The most popular time to visit Japan, cherry blossom season (Sakura) is intrinsic to the national identity. Celebrated in art, literature and folklore throughout the ages, cherry blossom season is cherished as much by the local population as it is by international visitors, with city parks becoming blanketed by picnic goers and evenings coming alive with the glow of lanterns and the flow of sake. For those who plan early (we suggest booking a year in advance) and can brave the crowds, this is still an utterly rewarding time to visit Japan. Here we share our top tips for getting the most out of your experience.
BEST TIME TO VISIT JAPAN FOR CHERRY BLOSSOMS
Being a natural phenomenon, the arrival of the cherry blossom does not play to a fixed annual calendar. Southern Japan can see blooms arriving as early as January while in the northern province of Hokkaido, blossoms can sometimes be seen in early May. Though regular forecasts are made from the start of the year, trips to Japan in spring need to be booked much earlier than this due to hotel and guide availability. We therefore recommend planning your visit for late March to early April to provide the best chance of catching cherry blossoms in Japan’s main visitor destinations.
BEST PLACES TO SEE CHERRY BLOSSOMS IN TOKYO
Every visit to Japan includes time in Tokyo and, due to the proliferation of parks and temples in the city, you will be spoiled for venues to bask in the blush-pink blooms during Sakura season. Some our favourite places to see them in the city include:
Asakusa
This riverside district replete with historic streets and colourful temples is a delight to visit at any time, but during Sakura a walk tracing the path of the Sumida River brings you through the proliferation of cherry blossom trees to be found in the Sumida Park. You may also wish to take a river cruise by traditional yakatabune boat to observe the blossoms from a different perspective.
Chidorigafuchi Moat
Walking under the heady canopy of bursting cherry blossoms and then taking a leisurely meander by rowing boat around the Chidorigafuchi Moat is a photographer’s dream. Over 250 cherry blossom trees were planted in this area after the Second World War and the sight of endless weighty pink branches drooping over the water is something to behold. This is also a great place to head for nighttime illuminations.
Shinjuku Gyoen
One of the largest parks in the city, three individually landscaped gardens make up Shinjuku Gyoen and over a dozen different varieties of cherry blossom can be found here. This extends the possibilities for blossom viewing due to presence of early and late viewing varieties, and there are also many uplifting areas of the park to explore if you have had your fill of cherry blossom.
Aoyama Cemetery
For a more peaceful cherry blossom experience – and an intriguing slice of Tokyo history – Japan’s oldest public graveyard is well worth a visit. Many significant Japanese and international figures are buried at the Aoyama Cemetery, and hundreds of cherry blossom trees line its central avenue. While you are in this part of the city, you could also take in some of the cherry blossom spots in neighbouring Roppongi district.
KYOTO CHERRY BLOSSOM
In captivating Kyoto, the sight of cherry blossom brings an irresistible romance to the city’s timeless streets and picturesque gardens. Highlights of a Sakura visit include a stroll through the magnificent Kyoto Botanical Gardens and a visit to Maruyama Park to see its enormous weeping cherry tree illuminated by night. Other options include a stroll along the Shirakawa Canal path in Gion, viewing the cherry blossom in the gardens of the Kiyomizu-dera Temple or an evening amble along the Philosopher’s Path to see the nighttime illuminations.
MOUNT FUJI CHERRY BLOSSOM
The spectacle of cherry blossoms framing the waters of Lake Kawaguchi with a glimpse of the snowcapped peak of Mount Fuji in the distance is utterly enchanting. The area around Lake Kawaguchi is one of the best places to base yourself to enjoy the wonderful natural surroundings of Mount Fuji. A stay at Hoshinoya Fuji delivers arresting views of the lake and cherry blossom trees, even if Mount Fuji is playing its usual game of hide and seek. The hotel also offers a range of fabulous outdoor experiences such as lake canoeing, lava rock hikes and e-bike tours in the foothills of Mount Fuji.
CHERRY BLOSSOM ALTERNATIVE
If you have left it too late to plan a visit to Japan during cherry blossom season – or if the prospect of higher hotel prices and navigating crowds is less appealing – we highly recommend autumn in Japan. This is an absolutely delightful time to visit the country with bright blue skies, fewer crowds and the intoxicating sight of gardens and forests illuminated with the fiery glow of autumn leaves. READ MORE >
