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Cherry Blossom Season in Japan
Japan's cherry blossom (sakura) season is a breathtaking spectacle that attracts visitors worldwide. Planning your 2026 trip to coincide with this natural phenomenon can be a memorable experience. The cherry blossoms typically bloom from late March to early May, progressing from south to north.
Blooming Schedule by Region
These dates can vary annually based on weather conditions.
Planning Tips for Your Cherry Blossom Trip
1. Timing
To experience the full bloom, plan your visit based on regional forecasts. For instance, late March to early April is ideal for Tokyo and Kyoto.
2. Accommodation
Given the season's popularity, book accommodations several months in advance to ensure availability.
3. Local Festivals
Many regions host cherry blossom festivals featuring traditional music, dance, and food stalls. Participating in these can enhance your cultural experience.
4. Early Planning
Given the global appeal of Japan's cherry blossom season, accommodations and flights tend to be booked quickly. Securing reservations well in advance is advisable.
Top Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots
Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo's premier cherry blossom viewing spots. The park boasts over a thousand cherry trees, encompassing both early- and late-blooming varieties. This diversity extends the viewing period, allowing visitors more opportunities to enjoy the blossoms. The park's blend of traditional Japanese, English, and French landscape designs provides a serene backdrop for hanami (flower viewing).
Ueno Park
Ueno Park is renowned for its lively atmosphere during cherry blossom season with over a thousand sakura trees lining its central pathway. The park becomes a vibrant hub for hanami parties. The park also hosts various cultural events and, after sunset, the illuminated cherry blossoms offer a magical nocturnal spectacle.
Philosopher's Path
The Philosopher's Path is a scenic stone walkway that stretches approximately two kilometers through Kyoto's northern Higashiyama district. With hundreds of cherry trees, the path follows a canal, creating a tunnel of blossoms during the peak season in early April. This peaceful pathway is named after the philosopher Nishida Kitaro, who is said to have used it for daily meditation walks.
Maruyama Park
Adjacent to Yasaka Shrine in the Higashiyama district, Maruyama Park is Kyoto's oldest public park and a focal point for cherry blossom viewing. The park's centerpiece is a majestic shidarezakura, or weeping cherry tree, which becomes illuminated at night, offering a breathtaking spectacle. During the first half of April, the park transforms into a lively hub of hanami parties.
Osaka Castle Park
The Osaka Castle Park, spanning approximately two square kilometers, is a significant historical and cultural landmark in Osaka. At its heart stands the majestic Osaka Castle, surrounded by expansive grounds that include lush lawns, traditional Japanese gardens, and serene ponds. During the cherry blossom season, the park hosts various events and festivals with traditional performances, food stalls, and nighttime illuminations.
Goryokaku Park
Goryokaku Park, located in Hakodate, Hokkaido, is a historic star-shaped fort turned public park, renowned for its unique design and seasonal beauty. Constructed in 1866, Goryokaku was Japan's first Western-style fortress. The park is celebrated for its approximately 1600 cherry trees, making it a prime location for hanami in Hokkaido. The blossoms typically peak in late April to early May.