Cherry Blossom in Japan (Sakura)

Every spring, Japan turns pink. Cherry blossom season, sakura, is the country’s most cherished few weeks, when people gather beneath the blooms for hanami (flower viewing) picnics in parks, along rivers, and around castles and temples.

When is cherry blossom season in Japan?

It sweeps north from late March to early May: Tokyo and Kyoto usually peak in late March to early April, Okinawa as early as January, and Hokkaido in late April to early May. Peak bloom lasts only about a week.

Where are the best places to see cherry blossoms?

Famous spots include Ueno Park and the Meguro River in Tokyo, Maruyama Park in Kyoto, and countless castles and parks and gardens nationwide. Many hold evening illuminations during peak bloom.

What is hanami?

Hanami means flower viewing, the tradition of gathering under blooming cherry trees to eat, drink, and celebrate spring with friends and family. It is one of Japan’s most social seasonal customs.

Cherry Blossom

Rojo Park Cherry Blossoms

A park in Komatsu transforms each spring with more than 130 cherry trees forming spectacular pink canopies along its walking paths.

15 Mar – 15 Apr 2027Ishikawa · Chubu

Cherry Blossom

Maruoka Castle Cherry Blossom Festival

Surrounded by roughly 400 blooming cherry trees, Japan's oldest surviving wooden castle keep becomes a spectacular pink paradise each spring.

1–20 Apr 2027Fukui · Chubu

Cherry Blossom

Every spring, Japan turns pink. Cherry blossom season, sakura, is the country’s most cherished few weeks, when people gather beneath the blooms for hanami (flower viewing) picnics in parks, along rivers, and around castles and temples.

When is cherry blossom season in Japan?

It sweeps north from late March to early May: Tokyo and Kyoto usually peak in late March to early April, Okinawa as early as January, and Hokkaido in late April to early May. Peak bloom lasts only about a week.

Where are the best places to see cherry blossoms?

Famous spots include Ueno Park and the Meguro River in Tokyo, Maruyama Park in Kyoto, and countless castles and parks and gardens nationwide. Many hold evening illuminations during peak bloom.

What is hanami?

Hanami means flower viewing, the tradition of gathering under blooming cherry trees to eat, drink, and celebrate spring with friends and family. It is one of Japan’s most social seasonal customs.

Cherry Blossom

Rojo Park Cherry Blossoms

A park in Komatsu transforms each spring with more than 130 cherry trees forming spectacular pink canopies along its walking paths.

15 Mar – 15 Apr 2027Ishikawa · Chubu

Cherry Blossom

Maruoka Castle Cherry Blossom Festival

Surrounded by roughly 400 blooming cherry trees, Japan's oldest surviving wooden castle keep becomes a spectacular pink paradise each spring.

1–20 Apr 2027Fukui · Chubu

Cherry Blossom

Noto-Kashima Station Cherry Blossoms

Over 100 cherry trees create a picturesque tunnel at this railway station, illuminated at night for spring viewing.

11–23 Apr 2027

Ishikawa · Chubu

Cherry Blossom

Cherry Blossom in Hakusan Shrine & Hakusan Park

Hakusan Shrine and Hakusan Park showcase cherry blossoms in spring, with peak bloom typically occurring in mid-April.

15–30 Apr 2027Niigata · Chubu

Cherry Blossom

Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival

Hirosaki Park celebrates cherry blossoms with illuminated trees, boat rides across the moat to view reflections on water, and picnicking beneath the flowering branches.

23 Apr – 5 May 2027Aomori · Tohoku

Never miss what's on

Rojo Park Cherry Blossoms

Maruoka Castle Cherry Blossom Festival

Rojo Park Cherry Blossoms

Maruoka Castle Cherry Blossom Festival

Cherry Blossom in Hakusan Shrine & Hakusan Park

Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival