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Each year, Japan transforms into a living watercolour painting as delicate cherry blossoms, or sakura, bloom across the country. From Tokyo’s parks to Kyoto’s temple gardens and the misty hills of Yoshino, cherry blossom season in Japan is more than a photo opportunity—it’s a national event steeped in beauty, celebration and centuries of tradition.
If you’re planning your trip around cherry blossom season in Japan in 2025, this guide will help you get the timing right, choose the best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan and understand why this fleeting season is one of the country’s most treasured traditions.
Why is cherry blossom season so important in Japan?
To truly appreciate sakura season in Japan, it helps to understand its deeper cultural meaning. While the blossoms are admired for their beauty, they also represent the impermanence of life—something valued in both Shinto and Buddhist thought.
Their brief bloom is a gentle reminder to slow down and appreciate the present. This is the heart of hanami, the centuries-old tradition of flower viewing. Once reserved for emperors and nobles, hanami has evolved into a national pastime, where people of all ages gather beneath the trees to celebrate the arrival of spring.
Did you know?
The word sakura is featured in more than 4,000 Japanese songs, making it the country’s unofficial anthem of spring.
When do cherry blossoms bloom in Japan?
Cherry blossom season occurs every spring, but the exact Japan cherry blossom dates shift slightly each year depending on the weather. The bloom typically starts in the southern islands and slowly moves north—this pattern is known as the sakura zensen, or cherry blossom front.
In 2025, the cherry blossom forecast in Japan suggests peak blooms will occur as follows:
- Kyushu region (including Nagasaki): mid-March
- Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto: late March to early April
- Tohoku and Hokkaido: mid-April to early May
If you’re wondering how long cherry blossoms last in Japan, the answer is usually 7 to 10 days, from the first flower to the fall of the petals. To stay updated, the Sakura Navi app offers real-time tracking and the Japan cherry blossom forecast across the country.
Did you know?
One of Japan’s oldest cherry trees, Miharu Takizakura in Fukushima, is believed to be over 1,000 years old.
Where to see cherry blossoms in Japan
Cherry blossom viewing in Japan offers a rich variety of backdrops. From sprawling city parks to quiet riversides, the options are as picturesque as they are plentiful.
In Tokyo, highlights include Chidorigafuchi Moat, where you can row beneath the blossom-lined banks, and Ueno Park, which hosts one of the largest cherry blossom festivals in Tokyo. The peaceful gardens of Shinjuku Gyoen provide a more relaxed setting. If you're planning to explore the city in full bloom, take a look at our "Five of the best: Tokyo parks to see cherry blossoms" article.
Kyoto cherry blossoms are best admired along the Philosopher’s Path, at Maruyama Park, and on the banks of the Kamo-gawa River. Cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto, such as Konkai Komyo-ji Temple, offer a quieter, more contemplative hanami experience.
For Osaka cherry blossoms, head to Osaka Castle Park or stroll along the tree-lined paths at Kema Sakuranomiya Park. These locations offer beautiful views and are perfect for family-friendly cherry blossom spots in Japan.
Mount Yoshino in Nara Prefecture, located southeast of Osaka, is renowned as one of Japan's best places to see cherry blossoms. With over 30,000 trees covering the hillside, it’s an extraordinary place to witness the sakura in all their glory.
What happens during cherry blossom festivals in Japan?
Sakura festivals in Japan are as much about the atmosphere as the blooms. In every city, cherry blossom festivals bring people together through music, food and seasonal traditions.
You'll find food stalls selling seasonal treats like sakura mochi and grilled yakitori, while local musicians and performers add to the festive energy. In some regions, traditional tea ceremonies are held under the trees, echoing the origins of hanami as an imperial pastime. Families often gather for picnics with bento boxes, making the most of the season’s brief beauty.
Cherry blossom festivals in Tokyo, such as the Ueno Sakura Matsuri, include evening lantern displays and bustling street food stalls. Kyoto’s Hirano Shrine is another classic venue for spring celebration. One of the most scenic is the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival in Aomori, with its blossom-filled moats and castle backdrop.
These experiences capture the spirit of sakura season in Japan, and many Inspiring Vacations tours are timed to coincide with peak bloom periods. Options like the 13-Day Cherry Blossoms of Japan or the 11-Day Independent Wonders of Japan with Hiroshima visit key cherry blossom destinations such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, giving you a chance to experience the beauty and energy of hanami firsthand in iconic locations.
Did you know?
Nighttime blossom viewing, known as yozakura, is popular in many parks during the height of the season.
What’s the weather like during cherry blossom season in Japan?
Cherry blossom season weather in Japan is generally mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 10–18°C (50–64°F). While spring is mostly sunny, occasional rain showers are expected, so it’s wise to pack a lightweight raincoat or travel umbrella. Temperatures can drop in the evenings, especially in Kyoto and mountainous areas, so layers are your friend.
What to eat during cherry blossom season
Sakura has a subtle, slightly floral flavour, often with a salty kick when pickled. During cherry blossom season, you’ll see that food is just as considered as the setting, with seasonal ingredients and a focus on presentation. For some delicious sakura-flavoured wagashi (Japanese sweets), head to the iconic yet tiny Gion Manju Factory in the centre of Kyoto, which has been serving up mochi (rice cakes), dango (rice dumplings on a skewer) and other traditional treats for almost 200 years.
Street food in places like Osaka also takes a seasonal turn. You’ll find local favourites reimagined with sakura-themed ingredients. For more sweet inspiration, see our top five Japanese dessert recommendations.
Tips for photographing cherry blossoms in Japan
Lighting makes all the difference when capturing sakura. Early morning is best for soft, warm light and minimal crowds, while late afternoon adds a golden glow that enhances every frame. Including temples, shrines or rivers in your shots provides context and visual interest.
For those with a keen eye, a zoom lens is handy for capturing petal details or framing distant temple rooftops through blooming branches. Wide-angle lenses work well for showcasing the full breadth of blossom-lined paths. And don’t shy away from cloudy days—overcast skies create soft, even light, while rain can add mood and beautiful reflections on wet stone or water surfaces.
Top locations to see cherry blossoms in Japan
Wondering where to find the best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan? From famous cities to off-the-beaten-path regions, these locations are known for their stunning sakura displays:
- Tokyo: Chidorigafuchi Moat, Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen
- Kyoto: Philosopher’s Path, Maruyama Park, Kamo-gawa River
- Osaka: Osaka Castle Park, Kema Sakuranomiya Park
- Yoshino (Nara Prefecture): Mountain slopes covered in 30,000+ trees
- Hirosaki (Aomori): Cherry blossom moats around Hirosaki Castle
- Kanazawa: Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s top three gardens
- Nara Park: Blossoms alongside roaming deer
- Himeji Castle: Sakura set against Japan’s most famous feudal castle
- Hakodate and Sapporo (Hokkaido): Late-season blooms in April/May
These cherry blossom viewing spots span the full length of the country, giving travellers many options no matter when they plan to visit during the season.
Summary: Cherry blossom season in Japan
The optimal time to experience cherry blossoms in Japan varies by region, with major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka typically reaching full bloom between late March and early April.
- Cherry blossom season in Tokyo and Kyoto offers a mix of bustling festivals and tranquil riverside strolls
- Check the Japan cherry blossom forecast and plan around local hanami celebrations
- Spring weather is mild, but bring layers for evening and light showers
- Explore cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo and Yoshino
Cherry blossom season in Japan is an unforgettable celebration of nature, community and tradition. Some of our most popular Japan tours are designed to coincide with peak bloom dates, ensuring a front-row seat to this seasonal spectacle.
Choose from featured itineraries such as the 13-Day Cherry Blossoms of Japan, 10-Day Premium Japan by Rail, and our 11-Day Independent Wonders of Japan with Hiroshima. These can be carefully timed to capture peak bloom in key destinations, with thoughtfully selected locations perfect for enjoying the spirit of hanami in Japan.
