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Cherry blossoms in Japan are the most beautiful in the world, making viewing one of the best things to do in Kyoto.
Cherry blossoms are so popular in Japan for many centuries. The most privileged people initiated a flower-viewing party, which in the local language is called “hanami,” in the Nara period (710-794).
Initially celebrating Chinese plum blossoms (“ume”), hanami has now evolved into admiring cherry blossoms (“sakura”), Japan’s unofficial national flower. Cherry blossom trees come alive in spring in Japan from March to April.
If you are spending spring here, it’s important to time your visit well to make the most of the cherry blossoms in Japan. Here’s everything you need to know about the sakura season in Japan in 2023:
If you are adding the most stunning cherry blossoms spots to your Japan itinerary, here are the top 10 spots you should consider:
1. Chidorigafuchi Park (Tokyo)
One of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo, Chidorigafuchi Park in Chiyoda City boasts over a hundred cherry trees along the moats of the former Edo Castle.
Admission: Free
Expected flowering date: March 18
Expected full bloom date: March 27
Access: From Hanzomon Station on the Hanzomon Subway Line (Exit 3a or Exit 4), walk 3 minutes to the location
2. Mitsuike Koen (Kanagawa)
Home to 3 ponds and over 1,000 cherry trees, Mitsuike Park in Yokohama City has been named by various publications as one of the best cherry blossom spots in Japan.
Admission: Free
Expected flowering date: April 1
Expected full bloom date: April 7
Access: From either Shin-Yokohama Station or Tsurumi Station, take City Bus #104
Also Read: 5 Best Day Tours in Kyoto
3. Mount Yoshinoyama (Nara)
Mount Yoshinoyama in Yoshino is one of the most famous cherry blossom spots in Japan that exist for centuries, showcasing about 30,000 cherry trees that bloom in sync.
Admission: 500 JYP (~4 USD)
Expected flowering date: March 30
Expected full bloom date: April 8
Access: From Yoshino Station, take the shuttle bus to the Naka Senbon area (near Chikurin-in Temple)
4. Philosopher’s Path (Kyoto)
One of Kyoto’s most popular cherry blossom spots, the Philosopher’s Path (or Philosopher’s Walk) stretches 2 kilometers following the cherry-tree-lined Lake Biwa Canal
Admission: Free
Expected flowering date: March 24
Expected full bloom date: April 2
Access: From Kyoto Station, take Kyoto City Bus #5 or the Raku Bus (a loop bus catered to tourists) #100
Also Read: 10 Most Instagrammable Spots in Kyoto
5. Lake Kawaguchiko or Fuji Five Lakes (Yamanashi)
Lake Kawaguchiko shines all year round but shines even brighter in spring when cherry blossoms are in full bloom, giving tourists a magnificent view of cherry blossoms and the lake, plus Mt. Fuji in the background.
Admission: 1,200 JYP (~9 USD)
Expected flowering date: April 11
Expected full bloom date: April 17
Access: From Tokyo Station (Yaesu South Exit), take the Fujikyu and JR Kanto Bus bus to Kawaguchiko Station
Also Read: Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Kyoto
6. Hirosaki Castle (Aomori)
From the moats to the garden, Hirosaki Castle gives tourists a few angles to enjoy cherry blossoms. Over 2,600 cherry trees surround the premises of this 400-year-old 3-story castle.
Admission: 320 JYP (~2.5 USD)
Expected flowering date: April 18
Expected date of full bloom: April 22
Access: From JR Lines Hirosaki Station, take a bus to location
Also Read: Top 5 Most Romantic Places in Kyoto
7. Himeji Castle (Hyogo)
Himeji Castle has over 1,000 cherry trees around this hilltop castle complex. You can watch sakura for free at Sannomaru grounds and Senhimebotanen Garden or pay to get access to Nishnomaru grounds.
Admission: 1,000 JYP (~7.5 USD)
Expected flowering date: March 31
Expected full bloom date: April 7
Access: From Himeji Station’s north exit, walk 15 minutes to the location or ride a bus or taxi
Also Read: 5 Must-Visit Museums in Kyoto
8. Nakameguro River Park (Tokyo)
Over 800 trees along Nakameguro River brighten up this Tokyo’s quaint riverside neighborhood in spring. They light up at night for the Nakameguro Sakura Festival, attracting locals and tourists alike.
Admission: Free
Expected flowering date: March 18
Expected full bloom date: March 27
Access: From Meguro Station, walk a few minutes to the location
Also Read: Best Zen Gardens in Kyoto
9. Osaka Castle Park (Osaka)
Osaka Castle has one of the most imposing cherry blossom views in Osaka, boasting over 4,000 cherry trees across the premises. Nishinomaru Park gives you a view of the castle tower and cherry blossoms in the foreground.
Admission: 600 JYP (~4.5 USD)
Expected flowering date: March 26
Expected full bloom date: April 3
Access: Take the Osaka Loop Line to Osakajokoen Station on the park’s northeast side
Also Read: 5 Best Gardens in Kyoto
10. Nijukken Road (Hokkaido)
Nijukken Road in Hidaka is quite a popular highway during spring for its 3,000 cherry trees lining both sides of the road. As you look ahead, you get a striking view of the Hidaka mountain range.
Admission: Free
Expected flowering date: April 29
Expected full bloom date: May 2
Access: From Shizunai Station (JR Hidaka Main Line), take a 15-minute drive to location
