7-Day Cherry Blossom Itineraries in Japan: Top 3 Ideas

If you're wondering where to start your next spring journey, how about spending 7 days in Japan surrounded by some fancy pink blossoms? With the elegant shrines and bright red Torii set against a backdrop of cherry blossoms and their petals falling on the warm sea breeze, here are 3 selected itineraries to get the most out of your Japan tour.

Itinerary #1: Classic Japan Hanami in Tokyo & Kyoto

Cherry blossom festivals add to the charm of Tokyo's parks with singing and dancing, Kyoto's ancient buildings look more elegant when the flowers are in full bloom, and even majestic Mt. Fuji is filled with soft pastel colors from the warm spring. Take this classic tour in 7 days from March to April for a local hanami experience.

Cherry Blossom Around the Imperial Palace

Arrive in Tokyo on a warm spring breeze and spend two days exploring the city. Admire the East Gardens of Imperial Palace and Shinjuku Gyo-en in the cherry blossoms, and make a wish at the landmark or Senso-ji behind the giant Kaminarimon.

Let the smooth drive with the morning chirping take you beneath the snow-capped mountain and begin your day trip around Mt. Fuji. Capture yourself against the reflections of the sleepy volcano as well as the petal-filled Lake Kawaguchi. When the driver drops you off at the onsen resort in Hakone, soak your body and soul in hot springs at night.

Slow down your pace when heading to the train station, the full blooming sakura around the Odawara Castle is waiting for your pass by. Leave the fancy photo on your phone before boarding the Shinkansen, which will take you to the thousand-year-city Kyoto in 3 hours.

Over the next two and a half days, the treasure hunt continues in this ancient city. Fill your stomach with authentic kaiseki in a traditional Japanese rock garden, sightsee the elegant Kiyomizu-dera against a backdrop of pink flowers, experience the Japanese culture with the tea ceremony or flower arrangement in Gion and take through the red tunnel of thousands of torii to the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.

Though the pink backdrop has become your daily routine, it is time to say goodbye to the enchanting land of Japan. Pack the wagashi or handicrafts you found while exploring the city and end this journey with the falling petals.

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Itinerary #2: Okinawa Sakura & February Whale Watching

Located at the southern tip of Japan, Okinawa's lush green islands turn pink with cherry blossoms as early as February, making it a magical place where you can feel the lapping waves while enjoying the vibrant blossoms. For a unique 7-day spring tour, come and try a bite of this sea salt-flavored light pink ice cream that can bring you a unique experience of spring.

Whale Watching

For the first two days, you will stay in the metropolis of Tokyo to have a full experience of the vibrant city with the bustle of Senso-ji, the Meiji Shrine as well as the sleepless Shinjuku town of Kabukicho.

While the 3-hour flight shows you the sparkling sea and islands, your hanami in early February begins in the city of Naha, where the magnificent red Shuri Castle will surprise you.

Next, let the coastal train bring you to Okinawa with the lightening city skyline welcoming for your next 3-day visit: attend the cherry blossom festival at the foot of the green and pink Mt. Yae, explore the ruins of the World Heritage Site of Nakijin Castle, drive along the marine road to Kerama Island National Park catch the second when humpback whales are on their way to breathe.

Osaka is the final destination after a 2-hour flight from the southern island, a place to relax with a food tour in Dotonbori until the riverbank is covered by night neo. A ticket to Universal Studios is another option for some entertainment. Finally, before you leave, take a photo in front of the majestic Osaka Castle and let the joy of this place accompany you on your way home.

Itinerary #3: May Cherry Blossom in Hokkaido

Hokkaido, a place where you can see cherry blossoms even in May because of its higher latitude. Follow the warming temperatures north until the end of spring to catch the beauty awakened by the gentle spring in the next 7 days.

Cherry Blossom in Sapporo

Before heading to Hokkaido, spend 2 days in Tokyo to see the hustle and bustle of the city, with its grand garden in Imperial Palace and Shinjuku Gyo-en, and Ginza, with its collection of world-class brands.

A 1.5-hour flight to Sapporo brings you to the northern land where spring still lingers, with sakura in full bloom around downtown Odori Park. Besides the slight smell of cherry blossom, follow the scent of wheat in the air and drop by the Beer Museum, where you can enjoy some barbecue as well as a cup of local beer at the nearby restaurant. Spend some time here and drive to the northern Biei, let the vast flower fields hide you with their multicolored blossoms.

Next up is a day trip to Lake Toya. A 2.5-hour drive from Sapporo, you can see the glistening lake with its flower-filled shores. Take a boat ride on the tranquil lake, where the clear water reflects the colors of the fireworks at night. Or soak in the warm water of the onsen resort as well as admire the night flowers that bloom in both the sky and the water.

After a 2-hour drive to the city of Hakodate, try to hike Mount Hakodate with the golden sunlight to catch the slow sunset swallowed by the sea. Let the rope send you to the ground with the stunning skyline and the marvelous neon outline of the city as night falls. Head to the bustling local fish market for an energetic morning and enjoy a picnic under the cherry blossom trees in Goryokaku Park before returning to Tokyo for your last night.

Plan Your Japan Cherry Blossom Tour with Odynovo

Whether it's the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, the quaint thousand-year-old capital of Kyoto, the tropical islands of Okinawa in the south, or the tranquil land of Hokkaido in the north, contact Odynovo and start your 7-day trip to Japan with a splash of pale spring pink.