Sakura Time: Your Cherry Blossom Season Japan Guide [2024]

One of the best cherry blossom viewing spots not just in Tokyo but the whole of Japan is Shinjuku Gyoen, a spacious park, home to tranquil lawns and ample walking space (which, trust us, will come in handy with hordes of crowds trying to get some viewing action on).

Look out for an English Garden, French Garden, and Japanese Garden for the best blooms.

Address: 11 Naitōmachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan (map)

If you’re not really into picnics and prefer a stroll, then the Imperial Palace East Gardens will be right up your alley for some cherry blossom viewing.

The Sakura blooms give this quaint palace a touch of old Tokyo. But if you want a taste of modern life, Marunouchi, Tokyo’s business district, is always a short walk away.

Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan (map)

For one of the most scenic Sakura viewing spots in Tokyo, visit Chidorigafuchi Park, where you travel back in time and hop on a boat to traverse an Edo-era moat.

Right next door is Kitanomaru Park, a peaceful place great for mindful sakura viewing.

Address: 〒102-0082 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Kojimachi, 1 Chome−２(map)

One of the best places to view cherry blossoms in Japan, Sumida Park is a superb spot, as always, for some hanami action.

Take a stroll along the Sumida River, soak in the glorious sight of pretty pink Sakura, and marvel at the Tokyo Skytree in the distance.

Address: 1 Chome Hanakawado, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0033, Japan (map)

Sakura season is when Inokashira Park comes to life.

It becomes this hype spot where visitors whip out their mats and chill under the cherry trees to picnic and laze the day away.

Pro tip: ensure you come here early on weekends; it will most likely be very crowded.

Address: 1 Chome-18-31 Gotenyama, Musashino, Tokyo 180-0005, Japan (map)

Meguro River is another of those iconic cherry blossom spots in Tokyo famed for its gorgeous hanami during spring.

Don’t be surprised if you gasp in awe at the cherry-tree-lined road along the river.

And there will be plenty of cherry trees here – 800 in total!

Address: Nakameguro, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0061, Japan (map)

When it comes to convenience, you can’t beat Yoyogi Park with its central location in Shibuya.

It’s also pretty close to the Meiji Shrine and Harajuku. So don’t expect to be the only person here.

This popular park is one of the capital’s most crowded as well. If you’re looking for an alternative, check out Ueno Park, known for its zoo and museums and its lantern-lit cherry trees in the evening during the Sakura season.

Address: 2-1 Yoyogikamizonochō, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0052, Japan (map)

For stunning cherry blossom views, visit Koishikawa Korakuen, one of Tokyo’s most famous gardens.

Here, you can check out the unique species of weeping cherry.

Plus, the garden is easy to visit, as it’s only a quick 10 minute walk from Tokyo Metro’s Korakuen station and the JR stations of Iidabashi and Suidobashi on the Chuo-sobu line.

Address: 1-chōme-6-6 Kōraku, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0004, Japan (map)

For the perfect combo of old-world charm and nature that’ll take your breath away, head over to Akashi Park.

Surrounding Akashi Castle, which is over 400 years old, the park is home to the scenic Gonoike Pond, which used to be the outer moat of the centuries-old castle.

Within the park, check out Sakurabori Moat, a beautiful locale where you can see the reflection of cherry blossoms on the water’s surface, perfect for those #puddlegram shots on Insta!

Address: 1-27 Akashikōen, Akashi, Hyogo 673-0847, Japan (map)

Adorned with Buddhist statues, with uninterrupted views of Wakanoura Bay, the Kimiidera Temple is one of the best hanami spots in Osaka.

The second temple along Japan’s oldest pilgrimage route, come here to admire 400 trees that are the perfect contrast against the temple’s striking red facade.

You can walk here from Kimiidera Station on the Kisei Line.

Address: 1201 Kimiidera, Wakayama, 641-0012, Japan (map)

For cherry blossoms in the heart of Osaka, make a beeline for Daisen Park in Sakai.

At this park, you can find the Kofun burial mounds of the emperors Nintoku and Richu, as well as two museums, tea houses, a Japanese garden, and, most importantly, 1,000 sakura trees that make this iconic spot the ideal place to enjoy hanami in spring.

Address: 2 Chome-204 Mozusekiuncho, Sakai Ward, Sakai, Osaka 590-0802, Japan (map)

Well, it’s no surprise that a UNESCO World Heritage Site (and a must-see even beyond the Sakura season), the Himeji Castle is the perfect place to see cherry blossoms in all their glory.

After all, what can beat thousands of flowers lined up against these majestic, white castle walls?

Address: 68 Honmachi, Himeji, Hyogo 670-0012, Japan (map)

Mount Yoshino is one of the best places to catch cherry blossoms in Osaka, stunning and known across the globe for its sprawling array of pretty cherry blossoms embellishing its towering peaks.

Fun fact: the first cherry trees were planted on the mountain’s slopes 1,300 years ago, and now there are over 30,000 cherry trees of various species!

Address: Yoshinoyama, Yoshino, Yoshino District, Nara 639-3115, Japan (map)

Welcome to Osaka Castle Park, the city’s second-largest park for some of the best Sakura viewing.

With over 3,000 cherry trees and a spectacular annual light-up event, this is one of the most happening spots that come to life during cherry blossom season.

You can even check out plum blossoms, which flower from late January to March.

Address: 1-1 Ōsakajō, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan (map)

Even during non-cherry blossom season, the forested Settsukyo Park is a favourite among locals, and of course tourists, during spring.

Here, gather at this tranquil green space that spans a whopping 40 hectares and witness the beauty of 1,300 somei-yoshino cherry blossom trees (you’ll find 230 of these trees specifically at Sakura Square).

Address: Japan, 〒569-1036 Osaka, Takatsuki, 大字原地内ほか (map)

If you’re in Japan during cherry blossom season, and in Kyoto in particular, one pilgrimage you have to undergo is the famous walking trail of Philosopher’s Path.

Navigate the stone path along a canal packed with hundreds of sakura trees.

And if you need to take a break and fuel up, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes along the canal, and some temples and shrines you can check out too.

Address: 2 Ginkakujichō, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8402, Japan (map)

To escape the hustle and bustle of the city during hanami season, plan a trip to Arashiyama on the outskirts of Kyoto.

You’ll find a multitude of cherry blossom trees along the Togetsukyo Bridge and the Daikakuji Temple. Plus, those killer mountain views are to die for.

Address: Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-0007, Japan (map)

What happens when sakura and art collide?

Well, you’ve got one of Kyoto’s top cherry blossom viewing spots and evening illuinations conceptualised by Tokyo art collective Naked.

Expect eye-catching projections over Nijo Castle’s Karamon Gate and interactive displays to go along with the beauty of the already spectacular sakura on show.

Address: 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301, Japan (map)

For all you night owls, and another illumination spectacle, make your way to Kiyomizu-Dera, whose temple grounds will be lit up nightly during spring.

The fact that the temple is not usually open at night during non-sakura season makes a visit here even more special.

Pro tip: locate the highest number of trees at the pond near the temple’s exit for magical, flowery views and of course, for your Insta endeavours.

Address: 1-chōme-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan (map)

Besides being one of the most popular hanami spots in Kyoto for admiring cherry blossoms, the Maruyama-Koen Park is also an excellent place to visit nearby temples like Chion-in or Shoren-in, with many local restaurants around if you’re feeling peckish.

Address: Maruyamacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto 605-0071, Japan (map)

If you’re looking for a true blue hidden gem (at least when it comes to viewing cherry blossoms), check out Hirano Shrine in the north of Kyoto.

Travel back in time as you witness the procession of Oka-sai Matsuri, what is probably the city’s oldest event, with its start date estimated to be in the country’s Heian period in the 8th century.

It’s a little more traditional, there are Shinto priests dressed in shrine outfits and men dressed as samurai.

But a visit here is certainly an eye-opening affair.

Address: Japan, 〒603-8322 Kyoto, Kita Ward, Hirano Miyamotochō, １(map)

For a taste of modernity and to avoid the inevitable crowds that pack the street of Kyoto, head down to Kyoto Botanical Gardens, located right by the Kamo River.

Besides ever-evolving garden displays, look out for the Sakura Light-Up event, typically held from April 6 to 21, with 250 cherry trees gorgeously lit at night.

Address: Shimogamo Hangicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-0823, Japan (map)

The great thing about travelling in Japan is that it’s easy to stay connected. Get a fast and stable 4G network experience with a wifi router that can connect up to 5 devices with six hours of use on a single charge. That way, you won’t miss out on the action during the cherry blossom season in Japan this year.

Navigating Tokyo can be tricky for first-timers. But if you’d like to traverse the city like a local, do yourself a favour and get Japan Rail Pass tickets (if you’re confused on how to use the pass, here’s a guide for you).

With trains arriving with clockwork efficiency every few minutes, it’s even easier than before to hit up hotspots like Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, the iconic crossing in Shibuya, Kabukicho in Shinjuku, Tsukiji Market, the Kabuki-za Theatre in Higashi-ginza, and more.

Did you know you can travel from Narita Airport to Central Tokyo in just 41 minutes? If that sounds good, save precious cherry blossom viewing time with the Tokyo Skyliner, one of Japan’s fastest high-speed trains. Best of all, the train is conveniently connected to the JR and Metro Lines.

Nothing beats comfort when it comes to hassle-free travel for a long journey ahead. So take into account the importance of the right vehicle you travel in! Get cushy while transferring from Narita International Airport to downtown Tokyo with a limousine bus. That way, you make the most of this cherry blossom season in Japan this 2023 with minimal fuss.

Sometimes, it’s nice to escape the modern world. And there’s no better way to do that in Kyoto than by hopping on a rickshaw. A traditional Japanese rickshaw with EBISUYA will take you to all the hidden nooks and crannies of the city, letting you discover hidden gems you won’t be able to find by train or bus.