Despite what you might hear, cherry blossom season isn’t just a short two-week window. The best time to see the flowers depends on the location, type of cherry blossoms, and the weather.
In this post, we’ll go through the best times to see cherry blossoms in 2024, along with the top 20 spots to visit each month in March, April, and May.
1. (Kagawa) Shiudeyama
Shiudeyama is one of the best places in Kagawa to enjoy cherry blossoms. Around 1,000 cherry trees cover the slopes of this mountain, creating a stunning view. From the top, 352 meters above sea level, you can see a sea of pink blossoms set against the blue Seto Inland Sea—it’s truly breathtaking.
On a clear day, you can see beyond Kagawa to the Chugoku region and Shodoshima. The view at night is also magical, with city lights sparkling below. However, it gets very crowded during peak season, and the roads leading up can be jammed. Even so, it’s well worth the trip!
Price: ¥500 for sakura conservation, ¥1,750–¥2,300 per vehicle (reservation required)
Best time to see: March 23 – April 10
Illumination: None
2. (Fukuoka) Asai no Ippon Zakura
This single cherry tree in Kurume—Asai no ippon zakura—is over 100 years old and has been protected since 1986. Standing 18 meters tall, it puts on a gorgeous display of pink flowers every spring.
One of the highlights here is the reflection of the tree on the pond below, making for a picture-perfect moment. At night, the tree is lit up, creating a warm, magical glow.
Price: Free
Best time to see: Early April
Illumination: Check the official website
3. (Shizuoka) Oigawa Railway
Oigawa Railway is the only one in Japan that still runs steam locomotives all year. The cherry blossoms along the train route make for a spectacular view, especially around the Ieyama Sakura Tunnel, where 280 Yoshino cherry trees form a stunning 1km-long pink canopy.
Many visitors come to capture the sight of the steam train passing through the cherry blossoms—so don’t forget your camera! Keep in mind that the train service may be suspended during the blooming period, so check ahead.
Price: Free (train fare required)
Best time to see: Late March – early April
Illumination: Check the official website
4. (Yamaguchi) Kintaikyo Bridge
One of Japan’s most famous wooden bridges, Kintaikyo stretches over the Nishiki River and is surrounded by 3,000 cherry trees. This area is ranked among the “100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots” in Japan.
On sunny days, you can take a “Sakura Boat” to see the blossoms from the water. At night, the bridge lights up, creating a beautiful contrast between the golden bridge and soft pink flowers.
Price: ¥310 (bridge entrance fee)
Best time to see: Late March – early April
Illumination: Yes, until 10 pm
5. (Kyoto) Randen
This is a short but beautiful section along the Randen Kitano Line in Kyoto. For about 200 meters, cherry trees form a tunnel over the tracks, making for an unforgettable train ride.
During peak bloom, a special “Night Cherry Blossom Train” runs, dimming the lights inside so passengers can fully enjoy the illuminated blossoms outside.
Price: ¥800 (Randen/Sagano Free Ticket)
Best time to see: Late March – early April
Illumination: Check the official website
6. (Saitama) Satte
This spot is perfect if you want to see cherry blossoms alongside other vibrant spring colours. The park is home to 1,000 Yoshino cherry trees, with a massive field of yellow rapeseed flowers beneath them.
During the Satte Sakura Festival, the blossoms are lit up at night, and food stalls sell local treats, adding to the festive vibe.
Price: Free
Best time to see: Late March – early April
Illumination: Yes
7. (Osaka) Osaka Castle Park:
With 3,000 cherry trees surrounding the famous Osaka Castle, this is one of the best places in Japan for hanami (cherry blossom viewing).
The Nishinomaru Garden inside the park is a great spot for a close-up view, while the quieter Tamatsukuriguchi area has late-blooming trees.
Price: ¥350 (special event price)
Best time to see: Late March – early April
Illumination: Yes, until 9 pm
8. (Tokyo) Rikugien Garden
One of Tokyo’s most beautiful traditional gardens, Rikugien is especially famous for its huge weeping cherry tree, which looks like a waterfall of pink flowers.
At night, the tree is beautifully lit up, creating a dreamy atmosphere.
Price: ¥900 (online), ¥1,100 (same-day tickets)
Best time to see: Mid-March – early April
Illumination: Yes, until 9 pm
9. (Kanagawa) Nishihirabatake Park
Located on Mount Matsuda, Nishihirabatake Park has stunning views of Mount Fuji and Sagami Bay, plus around 260 early-blooming Kawazu cherry trees.
The dark pink blossoms start blooming as early as mid-February, making this a great choice for those who want to see cherry blossoms earlier than usual.
Price: Free
Best time to see: Mid-February – early March
Illumination: None
10. (Nagano) Takato Castle Ruins Park
Home to 1,500 deep-pink cherry trees, Takato Castle Ruins Park is known for having some of the most beautiful cherry blossoms in Japan.
The best view is from the pond, where the blossoms reflect on the water. At night, the park is lit up, making it even more magical.
Price: ¥600 (adults), ¥300 (children)
Best time to see: Mid-April
Illumination: Yes, until 10 pm
11. (Yamanashi) Arakurayama Sengen Park
This park is famous for its picture-perfect view of Mount Fuji, cherry blossoms, and a five-story pagoda all in one frame. It’s a spot that looks like a postcard and is especially popular with photographers.
The climb to the top is 398 steps, but the view is totally worth it! This park is well-known among international visitors, so expect some crowds during peak season.
Price: Free
Best time to see: March 30 – April 14 (Sakura Festival)
Illumination: Check the official website
12. (Nara) Mount Yoshino
Mount Yoshino has over 30,000 cherry trees of 200 different types, blooming in stages from early to late April. This means you can enjoy cherry blossoms here for almost a whole month!
The best viewing spot is from Yoshimizu Shrine, where you get a breathtaking panoramic view of the mountains covered in pink.
Price: Free (parking is charged)
Best time to see: Early – late April
Illumination: Check the official website
13. (Shiga) Kaizu Osaki
Located along Lake Biwa, Kaizu Osaki has an incredible 4-kilometre-long cherry blossom tunnel. Around 800 Yoshino cherry trees bloom along the lake’s edge, making for a beautiful walk or drive.
For a special experience, take a cherry blossom boat tour, where you can admire the pink trees from the water.
Price: Free
Best time to see: Early April
Illumination: None
14. (Fukuoka) Yanagawa River
Known as the “Venice of Kyushu”, Yanagawa has over 470 km of canals, originally built for irrigation. During cherry blossom season, the area around Takabata Park is especially beautiful, with 500 Yoshino cherry trees in full bloom.
The best way to enjoy the cherry blossoms here is by taking a boat ride along the canal, passing under the pink trees as they reflect on the water.
Price: Free (¥1,650 for a boat ride)
Best time to see: Late March – early April
Illumination: None
15. (Toyama) Funakawa Beri
This riverside spot features a 1.2-kilometre stretch lined with 280 Yoshino cherry trees. What makes it extra special is the backdrop of the snow-capped Northern Alps, along with tulip and rape blossom fields blooming nearby.
There’s also a nighttime illumination and a unique bonfire night, where firewood is burned to create a warm, magical atmosphere among the cherry blossoms.
Price: ¥500
Best time to see: Early – mid-April
Illumination: Yes
16. (Hokkaido) Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park
Unlike other spots, cherry blossom season here lasts until June! Instead of trees, this park is covered in pink moss phlox, which looks just like a cherry blossom field.
There’s also a pink torii gate and cherry blossom art, making it a super unique place for photos. Other activities include go-karting, fishing, and even a nearby hot spring for relaxing.
Price: ¥500 (adults), ¥250 (children)
Best time to see: Mid-May
Illumination: None
17. (Aomori) Hirosaki Park
One of the top cherry blossom spots in Japan, this park has around 2,600 cherry trees and a famous petal-filled moat that creates a pink carpet on the water.
What makes Hirosaki unique is that the trees are pruned using apple-growing techniques, making them bloom more densely than usual. The combination of Hirosaki Castle, the red Gejo-bashi Bridge, and cherry blossoms is stunning.
Price: ¥320 (adults), ¥100 (children)
Best time to see: Late April – early May
Illumination: Check the official website
18. (Iwate) Kitakami Tenshochi
This park is home to 10,000 cherry trees, with a spectacular 2-kilometre-long cherry blossom tunnel along the Kitakami River.
During the Kitakami Tenshochi Cherry Blossom Festival, you can see carp streamers flying in the sky, take a boat ride, or even go on a horse-drawn carriage tour under the cherry blossoms.
Price: Free (paid parking available)
Best time to see: Mid-April – early May
Illumination: Yes (18:00–21:00, depending on bloom)
19. (Hokkaido) Nijukken Road
This 7-kilometre-long cherry blossom road in Hokkaido is one of Japan’s 100 Best Roads and a Hokkaido Heritage site.
Planted in 1916, the 2,200 cherry trees here create a dreamy pink tunnel every spring. It’s the perfect place for a scenic drive or peaceful walk, away from city crowds.
Price: Free
Best time to see: Early – mid-May
Illumination: None
20. (Iwate) Koiwai Farm
At the base of Mount Iwate, Koiwai Farm is famous for a single 100-year-old Edohigan cherry tree standing in a vast green meadow. Originally planted to shade grazing cows, this tree has now become a symbol of enduring beauty.
A 20-minute walk through the farm’s open fields takes you to this iconic tree, with Mount Iwate’s snowy peak in the background—a breathtaking view!
Price: Free (entry fee may apply at different times)
Best time to see: Late April – early May
Illumination: None
Ready for Hanami Season?
As you can see, cherry blossom season isn’t just a few weeks in March and April—you can enjoy sakura from February to June, depending on where you go!
Plan ahead, check local events, and don’t forget to try seasonal treats while you’re there. Whether it’s boat rides, mountain views, castle gardens, or pink flower tunnels, there’s a perfect sakura spot for everyone. 🌸