The cherry blossom season in Japan is awaited and beloved globally! As soon as they appear, hanami, or blossom watching, becomes a popular pastime in public spaces. The much-awaited cherry blossom season in Japan doesn't endure more than a week or two, though. So, if you're planning a trip then here's what you should know and ensure you get there at the right time to make the most of everything. It's a vibe, as they call it nowadays.
Japan’s Sakura period - A tradition for centuries
For more than a thousand years, Japanese people have gathered to see the cherry blossoms. The fleeting beauty (and beauty in transience) is poetically symbolised by the fragile blossoms. In Japan, the new fiscal year and school year both start on April 1; therefore, cherry blossom season in Japan has also come to symbolise a season of fresh starts, which is definitely something to celebrate.
What is the best time to visit cherry blossom season in Japan?
You can still find blooms even if you don't visit in spring. Aichi Prefecture is home to the twice-yearly blooming shikizakura, which means "four season sakura." In the fall, visitors may enjoy the beautiful juxtaposition of the shikizakura's delicate pink petals with the vivid crimson foliage.
Your destination significantly influences the timing of your trip to view cherry blossom season in Japan. Seasons in the north and south of Japan can vary greatly due to the country's narrow and lengthy geography. It's not out of the ordinary to have sunny, pleasant days in Okinawa's southern islands while Hokkaido's highlands are covered in snow.
Due to the wide range of weather conditions, it is difficult to determine an exact day that is ideal for seeing the flowers. If you really want to, though, you can follow their trail across the nation. If you want to view sakura in its full glory, the ideal time to visit Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka is usually between the end of March and the beginning of April.
Sakura season in Japan - Best spots
Finding that perfect cherry blossom tree in Tokyo? Know your Japanese cherry blossoms first!
Hybrids of two different cherry blossom species, known as "Somei-yoshino" or Yoshino cherries, are the most prevalent in Japan. The nearly pink-tinged petals give it its distinctive appearance. Its delicate, shimmering hues create a tunnel that looks beautiful when grown alongside rivers or in castle moats. They are very common in and near schools and parks.
Kawazu
One of the best spots to visit during cherry blossom season in Japan is Kawazu! The Kawazu-zakura is another stunning type indigenous to the Kawazu region of the southern Izu Peninsula, which is accessible by rail from Tokyo in a little over 2.5 hours. Blooming about a month sooner, often from late February to early March, these blooms are a richer shade of pink than Somei-Yoshino. About one million people go to see the breathtaking cherry blossoms at the Kawazu-zakura Festival annually.
Travel tip: Plan your day trip from Tokyo to Kawazu a little in advance, as this is a popular spot for spotting cherry blossoms! Target early to mid-March for a serene and crowd-free viewing!
Tōhoku's Hirosaki-kōen
One of the offbeat places for a Japan cherry blossom season trip is this! A vast expanse of greenery spanning approximately 50 hectares, Hirosaki-kōen (Hirosaki Park) occupies the land that was once home to the castle Hirosaki-jō. The park has the mediaeval moats, which are now bordered with sakura and traversed by beautiful arching bridges; the only remnant of the castle itself is a keep that is 200 years old.
Considering that Hirosaki, located in northern Aomori Prefecture, is not as densely populated as Tokyo or even Kyoto, you may anticipate a little more space to stroll about among the more than 2,500 cherry trees here. Embark on a romantic paddle over the pink-petal-covered moats by renting a paddleboat.
Travel tip: In late April or early May, you can visit this spot to witness the beautiful sakura blossoms.
Four Lakes on Fuji
This is one of the best places to visit during cherry blossom season in Japan! Picture this: a traditional five-story pagoda with sweeping vermillion eaves with cherry blossoms floating underneath it, and on the far horizon, a victorious Mount Fuji, still covered in snow. Located in Fuji-Yoshida, a city at the foot of Mount Fuji, Arakurayama Sengen-kōen is a park that has 680 really lovely cherry trees. It's doable as a day excursion from Tokyo. but if you want to hike in the foothills of the Fuji Five Lakes region and maybe see even more of Mount Fuji, you might want to add an extra day or two to your itinerary.
Travel tip: For the best views of cherry blossom season in Japan, visit Fuji Five Lakes around the middle of April.
Yoyogi Park - best views for cherry blossom in Tokyo, Japan
Looking for that perfect cherry blossom tree in Tokyo? Yoyogi-kōen, often known as Yoyogi Park, is one of several famous cherry blossom locations in Tokyo, similar to Kyoto. Although Ueno-kōen and Shinjuku-gyoen are more historically significant and aesthetically pleasing, we are focusing on Yoyogi-kōen (Yoyogi Park) due to its enjoyment factor. It's a vast park with plenty of cherry trees and tufty grass; there's enough space for everyone, but once the sun goes down, the park becomes an unstable sea of partygoers.
Travel tip: If you want to get the best of cherry blossom season in Japan, the best time to visit is from late March to early April, when there are parties held under the blooms.
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