14 best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan – with 2023 dates

Mt Yoshino in Nara prefecture is known not only for its natural beauty, but also for its cultural and historical significance. It’s even recognised as a Unesco World Heritage site for its role as a sacred mountain and pilgrimage destination.

Yoshino's charm lies in its roughly 30,000 cherry blossom trees, planted at varying elevations. For generations, the mountain has inspired Japanese folk songs and poetry, largely thanks to these blossoms. During spring, the flowers unfold up the mountain over several weeks, allowing visitors to enjoy them in different stages.

Key dates: Early to mid-April is usually the best time to visit Mt Yoshino for peak blossom viewing. 

The beautiful backdrop of Mt Fuji makes Arakurayama Sengen Park one of the most spectacular places to experience cherry blossom season in Japan. The park has over 650 cherry trees that surround the famous Chureito Pagoda, providing an unparalleled viewing experience for visitors. The pink blossoms that blanket the trees in spring create a vibrant and magical atmosphere that is difficult to find anywhere else.

Key dates: Peak viewing times fall between early to mid-April. 

When we think of cherry blossoms in Osaka, one particular snapshot comes to mind: Osaka Castle, with its jade roof and golden highlights, surrounded by an ocean of pink blooms. The park around the castle boasts about 3,000 cherry trees, with some lit up in the evening, creating beautiful photo ops even after sunset.

Key dates: Sakura is set to begin flowering on March 24 and reach its peak on April 1.

Hirosaki Park’s 2,600 cherry trees are made up of over 50 different varieties; there’s even a tunnel formed by the trees you can walk through. If you’re feeling adventurous, head northwest to Ashino Park, which is part of the vast Ashino Chishogun Prefectural Natural Park.

Key dates: Sakura is predicted to peak between April 18 and April 23. 

Itsukushima Shrine on the small island of Miyajima near Hiroshima city is a World Heritage site that dates back to the 12th century. This year marks the first time since 2019 that visitors can view the shrine’s ‘floating’ torii gate during the sakura season without scaffolding as renovations were completed late in 2022.

For the best view, head up to the area around the Tahoto pagoda, where you’ll be able to see the pagoda surrounded by cherry blossoms and the iconic red torii gate in the clear water of the Seto Inland Sea.

Key dates: The best time to see the blossoms here is from late March to early April.

Kyoto is far from being the only city in Japan with charming geisha districts. In Kanazawa, dozens of perfectly preserved Meiji-era-style tea houses from around the late 1800s line the Kazue-machi Chaya District between the Asanogawa and Nakano bridges. This historical geisha district is beautiful year-round but is especially attractive in sakura season when the cherry trees along the Asano River are in full bloom.

Other popular cherry blossom sites include the 16th-century Kanazawa Castle and the Kenrokuen Garden, which boasts over 420 cherry trees in 20 varieties. 

Key dates: Sakura is predicted to peak between April 5 and April 10. 

The annual sakura festival at Takada Castle in Joetsu is easily one of Japan's best cherry blossom spectacles with approximately 4,000 cherry blossom trees. It's particularly breathtaking at night, when the cherry blossom trees are illuminated along with roughly 3,000 bonbori lanterns. Meanwhile, at Okozu Bunsui park near Tsubame city, around 3,000 yoshino cherry trees grow along the banks of the Shinano River.

Key dates: This year’s sakura festival at Takada Castle runs from March 29 to April 12, which is also the best time to catch the sakura. 

Takato Castle Ruins Park in Ina city has around 1,500 trees and a unique variety with blossoms that feature brighter pink petals. You’ll find another 500 or so cherry trees in the garden of Edo-era (1603-1868) castle Komoro Kaikoen.

Key dates: Sakura is predicted to peak between April 12 and April 17. 

Visit the well-preserved samurai village of Kakunodate, famous for its weeping cherry trees. Alternatively, the Hinokinai riverbank, a designated National Place of Scenic Beauty, features a 2km stretch of sakura.

Key dates: Sakura is predicted to peak between April 18 and April 22.

Hokkaido Shrine and its adjacent Maruyama Park are among Sapporo’s top destinations for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) parties. Alternatively, head to nearby Nakajima Park, where you can find a diverse range of cherry trees, including the weeping cherry and the double-flowering cherry.

Key dates: Peak is expected between April 30 and May 4. 

One of the best sakura spots in Fukushima prefecture is Tsuruga Castle and its surrounding park in Aizu-Wakamatsu, an old samurai town that’s also famous for its sake.

Stroll through the castle grounds that boast about 1,000 someiyoshino cherry trees, which make for great photo ops when framed against the historic structure. The trees are lit up come evening, so get your cameras ready for some beautiful night shots as well.

Key dates: Sakura is predicted to peak in the first week of April. 

Spring is the most rewarding time to visit Himeji Castle in Hyogo prefecture. The majestic structure, one of Japan's most famous castles, is also a designated Unesco World Heritage Site. But you'll probably be most mesmerised by the approximately 1,000 sakura trees on the castle grounds – they look particularly striking against the castle's stark white facade. If you plan on visiting, bookmark the castle's website for live queuing times.

Key dates: Expect the sakura to begin flowering on March 22 and reach its peak on March 30.

Maizuru Park in Fukuoka is the city’s go-to destination for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) enthusiasts. The park boasts the remnants of Fukuoka Castle, which makes for a nice backdrop to the blooming sakura trees.

What’s more, visitors can enjoy the annual Fukuoka Castle Sakura Festival, which features an evening illumination event. The festival is a perfect opportunity to take a leisurely stroll and appreciate the beautiful sight of the 1,000 cherry trees in full bloom, along with the castle's historic gates, yagura (turrets) and ancient stone walls. This year’s festival takes place from March 24 to April 2.

Key dates: The flowers are predicted to begin blooming around March 20 and peak on March 29, in perfect time for the sakura festival. 

Kyoto is famous for its many historical shrines and temples with millions of visitors flocking to the sacred grounds throughout the year. Come spring, these structures look even more magical when they are surrounded by pastel-pink cherry blossoms.

For the best sakura photo ops, stroll along the city's famous 'Philosopher's Walk' (Tetsugaku no Michi), a pedestrian path beside a canal lined by hundreds of cherry trees located between the famous Ginkakuji Temple, also known as the Silver Pavilion, and the Nanzenji Temple. Along the path, you’ll find a number of shrines and temples, all covered in pastel pink blooms.

Key dates: Sakura is set to begin flowering on March 23 and reach its peak on March 31.