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As pink petals drift onto footpaths from Tokyo to Hokkaido, Japan awakens to the arrival of spring. For those travelling to take part in the centuries-old tradition of hanami (flower viewing), read on to discover the best places – and times – to see the sakura bloom.
When does the cherry blossom season start in Japan?
Going dormant in the winter months, the blossoms awaken after spates of warm days, allowing forecasters to predict the blooming cycle. In the more temperate southern reaches, they bloom closer to March; for the cooler northern areas, blooms occur closer to May.
Fukuoka
Considered one of Japan’s most picturesque locations for flower viewing, Fukuoka’s lush parks and shrines offer an enchanting backdrop. For over a century, Nishi Park has enticed visitors with the breathtaking beauty of 1,300 cherry blossom trees. Atago Shrine complements its delicate pink petals, which bloom from trees on the shrine grounds, with sweeping views of Hakata Bay. During hanami season, food and drink stalls open and special light shows illuminate the trees at night. In 2024, the first bloom was on March 27 and reached full bloom on April 2.
Tokyo
Tokyo has some of the country’s most popular blossom parties and cherry tree parks on its doorstep; Ueno Park alone is home to more than 1,000 trees, largely lining a pathway between Keisei Ueno train station and the Tokyo National Museum, creating a tunnel effect that’s cemented it as a popular location for hanami parties. For a unique viewing experience, visitors can hire a paddleboat and glimpse sakura from the river at Chidorigafuchi Park. Travellers from April 1 onwards are best placed for Tokyo’s first bloom.
Hiroshima
Whether you’re reflecting at Hiroshima Peace Park, admiring the ‘floating’ torii gate at nearby Miyajima or exploring the city’s vibrant bar scene, Hiroshima is an unmissable stop on any Japan itinerary. Visit between March 20 and April 1 (approximately) to see these landmarks transformed under the pink veil of sakura petals. To view both an icon of the city and the bounds of blossoms, head to the grounds of Hiroshima Castle, which plays host to more than 450 trees (best viewed from the castle keep, or on the opposite side of its moat).
Osaka
Osaka is home to hundreds of cherry blossom varieties, which typically bloom from March to early April. One of Japan’s most famous blossom-viewing spots, Mount Yoshino, is home to 30,000 trees, all easily admired from one of many nearby trails. Many prominent streets close to car traffic during the season, while the western citadel lawns of Osaka Castle offer a picturesque setting for picnics and blossom parties, framed by the castle’s glowing towers at night.
Kanazawa
Kanazawa, a city in the Ishikawa Prefecture on the western coast of Japan, is home to Kenrokuen Garden, one of the country’s most beautiful gardens, which waives admission fees during sakura season. With numerous viewing spots, including the famous Hanami-Bashi (flower-viewing bridge), the garden provides an ideal setting to enjoy the blossoms. The cherry blossoms in Kanazawa usually reach full bloom in early April.
Aomori
Hirosaki Castle and its surrounding parklands, home to over 2,500 trees, create a picturesque landscape where petals often blanket the moats, and a seasonal festival offers ample picnic space and evening illuminations. The cherry blossoms typically peak in late April, making it one of the best spots for a slightly later hanami experience.
Hokkaido
To see more than 1,400 trees in Japan’s latest blossoming destination, visit Hokkaido Shrine in Sapporo, where you’ll find both white and pink cherry blossoms, along with red plum blossoms blooming until late May. The sakura season in Hokkaido starts in late April and can extend into early May, offering one of the final opportunities to enjoy Japan’s cherry blossoms.
Discover Japan
Feature image: Hirosaki Castle, Japan.
