Pink generally evokes sensations of calm, warmth, and gentleness. It’s no exception during springtime in Japan when the innocence of snowy branches alters into soft hues of pink, unfurling like a living painting.
The air is filled with the delicate, fragrant promise of sakura, Japan's beloved cherry blossoms unearthing from late March to early May.
These delicate blooms paint the nation in a symphony, enchanting both locals and travellers as they drift across Japan, bringing a sense of wonder from south to north.
Varieties of cherry trees
Japan is home to over 200 varieties of cherry trees (sakura), broadly classified into two main groups: Prunus avium (wild cherries) and Prunus serrulata (Japanese cherries). They bloom at different times. Thus, the cherry blossom season lasts from early spring into late spring (March to May) depending on the region and type of tree.
The Somei-Yoshino stands as the quintessential bloom. Its abundance of pale pink flowers gracing gardens and parks across Japan. Equally captivating are the shidare-zakura, or weeping cherry trees, whose graceful, cascading blossoms often line riversides, creating a picture-perfect scene.
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A few notable ones include the white to light pink flowers that grow in mountainous regions known as Yama-zakura (Mountain Cherry), a double-flowered variety with deep pink blooms often seen in parks and gardens called Kanzan, and a distinctive variety with pale yellow-green blossoms that deepen to a light pink as they mature named Ukon.
Best cherry blossom spots in Japan
Cherry blossoms are far more than a stunning spectacle—they are a profound cultural identity, a delicate reminder of life’s fleeting beauty. These ethereal blooms not only mark the arrival of warmer days but also evoke deep reflections on the transient nature of existence, a theme that resonates throughout Japan’s rich literary and artistic traditions.
Where can you go for the best sightings?
Arashiyama
Arashiyama is Kyoto’s riverside blossom wonderland. The riverside Nakanoshima Park, nestled at the foot of the Arashiyama mountains, boasts an impressive array of sakura trees. With the river gently flowing by and the mountains rising in the background, the view here is nothing short of magical. The beauty of the blossoms, paired with the tranquil atmosphere, makes Arashiyama a must-visit destination in early April.
Akagi Senbonzakura
A tunnel of blossoms on Mt. Akagi has been marked as a hidden sakura treasure with a two-kilometre-long road lined by over 1,000 cherry trees. When the trees are in bloom, they form an enchanting tunnel of blossoms, their soft pink petals creating a dreamlike canopy overhead. The site also features pink moss blooming alongside the cherry trees, adding a beautiful contrast of shades. A mid-April visit promises an unforgettable experience, with temporary buses operating during the season to take you up the mountain.
Chureito Pagoda
Mt. Fuji is a magnificent natural wonder. Pair it with the alluring cherry blossom vistas, and you’ll witness the striking red pagoda that seems to float in a sea of pink blossoms. Perched on a hill in Fujiyoshida, the Chureito Pagoda in mid-April is when the Sakura is in full bloom. A short 15-20 minute walk from Shimo-Yoshida Station brings you to this iconic sight.
Goryokaku Fort
A star-shaped sakura paradise is found in Hakodate, Hokkaido. The Goryokaku Fort is a star-shaped fortress that is transformed each spring by the bloom of over 1,000 cherry trees. The fortress’s distinctive Western-style architecture, coupled with the delicate pink blossoms that line its moats, creates a mesmerising scene. Visit in early to mid-May for a truly magical Sakura experience in Japan’s northernmost region.
Hirosaki Castle
One of Japan’s crown jewel cherry blossom spots is Hirosaki Castle, in Aomori Prefecture. Over 2,500 Sakura trees are lined along the castle park, which is enhanced by a stretch of pink tunnels, petal-filled moats, and stunning evening illuminations. The sheer variety of cherry trees, along with the chance to rent boats and picnic in the park, makes Hirosaki a cherry blossom lover’s paradise. It’s best to visit in late April to early May.
Inokashira Park
Inokashira Park, located a mere 30 minutes from the hustle of central Tokyo, is a tranquil oasis where the cherry blossoms bloom in resplendent beauty every spring. Its 500 sakura trees and picturesque lake make this park beckoning both locals and visitors alike to pause and bask in the fleeting beauty of the season. Immerse in the joyful hum of picnickers, families, and friends, all gathered beneath the blooms to celebrate the arrival of spring. Weekends are easily filled up so opt for a weekday if you get a chance. Take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station or hop on the Keio Line from Shibuya Station, alighting at Kichijoji or Inokashira-koen stations.
Kema Sakuranomiya Park
Osaka’s cherry blossom extravaganza is none other than Kema Sakuranomiya Park. This expansive cherry blossom paradise, with nearly 5,000 sakura trees lining Okawa River, oozes a dramatic and picturesque sight, best enjoyed on a leisurely stroll along the riverside promenade or aboard a relaxing boat cruise. The park’s wide open spaces make it perfect for picnics, where you can soak in the full splendour of the Sakura season.
Miharu Takizakura
Japan’s legendary cherry tree proudly stands in the Miharu Takizakura in Fukushima Prefecture. This is often referred to as one of the country’s "three greatest cherry trees”, being over 1,000 years old! This alluring weeping sakura seems to cascade like a waterfall. Visiting Miharu Takizakura in mid-to-late April is a must for any cherry blossom enthusiast, as this legendary tree is a living testament to the beauty and endurance of Japan’s Sakura tradition.
Mitsuike Park
Tucked away in Yokohama, Mitsuike Park is a lesser-known but truly magical cherry blossom spot. Its three serene ponds and over 1,000 Sakura trees evoke the park into a kaleidoscope of hues each spring. Unlike some of Japan’s more famous Sakura destinations, Mitsuike Park presents a peaceful respite from the crowds accessible via the Mitsuike Koen Kitamon bus stop.
Mt. Yoshino
The verdant hills of Nara Prefecture lie Mt. Yoshino, a site where history, nature, and spirituality converge. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famed for the sakura, which has long captured the imagination of Japan’s greatest poets and artists. Known as Ichimoku ni senbon—"the luxury of seeing 1,000 cherry trees"—the mountain boasts a staggering 30,000 sakura trees, creating an ethereal sea of pink each spring. Hop on the ropeway or a bus from Kintetsu Yoshino Station, though be sure to check in advance—the ropeway is sometimes closed during cherry blossom season, in which case buses take over. Once at the top, settle in beneath the canopy of blossoms and enjoy a picnic!
Philosopher's Path
Kyoto’s sacred cherry blossom walk, which runs alongside a peaceful canal, is lined with hundreds of cherry trees, offering a spellbinding setting for contemplation and reflection. Connecting Ginkakuji (the Silver Pavilion) to Nanzenji Temple, the path takes you through some of Kyoto’s most serene and beautiful scenery. The early April bloom transforms this path into a blossom-filled sanctuary.
Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen, an exquisite sanctuary nestled in the heart of Tokyo, is home to over a thousand cherry trees, featuring an impressive array of more than a dozen varieties, including both early and late-blooming species. This lush garden, with its expansive lawn areas and serene atmosphere, is a perfect setting for hanami, Japan’s beloved cherry blossom viewing tradition. Whether you arrive at the peak of bloom or a little after from late March to early April, Shinjuku Gyoen promises an unforgettable experience.
Takato Castle Ruins Park
Takato Castle Ruins Park, located in Nagano Prefecture, is a historic cherry blossom destination. Known for its 1,500 Sakura trees, the park is considered one of Japan’s three best cherry blossom spots. The ruins of the former castle provide a stunning backdrop to the blossoms, creating a dramatic and romantic setting for springtime visitors. A visit in mid-to-late April will reward you with one of the most radiant Sakura views in Japan.
Yamazakigawa Riverside
Take a tranquil stroll through Sakura in Nagoya’s Yamazaki River. The Shikinomichi (Path of Four Seasons) is a serene cherry blossom route adorned with hundreds of sakura trees. This beautiful path that stretches nearly a kilometre offers a quieter, more reflective sakura experience. Truly one of Nagoya’s best-kept sakura secrets merely a 10-minute walk from Mizuho-Undojo-Higashi Station.