Spring in Japan is a breathtaking spectacle, as cherry blossoms transform the landscape with their soft pink and white hues. These iconic flowers mark the transition to warmer days, officially saying goodbye to Winter. Read on to discover 40 cherry blossom spots around Japan that are worth checking out in the Spring, when the cherry blossom season starts.
Kanto Region
1. Chidorigafuchi, Tokyo
Chidorigafuchi, the moat around the Imperial Palace is one of the prime spots for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in the city and always worth a visit, especially during full bloom, or even towards the end of the cherry blossom season, as the fallen petals on the water are very beautiful.
2. Nakameguro, Tokyo
Nakameguro's canals are lined with over 800 cherry trees. During the Nakameguro Sakura Festival, the area comes alive with food stalls, local crafts, and entertainment — visit in the evening for a light-up to remember.
3. Ueno Park, Tokyo
Ueno Park continues to draw massive crowds every spring with its 1,000 cherry trees in full bloom. The park’s lively atmosphere, with food stalls and street performances, adds to the charm. Its central location and historical attractions, such as museums and temples, also make it a must-visit for other cultural activities.
4. Sumida River in Asakusa, Tokyo
Stroll along the scenic Sumida River lined with sakura trees, or take a boat cruise to enjoy the blossoms from the water. The river’s proximity to landmarks like Tokyo Skytree provides opportunities for combining hanami with sightseeing.
5. Negishi Park, Kanagawa
Negishi Shinrin (Forest) Park is a pleasant place to visit anytime of the year, but especially during the colorful spring season, which highlights its 350 cherry blossoms.
6. Sankei-en Garden, Kanagawa
A top cherry blossom spot in Yokohama, Sankei-en Garden provides fabulous vantage points from which to enjoy the cherry blossoms, with an evening light-up against the garden's pagoda worth waiting for.
7. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura
The shrine’s grand approach is lined with sakura trees, creating a picturesque pathway during the springtime bloom. This historical site also offers cultural attractions, blending hanami with the traditional charm of Kamakura.
Hokkaido
8. Goryokaku Fort, Hokkaido
A highlight of any trip to Hakodate, climb the Goryokaku Tower for a memorable view of the surrounding cherry blossoms—the new observation deck provides even better panoramic views of the sakura-covered star-shaped fort.
Tohoku Region
9. Hirosaki Moat, Aomori
Over at Aomori's Hirosaki Castle, tall somei-yoshino trees form tunnels of pink flowers above your head and fill the moats with petals, while breezes fill the air with delicate blizzards. Young couples row small boats through the soft pink channels, ducking under weeping shiidare-sakura trees that line the banks.
10. Kakunodate, Akita
At the end of a long winter, the folks in Kakunodate welcome the first cherry blossoms of spring with joy in their heart. People come out of hibernation, and the streets fill with rickshaws taking visitors to the best hanami spots along the Hinokinai River.
11. Koiwai Farm, Iwate
Koiwai Farm in Iwate Prefecture offers a unique cherry blossom viewing experience in a rustic setting. Surrounded by expansive fields and the majestic Mount Iwate, the sakura trees create a tranquil and picturesque atmosphere. The farm also features local produce and activities, making it a great spot for families and nature lovers.
12. Natsui Senbonzakura, Fukushima
Natsui Senbonzakura offers a breathtaking hanami experience with over 1,000 cherry trees lining the Natsui River. The long, sakura-covered path is perfect for a leisurely stroll, while the scenic views of the river and surrounding mountains make it a perfect spot for photography.
13. Matsugasaki Park, Yamagata
Matsugasaki Park is a tranquil spot for cherry blossom viewing, centered around the historic ruins of Yamagata Castle. The park’s sakura trees beautifully frame the moat and stone walls, and the reflections of the blossoms on the water add an extra layer of charm.
Chubu Region
14. Fuji Lakes, Yamanashi
The lakes around Mount Fuji provide unlimited views all year round – with spring being no exception. The five lakes—Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Yamanakako, Shojiko, and Motosuko—each provide unique perspectives of the sakura and the iconic mountain.
15. Chureito Pagoda, Yamanashi
Already one of the more famous views of Mount Fuji, the cherry blossoms during spring add a little extra magic to an already perfect scene. A short climb of 400 steps rewards visitors with panoramic views of Mount Fuji, the pagoda, and the blossoms.
16. Takada Park, Niigata
With over 4,000 cherry trees surrounding the Takada Park’s castle ruins and moat, the scene transforms into a fairytale-like landscape during spring. The park’s festive atmosphere and food stalls make it a must-visit hanami destination.
17. Matsumoto Castle, Nagano
Matsumoto Castle offers a stunning backdrop for cherry blossom viewing with its striking black-and-white facade surrounded by blooming sakura trees. The contrast between the historic architecture and the vibrant blossoms makes it a favorite hanami destination in Nagano. Illuminations enhance its landscape, so visit at night for a better experience.
Hokuriku Region
18. Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa
Kenrokuen, one of Japan's most famous landscape gardens, is a stunning spot for cherry blossom viewing—true to its name, which means “Garden of the Combined Six.” The garden’s meticulously maintained grounds, featuring ponds, streams, and historic teahouses, provide a serene backdrop for cherry trees and flowers of various varieties.
Kansai Region
19. Arashiyama, Kyoto
Although most well-known for its bamboo forest, Kyoto's Arashiyama offers spectacular hillside scenery when the cherry blossoms are out in force. The Togetsukyo Bridge is a prime spot to admire the blossoms against the backdrop of the lush hillsides.
20. Philosopher's Path, Kyoto
Tetsugaku no michi, or the Philosopher's Path, is a 2 km stone path which lies between Nanzenji and Ginkaku-ji and is lined with hundreds of cherry trees. Nighttime illuminations enhance the tranquil atmosphere.
21. Keage Incline, Kyoto
Near Nanzenji neighbourhood on one end of the Philosopher's Path. Behind the Nanzenji temple, there's a trail along the aqueduct that leads to the Keage Incline. The Keage Incline was used to transport canal boats from the Okazaki Canal to canals at a higher elevation. This gentle slope is now lined with sakura trees on both sides.
22. Daigoji, Kyoto
Daigoji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto, is a serene location for cherry blossom viewing. Known for its historic temple complex and beautiful gardens, the site features over 700 cherry trees, including iconic weeping varieties.
23. Heijo Palace Site, Nara
At this historical site of the former Japan capital during the Nara Period, the Heijo Palace Site comes alive during spring with cherry blossom foliage.
24. Mount Yoshino, Nara
Mount Yoshino, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is regarded as the best hanami spot in Japan. The mountain has a whopping 30,000 cherry blossom trees so the explosion of colours is truly a sight to behold.
25. Okawa Riverside, Osaka
The Okawa Riverside offers nearly 5,000 sakura trees along its banks. The relaxing riverside atmosphere is perfect for strolling, and boat rides provide a unique perspective of the blossoms reflected on the water.
26. Osaka Castle, Osaka
Osaka Castle is a historic landmark that becomes even more enchanting during cherry blossom season. The surrounding Nishinomaru Garden boasts over 600 cherry trees, providing a stunning contrast to the castle’s majestic architecture. Visit at night to experience the evening light-up.
27. Himeji Castle, Hyogo
Himeji is widely considered Japan's most spectacular castle for its imposing size, beauty (it’s also known as the ‘white heron castle’ for its pristine exterior that mimics the elegance of a heron in flight) and immaculately preserved castle grounds – with the cherry blossom season a distinct highlight.
Chugoku Region
28. Senkoji Park, Hiroshima
The iconic Senkoji Park in Onomichi with its sakura trees and panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea, is a standout spot. Visitors can also enjoy walking the Temple Walk Path, which is lined with blossoms and steeped in history.
29. Kintaikyo Bridge, Yamaguchi
The Kintai Bridge in Iwakuni provides mesmerising views of the cherry blossom foliage along the bank of the Nishiki River. A worthwhile excursion for those visiting Yamaguchi or Hiroshima in West Japan.
30. Utsubuki Park, Tottori
Utsubuki Park, located in Kurayoshi City, is a hidden gem for cherry blossom viewing. This tranquil park features over 4,000 cherry trees that bloom beautifully in spring. The park's traditional stone lanterns and walking paths add to its charm.
31. Tsuyama Castle, Okayama
The Tsuyama Cherry Blossom Festival is held at Tsuyama Castle in Kakuzan Park each year from early–mid April showcasing the park’s 1,000+ cherry trees, with the evening light-up a particular highlight.
32. Daigo Zakura, Okayama
This 1,000-year old Daigozakura (edohigan) is located in northwest Okayama. As the most famous tree in the prefecture, it is revered by the locals. During cherry blossom season, its massive branches are covered in pale pink blossoms.
Shikoku Region
33. Mt. Shiude, Kagawa
From 352-meter-tall Mount Shiude in northwest Kagawa, admire cherry blossoms against the Seto Inland Sea. The area is particularly captivating during sunrise and sunset, when the blossoms are bathed in warm, golden light.
34. Ritsurin Park, Kagawa
With sakura trees surrounding its tranquil ponds and traditional tea houses, Ritsurin Park offers a serene setting for hanami. Its harmonious blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage makes it a must-visit destination.
Kyushu Region
35. Kumamoto Castle, Kumamoto
Kumamoto Castle is home to around 800 sakura trees that beautifully contrast with its black-and-white facade. The spring season brings special events and illuminations for the best hanami experience.
36. Omura Park, Nagasaki
Omura Park features over 300 cherry trees, including a rare variety with 60 to 100 petals per flower. Its peaceful ambiance, scenic walking paths, and cultural significance make it a delightful destination for springtime visitors.
37. Mifuneyama Rakuen, Saga
Mifuneyama Rakuen in Saga Prefecture is a sprawling traditional garden that turns into a wonderland of cherry blossoms in spring. With over 2,000 sakura trees in bloom, the garden’s picturesque scenery is complemented by serene ponds, tea houses, and pathways that wind through the natural beauty.
38. Saitobaru Burial Mounds, Miyazaki
Saitobaru Burial Mounds is home to over 2,000 cherry trees and 30,000 canola flowers, creating a breathtaking landscape of pink against the backdrop of the historic burial mounds. It’s a peaceful and culturally rich spot for hanami.
39. Maizuru Park, Fukuoka
Located on the ruins of Fukuoka Castle, Maizuru Park boasts over 1,000 cherry trees that bloom beautifully in spring. Visitors can enjoy the blend of historic stone walls and vibrant sakura display in the area.
Shizuoka (Izu Peninsula)
40. Kawazu, Shizuoka
Nestled along the coast of Japan's Izu Peninsula, Kawazu is a town that would be easy to pass by. But looks can be deceiving, and that's definitely the case with Kawazu. Each year between February and March, this town hosts the Kawazu Sakura Festival, one of Japan's most unique cherry blossom festivals.
