Overview
- When and where to see cherry blossoms in Japan
- Okinawa
- Hirosaki Castle
- Mount Fuji
- Ueno Park in Tokyo
- Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto
- Visiting Japan
When and where to see cherry blossoms in Japan
The cherry blossom is Japan’s national flower – it symbolises renewal and hope and heralds the arrival of spring! March, April and May are the best months to visit to see the blossoms in bloom. Of course, the exact timing of the blooms can vary from season to season depending on the weather and temperatures, with different varieties of cherry blossoms blooming at slightly different times.
In fact, the Japan Meteorological Corporation reports on sakura (cherry blossom) blooming so families can prepare to celebrate with hanami parties and festivals throughout the country.
The stunning blossoms of Japan by Dennis Bunnik
Okinawa
The first cherry blossom festival is in Okinawa, held around mid-January to early February. It’s a little tricky to predict exactly when particular festivals will fall, so to ensure you are in Japan at the right time to see cherry blossoms, watch the forecasts and take an estimate based on when the blooms appeared over the last five years.
Hirosaki Castle
This ancient three-story castle is surrounded by an extensive Botanical Garden, with 23 different zones and 124,000 trees, including two types of cherry blossoms. Visit this beautiful garden in April for the best chance to see the cherry blossoms in bloom - this is an excellent location to enjoy a picnic under the blossoming trees, a tradition that began with emperors and members of the Imperial Palace many centuries ago.
Mount Fuji
The most iconic photos of cherry blossom typically include Mount Fuji. Make sure you have your camera charged and ready! From late March to early April, visitors stream to the Chureito Pagoda, climbing 400 steps or walking up the winding slope for views of Mount Fuji beyond the cherry trees in full bloom.
Ueno Park in Tokyo
From late March, Tokyo comes into bloom, with 1000 cherry trees in Ueno Park making this a very popular viewing location. At night, a four-kilometre stretch of the park is illuminated for crowds to enjoy the trees in bloom.
Another night-time spot in Tokyo that may be a little less crowded is the banks of the Naka-Meguro canals. It’s the perfect place for an evening stroll, look out for a magnificent flowering display along the Chidorigafuchi Moat near the Imperial Palace.
Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto
The Golden Pavilion - Kinkaku-ji - in Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, is a prime cherry blossom viewing location from the end of March to early April. This Zen temple in Northern Kyoto features the upper two floors completely covered with gold leaf, a striking image when paired with the blossoms in bloom.
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed 14th century temple is surrounded by beautiful Japanese gardens, a breathtaking scene in any season but especially in spring. Visiting early in the morning will mean less crowds, the gardens become more popular as the day progresses.
Seeing cherry blossoms in Japan is a bucket-list experience - plan your trip with Bunnik Tours
Cherry blossom viewing in Japan is a memorable experience and you can make it hassle-free by joining one of our small group tours. With over 200 species, if you're visiting in spring you are likely to see these gorgeous trees in bloom.
And it’s not just about looking at flowers - you can try cherry blossom-flavoured ice-cream or confectionery, and see the many wonderful sights and unique experiences Japan has to offer. From bespoke beer tasting to whiskey, samurai lessons, calligraphy and so much more, adventure awaits! Discover our range of Japan tours and see the iconic cherry blossoms for yourself.
What to know to see Japan's cheery blossoms
What is the best month to see cherry blossoms in Japan?
While the cherry blossoms begin as early as January, late March to mid April gives the best chance of catching the sakura trees in bloom. Cherry blossoms are seasonal and weather dependent, so book a longer trip and travel from south to north for the best chance of seeing cherry trees in bloom.
Where is best to see cherry blossoms in Japan?
Locations with large numbers of cherry trees offer the best viewing opportunity and chances for less congested viewing. At Yoshino, more than 30,000 trees bloom around the Kii Mountains surrounding the town, beginning sometime in late March.
