The Best Places to see the Cherry Blossoms during Spring in Japan

Japan's 2026 cherry blossom (sakura) season is shaping up to follow the familiar south-to-north "sakura front" pattern, with blooming expected slightly earlier than average in many parts of the country due to warmer forecasted spring temperatures. According to the Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) and other expert forecasts, the first blossoms in major urban areas like Tokyo are predicted to open around March 20-22, reaching full bloom in the late March to early April window.

Around March 26th to 29th in Tokyo and March 30th to April 2nd in Kansai cities such as Kyoto and Osaka. Southern regions such as Fukuoka also expect blooms in mid-to-late March, while northern areas like Sapporo in Hokkaido won't see sakura until late April to early May. These dates are approximations based on historical patterns and early forecasts; actual timing can shift with late winter or early spring weather conditions.

• Sapporo: The park Maruyama

Although Hokkaido is further north and the cherry blossoms bloom later, Maruyama Park in Sapporo is well worth a visit for its majestic cherry trees. It's the perfect place to end the Hanami season in style. Maruyama Park is also famous for housing the majestic Hokkaido-jingu shrine, adding a spiritual dimension to the spellbinding experience of gazing at the cherry blossoms.

• Hakodate: The park Goryokaku Park

Goryokaku Park in Hakodate offers spectacular views of the cherry blossoms. It's definitely worth climbing up to the observation tower for a breathtaking view of the park. With its shady walkways and star-shaped moat, it's a truly unique place to enjoy the beauty of the spring cherry blossoms.

• Hirosaki: Hirosaki Castle

The Tohoku region is famous for its cherry blossoms, and Hirosaki Castle Park is no exception. With over 2,600 cherry trees, this park offers breathtaking views, especially when the cherry trees are illuminated at night.

• Fukushima: Miharu Takizakura

Miharu Takizakura, the huge weeping cherry tree, is one of Japan's three giant cherry trees . With a height of 13 meters, this tree is said to be over 1,000 years old. Each branch of this tree is home to countless beautiful cherry blossoms. It's known as "Takizakura" (cascade of cherry blossoms). This tree is even more beautiful at night when illuminated.

• Tokyo: Nakameguro:

Offers a magnificent stroll beneath cherry blossoms, interlaced with pink lanterns. More than 800 Yoshino cherry trees compete to dazzle the eyes of passersby. As night falls, the lanterns light up, and the pink reflections mingle with the yozakura, the night cherry trees.

• Shinjuku Gyoen:

Shinjuku Gyoen Park is one of the most popular places to enjoy cherry blossoms in Tokyo. With over 1,000 cherry trees of different varieties, this vast park offers an ideal setting for picnics under the bright pink and white blossoms.

• Kyoto: Philosopher's Path

The Path of Philosophy, or Tetsugaku no michi, is a charming cherry-tree-lined promenade that runs alongside a canal in Kyoto. This picturesque destination is ideal for a leisurely stroll while admiring the cherry blossoms reflected in the water.

• Nara: Mount Yoshino

A famous place to see cherry blossoms, with over 30,000 trees of different varieties. The mountain is decked out in pink and white in spring. Travelers from all over the world come here to enjoy this ephemeral beauty. The surrounding gardens and parks offer a peaceful atmosphere in which to stroll and contemplate nature's awakening splendor.

• Takamatsu: Ritsurin-koen

This garden is one of Japan's national treasures, where every stone, every tree and every pond tells a thousand-year-old story of beauty and serenity. In spring, it's a haven of peace where you can lose yourself in contemplation of the carefully landscaped grounds, surrounded by hues of pink flowers and enveloped by the peaceful atmosphere that reigns here.

• Mitoyo: Shiudeyama

With its panoramic views over the surrounding valley, Mount Shiude is also renowned for its cherry blossoms in spring. Each year, as the cherry blossoms bloom on its slopes, Mount Shiude is transformed into a fairy-tale tableau, inviting visitors to lose themselves in the ephemeral splendor of the Hanami season.

• Kagoshima: Shiroyama Park

This iconic site offers a breathtaking view of the sparkling bay, punctuated by cherry blossom trees, against the backdrop of the active Sakurajima volcano, which adds an aura of mystery and grandeur to this spectacular landscape.

• Kumamoto: Kumamoto Castle Park

Nestled in the heart of Kumamoto town, Castle Park evokes a timeless charm, where the peaceful beauty of its gardens, punctuated by cherry blossom trees, contrasts magnificently with the majestic castle walls. In the background, the imposing silhouette of Mount Aso adds a touch of natural majesty to this enchanting tableau, offering visitors an unforgettable experience steeped in history.

• Hiroshima: Senkoji Park

Perched high above Hiroshima, the park envelops visitors in an atmosphere of serenity. Offering breathtaking views of the city and the Seto Inland Sea, this verdant sanctuary is dotted with cherry blossom trees that add a touch of grace to the landscape. In the distance, the silhouettes of the sea islands cut into the horizon, creating an enchanting backdrop for this peaceful getaway.

• Okayama: Korakuen Garden

In this garden, every corner reveals a dazzling beauty. The reflections of cherry blossoms in the sparkling ponds create a magical atmosphere, while the bridges add a touch of grandeur. With Okayama Castle on the horizon, this garden steeped in history offers a captivating experience, where nature and architecture blend harmoniously.

• Mount Fuji: Lake Kawaguchi

Bordered by the majestic peaks of Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi reveals a breathtaking beauty. Its calm waters reflect the imposing silhouette of the sacred volcano, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque villages, this lake offers a peaceful escape, where every glance captured reveals the timeless magic of this iconic Japanese landscape.

• Nagano: Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle rises proudly above the city, offering an imposing spectacle of Japanese history. Its towers and stone walls (reminiscent of the era of feudal lords). Whether shrouded in cherry blossoms in spring or snow in winter, every visit offers a captivating immersion in Japanese culture.