Best Places to See Japan Cherry Blossoms (Sakura) 2025

It is stunning to see the spring cherry blossoms (sakura) paint the whole of Japan in shades of delicate pink, from Lake Kawaguchi beneath Mt. Fuji to parks and gardens perfect for a leisurely stroll under falling petals. Below are some of the best places to enjoy cherry blossoms in Japan, get your camera ready and prepare to capture unforgettable photos on your Japan tour.

Spring Vibe With Japan's Cherry Blossom

Philosopher's Path, Kyoto

• Date: From late March to early April
• Best for: Leisure walking & temple visits
• Entry Fee: Free

The Philosopher's Path, or Tetsugaku no Michi, is an always-mentioned place for cherry blossom viewing in Kyoto.

While you may not encounter philosophers here, the annual display of pink blossoms forming a tunnel-like canopy is a delight for every visitor. This stone path, lined with hundreds of cherry trees along a narrow canal, provides a picturesque setting for a leisurely walk between the Silver Pavilion (Ginkakuji) and Nanzenji Temple.

Stretching two kilometers, the path is dotted with small temples, shrines, cafes, and restaurants. As the trees bloom in the mild spring weather, the path exudes a peaceful charm, inviting you to stroll like a local and soak in the serene beauty.

Cherry blossoms in Kyoto

Shinjuku Gyoen, Tokyo

• Date: From early February to late April
• Best for: Quiet & peaceful hanami environment
• Entry Fee: 500JPY (about 3.5USD)

Usually considered one of the best places to enjoy the cherry blossom in Tokyo, Shinjuku Gyoen is an ancient park in both French and Japanese styles, home to more than 60 species of sakura trees like winter cherry and famous Yoshino, offering a fairly long flowering period from early February to late April.

With an entrance fee of around $5, the park tends to be less crowded. Alcohol, smoking, and musical instruments are also prohibited, allowing for a tranquil atmosphere to enjoy the spring blooms. Bring a picnic to the spacious lawns and take in the stunning canopy of pink and white petals, just as the locals do.

Shinjuku Gyoen Spring Hanami

Lake Kawaguchi, Mt. Fuji

• Date: From early February to mid-April
• Best for: Upside-down view of Mt. Fuji & sakura
• Entry Fee: Free

Known as one of the most recommended places to view Mt. Fuji, Lake Kawaguchiko holds mass appeal all around the year for its beautiful landscapes and lighthearted experience. But if you want to catch its appealing flirty face, you shouldn't miss a sight in spring.

Every mid-April, an impressive stretch of cherry trees blooms along the northern bank of Lake Kawaguchiko. You can walk along the lakeside promenade or stay on the Ubuyagasaki peninsula to get the best view, combining the magnificent reflection of Mount Fuji in the lake with enchanting cherry blossoms. The postcard-like sight is enough to satiate photography lovers.

Mt. Fuji With Cherry Blossoms

Arakurayama Sengen Park (The Chureito Pagoda), Yamanashi

• Date: From late March to mid-April
• Best for: Cherry blossom photos with crimson pagoda & Mt. Fuji
• Entry Fee: Free

With Mt. Fuji as a dramatic backdrop, Arakurayama Sengen Park is a prime location for cherry blossom viewing, with hundreds of sakura trees surrounding the iconic five-story Chureito Pagoda on the hillside.

From the observation deck, you'll feel like you're floating on a sea of pink blossoms, with sweeping views of Fujiyoshida City and Mt. Fuji in the distance.

A mid-April visit is an ideal time to enjoy the cherry blossom festival, which celebrates over 650 blooming trees. Sample local delicacies from stalls along the paths, while soaking up the fragrant and elegant atmosphere of the park in full bloom.

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Osaka Castle Park, Osaka

• Date: From late March to early April
• Best for: Hanami party & picnic
• Entry Fee: 600JPY (about 4USD)

Osaka Castle Park plays a prominent role during Osaka's cherry blossom season, with over 4,000 cherry trees blossoming around the historic castle, offering refreshing views of the jade roof and golden ornaments against a backdrop of pink sakura.

Nishinomaru Garden, to the west of the castle, is a recommended place for a hanami picnic on its spacious lawns, with stunning views of Osaka Castle framed by a wall of sakura blossoms against a clear blue sky. As night falls, the illuminated castle tower and cherry trees transform the scene, creating a dazzling, picturesque atmosphere that attracts crowds of photographers.

Osaka Castle Behind the Cherry Blossoms

Mt. Yoshino, Nara

• Date: From early March to mid-April
• Best for: Thousands of cherry trees & sakura-covered hill
• Entry Fee: Free

Mt. Yoshino is one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing places in Japan, leaving a lasting impression every April when the sacred mountain is covered with over 30,000 blooming cherry trees of various species. It is an ideal setting for a leisurely walk, inviting everyone to immerse themselves in a sea of pink blossoms in Nara.

With varieties of sakura in bloom at different altitudes, you can climb up the slope through layers of blossom or take the cable car to pass through a peaceful village surrounded by flowers. Enjoy a picnic in the summit park and take in the panoramic views of the entire mountain from the viewing platform.

Nara Deer With Cherry Blossom

Takato Castle Ruins Park, Nagano

• Date: From late March to mid-April
• Best for: Cherry blossom festival & Unique sakura species
• Entry Fee: 600JPY (about 4USD)

As one of Japan's top three destinations for hanami experience, Takato Castle Ruins Park in Nagano draws visitors from around the world each spring. This historic park features about 1,500 cherry trees, including the special Kohigan variety, known for its strikingly vibrant pink petals.

Set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Japanese Alps, this park offers 3 prime spots for capturing the beauty of sakura alongside traditional architecture: Taikoyagura, a two-story building from the Showa period; Ounkyo, a charming curved bridge; and Takatokaku, a beautifully designed drum tower.

The cherry blossom festival here invites visitors to enjoy the leisure of spring break, with delightful food and souvenir stalls nestled under the blossoms, as well as a dazzling light display that illuminates the cherry trees until 10 pm.

Cherry Blossom Viewing

Itsukushima Shrine, Hiroshima

• Date: From late March to mid-April
• Best for: Hanami with the floating shrine
• Entry Fee: 300JPY (about 2USD)

A visit to Hiroshima is never complete without seeing Itsukushima Shrine, a 900-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its floating torii gate set against stunning seascapes, one of Japan's top places to enjoy the cherry blossom.

On Miyajima Island, around 2,000 cherry trees bloom in spring, with a beautiful grove surrounding the five-story Tahoto pagoda, creating an iconic scene for hanami.

The contrast of vibrant reds and whites is especially photogenic. As you approach the shrine, cherry trees line both sides of the path in full bloom, and you may even encounter deer foraging by the roadside. During low tide, stroll closer to the torii gate for a breathtaking view of the cherry blossoms framed by the sea.

Itsukushima Shrine and Cherry Blossoms

Hirosaki Park, Aomori

• Date: From late April to early May
• Best for: Late sakura & cherry blossom tunnel
• Entry Fee: 320JPY (about 2USD)

Hirosaki Park offers a magical blend of Japanese history and natural beauty that never fails to impress. Here, the historic castle harmonizes beautifully with the dominant pink hues of cherry blossoms in full bloom.

The park provides diverse perspectives to enjoy the sakura flowers: stroll through a tunnel formed by rows of flowering cherry trees, or take a boat ride on the moat, painted pink with falling petals. Visiting in early May also allows you to join locals in the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival.

Beyond the blossoms, the park features historically significant sites like Hirosaki Castle, the Fujita Memorial Japanese Garden, and the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden, adding a serene, timeless atmosphere to your visit.

Sakura Around Hirosaki Park

Matsumae Castle, Hokkaido

• Date: From mid-April to early May
• Best for: 250 sakura varieties & early summer visit
• Entry Fee: 360JPY (about 2.5USD)

In northern Japan, Hokkaido is not only famous for its excellent winter powder snow and vibrant ski scene, but also reveals a softer charm during flowering season from late April to May.

Matsumae Castle, a celebrated postcard-worthy site, is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot with over 10,000 cherry trees and over 250 distinct species, making it a top hanami destination for a stunning sakura experience.

During blossom season, vibrant petals fill every corner of the castle park. A visit to Ryuunin Temple offers a view of the rare, 200-year-old Kechimyaku Sakura, or "bloodline cherry," where ancient architecture and pink blossoms create a harmonious scene.

Matsumae Castle Cherry Blossom

Capture the Amazing Japan Sakura with Odynovo

Never stop shooting such amazement in Japan if you plan to pay a visit in the spring season. The enchanting flowers surprisingly match the mountain, the lake, the historical site, and the calmness of the Japanese people. Any of the worth-seeing places mentioned above offers you a picturesque view of color and a pleasant experience, which gives you chances to unwind.

If you want a full account journey to see cherry blossoms across Japan, please contact us at [email protected]. Odynovo is happy to share more details. Moreover, we specialize in making individual itineraries that meet your preferences. Travel with Odynovo for your ideal spring trip to Japan.