Sakura Time: Your Cherry Blossom Season Japan Guide [2024]

Cherry Blossom Season Japan 2024 Guide

Well, you know what time of the year it is.

Spring's around the corner, meaning cherry blossoms, also known as sakura, are coming.

But when exactly is the best time to visit Japan to see cherry blossoms come to life?

Well, for Japan's cherry blossom season in 2024, blooms are expected to come as early as Mar 18 in Kochi, and also in late March in places like Fukuoka and Nagoya (both Mar 21); these flowers are expected to hit full bloom on Mar 30 and 31 accordingly.

Tokyo's sakura blooms are scheduled to spring to life on Mar 23, will full bloom expected on Mar 30.

For Kyoto and Osaka, the cherry blossoms will start to flower roughly around Mar 23 and Mar 25 respectively, with the full bloom predicted for Apr 1.

If you can't make it for the March holidays, Sapporo will have blooms appearing on May 1, with full bloom potentially on May 6.

Here's a full list of Japan's sakura forecast by city and predicted flowering dates:

Japan's Cherry Blossom Forecast 2024

May 1

If you're lucky enough to catch the country adorned in swathes of pink, here's a list of the best places to see sakura in Japan:

Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Tokyo

• Shinjuku Gyoen

• Imperial Palace East Gardens

• Chidorigafuchi and Kitanomaru Park

• Sumida Park

• Inokashira Park

• Meguro River

• Yoyogi Park

• Koishikawa Korakuen

Shinjuku Gyoen

One of the best cherry blossom viewing spots not just in Tokyo but the whole of Japan is Shinjuku Gyoen, a spacious park, home to tranquil lawns and ample walking space (which, trust us, will come in handy with hordes of crowds trying to get some viewing action on).

Look out for an English Garden, French Garden, and Japanese Garden for the best blooms.

Address: 11 Naitōmachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan (map)

Imperial Palace East Gardens

If you're not really into picnics and prefer a stroll, then the Imperial Palace East Gardens will be right up your alley for some cherry blossom viewing.

The Sakura blooms give this quaint palace a touch of old Tokyo. But if you want a taste of modern life, Marunouchi, Tokyo's business district, is always a short walk away.

Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan (map)

Chidorigafuchi Park

For one of the most scenic Sakura viewing spots in Tokyo, visit Chidorigafuchi Park, where you travel back in time and hop on a boat to traverse an Edo-era moat.

Right next door is Kitanomaru Park, a peaceful place great for mindful sakura viewing.

Address: 〒102-0082 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Kojimachi, 1 Chome−２(map)

Sumida Park

One of the best places to view cherry blossoms in Japan, Sumida Park is a superb spot, as always, for some hanami action.

Take a stroll along the Sumida River, soak in the glorious sight of pretty pink Sakura, and marvel at the Tokyo Skytree in the distance.

Address: 1 Chome Hanakawado, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0033, Japan (map)

Inokashira Park

Sakura season is when Inokashira Park comes to life.

It becomes this hype spot where visitors whip out their mats and chill under the cherry trees to picnic and laze the day away.

Pro tip: ensure you come here early on weekends; it will most likely be very crowded.

Address: 1 Chome-18-31 Gotenyama, Musashino, Tokyo 180-0005, Japan (map)

Meguro River

Meguro River is another of those iconic cherry blossom spots in Tokyo famed for its gorgeous hanami during spring.

Don't be surprised if you gasp in awe at the cherry-tree-lined road along the river.

And there will be plenty of cherry trees here - 800 in total!

Address: Nakameguro, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0061, Japan (map)

Yoyogi Park

When it comes to convenience, you can't beat Yoyogi Park with its central location in Shibuya.

It's also pretty close to the Meiji Shrine and Harajuku. So don't expect to be the only person here.

This popular park is one of the capital's most crowded as well. If you're looking for an alternative, check out Ueno Park, known for its zoo and museums and its lantern-lit cherry trees in the evening during the Sakura season.

Address: 2-1 Yoyogikamizonochō, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0052, Japan (map)

Koishikawa Korakuen

For stunning cherry blossom views, visit Koishikawa Korakuen, one of Tokyo's most famous gardens.

Here, you can check out the unique species of weeping cherry.

Plus, the garden is easy to visit, as it's only a quick 10 minute walk from Tokyo Metro's Korakuen station and the JR stations of Iidabashi and Suidobashi on the Chuo-sobu line.

Address: 1-chōme-6-6 Kōraku, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0004, Japan (map)

Best Cherry Blossom Spots in and Around Osaka

• Akashi Park

• Kiimidera Temple

• Daisen Park

• Himeji Castle

• Mount Yoshino

• Settsukyo Park

• Osaka Castle Park

Akashi Park

For the perfect combo of old-world charm and nature that'll take your breath away, head over to Akashi Park.

Surrounding Akashi Castle, which is over 400 years old, the park is home to the scenic Gonoike Pond, which used to be the outer moat of the centuries-old castle.

Within the park, check out Sakurabori Moat, a beautiful locale where you can see the reflection of cherry blossoms on the water's surface, perfect for those #puddlegram shots on Insta!

Address: 1-27 Akashikōen, Akashi, Hyogo 673-0847, Japan (map)

Kimiidera Temple

Adorned with Buddhist statues, with uninterrupted views of Wakanoura Bay, the Kimiidera Temple is one of the best hanami spots in Osaka.

The second temple along Japan's oldest pilgrimage route, come here to admire 400 trees that are the perfect contrast against the temple's striking red facade.

You can walk here from Kimiidera Station on the Kisei Line.

Address: 1201 Kimiidera, Wakayama, 641-0012, Japan (map)

Daisen Park

For cherry blossoms in the heart of Osaka, make a beeline for Daisen Park in Sakai.

At this park, you can find the Kofun burial mounds of the emperors Nintoku and Richu, as well as two museums, tea houses, a Japanese garden, and, most importantly, 1,000 sakura trees that make this iconic spot the ideal place to enjoy hanami in spring.

Address: 2 Chome-204 Mozusekiuncho, Sakai Ward, Sakai, Osaka 590-0802, Japan (map)

Himeji Castle

Well, it's no surprise that a UNESCO World Heritage Site (and a must-see even beyond the Sakura season), the Himeji Castle is the perfect place to see cherry blossoms in all their glory.

After all, what can beat thousands of flowers lined up against these majestic, white castle walls?

Address: 68 Honmachi, Himeji, Hyogo 670-0012, Japan (map)

Mount Yoshino

Mount Yoshino is one of the best places to catch cherry blossoms in Osaka, stunning and known across the globe for its sprawling array of pretty cherry blossoms embellishing its towering peaks.

Fun fact: the first cherry trees were planted on the mountain's slopes 1,300 years ago, and now there are over 30,000 cherry trees of various species!

Address: Yoshinoyama, Yoshino, Yoshino District, Nara 639-3115, Japan (map)

Osaka Castle Park

Welcome to Osaka Castle Park, the city's second-largest park for some of the best Sakura viewing.

With over 3,000 cherry trees and a spectacular annual light-up event, this is one of the most happening spots that come to life during cherry blossom season.

You can even check out plum blossoms, which flower from late January to March.

Address: 1-1 Ōsakajō, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan (map)

Settsukyo Park

Even during non-cherry blossom season, the forested Settsukyo Park is a favourite among locals, and of course tourists, during spring.

Here, gather at this tranquil green space that spans a whopping 40 hectares and witness the beauty of 1,300 somei-yoshino cherry blossom trees (you'll find 230 of these trees specifically at Sakura Square).

Address: Japan, 〒569-1036 Osaka, Takatsuki, 大字原地内ほか (map)

Best cherry blossom spots in Kyoto

• Philosopher's Path

• Arashiyama

• Nijo Castle

• Kiyomizu-Dera

• Maruyama-Koen Park

• Toji Temple

• Shinbashi-dori, Gion

• Hirano Shrine

• Kyoto Botanical Gardens

Philosopher's Path

If you're in Japan during cherry blossom season, and in Kyoto in particular, one pilgrimage you have to undergo is the famous walking trail of Philosopher's Path.

Navigate the stone path along a canal packed with hundreds of sakura trees.

And if you need to take a break and fuel up, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes along the canal, and some temples and shrines you can check out too.

Address: 2 Ginkakujichō, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8402, Japan (map)

Arashiyama

To escape the hustle and bustle of the city during hanami season, plan a trip to Arashiyama on the outskirts of Kyoto.

You'll find a multitude of cherry blossom trees along the Togetsukyo Bridge and the Daikakuji Temple. Plus, those killer mountain views are to die for.

Address: Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-0007, Japan (map)

Nijo Castle

What happens when sakura and art collide?

Well, you've got one of Kyoto's top cherry blossom viewing spots and evening illuinations conceptualised by Tokyo art collective Naked.

Expect eye-catching projections over Nijo Castle's Karamon Gate and interactive displays to go along with the beauty of the already spectacular sakura on show.

Address: 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301, Japan (map)

Kiyomizu-Dera

For all you night owls, and another illumination spectacle, make your way to Kiyomizu-Dera, whose temple grounds will be lit up nightly during spring.

The fact that the temple is not usually open at night during non-sakura season makes a visit here even more special.

Pro tip: locate the highest number of trees at the pond near the temple's exit for magical, flowery views and of course, for your Insta endeavours.

Address: 1-chōme-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan (map)

Maruyama-Koen Park

Besides being one of the most popular hanami spots in Kyoto for admiring cherry blossoms, the Maruyama-Koen Park is also an excellent place to visit nearby temples like Chion-in or Shoren-in, with many local restaurants around if you're feeling peckish.

Address: Maruyamacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto 605-0071, Japan (map)

Hirano Shrine

If you're looking for a true blue hidden gem (at least when it comes to viewing cherry blossoms), check out Hirano Shrine in the north of Kyoto.

Travel back in time as you witness the procession of Oka-sai Matsuri, what is probably the city's oldest event, with its start date estimated to be in the country's Heian period in the 8th century.

It's a little more traditional, there are Shinto priests dressed in shrine outfits and men dressed as samurai.

But a visit here is certainly an eye-opening affair.

Address: Japan, 〒603-8322 Kyoto, Kita Ward, Hirano Miyamotochō, １(map)

Kyoto Botanical Gardens

For a taste of modernity and to avoid the inevitable crowds that pack the street of Kyoto, head down to Kyoto Botanical Gardens, located right by the Kamo River.

Besides ever-evolving garden displays, look out for the Sakura Light-Up event, typically held from April 6 to 21, with 250 cherry trees gorgeously lit at night.

Address: Shimogamo Hangicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-0823, Japan (map)

Other Cherry Blossoms tips:

What to wear for cherry blossoms photos?

Being lucky enough to see cherry blossoms is one thing.

You've also got to get your outfit spot on for those OOTD shots.

For either men or women, white and pinks provide that airy look and feel when it comes to taking photos in front of sakura blooms, while blues are always a good choice to stand out.

If you don't have these in your wardrobe, anything neutral or pastel works as well.

Or if you want to up your game and dress as your favourite anime character like Luffy from One Piece, Mikasa from Attack from Titan or Sailor Moon, feel free to cosplay your heart out! It would definitely make for interesting photos.

All You Need to Know About the Cherry Blossom Season in Japan

Is it called sakura or cherry blossom?

Well, technically, sakura translates to cherry blossoms in Japanese, and you can use each term interchangeably.

Whatever the case may be; it's safe to say that these pretty pink flowers are a national obsession and the pride of Japan.

What month is the cherry blossom season in Japan in 2024?

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMC), the first flowers of 2024 will make their grand entrance in Kochi on March 18.

But that's not all. On March 21, Fukuoka and Nagoya will be in on the floral action, reaching their full bloom glory on March 30 and March 31. Nature's putting on a show, and you've got front-row seats!

How long does the cherry blossom season in Japan last?

Usually, the cherry blossom trees bloom for roughly two weeks. So, if you're lucky enough to catch these beautiful, short-lived flowers in action, you've got a limited timeframe.

The good news is that depending on the location and weather, you can move around Japan to catch different regions' full bloom.

However, the bloom cycle usually begins in the south and moves towards the north.

Hence, the best time in Japan for cherry blossom varies, and so does the best time to visit Japan for sakura.

Also, the very nature of the flower's brief lifespan makes it tough to plan a trip to a specific festival in advance.

Although, you can always look towards the past for answers and do a bit of research as to when previous festival editions took place to get a rough idea of bloom dates.

Finally, what's so special about cherry blossoms?

Think of these famous flowers as iconic flowers of the spring.

They represent many things, symbolising a period of rejuvenation and renewal, especially considering their short lifespan of merely two weeks.

And in Japan, it's common to have cherry blossom parties with your loved ones.

So, the Sakura season is a special occasion for many people, and not just a pretty time of the year for flower viewing.