Japan’s cherry blossoms, or sakura, are a breathtaking sight that I’ve been lucky enough to experience firsthand. Every spring, the country transforms into a sea of pink, and I can’t help but get caught up in the magic. If you’re planning a trip to Japan, let me take you through some of the most incredible places to witness these fleeting beauties.
1. Ueno Park (Tokyo)
One of my favorite hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spots, with over 1,000 cherry trees lining its walkways. There’s always a lively atmosphere, with families and friends gathered under the blossoms, sharing food and drinks.
- Best time to visit: Late March to early April
- How to get there: Ueno Station (JR Yamanote Line, Ginza Line, Hibiya Line)
2. Chidorigafuchi (Tokyo)
A stunning riverside sakura spot where you can rent boats and enjoy the blossoms from the water. Drifting along in a rowboat while being surrounded by falling petals is something straight out of a dream.
- Best time to visit: Late March to early April
- How to get there: Kudanshita Station (Hanzomon Line, Tozai Line)
3. Maruyama Park (Kyoto)
Home to Kyoto’s most famous weeping cherry tree, beautifully illuminated at night. I remember being completely mesmerized by the way the soft pink petals glowed under the lights.
- Best time to visit: Late March to early April
- How to get there: Gion-Shijo Station (Keihan Line)
4. Kiyomizu-dera (Kyoto)
A UNESCO-listed temple with stunning sakura views from its wooden terrace. Watching the cherry blossoms from above while overlooking Kyoto’s skyline is an experience I’ll never forget.
- Best time to visit: Late March to early April
- How to get there: Kiyomizu-Gojo Station (Keihan Line) + 15 min walk
5. Himeji Castle (Hyogo)
Japan’s most beautiful castle, surrounded by thousands of cherry trees. The contrast of the white castle and pink blossoms is simply breathtaking.
- Best time to visit: Late March to early April
- How to get there: Himeji Station (Shinkansen or JR Kobe Line)
6. Mount Yoshino (Nara)
One of Japan’s most famous sakura destinations, with 30,000 cherry trees covering the mountainside. Walking up the trails surrounded by layers of pink is an unforgettable sight.
- Best time to visit: Early to mid-April
- How to get there: Yoshino Station (Kintetsu Line)
7. Osaka Castle Park (Osaka)
A majestic castle surrounded by 3,000 cherry trees, offering stunning hanami views. The best part? Grabbing some takoyaki from a food stall and enjoying the blossoms from the castle grounds.
- Best time to visit: Late March to early April
- How to get there: Osakajokoen Station (JR Loop Line)
8. Philosopher’s Path (Kyoto)
A scenic walking path lined with cherry trees, connecting two famous temples. Taking a quiet morning stroll here was one of my most peaceful sakura moments.
- Best time to visit: Late March to early April
- How to get there: Keage Station (Tozai Line)
9. Meguro River (Tokyo)
A famous sakura riverwalk, especially beautiful with night illuminations. The lanterns, the reflections in the water—it’s pure magic.
- Best time to visit: Late March to early April
- How to get there: Nakameguro Station (Tokyu Toyoko Line, Hibiya Line)
10. Goryokaku Park (Hokkaido)
A star-shaped fortress offering incredible late-blooming cherry blossoms. If you’ve missed Tokyo’s sakura, this is the place to go!
- Best time to visit: Late April to early May
- How to get there: Goryokaku Koen-mae Station (Hakodate Tram)
11. Matsumae Park (Hokkaido)
A historic park with over 10,000 cherry trees and a scenic samurai castle backdrop.
- Best time to visit: Late April to early May
- How to get there: Matsumae Bus Terminal (Bus from Kikonai Station)
12. Takato Castle Ruins Park (Nagano)
Home to the rare “Takato Kohigan Zakura” variety, known for its deep pink blossoms.
- Best time to visit: Early to mid-April
- How to get there: Inashi Station (JR Line) + Bus
13. Shinjuku Gyoen (Tokyo)
A vast imperial garden with diverse cherry tree species, perfect for a relaxing hanami experience.
- Best time to visit: Late March to early April
- How to get there: Shinjuku-Gyoemmae Station (Marunouchi Line)
14. Rikugien Garden (Tokyo)
A traditional Japanese landscape garden with beautifully illuminated cherry trees at night.
- Best time to visit: Late March to early April
- How to get there: Komagome Station (JR Yamanote Line)
15. Korakuen Garden (Okayama)
One of Japan’s three great gardens, offering a tranquil setting for sakura viewing.
- Best time to visit: Late March to early April
- How to get there: Okayama Station + Tram to Shiroshita
16. Miharu Takizakura (Fukushima)
A legendary 1,000-year-old weeping cherry tree, one of Japan’s most famous sakura spots.
- Best time to visit: Mid-April
- How to get there: Miharu Station (JR Ban’etsu East Line) + Bus
17. Kakunodate Samurai District (Akita)
Historic samurai houses lined with spectacular cherry blossom trees.
- Best time to visit: Late April to early May
- How to get there: Kakunodate Station (Akita Shinkansen)
18. Tsuruga Castle (Fukushima)
A striking red-roofed castle surrounded by cherry trees in full bloom.
- Best time to visit: Early to mid-April
- How to get there: Aizu-Wakamatsu Station + Bus
19. Kenrokuen Garden (Kanazawa)
A beautifully landscaped garden blending cherry blossoms with classic Japanese aesthetics.
- Best time to visit: Early to mid-April
- How to get there: Kanazawa Station + Bus
20. Hirosaki Park (Aomori)
One of Japan’s best sakura festivals set around a historic castle.
- Best time to visit: Late April to early May
- How to get there: Hirosaki Station + Bus
🌸 Plan Your Dream Sakura Trip! 🌸
Each time I experience sakura season in Japan, I’m reminded of how special and fleeting these blossoms are. Whether you love exploring vibrant city parks, walking through historic temples, or taking in scenic landscapes, Japan’s cherry blossoms never disappoint.
Need more tips? Check out my detailed Japan travel guides for the best routes, itinerary ideas, and insider advice. Happy hanami! 🌸