Chasing Cherry Blossoms: A City-by-City Guide with Everything You Need to Know

So you want to see the cherry blossoms in Japan.

Seeing sakura bloom in Japan is a pretty common bucket list item—but how to time it? What to bring? Where best to view the flowers that only bloom for 5-7 short days out of the year?

No worries; Japan Tip Trips has got you covered with this city-by-city guide with a top 3 cherry blossom viewing spots for each city when the general viewing season is for each city, what to bring, what to avoid, and other life-saving tips for your first Japan cherry blossom trip!

Introduction

Most folks don’t have enough flexibility to change their flights, much less scheduled vacation days, to accommodate the blooming season of the sakura, which can be weeks different every year based on the rainfall and temperature fluctuations of that year. Given that these flowers are loved for their short-lived beauty and bloom for a short few days before wilting, timing your trip to catch these blooms in their full glory can be quite hard.

Trust me, I understand the deep-seated disappointment you feel when you’ve just barely missed the blooms. The good news is, the temperature variability from West to East Japan is different enough that if you miss the blooms in one area, you can travel up (northwards) to catch the later blooms.

As spring drifts through the country, this wave of soft pink blooms sweeps from the southern islands of Kyushu to the mountains of Hokkaido, bringing the opportunity to “chase” the blossoms as they move northward through Japan’s diverse regions.

If you’re planning a trip, this guide will walk you through the best spots in major cities, give you key timing tips, plus essential cultural pointers to help you enjoy hanami (cherry blossom viewing) like a local.

Timing Your Trip: When Do the Cherry Blossoms Bloom?

Cherry blossoms generally start blooming in mid-March in southern Japan and peak in April as they move north. The central regions of Osaka, Nagoya, and Tokyo tend to be late March to early April. In Hokkaido, the season can begin as late as mid-April to early May.

However, bloom forecasts vary slightly each year depending on the weather, so always check updated forecasts before you go. The Japan Meteorology Agency’s website, which puts out an annual sakura forecast for when the flowers are predicted to bloom in each city, is also what the locals use to plan their hanami parties. There’s also an English version!

Now, for each city’s blooming period and best viewing spot; keep in mind that these are general bloom forecasts and may not be up to date for when you visit.

1. Fukuoka — March 20^th – 27^th, 2025

As one of the first major cities of Japan to welcome sakura, Fukuoka is a great starting point for your cherry blossom journey. This region’s unique food culture, sandy beaches, and hot springs (due to nearby volcanic activity in the Kyushu region) also makes for a spectacular vacation destination with plenty to do even without the sakura.

Best Viewing Spots:

• Maizuru Park: With over 1,000 cherry trees scattered around the Fukuoka castle ruins, this is arguably Fukuoka’s most famous hanami spot. It is also lit up with warm pink lanterns at dusk, making it a magical experience at night for those picnicking.

• Nishi Park: Set on a hill, Nishi Park offers panoramic views of Fukuoka city framed by blooming cherry trees, and is a short walk away from Maizuru Park and Ohori Park, which has a tranquil lake lined with cherry trees.

• Akizuki no Sugi path: Located aways from the city center, this famous cherry tree path in Asakura city is lit up at night. In spring, the blooms can be seen in tandem with the bright yellow blooming nanohana for a gorgeous picture of pink and yellow and green.

2. Hiroshima — March 24^th – 31^st, 2025

Hiroshima pairs sakura beauty with powerful historical significance. If you’re already planning a trip to the Atomic Bomb Dome or Miyajima’s floating shrine, why not go during cherry blossom season and catch it all?

Best Viewing Spots:

• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: Cherry blossoms bloom around the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome, offering a poignant contrast between life and destruction, past and present.
• Shukkeien Garden: A beautifully landscaped garden with cherry trees reflected in peaceful ponds. You can enter for a small admission fee (under $10 USD), and there is also an art museum and café attached.
• Shoufukujiyama Park: Sitting on a hill, this park offers gorgeous panoramic views of rows and rows of cherry trees and the Setouchi Inland Sea.

3. Kyoto — April 2^nd – 8^th, 2025

Kyoto is an absolute dream during sakura season, with its historic temples and shrines framed by blossoms—just watch out for the crowds! Kyoto is crowded year-round, but especially during the gorgeous sakura season, and is not for the faint of heart.

With so many gorgeous spots for cherry blossoming viewing, it’s hard to pick 3—but these are some crowd favorites.

Best Viewing Spots:

• Kiyomizudera: A famous Kyoto attraction regardless of season, Kiyomizu Temple offers stunning views of cherry blossoms backed by Kyoto’s hills, and is especially magical at sunset. This spot is also great to visit during the autumn for the fiery autumn leaves!
• Philosopher’s Path: Also called the Tetsugaku no Michi, this  famous canal-side walkway is lined with hundreds of cherry trees. If you catch the trees just past their full bloom the canals surface are also filled with cherry blossom petals for a fantastic view.
• Maruyama Park: One of the local favorites, this spot has many cherry trees but is most known for its massive weeping cherry tree, beautifully illuminated at night.

4. Osaka — April 2^nd – 8^th, 2025

Osaka’s lively energy meets stunning cherry blossom displays. Just an hour’s train ride away from Kyoto, Osaka offers a modern and lively vibe compared to Kyoto’s traditional atmosphere.

Best Viewing Spots:

• Osaka Castle Park: One of the most famous sakura spots, with the castle rising majestically above a sea of blossoms.
• Kema Sakuranomiya Park: Nearly 5,000 cherry trees stretch along the Okawa River — perfect for riverside strolls.
• Expo ’70 Commemorative Park: A bit outside central Osaka but features broad lawns and cherry tree groves, great for picnicking.

5. Nara — March 31^th – April 7^th, 2025

The ancient capital of Nara is known for its free-roaming deer — and the pastel pink sea of sakura makes everything that much more fairytale-like.

Best Viewing Spots:

• Nara Park: Deer graze under cherry trees, with Todai-ji Temple’s Great Buddha Hall nearby for a cultural addition. You can buy rice crackers to feed the deer.
• Mount Yoshino (Yoshinoyama): Arguably Japan’s most famous cherry blossom mountain, with over 30,000 trees in layers up and down the mountainside — the view is spectacular but tends to get very crowded each spring.
• Koriyama Castle Ruins: Featuring a pavilion surrounded by cherry blossoms reflected in the water — this castle is a great option for a quieter hanami with less tourists.

6. Nagoya — March 30^th – April 6^th, 2025

Nagoya is often overlooked but has fantastic cherry blossom spots, not to mention some interesting and authentic culinary delights!

Best Viewing Spots:

• Nagoya Castle: Blossoms frame the castle, known for the golden “shachihoko” statues on top of the roof. There are evening light-ups for magical nighttime views of the cherry trees.
• Tsuruma Park: One of the city’s most popular spots, with beautiful arrangements and plenty of space for picnics—this spot is a local favorite and is rowdy every year with a lively atmosphere.
• Yamazakigawa Riverside: A long stretch along the river, famous for its cherry blossom tunnel effect.

7. Yokohama — March 29^th – April 4^th, 2025

Kanagawa prefecture offers urban cherry blossom views with seaside vibes, depending on where you go. In the city proper of Yokohama you’ll find more modern tastes, whereas if you take the train out to the seaside town of Kamakura, you can find some more traditional Japanese views.

Best Viewing Spots:

• Sankeien Garden (Yokohama): A traditional Japanese garden with historic architecture and peaceful cherry tree displays reflected in the lake, you can get in for a small admission fee and take a leisurely stroll beneath the trees.
• Mitsuike Park (Yokohama): Similar to Sankeien, this park is slightly more spacious and is known for its variety of cherry blossom species, meaning a slightly longer bloom period.
• Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine (Kamakura): This gorgeous shrine’s paths are lined with hundreds of cherry trees that merge beautifully with the traditional architecture. Just be aware that you’ll have to climb quite a few steps to get there!

8. Tokyo — March 27^th – April 3^rd, 2025

Tokyo offers an eclectic mix of modern cityscape and classic sakura beauty. Again, it’s quite difficult to pick only 3 spots, but here are some famous ones:

Best Viewing Spots:

• Ueno Park: One of Japan’s most famous hanami spots — expect crowds, but the festive atmosphere is part of the charm. Rent a swan boat for a leisurely ride on a pond surrounded by cherry blossoms.
• Nakameguro River: Located in central Tokyo, this river is lined with cherry blossom trees and lit up at night for a romantic evening walk.
• Shinjuku Gyoen: More peaceful and spacious, with different cherry species that bloom in staggered timing, prolonging the season.

For more spots and information on catching the cherry blossoms in Tokyo, check out this detailed article on Tokyo’s best 5 cherry blossom spots.

9. Nikko — April 1^st – 8^th, 2025

Located just north of Tokyo in Tochigi Prefecture, Nikko offers later blooming sakura paired with its famous shrines and serene nature scenes. Be sure to check out the other nearby attractions as well; Nikko Toshogu (a Shinto shrine) is majestic during all seasons, and there are some great hot springs in the area as well—think Kinugawa Onsen and Nasu Onsen.

Best Viewing Spots:

• Shinkyo Bridge: The iconic red bridge with cherry blossoms in the background — a classic Nikko scene and great for an early morning stroll.
• Tamagawa River Area: A lovely spot with cherry trees lining the river.
• Nikko Botanical Garden: Offers a quieter, natural hanami experience with various flora.

10. Hokkaido (Sapporo & Hakodate) — April 27^th – May 1^st, 2025

Hokkaido is the final stop for cherry blossom chasers, with blooms arriving weeks later. Considering the vastness of the prefecture, Hokkaido is a great destination with stunning views of a landscape covered in pink.

Best Viewing Spots:

• Goryokaku Park (Hakodate): A famous tourist attraction with a long history, this star-shaped fort surrounded by cherry trees is especially stunning when viewed from the Goryokaku Tower above.
• Maruyama Park (Sapporo): Nestled near Hokkaido Shrine, this a gorgeous park is great for a relaxed Hanami picnic.
• Matsumae Park: Near the southern tip of Hokkaido, this park features Matsumae Castle and over 10,000 cherry trees.

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General Tips for Cherry Blossom Season in Japan

When planning for your trip, be sure to gather as much information as possible to have a smooth experience. We’ve made the experience easy for you—tick these checkboxes before you leave and you’ll be good to go!

1. Check Forecasts Regularly:

Sakura blooms are delicate and sensitive to weather. They usually last about one week at peak, so checking daily updates is key to catching them in full bloom.

Check the official forecast for 2025 here.

Be on the look out for rainstorms as well, since these tend to affect the blooms ability to stay in bloom; sometimes one good storm is all it takes for these blooms to wither and fall to the ground.

2. Join the Hanami Tradition:

Locals gather for hanami picnics under the blossoms, often with food, drinks, and friends. If you want to join this quintessential Japanese tradition, be sure to:

• Arrive early to reserve a good spot — blue tarps mark picnic spaces. Some crowded spots may call for spot reserving early in the morning if you want a spot under a fully blooming tree.
• Bring snacks, drinks, and plenty of trash bags. While public drinking is allowed and even expected, public trashcans are much rarer.
• Respect the space: Don’t shake, hog, or otherwise damage the trees, and keep the area clean without littering or excessively loud music.

3. Respect Local Culture:

• Follow the locals’ lead. If they aren’t setting down tarps for picnics, the spot probably doesn’t allow them.
• Be mindful when taking pictures. Don’t shake the branches or tree just for a good falling petals picture, and try not to hog one photospot or hold up the line.
• Some parks ban alcohol or have specific rules regarding picnics, or which side of the path to walk on— look for signs.

4. Dress for Changeable Weather:

Spring can be warm in the day but chilly in the evening — layering is essential. Some years have even seen snow in mild-weathered Yokohama in April, so be sure to check the forecast before you fly.

5. Book Hotels and Flights Early:

Cherry blossom season is peak tourist time for Japan. Hotels near famous parks can book out months in advance, so plan ahead.

Conclusion

Planning a trip to catch something as ephemeral and fleeting as Japanese cherry blossoms can be stressful, to say the least. Add to that the language barrier, different customs and rules, and travel stress…you get the picture.

Rest assured though, seeing these gorgeous cherry trees is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you’ll treasure forever. Whether you’re staring at the southern tip in Fukuoka or centrally in Tokyo, we want to make it easy for you!

With this guide, you’ll know what to wear, what to bring, and where to go—even when to go. So go grab your camera and some picnic sheets and go make the best of your sakura hunting trip.