Best Time to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan
This spring, discover the best places to visit in Japan as you experience the breathtaking cherry blossoms. If you’re dreaming of pink petals, lantern-lit parks, and unforgettable spring moments, now is the perfect time to plan your Japan getaway. Expedia is currently offering competitive spring travel deals on flights and hotels across Japan, making cherry blossom season more affordable than ever. Whether you’re booking a romantic escape to Tokyo or a cultural journey through Kyoto, you can bundle and save with Expedia’s flight and hotel packages. Cherry blossom season is short and in high demand, so booking early through Travel The Great ensures you secure the best locations at the best rates. Start planning now and lock in your spring adventure.
One of the best places to visit in Japan is Tokyo, particularly during the cherry blossom season.
When planning your trip, consider the best places to visit in Japan during cherry blossom season for a truly memorable experience.
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Top 20 Things to Do in Japan in 2026-Ultimate Travel Guide
1. Tokyo – Late March to Early April
Explore the best places to visit in Japan, especially if you’re interested in cultural experiences and cherry blossoms.
Tokyo is one of the best places to visit in Japan to witness the beauty of cherry blossoms.
Experiencing the best places to visit in Japan, such as Ueno Park, is essential during sakura season.
Don’t miss out on the best places to visit in Japan this cherry blossom season for unforgettable memories.
With various best places to visit in Japan, choose your favorites for cherry blossom viewing.
Tokyo is one of the most iconic places in the world to experience cherry blossom season. Bloom typically begins in late March, with peak viewing from the end of March to early April.
To find the best places to visit in Japan, look for iconic sakura spots and hidden gems.
During sakura season, Tokyo transforms into a soft pink paradise. Parks fill with locals enjoying hanami picnics beneath blooming trees, while rivers and walkways become stunning photo spots.
Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo
✅ Ueno Park
✅ Shinjuku Gyoen
✅ Chidorigafuchi Moat
Discover the best places to visit in Japan, including both urban and rural landscapes during spring.
For travelers seeking unforgettable experiences, exploring the best places to visit in Japan during cherry blossom season is a must.
Mount Fuji is undoubtedly among the best places to visit in Japan during cherry blossom season.
Enhance your journey by exploring the best places to visit in Japan while enjoying the sakura bloom.
While visiting Japan, make sure to see the best places to visit in Japan around Mount Fuji.
Best Place to Stay in Tokyo
Park Hotel Tokyo offers modern comfort with skyline views and convenient access to top cherry blossom spots. Booking through Expedia allows you to compare prices, check verified reviews, and bundle flights for extra savings.
Best Places to Eat in Tokyo
✅ Sushi Dai for fresh sushi
✅ Ichiran Ramen for a classic ramen experience
✅ Gonpachi Shibuya for traditional Japanese atmosphere
2. Mount Fuji – Early to Mid-April
Mount Fuji offers a postcard-perfect cherry blossom backdrop. Bloom begins in early April and peaks around mid-April due to the cooler climate.
Osaka and Kyoto offer some of the best places to visit in Japan for cherry blossom enthusiasts.
When in Kyoto, visit the best places to visit in Japan to experience the true essence of sakura season.
The view of Mount Fuji framed by blooming sakura trees near Lake Kawaguchi is one of Japan’s most photographed spring scenes. The reflection of snow-capped peaks and pink blossoms creates an unforgettable landscape.
Best Viewing Spots Near Mount Fuji
✅ Lake Kawaguchi
✅ Arakurayama Sengen Park
✅ Oshino Hakkai
Best Place to Stay Near Mount Fuji
Hotel Green Plaza Hakone offers incredible Mount Fuji views and relaxing hot springs. Expedia makes it easy to combine Tokyo and Fuji stays into one seamless itinerary.
Best Places to Eat Near Fuji
Using Travel The Great will help you find the best places to visit in Japan for cherry blossoms.
Look for the best places to visit in Japan when exploring Okinawa’s cherry blossoms.
✅ Houtou Fudou for local noodle dishes
✅ Kosaku for traditional Japanese cuisine
3. Osaka & Kyoto – Late March to Early April
Osaka and Kyoto offer culturally rich and visually stunning cherry blossom experiences. Bloom typically starts in late March and peaks in early April.
Kyoto’s ancient temples and traditional streets create a serene sakura setting, while Osaka blends history with vibrant city energy.
Naha also features among the best places to visit in Japan during the cherry blossom season.
Best Cherry Blossom Spots
Kyoto:
✅ Maruyama Park
✅ Philosopher’s Path
✅ Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Osaka:
✅ Osaka Castle Park
✅ Kema Sakuranomiya Park
Best Places to Stay
In Kyoto, Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion blends traditional elegance with modern comfort.
In Osaka, Swissotel Nankai Osaka offers convenient city-center access.
Using Expedia through Travel The Great allows you to compare hotels in both cities and plan a smooth multi-city itinerary.
Best Places to Eat
Kyoto:
Fukuoka’s cherry blossom spots are among the best places to visit in Japan during spring.
✅ Nishiki Market for local specialties
✅ Gion Kappa for authentic flavors
Osaka:
For a unique experience, Beppu is one of the best places to visit in Japan for cherry blossoms.
✅ Kuromon Market for street food
✅ Okonomiyaki Chitose for Osaka’s famous savory pancake
4. Naha (Okinawa) – Late January to Early February
Kumamoto features some of the best places to visit in Japan for experiencing the sakura bloom.
Naha offers Japan’s earliest cherry blossom season, blooming from late January to early February. Okinawa’s warmer climate produces vibrant pink blossoms that differ slightly from mainland varieties.
Best Sakura Spots in Naha
In Kyoto, Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion blends traditional elegance with modern comfort.
In Osaka, Swissotel Nankai Osaka offers convenient city-center access.
Using Expedia through Travel The Great allows you to compare hotels in both cities and plan a smooth multi-city itinerary.
Kawazu is renowned as one of the best places to visit in Japan due to its early blooms.
✅ Nago Castle Park
✅ Mount Yaedake
Best Place to Stay in Naha
Hyatt Regency Naha Okinawa provides tropical comfort and easy access to historic districts.
Springtime in Nagano reveals the best places to visit in Japan for cherry blossom admirers.
Best Places to Eat
In Nagoya, you can find some of the best places to visit in Japan for a vibrant sakura experience.
✅ Makishi Public Market
✅ Yunangi for Okinawan specialties
5. Fukuoka – Late March to Early April
During your travels, always consider the best places to visit in Japan when planning for cherry blossoms.
Fukuoka on Kyushu Island is known for its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful waterfront sakura spots. Maizuru Park near Fukuoka Castle becomes one of the city’s top blossom destinations during peak bloom in late March and early April. Grand Hyatt Fukuoka provides modern comfort in the city center. Fukuoka is famous for Hakata ramen, best enjoyed at local yatai street stalls.
Insert image of cherry blossoms surrounding Fukuoka Castle ruins.
In conclusion, the best places to visit in Japan can create an unforgettable cherry blossom experience.
6. Beppu – Late March to Early April
Beppu is best known for its hot springs, but it also offers lovely spring cherry blossom views. Bloom typically occurs from late March to early April. Staying in a traditional ryokan with an onsen experience enhances your visit. Beppu’s local cuisine includes fresh seafood and regional specialties from Oita Prefecture.
Insert image of steam rising from hot springs with cherry blossoms nearby.
7. Kumamoto – Late March to Early April
Kumamoto is home to one of Japan’s most impressive castles. Kumamoto Castle is surrounded by hundreds of cherry trees that bloom in late March. Hotel Nikko Kumamoto offers convenient access to the castle area. The city’s food scene features Kumamoto ramen and fresh local produce.Kumamoto is home to one of Japan’s most impressive castles. Kumamoto Castle is surrounded by hundreds of cherry trees that bloom in late March. Hotel Nikko Kumamoto offers convenient access to the castle area. The city’s food scene features Kumamoto ramen and fresh local produce.
Insert image of Kumamoto Castle framed by pink blossoms.
8. Kawazu – Early February to Early March
Kawazu is famous for its early-blooming Kawazu-zakura variety. Bloom begins in early February and lasts into early March, earlier than most mainland cities. The Kawazu River becomes a tunnel of bright pink blossoms. Local inns provide cozy accommodations close to the river promenade. Insert image of Kawazu cherry blossoms lining the riverside.
For excellent cherry blossom views, focus on the best places to visit in Japan throughout your trip.
9. Nagano – Early to Mid-April
Nagano experiences cooler temperatures, so blossoms typically bloom in early to mid-April. Matsumoto Castle in Nagano Prefecture is a beautiful sakura viewing location. Traditional ryokans and mountain-view hotels offer peaceful stays. Regional cuisine includes soba noodles and hearty alpine dishes.
10. Nagoya – Late March to Early April
Both Kyoto and Tokyo remain the best places to visit in Japan for sakura enthusiasts.
Nagoya offers excellent blossom viewing around Nagoya Castle and along riverbanks. Peak bloom occurs from late March into early April. Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel provides central convenience. Local specialties include miso katsu and hitsumabushi grilled eel. Insert image of Nagoya Castle surrounded by cherry blossoms.
11. Sendai – Early to Mid-April
Sendai in the Tohoku region sees bloom slightly later, typically early to mid-April. Tsutsujigaoka Park is one of the city’s most popular sakura spots. Hotels near Sendai Station provide easy access for travelers. Regional cuisine features gyutan, or grilled beef tongue, a local specialty. Insert image of Sendai park pathways covered in cherry blossoms.
12. Hirosaki Castle – Late April to Early May
Hirosaki Castle in northern Japan offers one of the country’s most spectacular late-season cherry blossom festivals. Bloom usually peaks in late April, making it perfect for travelers who miss central Japan’s sakura window. The castle moat filled with floating petals creates an unforgettable scene. Nearby accommodations fill quickly during festival season.
13. Sapporo – Late April to Early May
Sapporo in Hokkaido experiences one of Japan’s latest cherry blossom seasons, typically from late April into early May. Maruyama Park and Hokkaido Shrine are popular viewing locations. Sapporo offers modern hotels and is famous for fresh seafood and miso ramen.
Cherry blossom season moves gradually from south to north, beginning in Okinawa in January and finishing in Hokkaido in May. This natural progression allows travelers to follow the bloom across the country if planned carefully. Booking through Expedia with Travel The Great ensures you can compare hotel options across multiple cities, bundle flights for savings, and secure flexible travel options during this high-demand season. The best places to visit in Japan are waiting for you.
Cherry blossoms last only one to two weeks in each region, and peak bloom can shift depending on weather conditions. Planning early is essential to guarantee prime viewing locations and accommodation availability. Travel The Great recommends building a multi-city itinerary to experience different regional atmospheres, from historic temples to modern skylines and mountain landscapes.
Plan your cherry blossom journey today through Travel The Great and book your Japan adventure using our Expedia affiliate links. Compare top-rated stays, secure the best seasonal rates, and experience Japan’s breathtaking sakura season from south to north. Spring in Japan is unforgettable, and the time to reserve your trip is now. 🌸
What is the best month to go to Japan for cherry blossoms?
The best month to visit Japan for cherry blossoms is April, when most cities like Tokyo and Kyoto are in full bloom.
In southern areas like Naha blooms start in February, while northern cities such as Sapporo peak in late April to early May. 🌸
Why did Japan cancel cherry blossom Festival?
Japan canceled a cherry blossom festival near Mount Fuji due to massive crowds and disruptive tourist behavior harming local communities.
Officials said the event became unmanageable, so they canceled the festival while the blossoms themselves still bloom.
What is the cheapest month to go to Japan?
The cheapest months to visit Japan are typically January and February, after the New Year holidays when tourist crowds are low.
Flights and hotels are more affordable, and you can enjoy winter landscapes and hot springs without the peak-season prices.
Is Kyoto or Tokyo better for cherry blossoms?
Both cities are stunning, but Kyoto offers historic temples and scenic river paths for a more traditional cherry blossom experience.
Tokyo provides urban parks and illuminated nighttime blooms, perfect if you want a mix of city life and sakura views.
