Everything You Need to Know About Japan’s Cherry Blossoms Season

Every spring, from the southern islands of Okinawa to the snowy mountains of Hokkaido, cherry trees bloom in waves, drawing millions of people outdoors to celebrate. And it’s not just about flowers, it’s about community, beauty, food, and a reminder to pause and appreciate what’s here today, gone tomorrow.

If you want front-row seats to Japan’s most magical season, start planning now, sakura waits for no one.

Cherry blossom season, known as sakura zensen, is a national celebration in Japan. For centuries, the pink and white flowers have been representing new beginnings, beauty that doesn’t last long, and the sadness of time passing.

In Japan, cherry blossom season usually runs from late March to early May, but the timing can vary a lot depending on the region.

• Okinawa: Mid-January to February
• Tokyo & Kyoto: Late March to early April
• Hokkaido: Late April to early May

The exact bloom dates shift each year depending on the weather, so keep an eye on Japan’s cherry blossom forecast to see them at their best.

Some places in Japan feel made for cherry blossom season. Here are the best spots:👇

Right in the middle of Tokyo, this peaceful spot has over 1,500 cherry trees in lots of different forms, so the blooms last longer, usually into early April. It’s one of the city’s most popular places to see cherry blossoms, with wide lawns, pretty bridges, and plenty of space for a picnic.

A must-see when the cherry blossoms are at their peak. The trees arch beautifully over the canal, and at sunset, lanterns light up the water for a magical evening view. Go early or on a weekday to avoid the crowds.

A classic hanami hotspot, and one of the oldest public parks in Japan. Lined with over 1,000 cherry blossom trees, Ueno Park transforms into a full-blown cherry blossom festival each spring, with food stalls and boat rentals.

Yoyogi Park and Inokashira Park are great for a quieter, more relaxed cherry blossom day.

One of Kyoto’s oldest and most famous cherry blossom spots. The weeping cherry trees light up at night, creating a magical, fairytale-like scene. Located near Yasaka Shrine, it’s a great place to enjoy both the blossoms and Japanese culture.

Walk along a calm canal lined with cherry trees, with small shrines and temples along the way. In early April, the petals fall like snow, making it a magical spot for making memories and taking photos.

Perfect for a relaxed cherry blossom day. People sit along the riverbanks, enjoy the view, and share snacks under the trees. Great if you want to avoid the busy tourist spots.

In early April, the white walls of Japan’s most beautiful castle are covered with soft pink petals. About 1,000 cherry trees surround it, making it one of the best spots for a perfect cherry blossom photo.

One of Japan’s most famous cherry blossom mountains, with over 30,000 trees spread across different heights. You can see blooms from early to late April depending on how high you go.

In places like Hirosaki Park in Aomori, cherry blossoms come later, usually late April to early May. With fewer tourists and beautiful scenery, it’s a more relaxed way to enjoy the blooms. Hirosaki also hosts a top-rated cherry blossom festival, with petals floating in the moats and castles in the background.

For iconic views, the Fuji Five Lakes area is perfect, with cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji in the background. Visit during peak bloom, and you might see the trees reflected perfectly in the water.

Hanami is the Japanese tradition of enjoying the beauty of flowers, especially cherry blossoms (sakura). During hanami, people gather in parks or gardens to look at the blooming trees, have picnics, and spend time with family and friends. It’s both a celebration of spring and a way to appreciate the fleeting beauty of nature.

• Dango: Sweet rice balls on a stick, chewy, colourful, and addictive.
• Sakura mochi: Pink rice cakes wrapped in salted cherry leaves.
• Sakura sake or tea: Delicately floral and perfect for sipping under the trees.

Here’s the heartbreaker💔sakura only last for about one to two weeks in each location. One minute it’s peak bloom, the next the petals are floating down like confetti in the wind. This petal fall, called sakura fubuki, is breathtaking in its own right, like standing in a snow globe of spring.

Your best bet? Stay flexible, follow the forecast, and don’t wait to get outside once they start blooming.

• Hirosaki Castle (Aomori): Over 2,500 cherry trees and a moat filled with petals, absolutely dreamy.
• Takato Castle Park (Nagano): Famous for its deep pink “Kohigan” sakura and panoramic mountain views.
• Osaka’s Kema Sakuranomiya Park: A river of sakura stretching for several kilometres with over 5,000 trees.

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Sakura season is Japan’s busiest time for travel. Hotels near top hanami spots can book out 6 to 12 months in advance. Want that dream ryokan in Kyoto or riverside room in Tokyo? Lock it in early.

• Arrive early in the morning for quieter moments.
• Visit on weekdays if you can.
• Explore lesser-known parks and cities, they’re just as beautiful and way more peaceful.

Keep an eye on bloom reports. The Japan Sakura Forecast app or Japan Meteorological Agency are your best friends. Timing your trip right is the difference between full bloom and bare branches.

• Layers: Spring in Japan can be sunny and chilly in the same day.
• A picnic mat or blanket.
• A portable charger, because you’ll burn through your battery snapping blossoms all day.

Start planning your spring escape today, because once the petals fall, you’ll be counting down the days ‘til next year.

Ready to experience cherry blossom season in Japan? Browse our Japan travel plans to stay connected stress-free during your trip.

Or visit one of our Sim Local stores to get travel-ready in person.

Late March to early April is usually best.

It’s usually too late for most of Japan, but northern areas like Hokkaido can still have blossoms in early May.

The cheapest months to visit Japan are usually from December to February, and sometimes late May after Golden Week.

• Not talking loudly on trains.
• Not eating while walking.
• Queuing patiently.
• Taking trash home if there aren’t bins.