Cherry Blossoms in Japan 2025

The first week of April is the best chance to see Japanese cherry trees in full bloom!

Best time: late March–late April

There are a few reasons why spring is a great time for traveling in Japan. One of the most popular attractions is Japanese cherry (sakura) blossoms. The beauty of the flowers is widely known and a variety excursions are arranged just for their beauty. If you want to admire their glory, it's best to plan thoroughly beforehand.

Cherry Blossom Season in Japan

Generally, in Japan, sakura trees bloom starting in late March, but it can also vary regionally. For example, sakura usually blooms in Tokyo in late March, but in Sapporo only in late April! You will need to follow the weather and bloom forecasts so as not to miss anything! Our advice would be to come at the beginning of April, and you'll be able to catch Sakura in bloom in most cities. If not, you can always take a flower safari to other cities and watch them bloom at other dates during this time.

Cherry Blossom Bloom Forecast in Japan

Numerous sources like Japan Weather Association, Japan National Tourism Organization, and Weathernews provide updates on cherry blossom bloom forecasts through their websites, social media pages, and apps. Travelers could also check out various cherry blossom webcam sites.

Places to Visit for Cherry Blossom in Japan

Japan boasts stunning cherry blossom spots beyond Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. Explore breathtaking locations like Hokkaido, Tottori, Fuji Five Lakes, and Okinawa for unique sakura experiences. To make the most of your trip, plan ahead and research the best times to visit each region, as blooming periods vary across the country.

Tokyo

Shinjuku Gyoen

If you're looking for cherry blossoms in Tokyo, Shinjuku Gyoen is home to over a thousand cherry trees. More than a dozen varieties of early and late flowering trees will impress you with their picturesque beauty in the tranquil atmosphere of the park. From late March to early April, more than 400 Somi Yoshino trees bloom around the English Garden, turning the attention of cherry blossom lovers.

Opening Hours and Admission

Shinjuku Gyoen operates at different hours depending on the season. From March to June, the park is open from 9 am to 6 pm. There are no closing days during the cherry blossom season (March 25 to April 24). Admission is 500 yen.

Ueno Park

Ueno Park enchants visitors with lively crowds during cherry blossom season, but don’t let that intimidate you. With over 1,000 trees along the street leading to the National Museum and around Shinobazu Pond, it’s a must-visit. Additionally, visit the main path in the park near the entrance to Ueno Zoo. This spot has around half the entire park's cherry blossoms. Cherry blossoms in Ueno Park usually start a few days earlier than in many other places in the city. Blooming usually begins in late March or early April, attracting many hanami parties (cherry blossom watching). Admission is free.

Opening Hours and Admission

Admission is free, and the park operates from 5 am to 11 pm.

Chidorigafuchi

Hundreds of cherry trees grow in the moats of the former Edo Castle at Kitanomaru Park. Guests can rent boats for an unforgettable experience. However, picnics are not allowed on the grounds. Visit Chidorigafuchi in the evening to enjoy the illuminated trees, creating a magical ambiance. Admission is free.

Kyoto

Philosopher's Path

Stone Road The Philosopher's Path through the northern part of Kyoto's Higashiyama district runs along a canal lined with hundreds of cherry trees. In early April, the place becomes one of the most popular for enjoying the cherry blossoms. Along the way, visitors can explore restaurants, cafes, and boutiques, as well as nearby temples and shrines The Philosopher's Path admission is free.

Maruyama Park

In the first half of April, Maruyama Park explodes with cherry blossoms and becomes the most popular and crowded place in Kyoto for cherry blossom parties. However, the highlight of the park that attracts crowds is the shidarezakura (weeping cherry tree), which is illuminated at night. Visitors can enjoy the park with free admission.

Heian Shrine

Looking for more weeping cherry trees? Be sure to visit Heian Temple, where yaeben shidare (weeping cherry trees) grow in the Heian Temple garden behind the main temple buildings. The cherry blossoms peak a few days after the other cherries. If you missed the main season by a few days, you should definitely stop at Heian Shrine.

Arashiyama

Visit Arashiyam, a charming and busy district in the periphery of Kyoto. Look out for cherry trees around the Togetsukio Bridge at the foot of the Arashiyama Mountains. There are also many trees in the Nakanoshima Coastal Park. In addition, one of the most convenient ways to enjoy the cherry blossoms is to rent bicycles for about 1,000 yen near the train stations. Admission to the park is free.

Osaka

Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle offers vast green spaces, a shrine dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and over 4,000 cherry trees. Choose Nishinomaru Park in the western citadel of the castle with wide lawns, views of the castle tower, and evening lighting for your picnic. Visitors can visit the castle free of charge.

Kema Sakuranomiya Park

Enjoy about 5000 cherry trees on the banks of the Okawa River. You can take a pleasant stroll along the waterfront or watch the blossoms flash by on a boat. Afterward, have a great time on one of the lawns with a picnic. Admission to the park is free.

Expo 70 Commemorative Park

A large public park with more than 5,000 cherry trees along the paths and around the large lawns has been created on the site of the former World's Fair in 1970 in Osaka. In the evenings, when the illumination is on, it is especially beautiful.

Opening Hours and Admission

Expo 70 Commemorative Park operates from 9:30 am to 5 pm (entry until 4:30 pm). The general admission is 260 yen (additional fees for some of the attractions inside).

Hiroshima

Miyajima

About 1300 cherry trees grow around Miyajima Temple and along the island's walking paths. A small island outside of Hiroshima is also famous for its shrine and the “floating” Torii Gate.

Hiroshima Castle

Visit the reconstructed Hiroshima Castle, which has about 450 cherry trees planted on its grounds.

Opening Hours and Admission

Hiroshima Castle is open from 9 am to 6 pm. The general admission is 370 yen (main keep), admission to the rest of the castle grounds is free.

Shukkeien Garden

Around 200 cherry trees are planted around Shukkeiin, a Japanese landscape garden in the center of Hiroshima. Some lawns are available for observing cherry blossoms.