Japan’s cherry blossom season

Japan’s cherry blossom season is one of the most magical times to visit the country. Known as sakura, these delicate pink and white flowers bloom for just a few fleeting weeks each spring, transforming parks, temples, and even city streets into an ethereal wonderland. While many travelers flock to famous hanami (flower-viewing) spots like Tokyo’s Ueno Park or Kyoto’s Maruyama Park, there are countless lesser-known locations where you can experience the beauty of sakura without the overwhelming crowds.

In this guide, we go beyond the well-trodden paths and dive into Japan’s best cherry blossom destinations—both famous and hidden—along with local insights on the best times to visit and where to stay for an unforgettable sakura season experience.

When is the Best Time to Visit for Cherry Blossoms?

Cherry blossoms bloom at different times depending on the region, and their peak lasts only about a week.

• Tokyo & Kyoto: Late March to early April

• Osaka & Hiroshima: Late March to early April

• Northern Japan (Tohoku & Hokkaido): Mid-April to early May

• Okinawa: Late January to early February

Timing your trip to match peak bloom can be tricky, so checking the Japan Meteorological Agency’s sakura forecast closer to your travel date is recommended.


Hidden cherry blossom spots beyond the usual tourist trails

While Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka offer some of the most famous hanami locations, these lesser-known spots provide a more peaceful and intimate experience.

Hirosaki Castle, Aomori

For those who want a postcard-perfect cherry blossom experience, Hirosaki Castle in Aomori should be at the top of your list. With its traditional three-story tower surrounded by thousands of cherry trees, this spot in northern Japan blooms later than Tokyo and Kyoto, making it a great choice for travelers who miss the central sakura season. The castle grounds feature blossom-covered moats, night-time illuminations, and petal-filled water, creating an otherworldly spectacle.

Where to Stay: Ishiba Ryokan, a 200-year-old traditional inn in Hirosaki, offers a classic Japanese stay with tatami floors and onsen access.


Mount Yoshino, Nara

One of Japan’s most spectacular cherry blossom destinations, Mount Yoshino is home to over 30,000 sakura trees planted at different altitudes, creating a cascading effect of pink waves across the mountain. Unlike city hanami spots, this location offers scenic hiking trails and hidden viewpoints where you can enjoy the blossoms in solitude.

Where to Stay: Chikurin-in Gunpoen Ryokan, a luxurious traditional inn with outdoor hot springs offering panoramic views of the sakura-covered valley.


Kakunodate, Akita

Kakunodate, a historic samurai district in Akita, is an ideal destination for those who want to experience sakura season with a touch of history. The town’s beautifully preserved Edo-period samurai houses are lined with hundreds of weeping cherry trees, creating a dramatic contrast between the dark wooden architecture and soft pink blossoms.

Where to Stay: Tamachi Bukeyashiki Hotel, a boutique ryokan that allows guests to experience the atmosphere of a samurai residence with modern comforts.


Miharu Takizakura, Fukushima

For a truly unique cherry blossom experience, visit Miharu Takizakura, a 1,000-year-old weeping cherry tree in Fukushima Prefecture. Often referred to as the most beautiful cherry tree in Japan, its sprawling branches create a mesmerizing pink waterfall effect when in full bloom.

Where to Stay: Onyado Toho Ryokan in Aizu-Wakamatsu offers stunning outdoor hot springs with views of the mountains—perfect for unwinding after a day of sakura viewing.


Kawazu, Izu Peninsula

If you can’t make it to Japan in late March or April, Kawazu on the Izu Peninsula offers an earlier sakura experience. The town is famous for its Kawazu-zakura, a variety of cherry blossoms that bloom in February. Walking along the Kawazu River, lined with over 8,000 bright pink trees, feels like stepping into a fairytale.

Where to Stay: Kawazu Kaien, a seaside ryokan with private open-air baths overlooking the ocean, offers the perfect blend of sakura and coastal relaxation.


Tips for enjoying the cherry blossom season

Pack a picnic: The best way to enjoy hanami is to do it like the locals—bring a picnic! Many convenience stores sell sakura-themed bentos, snacks, and even cherry blossom-flavored drinks.

Experience nighttime sakura (Yozakura): Some locations, like Maruyama Park in Kyoto and Hirosaki Castle, offer beautifully illuminated sakura trees at night. The glow of the blossoms under lantern lights creates a dreamlike atmosphere.

Stay near the blooms: Booking a ryokan or hotel near cherry blossom parks allows you to wake up to the sight of sakura without the hassle of long commutes.


Japan’s cherry blossom season is more than just a visual spectacle—it’s a deeply cultural and symbolic time, marking renewal and the fleeting nature of life. While famous spots like Tokyo’s Shinjuku Gyoen and Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path are beautiful, exploring lesser-known locations like Hirosaki Castle, Mount Yoshino, and Kakunodate will give you a more intimate, local experience of hanami.

No matter where you choose to view sakura, timing, accommodation, and local insights can make all the difference in creating a truly unforgettable trip. Start planning early, book your stays near the blossoms, and prepare to witness one of the most breathtaking natural events in the world.