14-Day Cherry Blossom Itineraries in Japan: Plan Your Sakura Tour

Seeing cherry blossoms (Sakura) is a tradition that dates back centuries in Japan. In spring, most Japanese families and friends congregate under the cherry blossoms to picnic and enjoy the flowers. Like rain, like snow, petals fell on their heads and floated into their dreams.

Why are the Japanese so fascinated by those pink blooms? Follow this article's detailed itinerary around the country's busy metropolis, ancient cities with shrines, and calm valley farmhouses during the cherry blossom season, and check out the essential hanami (sakura viewing) spots. At the end of the journey, you will find your answer.

Beneath the Cherry Blossoms

Itinerary Idea

Day 1-2: Arrival and Wandering in Pink Tokyo

Land in the fragrance of Tokyo's cherry blossoms and start immersing in the bustling city of Tokyo. Everywhere is occupied by Sakura blossoms so that you may admire them from different angles.

A classic way to take in the fascinating Sakura closely is walking along the meandering paths of the Shinjuku Gyoen National Park or taking a picnic under the cherry trees. For a bird's eye view, get up to the Main Observatory of Tokyo Tower, and you will discover cherry blossoms embedded in Tokyo's cityscape like pink puzzle pieces. The overwhelming full blooms hanging over the Sumida River also deserve a really nice cruise. Don't forget to pick up some souvenirs in front of the Hozomon Gate of Senso-Ji Temple at Nakamise Street, lined by cherry trees.

Full Blooms Hanging Over the Sumida River

Day 3: Coastal City, Kamakura

Kamakura, a coastal resort an hour south of Tokyo with Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, is particularly gorgeous in spring. The Great Buddha of Kamakura, 11.3 meters tall and weighing 121 tons, has been meditating in the Kotoku-in Temple for eight centuries. You can explore the statue inside and marvel at its majestic posture outside with the backdrop of cherry blossoms.

Satisfied by Sakura viewing, why not enjoy some bamboo and traditional tea? Take a stroll through the grove of bamboo behind Hokokuji Temple and into a tea shop for an introduction to the tea ceremony and some matcha green tea.

The Great Buddha of Kamakura

Day 4: Leisure Day in Tokyo

Don't rush out of Tokyo without spending at least a day exploring this futuristic metropolis as your interests. Visit some trendy areas, such as Ginza, where the streets are packed with high-end fashion shops, art galleries, and designer-brand stores. Or, if you are an Otaku (animate lover), treat yourself to a maid cafe or comic book store in Harajuku, the heart of adolescent fashion and cosplay culture.

Day 5: Sacred Mt. Fuji & Hakone Hot Spring

Mount Fuji, the highest point in Japan, serves as a metaphor for Japan. Take an unwinding cruise on Lake Kawaguchiko and soak in the stunning scenery of Mt. Fuji, the lake, and the cherry blossoms before calling it a day. Upon arrival in Hakone, soothe your travel-weary muscles in its historic hot springs, then enjoy a delicious dinner at the ryokan (Japanese hotel).

Mt. Fuji

Day 6-7: Back to the Edo Period in Takayama

Explore Takayama, a city in the mountains renowned for its Edo Period (1603-1868) historic district. Go over to one of Takayama's most recognizable features, Nakabashi Bridge, a crimson bridge that blends in well with the blooming cherry trees.

After a joyful photo time, you'll be ready to travel through time. Get lost in Kami Sannomachi Street, which will transport you back to the Edo Period, with its well-preserved merchant homes, sake brewers, stores, and cafés.

Day 8: Hidden Fairytale Town, Shirakawa-go

Not far from Takayama, there is Shiragawa-go, a wonderland buried in the Shogawa River Valley, famous for its traditional "Gassho-zukuri" farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old. Gassho-zukuri is named after its steep thatched roof that resembles two hands together. Standing at the Shirakawa-go Observation Deck, you will be amazed by the stunning scenery surrounding it.

Don't forget to explore the Gassho-zukuri Minkaen Outdoor Museum on your own, kick off your shoes, and go through the Gassho-zukuri farmhouse to get a feel for what life was like in the past. Then we'll leave for Kanazawa.

Gassho-zukuri Farmhouses in Shiragawago

Day 9: Kanazawa Sakura & Contemporary Art

Kanazawa means "marsh of gold" in Japanese and is known for its gold leaf. So when you enjoy the picturesque cherry blossoms in the famous Kenrokuen Garden, try a local specialty gold leaf ice cream. The sweetness in your mouth and cherry blossoms among water features and bridges put you in a lovely mood.

The Museum of Contemporary Art in the 21st Century is conveniently located near the garden. Visit the recreated Kanazawa Castle after spending time in the museum. Then you head to Kyoto.

Day 10: Explore the Ancient Capital, Kyoto

Enjoy cherry blossoms planted by the emperors of successive dynasties in this once thousand-year ancient capital. One of the most elegant viewing spots is the Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama, an ancient wooden bridge that spans the river, whose banks and surrounding green hills are dotted with pink cherry blossoms. Walking among them is like walking in the gentle embrace of the mountains.

The Philosopher's Path is also a prime Sakura viewing spot. This two-kilometer-long stone path is so serene and quiet that a famous Japanese philosopher of Kyoto University used to meditate here daily with hundreds of cherry trees.

Spend the remainder of the day strolling around Gion's entertainment area, where you can spot graceful geishas walking through traditional country houses, heading to banquets, and get a taste of Kyoto's classic elegance.

Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama

Day 11: Encounter Nara's Deer

Spend half a day seeing Kyoto's most renowned landmarks, including the ruby torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine and the gold-leafed rooftop of the Kinkaku-ji Temple. Take a short transfer to Nara.

Nara Park is a paradise for over 1,000 wild deer. Take a little while and listen to the sound of cherry blossoms falling together with lovely creatures who are leisurely eating grass. Or capture their blinking eyes with their favorite deer cookies.

Day 12-14: Osaka, Outgoing Side of Japan

In your three days in Osaka: Day 1, explore historical sites and do hanami (sakura viewing). Day 2, discover the city by your interests. Day 3, orderly pack and check out.

Visit Osaka Castle, complemented with blooming sakura. Strolling through Kema Sakuranomiya Park and the Osaka Mint Bureau while wrapped in a gorgeous kimono - Allow the cherry blossoms to adorn your kimono photo. Spend another day exploring Osaka's urban charm freely. Sample street food in neon-lit Dotonbori, or enjoy shopping in the hundreds-year-old commercial district of Shinsaibashi to feel the friendliness of locals.

On the final day, pack your bags orderly with all the souvenirs and fond memories and go back to your sweet home!

Osaka Caslte with Sakura

Tips for Cherry Blossom Viewing

Catch the Best Time

The season usually occurs in the final days of March and the first half of April, so make sure to check the blooming forecast frequently to capture their peak.

Book Your Tour Early

It's best to book your hotel room 8 - 9 months ahead of time because it's a tourist rush season.

Find Prime Viewing Locations

Bring Enough Clothes

In the alternating warmth and coldness of early spring, make sure you don't catch a cold and break the happy traveling mood.

More Sakura Itineraries - 7 Days & 10 Days

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