The 7 Best Places to see Cherry Blossoms in Nagoya
- Published on : 27/02/2026
- by : Joshua
- Youtube
Okazakijo
@Kumamushi on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
Nagoya is one of the biggest cities in central Japan and offers some of the best views of cherry blossoms in an environment! Check out locations such as the Yamazaki River, Heiwa Park, and Nagoya Castle for some of the best hanami locations in Japan!
The largest city in Aichi Prefecture, many visitors to Japan may head to Nagoya for the famous Ghibli Park, Legoland Japan, or other amusement parks. While these are great attractions in themselves, Nagoya during springtime offers much more than just good weather!
Some of the best cherry blossom bloomings of any city in Japan can be found here, and with much fewer crowds compared to other destinations on the archipelago.
Here are our 7 favorite places to see the sakura in Nagoya!
1. Okan Cherry Tree Road
Okan Cherry Blossom Street
@Tomio344456 on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
The around 130 cherry trees that line this road in Nagoya are some of the earliest to bloom in the city, from around late February to late March!
The 1.4-kilometer route goes along the city’s famed “Cultural Path” with historic buildings and temples providing a backdrop that is distinctly Japanese.
Visitors should leave from Exit 2 at Takaoka Station of the Sakuradori Subway Line.
2. The Yamazaki River
An approximately 3km stretch of trees flanking the Yamazaki River, from the Ishikawabashi crossroads to the Mizuho Athletics Stadium.
Strolling beneath the arching canopy of pale pink blossoms along the Yamazaki River in Nagoya, the sakura petals drifted gently onto the water, creating a dreamy tunnel of spring color reflected in the quiet current. The trees are lit up at night and there is some access to the carp-filled river.
The river is nearby both Mizuho Kuyakusho and Mizuho Undojo Stations on the Sakuradori Subway Line.
Yamazaki River
@KKPCW on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
3. Tsurumai Park
Tsurumai Park offers plenty of trees in a downtown location. The sometimes raucous atmosphere, especially at night, is reminiscent of the hanami scene in Maruyama Park in Kyoto.
Many enjoy nighttime seasonal celebrations here, making the atmosphere lively no matter the time throughout the sakura season!
From Nagoya Station, take the JR Chūō Line to Tsurumai Station (about 10 minutes), and you’ll find Tsuruma Park directly outside the station’s “Park Exit.”
Night Hanami at Tsuruma Park
@KKPCW on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
4. Heiwa Park
Heiwa Park has the most trees in Nagoya and is a pleasant place to wander or picnic and admire the blossoms.
The atmosphere is much more local, a beloved spot for city residents that doesn’t have as many crowds compared to other hanami spots throughout the country.
From Nagoya Station, take the Higashiyama Subway Line to Hoshigaoka Station, then transfer to a city bus bound for Heiwa Koen and get off at the Heiwa Koen stop, just a short walk from Heiwa Park.
Heiwa-koen
@Bariston on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
5. Nagoya Castle
Nagoya Castle Park is a very popular place for hanami, with the castle itself providing an impressive backdrop and lots of space to spread out and find a fairly uncrowded spot.
There are around 900 cherry trees found throughout the grounds. From March 20th, 2026, to May 6th, 2026, the Nagoya Castle Cherry Blossom Festival is held on the grounds, with food stands and nighttime illuminations.
From Nagoya Station, take the subway Higashiyama Line to Sakae, transfer to the Meijō Line, and get off at Shiyakusho (Nagoyajo) Station; then walk about five minutes to Nagoya Castle.
Nagoya Castle
@Alpsdake on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
6. The Tenpaku River
The banks of the Tenpaku River in East Nagoya are a good place to walk or cycle. Hanging lanterns are lit up at night along the river and have the sakura appear to glow once the sun sets, which is one of the most tranquil scenes one can witness during springtime in Japan.
Tsurato Station on the Sakuradori Line provides the easiest access. Typically, the route between Tsurato Park and Shimadabashi Park provides some of the best scenery. The wildlife that calls the river home, including birds and fish, adds to the relaxing, organic atmosphere!
The river is best accessible from Hara Station on the Tsurumai Line.
Tenpaku River
@Gryffindor on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
7. Okazaki Castle
Okazakijo
@Bariston on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
40 km east of Nagoya, Okazaki Castle and the surrounding Okazaki Park are one of the most famous and lively spots for hanami in Aichi Prefecture and can get pretty crowded in the season.
There are over 2,000 cherry trees, which are lit up at night, and lots of stalls to serve the thousands of hanami revellers. The town is well-known as the birthplace of Ieyasu Tokugawa, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate and for its large-scale production of fireworks!
To reach Okazaki Castle from Nagoya Station, take the Meitetsu Line to Higashi-Okazaki Station in Okazaki, then walk about 15 minutes to the historic castle grounds.
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