It’s cherry blossom season in Japan now! When you look up when is the best time to see cherry blossom, you might conclude that late March/early April is the best time to go.

Contrary to what a lot of information out there might say, cherry blossom season isn’t only limited to a couple of weeks. Depending on the area, the type of flowers and the weather, the best time to see cherry blossom differs drastically.

Here, let’s have a look at the best time to see cherry blossom in 2023 and the 20 best sakura spots month-by-month in March, April and May. 

One of the best ways to explore Tokyo is to visit the local areas and immerse yourself in the local culture. If you want to explore local areas, we have created scavenger hunt adventures personalised to your interests, filled with fun facts, clues and puzzles. If you’re curious, you can check out the games here! Check out the Flip Japan Games here!

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 do eat in spring, Where to see cherry blossom in Tokyo and Cherry blossom festivals.

What is the best time to see the cherry blossoms in 2023? 

First of all, let’s take a look at the best time to see cherry blossom in 2023, depending on the area of Japan. 

In 2023, cherry blossoms in Japan will be blooming either around the same time as the previous years or slightly later than before. That’s because the cherry blossoms trees are influenced by the cold wave in Japan during the year-end and New Year holidays. The cold weather helped to wake the cherry blossoms up and the flower buds are expected to grow steadily. 

It’s expected that cherry blossom trees will start blooming around March 21st in Fukuoka, followed by Kochi around March 21st, then different areas in the Shikoku and Kyushu regions. In Tokyo, cherry blossoms are expected to bloom around March 20th, three days earlier than last year.

Best cherry blossom spots in March ◆ Get ahead of the season!

1. Kagawa / Shiudeyama- A romantic cherry blossom viewing spot overlooking the Seto Inland Sea

Shiudeyama is one of the most famous cherry blossom spots in Kagawa prefecture, where about 1,000 cherry trees bloom in spring. From the summit of 352m above sea level, you can enjoy the clear sky, the blue of the Seto Inland Sea and the cherry blossoms that dye the summit in pink. The contrast between blue and pink is unique to Shiudeyama. It is a spectacular view that many fans visit every year.

The view from the mountaintop observatory is often called the best in Shikoku. When the weather is nice, you can overlook the Chugoku region and Shodoshima from the mountaintop. Not just during the day but the nighttime scenery of the city lights is also really beautiful. 

Since it is a very popular spot, the road leading to the mountaintop is heavily congested when cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Even though it might take a while for you to get up here in the busy season, it’s still well worth the trip to see the spectacular view of Shiudeyama.

Best time to see: Late March to mid-April

Cherry blossoms light-up: none

Price: free

2. Fukuoka / Asai no Ippon zakura- A magnificent cherry blossom view, also known for its “upside-down cherry blossoms” 

Asai no Ippon zakura in Kurume is a cherry blossom tree that is carefully protected locally. In 1986, Kurume designated it as a tree to be preserved. The magnificent cherry blossom tree, which is about 110 years old, is 18 meters tall and has a trunk circumference of 4.3 meters. Light pink blossoms decorate the tree every year. 

The magnificent and large number of cherry blossoms of the tree reflected in the pond in front of the blue sky on a sunny day is famous scenery. At night, the pink of the illuminated cherry blossoms shines in the night sky, which is a another breathtaking view. 

Best time to see: Early April

Cherry blossoms light-up: Please check on the official website

Price: free

3. Shizuoka / Oigawa Railway- A rare spot where you can take SL trains and cherry blossoms at the same time

Oigawa Railway is the only railway company in Japan that operates steam locomotives throughout the year. The SL train service section is from Shin-Kanaya Station to Senzu Station. Currently, four steam locomotives are in active use.

In the season when the cherry blossoms along the railway line are beautifully coloured, many railroad fans and cameramen come to take pictures of the steam locomotive and the cherry blossoms together. 

The cherry blossom trees line up along the “Ieyama Sakura Tunnel”, which is about a 15-minute walk from Ieyama Station. This is the most famous cherry blossom viewing spot along the Oigawa Railway. Approximately 280 Yoshino cherry trees on both sides of the road form a tunnel of cherry blossoms for nearly 1 kilometre. 

There are other spots along the Oigawa Railway where you can see the figures of cherry blossoms and steam locomotives, so it’s a good idea to take your time and walk around the area! Keep in mind that the SL may be suspended during the flowering period, so make sure to check in advance.

Best time to see: Late March-early April

Cherry blossoms light-up: Please check on the official website

Price: None (A fare is required to board the SL)

4. Yamaguchi / Kintaikyo Bridge- Enchanted by the beautiful scenery of the bridge and cherry blossoms

Kintaikyo Bridge, one of the three famous bridges in Japan, is a wooden bridge over the Nishiki River and it is a tourist destination that represents Yamaguchi. Kikko Park, which is located over the bridge, is a park with the residence of the former Iwakuni feudal lord, Yoshikawa, which was maintained and opened.

There are about 3,000 cherry trees such as Yoshino cherry tree and Yaezakura in Kintaikyo Bridge and Kikko Park, and this place has been selected as one of the “100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots”. 

The scenery of the cherry blossoms blooming along the banks of the Nishiki River and the Kintaikyo Bridge is truly spectacular. On sunny days, it is recommended to take a “Sakura boat” and enjoy the cherry blossom trees and bridges along the river from the river. At night, you can enjoy the light-up scenery, with the contrast between the golden Kintaikyo Bridge and the pale cherry blossoms.

Best time to see: Late March-early April

Cherry blossoms light-up: Yes (lights up until 22:00)

Price: 310 yen (Kintai Bridge entrance fee)

5. Kyoto / Randen- Admire the rows of cherry blossom trees beside the railroad tracks 

The Randen Kitano Line connects Katabiranotsuji Station and Kitano Hakubaicho Station in Kyoto. Between Narutaki Station and Utano Station, there is a section of Yoshino cherry trees lined with cherry blossom trees for about 200 meters. It is called “Randen Sakura Tunnel” because cherry blossoms bloom on both sides of the railroad track, and it is gaining popularity as a spot where you can see cherry blossoms on the train.

When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the area is lit up at night, so you can enjoy the bewitching atmosphere of the cherry blossoms. There is also a “Night Cherry Blossom Train” that runs for a limited time in this period. At this “Night Cherry Blossom Train” the lights are turned off and the car moves at a slower speed than normal, allowing you to fully enjoy the beauty of the illuminated cherry blossoms from inside the car. It is truly a rare and unique experience that’s special to this place. 

Best time to see: Late March-early April

Cherry blossoms light-up: Please check on the official website

Price: 800 yen (Randen / Sagano Free Ticket)

6. Saitama / Satte 権現堂堤 – the contrast created of cherry blossoms and rape blossoms!

What colour do you imagine when you hear spring colour? Pink is probably the colour that pops into your head, but besides pink cherry blossom, yellow rape blossoms and green fresh grass also bring gorgeous colours to this season. Satte is a spot that embodies these spring colours and it is an easy train ride or car ride away from central Tokyo. 

Satte Gongendo Tsutsumi is one of the leading cherry blossom viewing spots in the Kanto region where you can see about 1,000 Yoshino cherry trees. Next to the row of cherry blossom trees that stretches for about 1 kilometre, there is a field of rape blossoms. There is no doubt that you will be fascinated by the magnificent contrast between pale pink and bright yellow ( and the blue in the sky if the weather is nice!).

During the Satte Sakura Festival, which is held every year, the lights are lit up at night. You can see the night cherry blossoms and rape blossoms, which look different from the daytime. There are also many food stalls set up here, so you can enjoy some local food and drinks while taking in the view.

Best time to see: Late March-early April

Cherry blossoms light-up: Yes

Price: free

7. Osaka / Osaka Castle Park- The symbol of Osaka decorated by cherry blossoms

Beautiful cherry blossoms decorating the symbolic Osaka Castle brings a gorgeous atmosphere that makes you feel like you have travelled back to the past. 

Osaka Castle Park, which spreads around Osaka Castle, is one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Osaka, with about 3,000 cherry blossoms in bloom.

About 300 cherry trees such as Yoshino cherry trees are planted in the “Nishinomaru Garden” in the park, and you can enjoy the harmony between the cherry blossoms that bloom vigorously and Osaka Castle. 

“Tamatsukuriguchi” in the back of the main enclosure displays late-blooming cherry blossom trees. The pastel pink colours of the early and late blooming cherry blossom trees give a beautiful look to the area. Since the area of Osaka Castle Park is quite big, you can take your time                                         

Best time to see: Late March-early April

Cherry blossoms light-up: Please check on the official website

Price: free entrance

8. Rikugien Garden, Tokyo- Look up at the weeping cherry tree from below and surround yourself in a pink world

Rikugien is one of the two great gardens built in the Edo period (the other is Koishikawa Korakuen). In the Meiji era, it is a Japanese garden that was once the villa of Yataro Iwasaki, the founder of the Mitsubishi zaibatsu, and has been designated as a national special place of scenic beauty.

Rikugien is famous for its azalea flowers, but the weeping cherry tree through the inner garden gate is a symbol of Rikugien. The weeping cherry tree is about 15 metres all and has a width of about 20 metres. It looks like a falling waterfall and it is truly a fascinating sight.

Best time to see: Mid-March to early April

Cherry blossoms light-up: Yes

Price: 300 yen, 65 years old and over 150 yen (free for elementary school students and younger and junior high school students living and attending school in Tokyo)

9. Kanagawa / Nishihirabatake Park- A little-known spot for Kawazu cherry blossoms

Nishihirabatake Park, which overlooks Mt. Fuji and Sagami Bay, is a cherry blossom viewing spot for Kawazu cherry blossoms that isn’t very well-known. On the slope of Mount. Matsuda, where the park is located, there are about 260 early-blooming Kawazu cherry blossoms. These dark pink flowers bloom from mid-February.

When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the lights will start to light up. It is a place where you can enjoy the night view below and the cherry blossoms at the same time. You can also find the pale cherry blossoms like Yoshino cherry blossoms here and when the bright pink cherry blossoms like Kawazu cherry blossoms are lit up, you can enjoy the beauty of the two. 

Best time to see: Mid-February-March

Cherry blossoms light-up: Please check on the official website

Price: free

Best cherry blossom spots ◆ Cherry-blossom viewing at your usual pace!

10. Nagano Takato Castle Ruins Park- The deep pink colour wraps around the park, a famous place you want to visit at least once

Takato Castle Ruins Park in Ina City is one of Japan’s leading cherry blossom viewing spots called “The First Cherry Blossom in the World”. The cherry blossoms in the park are unique to the area. They are smaller than Somei Yoshino and have slightly darker redness to them. About 200,000 tourists from all over the country visit Takato every year to see about 1,500 cherry blossom trees.

At Takato Castle Ruins Park, there are two famous views you can capture. One is sakura seen from the bank of the pond near Sakuraunbashi and another one is Sakura overlooking Hakusankannon.

Sakuraunbashi, which looks as if it is covered with cherry blossom clouds, is the most popular spot in the park. When you look at it from the pond near the bridge, the cherry blossoms lit up on the surface of the water are reflected and it’s really beautiful. If you look up from the pond near Sakuraunbashi, you might get to see the heart symbol of cherry blossoms. 

Hakusankannon outside Takato Castle Ruins Park is a hidden spot where you can overlook the cherry blossoms of Takato. The red roof of Koenkaku, a registered tangible cultural property, overlooks the scenery floating in the clouds of cherry blossoms.

Best time to see: Early to mid-April

Cherry blossoms light-up: Yes (April 8th to 20th, sunset to 22:00 * The implementation period and time may change depending on the situation)

Price: Adults 500 yen, elementary and junior high school students 250 yen (cherry blossom season)

11. Yamanashi / Arakurayama Sengen Park- The scenery of Mt. Fuji and the five-storied pagoda surrounded by cherry blossoms 

Arakurayama Sengen Park is a popular spot where Mt. Fuji, cherry blossoms and five-storied pagoda unite. It is a park that is known for its panoramic view of Mt. Fuji and the city of Fujiyoshida in front of you.

The number of cherry blossoms is small, but the scenery of Mount. Fuji, Yoshino cherry tree and the grand pagoda is stunning. 

To reach the top of the park, either walk up the 398 steps from the foot of Mt. Arakura or take the paved mountain road. It’s might be a little challenging for some but the sense of accomplishment once you see the view is priceless.

Arakurayama Sengen Park is a spot that is not that well known to Japanese people, but it has become popular among foreign tourists as a spot that symbolises Japan. Because of this, there is a lot of information provided in foreign languages here.

Best time to see: Early to mid-April

Cherry blossoms light-up: Please check on the official website

Price: free

12. Nara / Mount. Yoshino- Gorgeous wild cherry trees cover the whole mountain in pink

Mount. Yoshino, where Toyotomi Hideyoshi once visited, is a popular cherry blossom spot in Japan. 

There are four points where cherry blossoms are concentrated on Mt. Yoshino, “Shimosenbon”, “Nakasenbon”, “Kamisenbon” and “Okusenbon”. From the beginning to the end of April every year, about 30,000 cherry trees of 200 species bloom little by little from Yamashita to Yamagami. You can enjoy the changing colours of cherry blossoms for about a month. The scale is a little different from other cherry blossom spots.

Among the cherry blossom viewing spots on Mt. Yoshino, the view from Yoshimizu Shrine, which is also registered as a World Heritage Site, is also recommended. You can see both “Nakasenbon” and “Kamisenbon” from here, which is truly a magnificent view. 

Best time to see: Early to late April

Cherry blossoms light-up: Please check on the official website

Price: Free (parking is charged)

13. Shiga / Kaizu Osaki- Rows of cherry blossom trees that continue for 4 kilometres along the shore of Lake Biwa 

Kaizu Osaki is a reef area northwest of Lake Biwa. It is a famous scenic spot that can be counted as one of the “Eight Views of Lake Biwa” and has been selected as one of the “100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan”.

In spring, about 800 Yoshino cherry trees bloom along the shore of the lake, forming a cherry blossom tunnel for 4 kilometres! This is a rare place where you can take a walk under the endless rows of cherry blossom trees and it is a popular spot in Kansai where many cherry blossom viewing visitors visit every year.

Besides the cherry blossom tunnel, there are different sightseeing spots such as “Yoshitsune no Kakuiwa” and “Chikubushima”. For those who want to enjoy a different landscape, you can also enjoy the Sakura-lined trees from the lake! If you board the cherry blossom viewing boat that operates only in the spring, you can relax and enjoy the cherry blossoms from the waters. 

Best time to see: Around early April

Cherry blossoms light-up: none

Price: free

14. Fukuoka / Yanagawa River Boat “Matsutsuki Boarding Area”- Enjoy going down the canals surrounded by cherry blossoms

Yanagawa is often called “the city of water” and “the Venice of Kyushu”, because of its 470 kilometres of canals, which were originally built as irrigation channels using the waters of the Chikugo River. 

The starting point for going down the Yanagawa River is located in the Mihashira Shrine, which enshrines the Yanagawa feudal lord Tachibana Muneshige, his wife, and his father’s three gods. 

Mihashira Shrine is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in the local area. At Takabata Park, where the shrine is located, the Takabata Park Sakura Festival is held every year and you can see about 500 Yoshino cherry trees.

Because Yoshino cherry trees bloom on both sides of the canals, a great way to enjoy the cherry blossom trees is by taking a boat ride down the canals. The journey will help you relax and slowly enjoy the stunning scenery around you. 

Best time to see: Late March-early April

Cherry blossoms light-up: none

Price: Free (1,650 yen for a river boat ride experience)

15. Toyama / Funakawa Beri- A magnificent panoramic colourful view spreading out around you

1,200m of cherry blossom trees on both banks of the Funagawa River, with approximately 280 Yoshino cherry trees planted and carefully raised by the locals. With the snowy Northern Alps in the background, you can see the cherry blossoms in full bloom, colourful tulip and lively rape blossom fields all around you.

Don’t miss the illuminations that take place during the cherry blossom season, and the bonfire night cherry blossoms that burn firewood and illuminate the night cherry blossoms with sparks. 

The “Spring Quartet Ticket” is also on sale during this season, which is a great deal for a round-trip ride from each station within the designated section of “Ainokaze Toyama Railway” including Toyama Station to Tomari Station, which is the closest to Funakawa Beri.

Best time to see: Early to mid-April

Cherry blossoms light-up: Yes (During the period 18: 00-21: 00 * It may be canceled depending on the spread of new coronavirus infection)

Price: free

Best cherry blossom spots in May ◆ Don’t worry if you are late ♪

16. Hokkaido Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park- The pink world goes as far as your eyes take you

Higashimokoto in Ozora Town is about 30 minutes by car from Abashiri, Hokkaido. In Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms until June depending on the climate. 

The moss phlox that blooms all over the large garden is just like a carpet of cherry blossoms. The pink torii gate and cherry blossom art create a special scenery unique to the park. Even at the end of the cherry-blossom viewing season, you can still take gorgeous photos here. 

Besides cherry blossom viewing, there is also a go-kart course, fishing, a day trip hot spring and a campsite. About 10 minutes by car from here, there is a Higashimokoto dairy farm, where you can experience the unique taste of Hokkaido, such as cheese and soft serve ice cream.

Best time to see: Mid May

Cherry blossoms light-up: none

Price: Admission fee Adults 500 yen Elementary school students and younger 250 yen

17. Aomori / Hirosaki Park- The blooming cherry blossoms and the famous castle are worth a visit

Hirosaki Park, located in the centre of Hirosaki City, is known as one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan. Expect to find petals floating on the surface of the moat and the bright Gejo-bashi Bridge. 

Apple pruning technology is used for the cherry blossoms in Hirosaki Park. Usually, there are 3 to 4 cherry blossoms that bloom from one flower bud. But the cherry blossoms in Hirosaki Park have 5 to 7 cherry blossoms blooming from one flower bud. By thinning out weakened branches in the same way as apple pruning technology, this area succeeded in creating a voluminous cherry blossom. Approximately 2,600 cherry blossom trees are planted in the park, but each cherry blossom tree has more flowers than cherry blossom trees in other areas. 

The view of the cherry blossoms that bloom vigorously and Hirosaki Castle is really gorgeous. The castle tower and the cherry blossoms are lit up at night, bringing a different atmosphere. 

Best time to see: Late April-early May

Cherry blossoms light-up: Please check on the official website

Price: Adults 320 yen, children 100 yen (Hirosaki Castle Honmaru / Kita no Guo * Paid from April 1st to November 23rd)

Adults 320 yen, children 100 yen (Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden * Open from mid-April to November 23)

18. Iwate / Kitakami Tenshochi- carp streamer swimming in the sky with the cherry blossoms in the back

Kitakami Tenshochi is one of the most famous cherry blossom spots in Tohoku on the banks of the Kitakami River. It is one of the “100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan” and about 10,000 cherry trees such as Yaezakura and Beniyamazakura are planted in the park, centering on Yoshino cherry tree. 

In particular, the row of cherry blossom trees that stretches for about 2 kilometres from the vicinity of the coral bridge over the Kitakami River is spectacular. You can fully enjoy the spring in Tohoku just by walking under the Sakura Tunnel created by about 500 Yoshino cherry trees.

From mid-April to early May, The Kitakami Tenshochi Cherry Blossom Festival is held. Carp streamers add colour to the sky over the Kitakami River, boats float down the river, along with horse-drawn carriages taking you on an adventure in the area. 

Best time to see: Mid-April to early May

Cherry blossoms light-up: Yes (18: 00-21: 00 * Implemented according to the flowering situation)

Price: free

19. Hokkaido Nijukken Road- cherry-blossom viewing drive 

In Shinhidaka Town, which is a 3-hour drive from Sapporo, there is a magnificent view of spring. The Nijukken Road turns into a gentle pink colour every spring. Nijukken Road has been selected as one of the “100 Best Roads in Japan”, “100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots” and “Hokkaido Heritage”.

This road stretches on for about 7 kilometres. With the feeling of the soft spring breeze, you can drive through about 2,200 cherry blossom trees or walk slowly along the sidewalk next to the road. Whichever you choose, you will be able to enjoy a calm cherry-blossom viewing, forgetting the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

This famous place was created by transplanting cherry blossoms from nearby mountains over the course of three years from 1916. It is said that 200,000 people come to see the cherry blossoms every year because of the beauty of this area. 

Best time to see: Early to mid-May

Cherry blossoms light-up: none

Price: free

20. Iwate / Koiwai Farm- The magnificent view of the cherry blossoms and Mt. Iwate

Koiwai Farm spreads out at the foot of Mt. Iwate. There is a famous single cherry tree, Edhigan, in the meadow. This tree often appears in Japanese dramas and is well-known among Japanese people.

This tree was originally planted as a tree to protect grazing cows from the strong summer sun. It is estimated that the tree is over 100 years old.

This Sakura tree is about 1.5 kilometres from Koiwai Farm Makibaen. It takes about 20 minutes to walk here and you can enjoy the vast meadows and magnificent scenery along the way. Why don’t you visit Koiwai this spring to see this incredible sakura tree standing against Mt. Iwate, where snow still remains?

Best time to see: Late April-early May

Cherry blossoms light-up: none

Price: Free (February 24th to March 19th), Adults 400 yen, children 150 yen (March 20-April 15)

* Confirmation is required for other periods

—

Not just during a couple of weeks of prime hanami season in March and April, but there are a lot of ways to leverage the cherry blossom season and see the gorgeous sakura for yourself. Make sure to plan ahead, so you can fully indulge yourself in the season. Besides these cherry blossom trees, there are usually quite a few attractions and local places for you to check out in the area. Definitely don’t miss out when you visit these areas and make the most out of your trips.

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 do eat in spring, Where to see cherry blossom in Tokyo and Cherry blossom festivals.

Stay tuned for more information about Japan travel, Japanese culture, moving to Japan, living in Japan, Japanese language and more.