Cherry blossom season in Japan is one of the most beautiful sights in the world. For a week or two each spring, parks, riversides, and castle grounds turn pink and white, and the whole country heads outside for hanami, picnics under the blossoms that have been a tradition for more than a thousand years.
This guide explains what hanami is, when the cherry blossoms bloom across Japan, the best places to see them in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond, and the etiquette and tips you need to enjoy the season like a local.
Jump to a section:
- What is hanami?
- When is cherry blossom season?
- Tokyo
- Kyoto
- Osaka
- Beyond the big cities
- Hanami etiquette
- Tips and what to pack
- FAQs
What Is Hanami?
Hanami means "flower viewing", and today it almost always refers to cherry blossoms (sakura). The tradition dates back to aristocratic poetry parties in the Heian period and is now a national pastime. Friends, families, and coworkers spread blue tarps under the trees, share food and drinks, and stay until long after dark, when many parks light up the blossoms (yozakura, or night sakura).
The blossoms are also a symbol of the beauty and brevity of life, because they bloom so briefly. That sense of the fleeting moment, called mono no aware, is a big part of why the season matters so much in Japan.
When Is Cherry Blossom Season in Japan?
The blossoms move from south to north over about four months. Typical dates are:
- Okinawa: late January to February.
- Kyushu and Shikoku: late March.
- Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka: late March to early April.
- Central mountains and Tohoku: early to late April.
- Hokkaido: late April to mid-May.
From first bloom to full bloom (mankai) takes about a week, and full bloom lasts around another week, depending on the weather. In recent years, warm springs have pushed blooms earlier than the historical average. Check the forecasts from the Japan Meteorological Corporation and Japan's tourism websites, which start in February and update weekly. For more on timing, see our guide to the best time to visit Japan.
The Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo
- Shinjuku Gyoen: A huge garden with many varieties of cherry trees, so the season lasts longer here. Alcohol is not allowed, which keeps it calm, and there is a small entry fee.
- Ueno Park: Tokyo's classic hanami party spot, with more than a thousand trees lining the main path. Lively, crowded, and great fun.
- Chidorigafuchi: The moat next to the Imperial Palace, where you can rent a rowing boat under the overhanging blossoms. Beautiful when lit up at night.
- Meguro River: Around 800 trees line the canal, with lanterns and food stalls in the evening.
The Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto
- The Philosopher's Path: A stone path along a canal lined with cherry trees, between Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji. Go early in the morning.
- Maruyama Park: Home to a famous weeping cherry tree that is lit up at night, next to Yasaka Shrine.
- Arashiyama: Blossoms on the hills and along the river around Togetsukyo Bridge.
- Heian Shrine and Daigo-ji: Spectacular weeping cherries in temple and shrine gardens.
Read our Kyoto travel guide for more.
The Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Osaka
- Osaka Castle Park: Thousands of cherry trees surround the castle and its moats, with a night illumination at the Nishinomaru Garden.
- Kema Sakuranomiya Park: A riverside promenade lined with thousands of trees, perfect for a long walk.
- Expo '70 Commemorative Park: A huge park in Suita, north of the city, with thousands of trees and plenty of space for picnics.
- Japan Mint: A tree-lined path inside the mint grounds opens to the public for about a week each spring, featuring rare double-blossom varieties.
The Best Cherry Blossom Spots Beyond the Big Cities
- Mount Yoshino, Nara: Around 30,000 cherry trees cover the slopes, blooming in waves from the bottom of the mountain to the top. One of Japan's most famous sakura spots.
- Himeji Castle, Hyogo: Japan's most beautiful original castle, its white walls framed by blossoms.
- Fuji Five Lakes: Lake Kawaguchiko has classic views of Fuji over cherry blossoms. Note that Fujiyoshida cancelled its festival at Arakurayama Sengen Park (the Chureito Pagoda viewpoint) in 2026 because of overcrowding. The park stays open, but expect big crowds and little crowd control, so go very early or choose the lakeside instead.
- Hirosaki Castle, Aomori: In late April, the castle moats fill with fallen petals, creating "flower rafts".
- Kakunodate, Akita: Weeping cherries above a preserved samurai district.
- Matsumae, Hokkaido: Hokkaido's top spot, blooming in late April and early May.
Hanami Etiquette
Do:
- Take all your trash home, or sort it into the right bins if there are any.
- Take your shoes off before stepping onto someone's tarp.
- Arrive early to find a spot, and keep your space reasonable.
- Follow park rules on alcohol, barbecues, and opening hours.
Don't:
- Shake, pick, or climb the trees, or pull branches down for photos.
- Trespass on private property, farms, or people's gardens for a better shot.
- Block paths or roads with tripods.
- Leave a tarp unattended for hours to "reserve" a spot.
For more do's and don'ts, read our Japan etiquette tips.
Tips and What to Pack for Cherry Blossom Season
- Book early. Hotels in Tokyo and especially Kyoto fill up months in advance for late March and early April.
- Bring layers. Spring days can be warm, but evenings are chilly, often under 10°C (50°F), especially at night hanami.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You will walk a lot, and park paths can be muddy.
- Pack a picnic. Convenience stores and department store food halls sell seasonal bento and sakura-flavored snacks.
- Bring a small tarp or buy one at a 100-yen shop.
- Stay connected. You will check bloom forecasts, maps, and train times every day. An egoViet Japan eSIM gives you data from the moment you land. Seeing blossoms in Korea or Taiwan too? The Asia eSIM covers several countries.
Planning the rest of your trip? See our Japan travel guide and the best Japan travel apps.
FAQs: Cherry Blossom Season in Japan
When is cherry blossom season in Japan?
It starts in Okinawa in late January and ends in Hokkaido in May. In Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, peak bloom is usually late March to early April.
Is Tokyo or Kyoto better for cherry blossoms?
Both are wonderful. Kyoto's temples, gardens, and canals make it more atmospheric, while Tokyo has big lively parks and night illuminations. Kyoto is more crowded and its hotels are more expensive in the season.
How long do cherry blossoms last?
Full bloom lasts around a week, and the whole season in one city lasts about two weeks. Rain and wind can shorten it.
What is the best place to see cherry blossoms in Japan?
Popular favorites include Mount Yoshino, Himeji Castle, Hirosaki Castle, Kyoto's Philosopher's Path, and Tokyo's Shinjuku Gyoen and Chidorigafuchi.