Where to see cherry blossoms in Japan (8 stunning spots)

Sakura season hits different when you leave the city

Cherry blossom season in Japan is basically a national obsession. The forecast is tracked like breaking news, convenience stores go all-in on pink-themed everything (even Starbucks gets in on it!), and locals stage full-blown picnics before most tourists have even had their morning coffee.

As a tourist, you’re probably wondering where to see cherry blossoms in Japan. Despite Tokyo being the obvious choice, the best sakura spots aren’t in the city’s busiest parks, crammed between a hundred selfie sticks. If you really want to soak in the magic (and actually hear yourself think), head beyond the city. From lakeside reflections to castles framed in pink, these eight spots deliver spectacular, picture-perfect views.

TAKE ME STRAIGHT TO THE SAKURA SPOTS ↓

Let’s clear some things up about cherry blossoms

First things first—cherry blossoms aren’t rare. They’re everywhere in Japan, from parks and temple grounds to riverbanks and random street corners. And while we all imagine that perfect pink canopy, not all cherry blossoms are the same. Some bloom in soft white, some in deep pink, and some (looking at you, yaezakura) are fluffier than your favorite cappuccino foam.

Another surprise? Sakura season isn’t just one big event; it’s a rolling spectacle that lasts for months. While Tokyo’s trees peak in late March, you can still catch blossoms as late as May if you chase them north.

How to find the best timings

Cherry blossoms don’t follow a strict calendar, so timing your trip takes a little strategy. These resources will help you stay ahead of the bloom:

●        Hanami Walker – A weekly tracker showing where blooms are at their best.

●        Japan Meteorological Corporation – The official forecast for peak blossom periods.

●        Sakura Cherry Blossoms in High Park – Here, you can track the 11 stages of blooming. 

One more thing—sakura bloom faster the further north you go. In Tokyo, it takes 4–5 days for trees to fully open, while in Sapporo, it can happen in just one. The season is a moving target, so plan smart to catch the blossoms at their best!

Sakura season hits different when you leave the city

Where to see cherry blossoms in Japan

Tokyo might seem like the obvious choice for cherry blossom viewing, but the reality is, getting that perfect shot in the city is an extreme sport. Popular parks are packed, prime picnic spots are claimed before sunrise, and every angle comes with a side of photobombers.

Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo. TokudAw is good at bringing guests to hidden gems. Source: TokudAw Inc

For truly breathtaking sakura views, it’s worth heading outside the city. Just picture it: lakeside reflections, mountaintop blossoms, and historic castles framed in pink. If you want postcard-worthy photos and a peaceful hanami experience, renting a car and starting early is the way to go for these sakura spots:

Karuizawa

1.      Karuizawa Lake Garden

A hidden gem in the Nagano mountains, Karuizawa Lake Garden is a dreamlike mix of cherry blossoms, tranquil water, and European-style landscaping. The combination of sakura petals drifting over the lake and rustic wooden bridges makes this one of the most picturesque hanami spots in Japan.

🌸 Predominantly Somei Yoshino (Yoshino cherry)

📆 Late April to early May, aligning with Karuizawa's cherry blossom season

2.      Kumoba Pond

Source: Japan Travel by Navitime

Source: Japan Travel by Navitime

Also known as "Swan Lake," Kumoba Pond is famous for its still waters that create perfect mirror-like reflections of the cherry blossoms. In the early morning, the mist rolling over the water adds a mysterious, almost cinematic feel.

🌸 Various species, including Somei Yoshino

📆 Late April to early May, coinciding with the local bloom period

Nikko

3.      Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa

This former imperial retreat comes with Meiji-era architecture, manicured gardens, and a show-stopping 400-year-old weeping cherry tree. Wander through the villa grounds as sakura petals drift past the historic wooden corridors. It’s like stepping into a period drama

🌸 Shidarezakura (Weeping Cherry), Somei Yoshino

📆 Mid to late April

4.      Senjogahara Plateau

Source: Japan Travel Navitime

Sitting 1,400 meters above sea level, this marshland is better known for fiery autumn leaves, but spring here has its own kind of charm. Sparse, wild cherry trees bloom against the backdrop of open sky, rugged mountain views, and winding hiking trails. If you like your cherry blossoms with plenty of fresh air and zero crowds, this is your spot.

🌸 Yamazakura (wild cherry blossoms)

📆 Late April to early May

Toyama

5.      Matsukawa River

Source: ZEKKEI Japan

Sakura and rivers just make sense. This scenic riverside walk in Toyama City is lined with over 500 cherry trees, creating a tunnel of pink that reflects beautifully on the water. Hop on a sakura river cruise for the best views—or just find a bench and let the petals float past like a real-life screensaver.

🌸 Somei Yoshino, Yamazakura

📆 Early April

6.      Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Source: GoNAGANO

Sakura and snow? Yes, really. This famous mountain route is known for its towering snow walls, but in spring, you get the ultimate contrast: cherry blossoms at the base, icy peaks up top. It’s one of the few places in Japan where you can experience two seasons at once.

🌸 Somei Yoshino, Edohigan

📆 Mid to late April

Mie

7.      Inabe City Agriculture Park

Source: Good Luck Trip

If you’re after volume, this is it. With 4,000 plum trees in one spot, this park turns into a sea of pink and white. The blossoms pop against the backdrop of the Suzuka Mountains, making it one of Mie’s most photogenic springtime spots. Bonus: there’s a plum festival with seasonal food stalls, so arrive hungry.

🌸 Shidare Ume (weeping plum), Kanko Ume (tourist plum trees)

📆 Late February to mid-March

8.      Suzuka Forest Garden

The weeping plum blossoms here are next level. Unlike cherry trees, these elegant, drooping branches create a soft, cascading effect that looks straight out of a painting. The garden is small but intimate, and at peak bloom, it feels almost surreal.

🌸 Shidare Ume (weeping plum blossoms)

📆 Late February to mid-March

Catch the cherry blossom before it’s gone!

Cherry blossom season is all about timing, luck, and a little insider knowledge. The real magic isn’t just in the flowers themselves—it’s in finding that perfect spot and arriving before the crowds. Blink, and it’s over. Make it count with TokudAw.