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There’s something truly special about the arrival of spring in Japan. As winter fades and the temperatures start to rise, the entire country comes alive with the magical sight of cherry blossom trees in full bloom. Known as Sakura in Japanese, the delicate pink and white flowers are a symbol of renewal and fleeting beauty and have been celebrated by the Japanese people for centuries.
Hanami, or flower viewing, is an annual celebration of the arrival of cherry blossom season and people gather under the blooming trees to bask in the beauty of pink and white petals.
From witnessing the cherry blossoms in Ueno park, Tokyo, to exploring the Sakura trees in Kema Sakuranomiya Park, Osaka consisting of more than 4500 cherry trees along the river, Japan is a treat to the eyes during the cherry blossom season.
Whether you prefer the bustling energy of the city or the tranquility of the countryside, these places are worth visiting to witness the magic of Japan’s Sakura.
Here are some of the best places to see Cherry Blossoms in Japan :
1. Tokyo- Ueno Park, Chidorigafuchi, Meguro River Bank and Mt. Takao
Tokyo is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan. It is home to numerous parks and temples where visitors can take a stroll through the tunnels of blossoming cherry trees.
Ref: Ueno Park
One of the most famous places for viewing cherry blossoms in Tokyo is Ueno Park, which garners the interest of thousands of tourists every spring with the cherry blossom trees that line the park’s walkways.
Another picturesque destination in Tokyo is Chidorigafuchi Moat that is lined with several cherry blossom trees, creating a breathtaking tunnel of Sakura that stretches for almost a kilometer.
Nakameguro, a vibrant neighborhood along the Meguro river, boasts approximately 800 Sakura trees that bloom in late March to early April. The riverbanks come alive during nighttime, with travelers enjoying food and drinks from street vendors and local cafes.
People love to visit the attraction during nighttime when the trees are illuminated with thousands of lights, creating a perfect atmosphere for a romantic stroll.
If you are looking for a peaceful escapade away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolitan life of Tokyo, you can visit Mt. Takao to enjoy the cherry blossoms during the Sakura season. It is a beautiful tourist destination that offers hiking, temple visits, and cherry blossom viewing opportunities. Consider including Mt. Takao in your Tokyo Tour Packages for a delightful nature retreat.
Visitors can not only enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the city but also experience the traditional Japanese culture through different temples and shrines, namely Yakuo-in Temple. The cherry blossoms in Mt. Takao fill the entire area with their natural beauty and magnificence.
Sakura can be enjoyed not just in Tokyo but in different regions and at different times of the year, as you can witness the sight of mesmerizing cherry blossoms throughout Japan.
Here are some options to witness Sakura outside of Tokyo!
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2. Kyoto- Maruyama Park and the Philosopher’s Path
Renowned for its rich history and traditional culture, Kyoto is another cherry blossom place in Japan with blossoms generally appearing between the end of March and early April.
Maruyama Park is a popular place for cherry blossom viewing in Kyoto that features a massive shidarezakura (also known as “weeping cherry tree”) in the surroundings of which you can indulge in Hanami, i.e., cherry blossom viewing parties.
If you want to beat the crowds, you can also visit the Philosopher’s Path, a meandering path in a rural neighborhood which winds its way along the Meiji-era Lake Biwa Canal surrounded by hundreds of cherry trees hanging over the path. It will only take you about 30 minutes to complete the walk.
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3. Osaka- Osaka Castle Park and Kema Sakuranomiya Park
One of the three capital cities in Japan, Osaka is a vibrant metropolis that comes alive with spectacular displays of blooming cherry trees during the Sakura season.
If you are thinking of one of the most beautiful places in Japan with cherry blossoms, you should visit Osaka Castle Park, which is home to over 3000 cherry trees and from where you can have some breathtaking views of the castle.
Another popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in Osaka is Kema Sakuranomiya Park, which consists of nearly 4500 cherry trees lining the Okawa River for 4.2 kilometers
4. Hyogo- Himeji Castle
The Himeji Castle is a magnificent example of medieval architecture with one of the best sights in Japan. During the cherry blossom season, the castle grounds turn into a scenic sea of pink and white with hundreds of blooming cherry trees.
The castle—said to resemble a heron in flight—has cherry blossom trees in both its free (Senhimebotanen Garden; Sannomaru grounds) and paid areas (Nishinomaru grounds). Bordered by a moat and extensive gardens, the place offers visitors an opportunity to take a leisurely walk around the gardens while admiring the beauty of the blossoming cherry trees.
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5. Kanagawa- Sankeien Garden and Mitsuike Park
Yokohama in Kanagawa Prefecture is a coastal city located near Tokyo in Japan that offers a different take on the traditional cherry viewing experience.
People generally flock to this place to pay a visit to the Sankeien Garden, which is a Japanese landscape garden consisting of a central pond, numerous historical buildings, and hundreds of cherry trees. This garden is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan, where both locals and tourists enjoy having a picnic or Hanami parties with their friends and family.
Mitsuike Park is another famous location featuring three ponds around which over 1000 cherry trees are planted.
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6. Nara- Nara Park and Yoshino
Also known as Takada Senbonzakura, Nara is the most prominent cherry blossom viewing destination in Japan, stretching around 2.5 kilometers. The Nara Park in Nara provides shelter to over 1000 wild-roaming deer and about 1700 cherry trees. Visitors can take a tiny walk southeast to witness a large lawn surrounded by cherry trees that are in full bloom during the peak season. Another popular spot for a cherry blossom viewing experience in Nara is Yoshino, which consists of around 30000 cherry trees.
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7. Aomori- Hirosaki Park
Hirosaki in Aomori Prefecture, located below Hokkaido attracts a myriad of tourists to its Hirosaki Park for a cherry blossom viewing experience. This ancient three-story castle is filled with more than 2500 cherry trees that illuminate the park with its pink and white hues. On your visit to the park, you will feel that several beautiful cherry blossom spots have come together in one place. If you are seeking a combination of natural beauty where you can enjoy picnics or participate in a boating activity, there is no other place in Japan than Hirosaki Park. For couples looking for romantic getaways, Hirosaki Park is an ideal destination included in Japan Honeymoon Packages.
8. Ishikawa- Kenrokuen Garden
Located in the Ishikawa Prefecture of Japan, Kanazawa is another one on the list of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan. People visit this place to visit the most celebrated locale to view Sakura in Japan named Kenrokuen Garden. It is a perfect combination of natural and manmade beauty that showcases a blend of trees, ponds, streams, and traditional teahouses. You can adore the beauty of the place from the tea houses or take a stroll through the winding pathways along the cherry blossom lined garden
9. Yamanashi- Fuji Five Lakes Area
Resting on the border of Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefecture, Mt. Fuji is one of the most iconic landmarks in Japan. The lower slopes of this mountain are enriched with hundreds of full-blossoming cherry trees that give visitors attractive views of the pink and white blooms against the backdrop of the mountain. One of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan, the area around Mt. Fuji, near the Fuji Five Lakes, especially along the northern shores of Lake Kawaguchi.
10. Hokkaido- Goryokaku Park and Matsumae Park
In Hokkaido, Goryokaku Park in Hakodate is one of the most unique cherry blossom spots around the star-shaped fort. Cherry blossoms in Hokkaido are different from those in other prefectures and bloom later in the year, so even those who missed the cherry blossoms in Tokyo and other prefectures get a chance to enjoy them later.
Matsumae Park is one of Japan’s most beautiful and unique cherry blossom viewing destinations. It displays about 10000 cherry trees representing more than 250 different varieties, including many rare and unusual varieties that are not found in any other areas of Japan. Since the cherry trees come in full bloom between the end of April and early May, you will be delighted to see the majestic beauty of the attraction and the cherry trees when the castle is illuminated, especially during dusk.
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