The Best Places to View Cherry Blossoms in Japan

9 Best Places to View Cherry Blossoms in Japan

Sakura season in Japan is nothing short of magical, and it’s a bucket-list experience for anyone who loves nature, photography, or cultural exploration. Every spring, Japan is transformed into a sea of delicate pastel pink as cherry blossoms (sakura) bloom across the country. For centuries, sakura have been a symbol of renewal, hope, and the fleeting nature of life—making their annual bloom not only a visual treat but also a meaningful cultural event.

In this blog post, I’m excited to take you on a journey through nine of the best places in Japan to witness this spectacular event. As I researched and wrote this post, I couldn’t help but reminisce about my own fascination with Japan’s sakura culture. Writing this blog allowed me to relive that joy and share it with you!

Let’s dive into the most beautiful cherry blossom spots in Japan, and I’ve also sprinkled in some personal book recommendations along the way for those who want to dive deeper into Japanese culture.

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1. Kawazu Cherry Blossoms, Shizuoka Prefecture

If you can’t wait for sakura season, Kawazu in Shizuoka Prefecture should be at the top of your list! Known for its early-blooming cherry blossoms, Kawazu-zakura trees start blossoming in February, offering visitors a head start on Japan’s sakura season. The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival is a month-long celebration along the Kawazu River, featuring food stalls, crafts, and gorgeous illuminated evening views. It’s a peaceful and vibrant setting that feels like a celebration of life itself.

Peak viewing season: Early February to early March.

2. Mt. Shiude, Kagawa Prefecture

For an unforgettable combination of sakura and ocean views, Mt. Shiude is the place to be. Located on the island of Shikoku, the mountain overlooks the stunning Seto Inland Sea, dotted with islands framed by over 1,000 sakura trees. It’s a breathtaking landscape that feels almost like a dream—serene, colorful, and picturesque.

While in Shikoku, you can also explore sakura at Matsuyama Castle in Ehime, Kagamino Park in Kochi, or Seibu Park in Tokushima. Each has its own unique take on the sakura season.

Peak viewing season: Late March to mid-April.

3. Kema Sakuranomiya Park, Osaka Prefecture

In Osaka, Kema Sakuranomiya Park is a cherry blossom haven with 4,500 sakura trees lining the banks of the Ogawa River. One of the best ways to enjoy the park is by walking along the river from Sakuranomiya Station to Osaka Castle—a scenic 40-minute walk that culminates in a sea of pink sakura trees surrounding the majestic Osaka Castle. This spot is ideal for hanami picnics and photography, especially with the castle’s turquoise and gold details contrasting against the pink blossoms.

Peak viewing season: Late March to mid-April.

Book Recommendation: "Cherry Blossoms: Sakura Collections from the Library of Congress"

"Cherry Blossoms: Sakura Collections from the Library of Congress” is a beautiful gift book that celebrates the National Cherry Blossom Festival, a cherished springtime tradition in the United States. Through original artwork, photographs, and objects from the Library of Congress collections, the book tells the story of the iconic cherry trees and their significance as a symbol of friendship between Japan and the U.S.

It features exquisite watercolor drawings of cherry blossom varieties, Japanese woodblock prints by master artists like Kiyonaga and Hiroshige, early 3-D stereographs, contemporary photos of the Tidal Basin blossoms, and various festival memorabilia. This keepsake book offers a unique opportunity to explore Japanese culture while enjoying the beauty of Washington’s cherry blossoms.

Check it out on Amazon

4. Maruyama Park, Kyoto Prefecture

Kyoto’s Maruyama Park is a classic sakura spot that blends natural beauty with traditional Japanese culture. Known for its old weeping sakura tree, the park comes alive with picnicking families, couples, and groups of friends during sakura season. At night, the illuminated trees create a magical atmosphere, perfect for evening strolls or quiet reflection. It’s the quintessential Kyoto sakura experience, combining history, nature, and peaceful moments.

Peak viewing season: Early April.

5. Mt. Yoshino, Nara Prefecture

Mt. Yoshino, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to more than 30,000 cherry trees that bloom in waves across its hills. With four groves blooming at different times, you can enjoy sakura for an extended season. This mountain is also a place of spiritual importance and is dotted with shrines and temples, making it a serene spot to connect with nature and the divine.

Peak viewing season: Early to mid-April.

Book Recommendation: "Fodor's Essential Japan (Full-color Travel Guide)"

Fodor’s Essential Japan” is a comprehensive travel guide designed to help you explore Japan’s diverse attractions, from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto and the beautiful beaches of Okinawa. This guidebook is packed with detailed maps, curated recommendations, and practical tips to simplify your trip planning and maximize your experience.

It features stunning color photos, multiple itineraries, and honest advice from locals on the best sights, restaurants, hotels, and activities. Additionally, it includes cultural insights, a Japanese language primer, and special features on unique aspects of Japanese culture, making it an indispensable resource for any traveler.

Grab your copy on Amazon

6. Asahi Funakawa, Toyama Prefecture

Imagine walking through a tunnel of cherry blossoms, tulips, and yellow nanohana flowers with snow-capped mountains in the background—that’s the "Spring Quartet" at Asahi Funakawa in Toyama Prefecture. This unique combination of blooms against the Northern Alps creates an unforgettable sakura experience. Whether you're walking along the riverbank or simply taking in the view, it’s a breathtaking spot that feels like something out of a painting.

Peak viewing season: Early to mid-April.

7. Chidorigafuchi Moat, Tokyo Prefecture

Tokyo’s Chidorigafuchi Moat, located near the Imperial Palace, is one of the city's most beloved sakura viewing spots. The long, tree-lined walkway transforms into a pastel wonderland in spring, while the moat’s waters reflect the delicate blossoms. You can stroll along the paths or rent a rowboat for a more intimate experience. As night falls, the illuminated trees create a romantic ambiance for evening visitors.

Peak viewing season: Late March to early April.

8. Hirosaki Castle Park, Aomori Prefecture

Located in northern Japan, Hirosaki Castle Park is a sakura wonderland with 2,600 trees and over 50 varieties of cherry blossoms. The park’s Cherry Blossom Festival is a must-see event, complete with petal-filled moats and illuminated evening views. Row a boat around the castle’s moat or stroll along the pink-lined paths for a full sakura experience.

Peak viewing season: Late April to early May.

9. Goryokaku Park, Hokkaido Prefecture

For a late-season sakura experience, head to Goryokaku Park in Hokkaido, where 1,500 trees bloom around the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort. You can enjoy the sakura from the ground or ascend the Goryokaku Tower for a bird’s-eye view of the pink blossoms spreading across the park. At night, the lantern-lit paths create an ethereal atmosphere for evening picnics or walks.

Peak viewing season: Late April to early May.

Sakura season in Japan is a time of beauty, reflection, and celebration. Whether you're planning a future trip or simply dreaming of these stunning locations, I hope this post has inspired you to experience the magic of cherry blossoms in Japan. The fleeting nature of sakura is a reminder to cherish each moment of beauty we encounter—whether in nature or in life.

Don’t forget to check out my book recommendations if you want to bring a piece of sakura magic into your home!