu Zakura is a special species of cherry that blooms way before other varieties are yet to unleash their beauty.
Get here around February, and you can be a part of the Kawazu Cherry Festival. Another thing that makes the Kawazu Zakura truly special is its deeper pink, which stands out from Somei-Yoshino and other common varieties.
Be sure to try sakura mochi, a sweet rice cake wrapped in a cherry blossom leaf, and some fresh seafood from the nearby ocean.
Fort Goryokaku
Up North on the island of Hokkaido is Hakodate, where you will find this star-shaped port that sports some of the best cherry blossoms in the entire Hokkaido region.
Once a military defense fort, this area was converted into a public park in 1910, and along its moats are well over 1,000 cherry trees.
You can take in the entire view and beauty of these blossoms from the Goryokaku Tower, which serves as an observatory.
Kyoto Prefecture
You don’t need to go far to experience the best Sakura season, it’s all right here, in the ancient capital of the country. Blossoms here appear between late March to early April.
If you head over to Maruyama Park, you will be able to see the “weeping cherry tree” which is illuminated at night, with an astounding display of beauty.
In Yamashina, on the southeast side of Tokyo, as many as almost 700 trees line the canals, a great spot if you want some quiet time away from the crowds.
Alternatively, you can enjoy a ride on the Sagano Scenic Railway as it slices through a tunnel made of Sakura. You can’t go wrong with a trip to Tokyo Prefecture.
Mochio Park, Miyazaki
The final spot on this spin is one that had to make the list. Once you get out here, recline under the trees, kick back, and enjoy the views, it will become clear why Mochio Park easily ranks among the best.
Located in the southernmost part of Japan’s four major islands, Mochio Park has around 2,600 cherry trees. With all these bursting into color in mid-March, the view is simply spectacular.
There are also fun activities that you can take part in. You can ride a rickshaw around the park, participate in the Mochio Park Blossom Festival, or hike the trails on a walk to the Sekino O Falls.
There’s a lot to see and do here in Mochio Park and around the Miyazaki area.
To Conclude
Bottom line, after exploring Japan’s top nine destinations for cherry blossom lovers, it’s clear that these spots offer a unique and magical experience. If you’re truly a fan of these beautiful blooms, your next thought will surely be about planning an unforgettable trip to see their beauty up close. Just to inform you that the images you see here are for illustration purposes only. Have a great day ahead of you.
