​6 must-visit cherry blossom destinations in Japan

Japan’s sakura season is one of the country’s most celebrated cultural events, marking the arrival of spring. From late March to early May, cherry blossoms bloom across the country, turning parks, rivers, and temples into beautiful pink landscapes. Locals and tourists gather for hanami, picnicking under the trees, and for yozakura, enjoying the illuminated blossoms at night. In 2026, peak bloom in major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka is expected around March 25–27.

Tokyo’s sakura season starts in mid-March and peaks around March 25–27. The city offers a mix of lively and serene spots. Ueno Park has over 1,000 cherry trees with bustling hanami gatherings. The Meguro River features canal-side trees with lanterns forming a stunning tunnel effect. For a quieter experience, Shinjuku Gyoen offers trees that bloom over a longer period. Chidorigafuchi Moat lets you rent rowboats under the blossoms, while Rikugien Garden is famous for nighttime illuminations of weeping cherry trees.

Osaka’s cherry blossoms typically peak from late March to early April, creating a relaxed, social atmosphere. Osaka Castle Park spreads thousands of trees across its grounds. Kema Sakuranomiya Park offers a scenic riverside stroll. Japan Mint has a short “Sakura Passage” with later-blooming trees. Mount Yoshino features hillsides covered in blossoms, while Ogimachi Park provides casual, central spots for picnics and local events.

Kyoto’s sakura season peaks from the last week of March to the first week of April, blending traditional streets, temples, and rivers with pink blooms. Philosopher’s Path is a quiet canal walk with floating petals. Maruyama Park is lively around its famous weeping cherry tree, beautifully lit at night. Arashiyama combines riverbanks, bridges, and mountain views, while Kiyomizu-dera offers panoramic blossom views. Shirakawa Canal is intimate with lanterns, and Kamo River is perfect for small gatherings.

Fukuoka’s cherry blossom season peaks between March 18–28. Maizuru Park, built around castle ruins, is the main hanami gathering point. Ohori Park provides wide open spaces for walks along the water, and Nishi Park offers quieter spots with city views. Evening illuminations make hanami magical, but spring weather can be unpredictable.

Hiroshima’s peak bloom is around March 21–30. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park features riverside cherry trees along walking paths. Shukkeien Garden is a compact traditional garden with ponds and bridges framed by blossoms. Hiroshima Castle grounds bloom spectacularly, while Miyajima, a short trip from the city, offers trees around shrines, forest paths, and coastal views.

Hokkaido’s sakura season stretches from late April to mid-May, cooler and quieter than mainland Japan. Goryokaku Fort is a star-shaped fortress surrounded by cherry trees. Matsumae Park hosts one of the island’s largest sakura sites. Hokkaido Shrine and nearby Maruyama Park are popular hanami spots. Noboribetsu Onsen and Shizunai Nijukken Road feature long avenues lined with blossoms.