In spring, Japan transforms into a fairyland blanketed by cherry blossoms. These delicate pink blooms adorn parks, streets, riverbanks, and rural villages, creating a picturesque landscape. You won't need to search for them as it is hard for you to miss them.
However, everyone wishes to see the most beautiful scenery, which is not so easy to find. Here, we have selected the most beautiful places to see cherry blossoms in Japan for you to have a memorable Japan trip.
1. Mount Fuji
- Why it is recommended: You could experience hiking, biking, or boating on the lake and enjoy cherry blossoms set against the backdrop of Mount Fuji.
- Most suited to: families, couples, or people who love nature
- The best time to visit: is mid-April
- Location: at the base of Mount Fuji, about 2 hours' ride from Tokyo
Have you ever seen one of the many photos of a red pagoda among cherry blossoms with Mount Fuji in the background? This has become a symbol of all photos depicting Japan's cherry blossom season. Seeing a photo, you could get a taste of how beautiful it is there before you visit.
The best places to enjoy cherry blossoms around Mount Fuji are Lake Kawaguchiko and Arakurayama Sengen Park.
At Lake Kawaguchiko (the photo above), you could choose to row a boat on the lake or take a leisurely stroll or bike ride around the lake to enjoy the cherry blossoms and the beautiful lake scenery. You would see Mount Fuji at every turn. It would be a very refreshing experience compared with bustling Tokyo.
At Arakurayama Sengen Park, you could see the breathtaking scenery of Mount Fuji and the red pagoda within a photo frame of cherry blossoms.
2. Mount Yoshino in Nara
- Why it is recommended: breathtaking scenery of mountain ridges enveloped in cherry blossoms.
- Most suited to: people who love nature and the great outdoors, and photographers
- The best time to visit: mid-April
- Location: 1 to 1½ hours from Nara, 2½ hours from Osaka
Imagine vast mountain ridges and a valley covered with blooming flowers. You could see that scenery at Mount Yoshino.
Mount Yoshino is famous for its expansive cherry blossom display. In spring, half of the mountain ridges are covered by sakura. The cherry blossoms there have various colors, so when viewed from the top, the mountains form an enchanting scene. The mountain is also home to several old temples and shrines. The white walls dotted among pink flower seas create a gorgeous landscape.
Travelers could hike from the foot of the mountain along a scenic trail to the top. Along the trail, there are several stops at various shrines and temples that can be explored. It takes about 2–3 hours to hike to the top.
For a more relaxing journey, you could choose to take a cable car or bus to reach the summit. The cable car ride starts from Yoshino Station. Buses depart from Yoshino Station or the Yoshino bus terminal.
On the mountain, there are restaurants and snack stalls along the main paths and near the shrines. You won't need to worry about getting hungry.
3. Hirosaki Castle in Aomori
- Why recommended: the unique experience of rowing a boat on the petal-filled moat
- Most suited to: all travelers, especially couples and families
- The best time to visit: mid-April
- Location: Hirosaki in Aomori Prefecture
Hirosaki Castle is one of the three most famous old castles in Japan. In the vast grounds of the castle, 2,500 cherry trees have been planted.
In spring, the red, pink, and white cherry blossoms shroud the castle grounds. These beautiful colors are set against the castle's white facade. Old cherry trees are densely planted around the moat. The cherry blossoms fall, making a petal-filled moat.
You could rent a boat to row among the petals on the moat, which would be a very romantic experience. Or you could enjoy a leisurely walk alongside the water under the tall cherry trees.
During the cherry blossom season, the park holds a cherry blossom festival. During the festival, there are a variety of performances inside the park. Food stalls under the cherry trees provide a variety of local foods and drinks.
Don't miss the chance to explore the castle itself. On top of the castle, you get a view of the distant mountains. The views from the castle windows over the park are gorgeous and should not be missed.
4. Arashiyama in Kyoto
- Why recommended: the romantic slow train ride (Sagano Romantic Train) amid cherry blossoms.
- Most suited to: all travelers, especially people who seek a romantic experience
- Best viewing time: early April
- Location: Kyoto
Imagine yourself in the sakura season sitting in a small rustic train, riding through a canopy of cherry blossoms. That is what you could enjoy in spring in Arashiyama.
The Sagano Romantic Train would take you through the cherry blossom tunnels, as serene as a bicycle ride. The train is equipped with big windows so that you could enjoy unobstructed views on the way.
You could also take a boat ride along the river through the valley to enjoy the cherry blossoms on the river banks.
Arashiyama is a large natural park in the western suburbs of Kyoto. The park is dotted with many historical temples and shrines. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is very popular and well worth walking through.
5. The Meguro River in Tokyo
- Why it is recommended: Experience the most dreamlike scenery at night in Tokyo's city center.
- Most suited to: people who seek romantic night scenery
- Best viewing time: late March to early April
- Location: Tokyo city center
The Meguro River cherry blossoms provide dreamlike scenery in the evening when the entire area is bathed in a soft pink glow from the illuminations. In the evening, pink lights shine upon all of the cherry blossoms, creating a gorgeous scene.
Travelers could choose to walk alongside the river or take a cruise boat on the river to enjoy the scenery.
During the cherry blossom festival, the riverside comes alive with vibrant celebrations. There are performances and stalls selling a great variety of food and drinks.
6. Osaka Castle Park
- Why it is recommended: Experience cherry blossoms while exploring Osaka's top attraction.
- Most suited to: all travelers to Osaka
- Best viewing time: late March to early April
If you visit Osaka in spring, you should not miss the cherry blossoms at Osaka Castle. As a cultural heritage site, the castle serves as a window into Japan's rich history. Inside the castle, various ancient artifacts and treasures are displayed.
In the large park around the old castle, there are many cherry trees. The scenery of the cherry blossoms against the background of the old castle is a highlight to behold.
You could find a quiet place in the park for a picnic under the cherry blossom trees or walk around the park to take some great photos.
The castle itself is a highlight to visit. You could climb up to it from the park and explore the history of the city. On top of the castle, you could get a bird's-eye view of Osaka.
In the evening, the park is illuminated, adding a touch of magic to the already enchanting atmosphere.
7. Chidorigafuchi Park, Tokyo
- Why it is recommended: You can row a boat on your own to get close to the cherry blossoms by the Imperial Palace.
- Most suited to: all travelers, especially families with kids
- Best viewing time: late March to early April
- Location: Tokyo city center
In Chidorigafuchi Park, you could rent a boat to leisurely row on the moat and get in among the cherry blossoms hanging over the water.
On both banks of the moat are thick clusters of cherry trees, which hang their branches over the water. So, by rowing a boat, you could get really close to the flowers.
The park is next to the Imperial Palace. Therefore, you could arrange your trip to visit the Imperial Palace and view the cherry blossoms on the same day.
The boat-rowing activity is very popular, and you may need to wait for 1–2 hours to rent a boat. The park is even more crowded in the evening when it is illuminated.
8. The Philosopher's Path, Kyoto
- Why it is recommended: Enjoy a leisurely walk on a small, quiet trail alongside a winding stream.
- Most suited to: couples or travelers who enjoy the quiet atmosphere
- Best viewing time: early April
The Philosopher's Path is ideal for a quiet stroll under the cherry blossoms. It is a small stone-paved path winding alongside a stream. Both sides of the stream are flanked by tall cherry trees. There are also small houses along the trail. Walking along it, you would feel like you are strolling in the back alley of a small village.
The path is about 2 kilometers (1 mile) long, which may take about 30 minutes to walk along. If you want to take a longer stroll, you may consider taking a detour to visit the small temples along the way. Our recommendation is Honen-in. Located up a small hill, the temple offers captivating views of its moss-covered grounds.
9. Himeji Castle in Himeji
- Why it is recommended: Admire cherry blossoms around the old white castle. It is easily accessible from Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima.
- Most suited to: travelers who are interested in the history of Japan
- Best viewing time: late March to early April
Himeji Castle is one of the three old castles in Japan, and it was built over 700 years ago. The castle is known for its shiny white exterior. The castle survived the bombing during World War II and a massive earthquake.
In spring, the stunning white castle stands out against a backdrop of pink blossoms, creating a truly unique sight. For a unique experience, we suggest you take a trip in a small boat that is rowed along the moat surrounding the castle. The boats are manually rowed by local men in straw hats, and travelers all wear straw hats for the journey too.
Active travelers could choose to climb the steep, narrow wooden steps up to the top of the castle to have a bird's-eye view of the grounds, which are dotted with cherry blossoms and gray buildings.
To avoid the crowds during the cherry blossom season, arrive before lunchtime for a more peaceful visit. The west garden within the park is typically quieter and offers a tranquil retreat.
Himeji Castle is easily reached from Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, or Hiroshima in under 3 hours.
10. Gion Shirakawa, Kyoto
- Why it is recommended: Experience cherry blossoms in historical alleys and encounter geisha.
- Most suited to: people interested in Japan's history and culture, especially those interested in geisha and tea ceremonies.
- Best viewing time: late March to early April
In Gion district's Shirakawa Street, you would see cherry blossoms fringe old wooden houses, lining the narrow stone alleyways and gentle streams. It is likely that you may meet an elegant geisha in a splendid kimono.
The area is full of quaint restaurants and bars on the side of the river and small traditional-looking restaurants in the small alleys all around.
11. Kanazawa
- Why it is recommended: See beautiful cherry blossoms similar to those in Kyoto but with a peaceful atmosphere.
- Most suited to: people who are fond of the history of Japan but prefer a quiet experience
- Best viewing time: late March to early April
Kanazawa is a hidden gem, which is skipped by most travelers. The reason we recommend it is because it has similar beautiful cherry blossoms to those found in Kyoto, along with history, old wooden architecture, and exquisite gardens, but it has far fewer travelers.
The top highlights of Kanazawa include Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle. Both places have a lot of cherry trees. Kenrokuen Garden is an elegant garden with lakes, bridges, and wooden architecture, while Kanazawa Castle is the third of the three ancient castles in Japan, now all mentioned here on this page.
Let Us Help You Plan Your Cherry Blossom Trip to Japan
Everyone knows the cherry blossom season is the best time to visit Japan. However, planning a visit to Japan during this period is not easy. Just thinking of navigating through the huge crowds may make you crazy. Thankfully, it can be all charm and no stress if you let a local expert help plan the perfect trip for you! Contact us now to plan a Japan trip for 2025!
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- Japan Cherry Blossom 2025: How to Plan a Perfect Trip
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