Life in Pink! Discover the Magic of Cherry
Blossoms in Japan
- Written by Roi Alfassi
- Updated October 2025
Every spring, Japan transforms into a dreamlike sea of pink and white as millions of cherry trees burst into bloom. Known as sakura, these blossoms are more than just flowers—they are a powerful symbol of renewal, beauty, and the fleeting nature of life in Japanese culture.
From late March to early April (depending on the region), parks, riversides, and temple gardens fill with locals and travelers who gather for hanami—the cherished tradition of picnicking beneath the blossoms. Tokyo’s Ueno Park, Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path, and Osaka Castle are just a few of the many iconic spots to witness this breathtaking spectacle.
Whether you stroll through peaceful temples, cruise along blossom-lined rivers, or join lively evening festivals illuminated by lanterns, the cherry blossom season offers an unforgettable experience that captures the heart of Japan at its most enchanting.
Sakura Season in Japan – A Celebration of Spring 🌸
In Japan, the sakura season, or cherry blossom bloom, is a true celebration of spring and renewal. Across the country, countless festivals are held in honor of this magical time: streets are decorated with floral ornaments, restaurants and food stalls offer special sakura-flavored dishes, and everywhere you look, the world is painted in shades of pink.
The Japanese deeply appreciate their natural surroundings, and cherry blossoms are seen as the highlight of the spring season. The traditional practice of honoring this bloom is called “hanami” (花見), meaning “flower viewing.” Families, friends, and colleagues spread out picnics beneath the blossoming trees, often turning the outing into a joyful evening of food, drinks, and laughter under a canopy of pink petals.
Hanami gatherings can last the entire day and stretch well into the night. Evening cherry blossom viewings, illuminated by artistic lighting, create a magical and unforgettable atmosphere.
Typically, the first blossoms appear in the southwest, where the weather is warmer, while the last blooms arrive in northern Japan with its cooler climate. The peak season usually begins in late March and continues into early April. Once the blossoms appear, their full bloom reaches its height within about a week, creating a precious but short-lived window to experience sakura in all its splendor.
Where to Enjoy Sakura Blossoms in Japan?
With more than 1,000 cherry blossom viewing spots scattered across Japan, it’s nearly impossible to pick just one. That’s why we’ve gathered a representative selection of iconic sakura highlights in key destinations—perfect for a magical spring journey.
Shinjuku Gyoen (新宿御苑) – Tokyo
With around 1,300 cherry blossom trees spanning about 65 different varieties, the Shinjuku Gyoen Botanical Garden is one of the top sakura viewing spots in central Tokyo.
Although hanami (flower viewing) here is extremely popular, the gardens are so spacious that you can enjoy the blossoms without feeling overwhelmed by the crowds. It’s also important to note that alcohol is not allowed in Shinjuku Gyoen, and security checks are carried out at the entrance, with guards patrolling inside.
This makes it a perfect family-friendly location for a relaxed hanami picnic, where you can soak in the blossoms in a calm and comfortable atmosphere away from the bustling city vibe.
📍 Address: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo
Meguro River (目黒川) – Tokyo
One of the most enchanting sakura viewing spots in Tokyo is found along the Meguro River. Just a three-minute walk from Ikejiri-Ohashi Station, about 800 cherry blossom trees line the canal for nearly four kilometers, creating a breathtaking tunnel of blossoms over the water.
This area becomes especially lively during sakura season, drawing large crowds who gather to witness the bloom. The festive atmosphere is enhanced by the many stylish shops and food stalls along the riverbanks, where you can spend hours enjoying seasonal treats, shopping, and soaking up the cherry blossom vibe.
📍 Address: 1-10 Ohashi, Meguro-ku, Tokyo to 2-9 Shimomeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Chidorigafuchi (千鳥ヶ淵) – Tokyo
The Chidorigafuchi Green Walk is one of Tokyo’s most breathtaking cherry blossom promenades. Located just a 3-minute walk from Kudanshita Station or a 5-minute walk from Hanzomon Station, this 700-meter-long path is lined with around 260 massive cherry trees, considered some of the most stunning in the entire city.
During the evening, the path is beautifully illuminated, offering visitors a chance to enjoy a magical night-time hanami with sakura blossoms glowing against the Tokyo skyline.
📍 Address: 1-2 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Osaka Mint (造幣局, Zōheikyoku) – Osaka
The Osaka Mint is one of the most unique and highly recommended spots to enjoy sakura in Japan. Here, a 560-meter walkway is lined with around 350 cherry trees, showcasing an extraordinary collection of about 130 different varieties. This rare diversity of sakura makes the experience especially memorable, as visitors can admire blossoms that are difficult to find elsewhere.
After sunset, the entire area transforms into a magical scene, with paper lanterns softly illuminating the blooming cherry blossoms, creating an enchanting evening atmosphere.
📍 Address: 1-1-79 Tenma, Kita Ward, Osaka City
Nishinomaru Garden (西の丸庭園) – Osaka
Located within the grounds of the magnificent Osaka Castle, Nishinomaru Garden is one of the most iconic cherry blossom viewing spots in the city. Around 300 spectacular cherry trees bloom across the garden, creating a postcard-perfect scene of sakura blossoms set against the backdrop of the historic castle.
To elevate the experience, you can board a traditional Gozabune boat for a short cruise along the castle moat—an unforgettable way to enjoy the blossoms and the castle scenery from the water.
Entrance Fee: ¥200 (approximately 1.5 USD)
Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka City
Expo ’70 Commemorative Park (万博記念公園) – Osaka
Built on the site of the 1970 World Expo, the Expo ’70 Commemorative Park is one of the largest and most impressive cherry blossom spots in Osaka. The vast grounds are home to about 5,500 sakura trees, making the bloom here one of the most spectacular in the region.
The park is lively throughout the day and into the evening, when the trees are beautifully illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere. A central highlight is the famous “Tower of the Sun”, a 70-meter-tall sculpture by Japanese artist Taro Okamoto, which looks especially striking in spring, surrounded by blooming cherry blossoms.
📍 Address: Senribanpakukoen, Suita, Osaka
Maruyama Park (円山公園) – Kyoto
Just a 5-minute walk from the “Gion” city bus stop, Maruyama Park is one of Kyoto’s most famous and beautiful cherry blossom viewing spots, boasting over 400 sakura trees. The park features around 250 Yoshino cherry trees, along with Kawazu, Edohigan, and weeping cherry trees.
At the heart of the park stands a particularly impressive weeping sakura, about 80 years old and reaching 12 meters in height—a true symbol of the park.
By night, Maruyama Park transforms into a lively festival atmosphere, with illuminated trees and crowds enjoying hanami under the blossoms—eating, drinking beer or sake, and chatting into the evening.
📍 Address: Maruyamacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
Path of Philosophy (哲学の道, Tetsugaku no Michi) – Kyoto
The Path of Philosophy is a scenic 2-kilometer walking trail running alongside a canal that connects Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Pavilion) with Oji Shrine.
In 1922, about 300 Yoshino cherry trees were donated to the path by the Japanese painter Kansetsu Hashimoto. Today, around 400 cherry trees line the canal, forming a breathtaking tunnel of blossoms each spring. The petals reflect in the water, painting it pink and creating one of the most romantic and magical sights in Kyoto.
📍 Address: 86 Jodoji Kamiminamidacho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
Nijo Castle (二条城, Nijō-jō) – Kyoto
A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nijo Castle is an impressive destination in its own right, but in spring it becomes especially magical. During sakura season, the castle grounds are filled with the bloom of around 300 cherry trees representing nearly 50 different varieties, turning this historic site into one of Kyoto’s most stunning cherry blossom spots.
Every year, visitors flock to the castle to admire the blossoms, both by day and night. In the evenings, the gardens are illuminated as part of the annual Nijo Castle Cherry Blossom Festival, adding a festive glow to the historic atmosphere.
Entrance Fee: ¥800 (approximately 5.5 USD)
Address: 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto
Kakunodate Samurai District (角館武家屋敷通り) – Akita
Located in Akita Prefecture in northern Japan, Kakunodate is especially famous for its late-blooming cherry blossoms. While sakura season in central Japan ends in early April, here the blossoms usually appear from late April through mid-May, making it a perfect spot for those who missed the earlier bloom.
The Samurai District of Kakunodate is a beautifully preserved historic area, home to traditional samurai residences and lined with about 400 weeping cherry trees. The contrast between the elegant, centuries-old samurai houses and the cascading pink blossoms creates a stunningly photogenic scene of traditional Japan, untouched by time.
Most of the visitors here are domestic Japanese tourists, as this peaceful town has long been a well-kept local secret and only recently opened up to international tourism. For those seeking an authentic and tranquil sakura experience, Kakunodate is truly a hidden gem.
📍 Address: Kakunodate-cho, Semboku City, Akita Prefecture
Goryokaku Park (五稜郭公園) – Hokkaido
Come discover the “Star of the North” – the massive Goryokaku Fortress, a star-shaped citadel built in the late Edo period (1603–1868). After it lost its military importance, the site was transformed into a public park. Today, around 1,600 cherry trees bloom spectacularly around the fortress’s five-pointed moat, making Goryokaku Park one of the best sakura viewing spots in Hokkaido.
A must-do is visiting the nearby Goryokaku Tower, which offers a high vantage point to appreciate the fortress’s unique star-shaped design—something only visible from above.
Since Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost island, its spring season starts later, with cherry blossoms typically blooming from late April through mid-May.
📍 Address: 44 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido
Affiliate Disclosure:
This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Your support helps us keep TravelEast running and continue sharing authentic travel experiences.