2024 Cherry blossoms in Japan: A big feast for the eyes

Japan is on the cusp of welcoming the stunning cherry blossom season, a spectacle eagerly awaited by both locals and travelers worldwide. Cherry blossoms symbolize the fragility of life in Japanese culture as full blooms only last about a week before the petals start falling off trees. 🌸

Our comprehensive guide includes predictions for cherry blossom viewing and highlights 30 prime locations across Japan. It's the perfect time to start planning your next cherry blossom journey to Japan!

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The country's weather forecasters face one of their biggest missions of the year: predicting exactly when the famed cherry blossoms will bloom.

Japan’s cherry blossom season varies with the adjustment of weather and climate every year, but basically it starts from the south to the north areas of Japan in every spring.

The cherry blossom season across Japan, especially in key cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, is predicted to showcase its peak from late March to early April.

Source From: livejapan.com

Generally speaking, cherry blossoms reach full bloom about 5 to 7 days after they start flowering; the best time to view them is 7 to 10 days after they have fully bloomed. Therefore, it is recommended to plan your cherry blossom viewing trip for the midpoint of the 7 to 10 days following peak bloom for the optimal experience.

One of the best places to appreciate cherry blossoms in Japan would be the Meguro River. Walking along the small bridge on both sides of the river is like walking in a corridor full of pink cherry blossoms. It is very easy for visitors to take stunning pictures from any angle, and you can see more than 800 cherry trees in full bloom in its heyday.

The Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is one of the best places to appreciate stunning cherry blossoms in Japan. The scenic spot includes three gardens of Japanese, English and French styles, and the overall aesthetic design is unique.

There are more than 20,000 trees in the garden, including over 1500 cherry trees with more than 60 different varieties, which lure hundreds of visitors during the bloom period from late March to late April. As a respite from the hustle and bustle of the urban life, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is an oasis of tranquility and well worth a visit.

The Ueno Park is one of the famous scenic spots for cherry blossom viewing in Japan. The avenue of cherry blossom trees along the main path of Ueno Park has attracted thousands of visitors from and abroad every year.

Spanning across a roughly 53,000 square meter plot, Ueno Park is right next to the Ueno Station where you can find Ueno Zoo, Shinobazu Pond, the National Museum of Western Art, the Shitamachi Museum and many other sightseeing spots.

Due to its convenient location, visitors can easily get to the park by JR Pass, Shinkansen line and taxi.

Sumida Park is a recreational park located along the river back of Sumida river. It takes around 5 minutes to walk from Asakusa Station on the Ginza, Asakusa and Tobu Isesaki lines.

Thanks to its hundreds of light pink Sakura trees, the park is one of the most popular places for tourists to admire Sakura in Japan. Visitors can also take a stroll along the river and enjoy the breeze.

Situated off Keyakizaka behind Roppongi Hills, Sakurazaka is famous for its cherry blossoms tunnel.

There are quiet residential areas on both sides so it’s important to be quiet when taking photos.

Located within the complex building site — Ropponggi Hills Mori Tower, one of business hubs in Tokyo metropolis, the Mori Garden is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo. You can’t imagine that the whole area is in the middle of skyscrapers while there is a heaven of peace and happiness.

We highly recommend visitors can appreciate cherry blossoms at night time in this place as the stunning light-up illuminates the cherry blossoms which are surrounded by cool skyscrapers.

The garden is also a good place to view fall foliage in fall.

😉Read more: Top 9 Cherry Blossom Viewing in Tokyo

The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival is held from early February to early March every year in the city of Kawazu, which is located on the Izu Peninsula. Unlike Somei-yoshino cherry trees, whose flowers fall as quickly as they bloom, Kawazu features Sakura that blooms for about a full month.

Those who like to soak in a spa or hot springs can also enjoy the spa while appreciating the beautiful cherry blossoms.

Sankeien is a Japanese-style traditional garden in Yokohama, Japan. There are various traditional Japanese-style ancient buildings in the garden. The garden features numerous cherry blossom trees around the pond, offering the stunning scenery of the authentic Japanese Spring. It is also a popular spot to enjoy cherry blossoms in Yokohama.

Situated in the town of Fuji kawaguchiko in southern Yamanashi Prefecture near Mount Fuji, the Lake Kawaguchiko is especially popular during the cherry blossom season. There are about 300 cherry trees planted and stretching for about 1 km along the north shore of the lake. A large number of visitors visit and see the breathtaking view of cherry blossoms with the lake and Mt Fuji along with the popular Sakura Matsuri, Fuji Kawaguchiko Cherry Blossom Festival which is held annually during the season.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangū, built in 1063, is one of the most significant Shinto shrines in the city of Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The shrine is also famous for a variety of seasonal flowers including cherry blossoms. Every year, cherry blossoms flourish inside and outside the shrine.

There is a big pond named “Genpei Pond” and seven small islands in the site. Sakura usually blooms around the pond, and this is the best photo spot of cherry blossom in the shrine.

Home to this iconic scenery, Arakurayama Sengen Park is one of the Top 100 spots for viewing Mt. Fuji in the Kanto region. There are more than 650 cherry trees in the park, and the spot is also famous for its beautiful Sakura.

Although the Spring sakura (cherry blossom) season is best for capturing the symbolic view of Mt. Fuji, cherry blossoms and five-storied pagoda, the park can be enjoyed throughout the year with a breathtaking view that changes with the seasons.

Maruyama Park is a public park next to Yasaka Shrine in the Higashiyama District. Every year in the first half of April, the park has become one of the famous spots to view cherry blossoms. The centerpiece of the park is a tall shidarezakura (weeping cherry tree), which gets lit up in the night, luring millions of visitors.

Daigoji is a significant temple of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism. You’re probably familiar with temples like Kiyomizu-dera and Kinkaku-ji, but Daigoji Temple is another beautiful treasure in Kyoto that is a designated World Heritage Site.

The temple site is divided into 3 areas, Kami Daigo (upper grounds), Shimo Daigo(lower grounds) and Sanboin. There are more than 1,000 cherry trees in total and various kinds of cherry blossoms can be spotted with the great historical buildings for about 3 weeks. The most outstanding cherry tree in the temple would be the massive weeping cherry tree which stands on the grounds of the Reihokan Museum.

Visitors will also receive an exclusive night-viewing goshuin, a stamp given out to visitors by Buddhist temples in Japan.

Arashiyama has been known for its cherry blossoms since the thirteenth century. About 1,500 Yoshino cherry trees bloom around the Arashiyama area during cherry blossom season, with plentiful viewing spots.

Cherry blossoms reflected on the surface of the water near Arashiyama Park and Togetsukyo Bridge are highlights. In addition, there are many wild cherry trees near Osawa Pond and Hirosawa Pond in the north, offering a different atmosphere.

Nara Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Kansai region. When spring approaches, the villages and parks are covered with white and pink when the cherry blossoms are at their peak time. Visiting Nara Park in spring will give you an unforgettable experience.

There are about 1700 cherry trees planted across the Nara Park. In the park, you could watch deers resting peacefully on a bed of fallen petals, or strolling and even picnicking under a sky of flowers. One of the most pleasant hanami spots in the park is a large lawn encircled by cherry trees, a short walk southeast of Todaiji's main hall.

Cherry trees have been planted all around the Koriyama Castle, and the place is noted as one of Japan’s top 100 cherry blossom viewing sites.

The ‘Castle Festival’ opens every year in late-March to late-April where around 6 million lanterns beautifully light up the surroundings.

The Okawa River is one of the best riverside spots for viewing cherry blossoms in Japan. Okawa River flows through the center of Osaka. Around 4800 cherry trees line the river engulf the river in a stunning array of pink at full bloom.

Visitors can take a 25-minute cruise that departs from Hachikenyahama Pier and goes through beautiful cherry blossom sites.

After visiting Okawa, you can also arrange a tour to Osaka Castle. The five-story Osaka Castle is one of Japan’s most famous landmarks, and has a history of almost 450 years.

The Nishinomaru Garden in Osaka Castle is also a very popular tourist attraction, where many tourists can enjoy stunning cherry blossoms in spring.

Located in the center of Kumamoto City, the Kumamoto Castle is one of the most impressive castles in Japan. With about 800 cherry trees, the castle has become a popular spot for visitors to appreciate cherry blossoms, especially in late March and early April.

From around late March to mid-April, Nagasaki's Omura Park is an absolute big feast for the eyes. Built over the outer moat of Kushima Castle, the park is filled with more than 2000 cherry trees in spring, and has been noted as one of ‘Japan’s Top 100 famous cherry blossom viewing spots’.

Mifuneyama Rakuen is a paradise garden situated in Saga Prefecture, Kyushu. The entire garden is around 500,000 square meters, and in the spring when the flower festival is held, about 2,000 cherry trees such as Someiyoshino and yamazakura are in full bloom.

At night, the Kyushu’s largest cherry blossom light-up will be held, in which the cherry blossoms in the garden are fantastically illuminated.

Built around 1,700 years ago, the Saitobaru Burial Mounds is a park dotted with more than 300 burial mounds in a vast plateau. Scattered across a 70-meter-high plateau, these above-ground tombs of ancient warriors and clan leaders were designated a National Historical Site in 1952.

The park is also a perfect spot to view cheery blossoms. Visitors can soak up the amazing views in spring while the cosmos flowers bloom here in fall.

Featuring the ruins of Fukuoka Castle and Korokan Ruins Museum, the historic Maizuru Park is situated within just 15 minutes from Tenjin, the center of Fukuoka City, and it houses 1,000 cherry trees.

Every year when spring approaches, the cherry blossoms in the park attract millions of people. Visitors can also have a romantic Sakura night viewing at Maizuru Park in Fukuoka.

Senkoji Park, situated on top of the Mount Senkoji, is one of the main tourist attractions in the port town of Onomichi. Every year it draws many camera-toting tourists from home and abroad.

With around 1,500 trees in the park, this site is also regarded as one of Japan’s 100 best cherry blossoms spots, offering marvelous scenery and an outstanding city view. When the Sakura starts to bloom, the park is blanketed with pink petals.

If you want to get the possible view of Senkoji Park, head to the summit of Mount Senkoji.

Peace Memorial Park is located in the center of the Hiroshima City, near the place where the first atomic bomb was dropped in 1945 during the World War II. The park is one of the most prominent features of the city as well as a memorial of the event.

The site is a tranquil spot to contemplate the preciousness of all life. There are around 300 cherry trees planted around the park especially along the river. When spring rolls in, the spot is one of the best places to view the breathtaking cherry blossoms.

Listed as one of Japan’s 100 most beautiful cherry blossom spots, the Utsubuki Park has lured millions of visitors for its amazing springtime beauty. There are an impressive 4000 cherry tress on the ground, along with a range of other beautiful tress and flowers to enjoy — the azaleas which bloom a little later in spring are another highlight.

The Ritsurin Garden, renowned for its landscaping, is a large and historic garden in Takamatsu, Japan. Featuring 6 ponds and 14 landscaped hills, the park is designated as a special place of scenic beauty.

Bursting with seasonal flowers, special light-up events take place for viewing the cherry blossoms and fall colors in the evening. The garden is a must-see for those who want to experience a traditional vibe of Japanese garden.

Known as ‘Makiba-en’, the Koiwai Farm is a private owned eco-friendly farm boasting more than 100 years of history.

Visitors can enjoy the gorgeous natural surroundings, learn about the production of a range of dairy products and visit some of the 21 buildings on the farm, which are designated Important Cultural Properties.

When spring comes, a solidary cherry tree on the Koiwai Farm is on full bloom, where visitors can soak up the amazing cherry blossom views. It’s also noted as one of the best places to travel with families.

Located in Senbei City of Akita Prefecture, northeastern Japan, Kakunodatemachi is known as the ‘Little Kyoto’ in the Northeast. The site completely preserves the buildings of ancient Japan where visitors can appreciate the great charms of ancient Japanese buildings.

During springtime, weeping cherry blossoms gorgeously bright up Kakunodate. The cherry blossoms also embellish the Bukeyashiki Street as well as the blackboard walls and austere samurai residences around Tamachi.

Situated near the center of Fukuoka City, the Nishi Park is set up at a very scenic spot that used to be called ‘Aratsu Mountain’ in the Man-yo era (7-8 century). From the observatory in the park, visitors can get a fantastic view of the city to the east, Hakata Bay and Uminonakamichi Island and Nokonoshima Island to the north.

About 1,300 cherry trees are planted in the park with their best blooming time in spring. The park has been selected as one of the Japan's Top 100 cherry blossom viewing sites.