6 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan

The foothills of Mount Yoshino in Nara possess over 30,000 cherry trees, which flicker with a variety of colors, depending on the species of tree.

When visiting Mount Yoshino to see the cherry blossoms, you can find the flowers blooming above shrines, temples, and in parks in one of Japan’s most iconic destinations. Due to the change in elevation along the base and foothills of the mountain, the cherry trees do not blossom at the same time, allowing visitors a broader range of opportunities for viewing the vibrant spring.

The best time to visit Mount Yoshino for the cherry blossoms is between late March and early May, and you can learn more in our guide on the best time for a Japan cherry blossom tour.

The luster of Takato Castle Park and its cherry blossom garden originates from the 1,500 pink Kohigan cherry trees that have become a quintessential element of the popular destination, earning it the renowned title of being one of the top three places to view the cherry blossoms in Japan.

Lively festivals provide a fantastic ambiance beneath the petals, with stalls offering local cuisine and inviting travelers to indulge in exquisite food tours and embrace more of the best things to do in Japan. Lights are even strung throughout the trees for night viewings set beneath the looming Takato Castle ruins.

The best time to visit Takato Castle Park for cherry blossoms is in April.

The natural grandeur of Chureito Pagoda boasts exquisite views of Mount Fuji and is graced with the colorful petals of the cherry blossom trees during the season.

The pagoda rises into the sky between the far-reaching branches of different cherry trees and the early mornings often attract serious photographers who are eager to capture the blossoms, pagoda, and Mount Fuji in the early light.

April offers the best time to visit Chureito Pagoda during the cherry blossom season.

No matter the month of spring, Shinjuku Gyoen is a fantastic place for experiencing cherry blossoms in Tokyo, one of the best places to visit in Japan.

The park is known for its more than 1,000 cherry trees that bloom early and late during the celebrated season, making it a fabulous destination for viewers who are visiting the heart of Tokyo.

Amid the high-rise buildings and bustling streets, Shinjuku Gyoen offers a peaceful respite from the futuristic ambiance, with fantastic opportunities to participate in hanami throughout March and April, in addition to the main viewing festival that takes place from late February to early May.

The charming Kawazu River runs through the city of Shizuoka, with approximately 8,000 Kawazu-sakura cherry trees decorating its banks for up to two and a half miles.

Locals help to celebrate the annual spring with a large festival that acts as one of the earliest cherry blossom festivals in eastern Japan. Due to the festival and the nature of the trees, Kawazu attracts up to a million visitors each year during the season, all of them eager to view the vivid pink petals that dangle from the trees and experience the top things to do during Japan cherry blossom festivals.

The colorful blossoms occur between mid-February and mid-March.

Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto, one of the most romantic places in Japan, remains a quiet and charming stone walkway throughout the year. Still, it brims with life during the cherry blossom season, as the white and pink hues of the flowers hover above the tranquil canals.

The path runs for half a mile along the route where the famous Japanese philosopher Nishida Kitaro walked while practicing meditation.

The best time to wander along Philosopher’s Path during the cherry blossom season is in early April, when the trees erupt in spectacular colors.

Explore the best places to visit in Japan during cherry blossom season to experience an exceptional vacation celebrating bountiful colors and friendly festivities. Find the best place for a traditional picnic among the trees or wander beside the drifting blossoms at your pace to enjoy the quintessential splendor of Japan in spring with our Japan cherry blossom tours.

For our Japanese cherry blossom forecast on the best time to visit and more inspiration as you plan your trip, explore our Japan cherry blossom travel guide and discover top tips for your Japan cherry blossom tour.