Hiking in Japan isn’t just about autumn leaves—spring cherry blossom hikes are just as breathtaking. If you love nature and the beauty of sakura, these trails are the perfect way to experience Japan’s most famous flower in a peaceful, outdoor setting. Unlike autumn foliage, which often appears in higher mountains, cherry blossoms bloom in lower areas, making these hikes beginner-friendly and accessible for all.
Cherry blossoms have been loved in Japan for centuries, their fleeting beauty lasting only about two weeks. While city parks and riversides are popular places for hanami, experiencing sakura in the mountains is a completely different experience. Walking under cherry blossom trees with the fresh scent of nature around you makes these hikes some of the best spring experiences in Japan.
Find out more about spring in Japan here: What to do in Spring, Where to go in spring, Wisteria in Japan, Spring date ideas, What to eat in spring, Where to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo, and Cherry blossom festivals.
10 Cherry Blossom Hiking Trails in the Kanto Area
First, let’s take a look at some of the most popular cherry blossom hikes in the mountains near the Kanto region. These locations are easy to access and close to major cities, making them great for a quick escape into nature during sakura season.
1. 高尾山 Mount. Takao (Okutama)
Located in Hachioji, Tokyo, Mount Takao is 599 meters high and is one of the most climbed mountains in the world. The well-maintained trails, combined with cable cars and lifts, make it a great choice for hikers of all levels.
The best cherry blossom spots on Mount Takao are around Kiyotaki Station and JR Takao Yamaguchi Station at the base of the mountain, as well as near Icchodaira on the route from the summit to Mount Jinba. Because Mount Takao attracts thousands of visitors every spring, it’s best to go on a weekday to avoid the crowds.
2. 大山 Mount. Oyama (Tanzawa)
Mount Oyama, located in the Tanzawa Mountains, is a great choice for families and beginner hikers thanks to its accessibility. A cable car takes visitors up to the middle of the mountain, and from there, the hiking trails continue toward the peak at 1,252 meters.
While Mount Oyama is best known for its autumn foliage, its Oyama cherry blossoms at the base of the mountain in spring are equally stunning. The Oyama Sakura Hiking Course is a gentle one-hour hike featuring four enormous sakura trees, each over 400 years old, offering a spectacular sight in spring.
3. 六国見山 Koboyama Park (Hadano)
Located southeast of the Tanzawa Mountains, Koboyama Park is a natural park famous for its cherry blossoms. With over 2,000 cherry trees, including Yoshino and wild cherry blossoms, the park is transformed into a pink wonderland during spring.
One of the most famous parts of the park is the cherry blossom tunnel, a breathtaking section of the road between Mount Gongen and Mount Kobo that is completely covered in sakura blooms. At night, the cherry trees are illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere that makes this one of the best places for a spring evening hike.
4. 妙義山 Mount Myogi (Gunma)
Known for its dramatic rock formations, Mount Myogi also offers one of the best cherry blossom hikes in Gunma Prefecture. At the southern base of the mountain, the Sakura no Sato park spreads over 47 hectares and is home to 5,000 cherry trees of 45 different species.
One of the highlights of this park is that cherry blossoms bloom at different times depending on the species, meaning that you can see sakura here for an extended period from mid-April to early May. With easy walking trails and plenty of rest spots, this is a great place for a relaxing cherry blossom hike.
5. 筑波山 Mount Tsukuba (Ibaraki)
At 877 meters above sea level, Mount Tsukuba is one of the most famous mountains in Ibaraki Prefecture. The hiking trails are easy to navigate, and for those who prefer a more leisurely experience, a cable car and ropeway provide access to the top.
Cherry blossoms bloom throughout the area, particularly around Miyawaki Station, Tsukubasan Omidou, and Tsukubasan Shrine. For a breathtaking panoramic view of Mount Tsukuba surrounded by sakura, head to Hojo Oike, where you can see the entire landscape covered in pink blossoms.
6. 太平山 Mount Ohira (Tochigi)
Located in southern Tochigi Prefecture, Mount Ohira is a small but beautiful 341-meter mountain that bursts into color every spring with cherry blossoms. The most famous feature of this mountain is the cherry blossom tunnel, where thousands of cherry trees line the road leading to the top.
At the base of Taisanji Temple, a 350-year-old weeping cherry tree stands, offering a stunning sight. This tree is illuminated at night, making it one of the most photogenic cherry blossom spots in the region.
7. 武甲山 Mount Buko (Chichibu)
Mount Buko, a well-known peak spanning across Chichibu City and Yokoze City in Saitama Prefecture, stands at 1,304 meters. This mountain, which has a distinct pyramid-like shape, offers fantastic views of cherry blossoms in spring.
One of the best places to see sakura here is at Hitsujiyama Park, where over 400,000 moss phlox flowers bloom from mid-April to early May, covering the landscape in pink. The contrast between the cherry blossoms and the vibrant flower fields makes this one of the most unique cherry blossom hikes in Japan.
8. 宝登山 Hodosan (Chichibu)
Hodosan, a 497-meter mountain in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, is known for its cherry blossoms and is one of the 100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan. The cherry blossom trees along the approach to Hodosan Shrine create a spectacular sight in spring.
The best part of the hike is near Nagatoro Station, where Somei Yoshino cherry trees bloom along the Arakawa River. Further up, there are over 500 double cherry trees of 30 different species at the mountain’s base, offering a diverse and colorful display of blossoms.
9. 棒ノ嶺 Bonooreyama (Oku Musashi)
Bonooreyama is a scenic 969-meter mountain located on the border of Okutama Town and Hanno City in Saitama Prefecture. During sakura season, the trails are surrounded by blooming cherry trees, making it an ideal place for a peaceful hike away from the crowds.
The views from the top of the mountain allow hikers to see a panoramic landscape covered in pink and white blossoms. It’s a great spot for a picnic while taking in the beauty of the surrounding mountains and cherry trees.
Cherry Blossom Hiking Trails in Tokai and Hokuriku
Next, let’s explore some stunning cherry blossom hikes beyond the Kanto area! Some of the best places include Hanamiyama in Fukushima and Mount Amagi in Izu, where cherry blossoms bloom alongside other beautiful spring flowers.
10. 花見山 Hanamiyama (Fukushima)
Located in Watari, Fukushima, Hanamiyama is a famous flower-covered hill that comes alive in spring with cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, and Japanese allspice. Originally created by local farmers who planted flowering trees on the slopes, it has been open to the public since 1959.
During cherry blossom season, the trails wind through pink and white sakura, offering some of the most picturesque views in the region. This area is often called a hidden cherry blossom paradise due to its breathtaking beauty and variety of flowering trees.
11. 天城山 Mount Amagi (Izu)
Mount Amagi, a famous volcanic mountain range in Izu, is one of Japan’s 100 famous mountains. The peaks, including Mount Mansaburo, Mount Manjiro, and Mount Tokasa, are covered in lush forests and offer scenic hiking routes. In spring, visitors can see Mount Mamezakura, a delicate variety of cherry blossoms that bloom at higher elevations.
The contrast between the pink sakura and the deep green of the untouched forests creates a stunning view. The summit of Mount Mansaburo is particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season, with wide-open views of the Izu Peninsula.
Cherry Blossom Hiking Trails in Chubu
Here are three must-visit cherry blossom spots in the Shinshu area.
12. 光城山Mount Hikarujo (Azumino)
Mount Hikarujo in Azumino, Nagano, stands at 911 meters and is famous for its breathtaking cherry blossom-covered slopes. Along the hiking trail, between 1,500 and 2,000 Yoshino cherry trees bloom, creating a soft pink path leading toward the peak.
From the summit, visitors can see a panoramic view of the Northern Alps, with Mount Jonen and Mount Yari towering in the background. The combination of cherry blossoms and snow-capped peaks makes this hike one of the most scenic in central Japan. At night, the cherry trees are illuminated, allowing hikers to enjoy the blossoms even after sunset.
13. 岩殿山 Mount Iwatono (Otsuki)
Mount Iwatono in Otsuki City, Yamanashi Prefecture, stands at 634 meters, the same height as the Tokyo Skytree. The mountain is known for its exposed rock surfaces and easy hiking trails, making it a great choice for beginner hikers. The best place to enjoy cherry blossoms here is Maruyama Park at the southern base, which has over 300 cherry trees in full bloom during spring.
Yoshino cherry trees bloom in late March, followed by the double-petaled Yae Sakura later in April. From the park, visitors can enjoy a clear view of Mount Fuji, creating a picture-perfect contrast between the pink blossoms and the iconic mountain.
14. 弘法山古墳 Koboyama Tomb (Matsumoto)
Koboyama Tomb is the oldest burial mound in eastern Japan and is located in the southeastern part of Matsumoto City, Nagano. Estimated to have been built in the 3rd century, this historic site becomes a major cherry blossom destination in the spring. Thousands of cherry blossoms bloom at an altitude of 650 meters, covering the landscape in soft pink.
The variety of sakura includes Oyamazakura and Kohiganzakura, which bloom slightly later than Yoshino cherries. The “Koboyama Kobo Sakura Festival” takes place from early to late April, with food stalls and cultural events. Nighttime illuminations give visitors a chance to enjoy the blossoms in a peaceful, dreamy atmosphere.
Cherry Blossom Hiking Trails in Western Japan
Introducing well-known places in the western Japan area west of Kansai! Due to its warmer climate, the flowering time here is relatively early.
15. 高御位山 Mount Takamikura (Hyogo)
Located on the border of Kakogawa City and Takasago City in Hyogo Prefecture, Mount Takamikura is a 304-meter peak offering stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea. This mountain is also known as “Harima Fuji” due to its shape resembling Mount Fuji.
At the base of the mountain, Kashima Ogidaira Nature Park is home to 2,000 cherry blossom trees, turning the entire area into a pink paradise during spring. A gentle hiking course leads through the park, passing an observatory where visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of cherry blossoms against the backdrop of the sea. The nearby Kashima Shrine adds to the historical and cultural charm of this hiking spot.
16. 野呂山 Mount Noro (Hiroshima)
Mount Noro, standing at 800 meters, is part of a scenic plateau region in Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture. This mountain is well known for its wide, open spaces and easy-to-walk trails, making it a perfect place for cherry blossom viewing hikes.
One of the highlights of Mount Noro is the Sazanami Skyline, a scenic drive leading up the mountain, which is lined with 1,500 cherry blossom trees in full bloom during spring. From the hiking trails, visitors can enjoy views of the Seto Inland Sea and its many small islands. The gentle incline and well-maintained paths make it a great spot for a relaxing spring hike.
17. 市房山 Mount Ichifusa (Kumamoto)
Located on the border of Kumamoto and Miyazaki, Mount Ichifusa is a towering 1,720-meter peak that has been revered as a sacred mountain for generations. At the foot of the mountain, Ichifusa Shrine is surrounded by an enormous 14-kilometer stretch of cherry trees, with over 10,000 cherry blossoms blooming around Ichifusa Dam Lake.
The reflections of the cherry blossoms on the water create a stunning mirror effect. Every spring, the Yuyama Onsen Sakura Festival takes place in mid-March, featuring local food stalls, performances, and special lighting displays in the evening.
A Perfect Way to Enjoy Cherry Blossoms
Cherry blossom hikes offer a unique and peaceful way to experience Japan’s most famous flowers. Unlike crowded city parks, mountain trails provide a quiet and immersive hanami experience, surrounded by nature. Whether you prefer an easy walk through a cherry blossom tunnel or a challenging trek to a scenic peak, these hikes allow you to enjoy sakura season in a way that feels special and unforgettable.
With so many trails across Japan, there’s always a new place to explore and a different way to see the blossoms in full bloom. From the pink-covered slopes of Mount Hikarujo to the lakeside sakura at Mount Ichifusa, each hike offers something unique. Spring in Japan is short but magical—so why not make the most of it with a cherry blossom hike this year?
