Top 10 Cherry Blossom Illuminations in Japan

Fukuoka Castle is transformed into an enchanting nighttime spectacle during the sakura season. Illuminations line the ramparts and walkways of Maizuru Park, creating a striking contrast between the stone of the castle and the petals of the cherry trees. Food stalls and entertainment are also on hand to celebrate the tradition of hanami as it should be.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Address: 1 Jonai, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0043 (Maizuru Park, around the castle ruins).

Illumination period 2026: March 26 to April 6

Times: Generally from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m

Maruyama Park is one of Kyoto's most emblematic places to admire cherry blossoms! Its immense weeping cherry tree (shidarezakura) is illuminated every year, much to the delight of visitors, and its lanes, lined with hundreds of sakura trees, are decorated with lanterns for magical strolls!

FURTHER INFORMATION

Address: Maruyamacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0071.

Illumination period 2026: late March to early April

Times: Illuminations from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. (sometimes until midnight on weekends)

Nicknamed the "White Heron Castle" for its elegance, Himeji Castle is even more spectacular when it hosts the springtime illuminations. The moat and gardens are illuminated to highlight the site's feudal architecture, contrasting with the cherry blossoms. A beautiful sight when the cherry blossoms are reflected on the water.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Address: 68 Honmachi, Himeji, Hyogo 670-0012.

Illumination period 2026: March 28 to April 12

Times: 6pm to 11pm (last entry at 10:30pm)

Ueno Park is a legendary place to celebrate Hanami in Tokyo! More than 1,000 cherry trees are planted here, and their blossoms are highlighted by illuminations throughout the blossoming period. The atmosphere is festive, with food stalls and street musicians.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Address: 5-20 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0007.

Illumination period 2026: Mid-March to early April

Opening hours: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. (sometimes until 11 p.m. on weekends)

Naked Sakura Aquarium (Tokyo)

This year, digital art collective NAKED transforms the Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa aquarium into a dreamlike world, blending the beauty of sakura with the magic of the oceans. This unique event features dolphin shows, aisles lined with virtual cherry trees and spring-themed sound effects. A poetic experience not to be missed!

FURTHER INFORMATION

Address: Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa (2-minute walk from Shinagawa station, Tokyo)

Illumination period 2026: Early March to late April

Opening hours: Confirm on the official website.

Located near the Imperial Palace, Chidorigafuchi is one of Tokyo's most photogenic spots during the cherry blossom season. Bordered by sakura trees, these ancient moats are a delight to passers-by in spring: at night, the trees are lit up, and visitors can hire boats to glide along the water. A must-see!

FURTHER INFORMATION

Address: 1-1 Kudanminami, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 102-0074 (access via Kudanshita station).

Illumination period 2026: Late March to early April

Times: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. (boat rental until 9:30 p.m.)

Hirosaki Castle Park is renowned for hosting one of Japan's finest sakura festivals . With over 2,600 illuminated cherry trees, some of which are said to be over a hundred years old, the site becomes an ocean of petals when the trees are in bloom! Food stalls, traditional performances and boat rides on the castle moat are also on offer to festival-goers.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Address: 1 Shimoshiroganecho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8356

Illumination period 2026: April 17 to May 5

Times: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. (festival runs until 11 p.m. on weekends)