Enjoy Spring! A Guide to Cherry Blossom Viewing in Japan: Best Hanami Spots and Peak Bloom Times Nationwide

If you want to know the 2026 peak bloom period and flowering dates across Japan, use the cherry blossom map below as a reference.
That said, peak bloom varies by prefecture and even by hanami spot within each region, so for details, refer to the typical peak bloom timing listed for each spot introduced below.

When sakura are at their best, Japan has a tradition and culture of enjoying “hanami.”
Spreading a picnic sheet under the trees and eating, drinking, and even singing with a group while admiring the blossoms is a classic spring outing.
Some people enjoy hanami solo, but it’s most commonly done with a group.
Hanami culture began in the Nara period (710–794), when people admired plum blossoms.
In the Heian period (794–1185), the aristocracy began viewing cherry blossoms instead of plum blossoms, and by the Edo period, hanami had spread to the general public. Even today, many Japanese people still enjoy hanami each spring.
To experience hanami culture, why not bring food and drinks and take your time enjoying a relaxed meal under the cherry trees?

Cherry blossoms seen at night, or viewing cherry blossoms at night, are called “yozakura,” and it’s a familiar way for Japanese people to enjoy sakura.
At many famous cherry blossom spots, the trees are lit up at night with lights and lanterns.
Illuminated sakura look completely different from daytime, creating a magical atmosphere.
If you’re visiting a well-known cherry blossom spot, be sure to enjoy not only the daytime blossoms, but also yozakura at night.

At famous cherry blossom spots and nearby areas, “sakura festivals” are often held when the blossoms are at their peak.
While events vary by festival, many feature rows of food stalls and let you enjoy local bites along with illuminated night cherry blossoms.
Some sakura festivals even offer performances of traditional Japanese arts among the blooming trees.
Of course, seeing the blossoms is part of the fun, but enjoying the event itself and its atmosphere is the real highlight of a sakura festival.
It can also be a great chance to connect with locals and other travelers.

Goryokaku is a Western-style fortress built in 1866.
Until it was taken over by the new Meiji government, it served as the political center of Ezochi.
Later, it was opened to the public in 1914 as “Goryokaku Park,” and visitors began coming as it became a sightseeing spot and a national Special Historic Site.
Goryokaku Park is also famous as a place to enjoy beautiful flowers.
One highlight is its cherry grove—Goryokaku Park is so iconic for cherry blossoms that people often say “Goryokaku means sakura.”
The sight of Approx. 1,530 cherry trees blooming all at once is truly breathtaking.

Located on the north side of Maruyama Primeval Forest, Maruyama Park has long been loved as a classic cherry blossom spot.
Inside the park, Approx. 120 cherry trees—including Ezo-yamazakura and Somei Yoshino—are planted, and the area becomes lively with hanami visitors in spring.
Maruyama Park has many trees besides cherry blossoms, so the white and pink tones of the blossoms stand out even more against the surrounding greenery.
The Ezo-yamazakura here are known for their deep-colored flowers, and they pair beautifully with the other trees.
With its open, airy feel, it’s a great place for a refreshing hanami.
There are also benches, making it perfect for a walk.

Matsumae Park is located in Matsumae District, Hokkaido, and features the symbolic Matsumae Castle as well as residences recreated to reflect the Edo period (1603–1868).
It’s also popular as a sightseeing spot where you can experience Japanese culture.
In the park, you can see 250 varieties and Approx. 10,000 cherry trees, and enjoy comparing different colors and shapes.
Matsumae Park is also selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.
A must-see is the Kechimyaku-zakura, a cherry tree over 300 years old, known for its powerful presence.
During peak bloom, the Matsumae Sakura Festival is held, and the park is also illuminated at night.
You can expect a dreamy cherry blossom scene throughout the grounds.

Tenshochi is not only one of “Michinoku’s Top Three Cherry Blossom Destinations,” but is also selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.
Located along the Kitakami River, the park’s Approx. 2 km row of cherry trees becomes a “sakura tunnel” that gently welcomes visitors.
You can also take a horse-drawn carriage or a sightseeing boat to enjoy the cherry-lined scenery in style.
With around 10,000 cherry trees of Approx. 150 varieties blooming in abundance, the spectacular view—each variety competing in beauty—is a must-see.

Hirosaki Park spreads across the grounds of Hirosaki Castle, which is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
Hirosaki Park is home to two of Japan’s most notable Somei Yoshino trees.
The first is the Somei Yoshino with Japan’s largest trunk circumference, measuring 537 cm around.
The second is Japan’s oldest Somei Yoshino, at 130 years old.
The variety of blossoms is also impressive, with 2,600 cherry trees across 50 varieties in full bloom.
During peak bloom, the Hirosaki Sakura Festival—often said to be Japan’s best—also takes place.

Known as the “Little Kyoto of Michinoku,” Kakunodate still preserves its Edo-period townscape today.
The weeping cherry blossoms at the samurai residences and the 2 km-long sakura tunnel along the Hinokinai River embankment are breathtaking.
This atmospheric streetscape—where cherry blossoms add color to a landscape preserved since the Edo period—is a must-see.

Ueno Park is in Taito City, Tokyo, and its official name is Ueno Onshi Park.
Managed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Construction, it covers 530,000 square meters, making it a vast and historic park.
In spring, it draws visitors from Japan and abroad as a famous cherry blossom destination, and is one of Tokyo’s 대표 sightseeing spots.
Made up of Ueno Hill and Shinobazu Pond, it offers diverse greenery and waterside scenery, serving as an oasis in the city.
Ueno Onshi Park has around 1,200 cherry trees, and you can enjoy beautiful views of Somei Yoshino and mountain cherry blossoms spreading overhead.
There are also light-ups, so be sure to enjoy the magical night cherry blossoms as well.
Timed to the bloom, the Ueno Sakura Festival is also held, drawing large crowds of hanami visitors.

Meguro River is one of Tokyo’s top hanami spots.
During cherry blossom season, festivals and nighttime illuminations are held, and the area becomes lively with crowds of visitors.
The sight of Approx. 800 Somei Yoshino lining the river, softly glowing lanterns, and reflections of blossoms and lights on the water creates an especially charming, Japanesque scene.
The best time to see the “sakura tunnel” over Meguro River is from late March to early April.
Hidden highlights include “hanafubuki,” when petals scatter in the wind like a blizzard, and “hanaikada,” when fallen petals float on the water like a raft.
During the festival, many food stalls line the riverside, offering not only classic street foods, but also sakura-themed sweets and drinks, plus plenty of other options.

Satte Gongendo Sakura Tsutsumi is famous as one of Kanto’s top cherry blossom spots. A tunnel of pink formed by Approx. 1,000 Somei Yoshino blooming along 1 km, paired with the bright yellow canola flowers below the embankment, creates a stunning contrast. During the Sakura Festival, held every year from late March to April, Approx. 100 stalls also set up. The festival draws as many as one million visitors.
It’s also used as a filming location for various movies, and many people visit for “pilgrimage” trips to famous scenes.

Takato Castle Ruins Park, on the former site of Takato Castle, features historic structures that retain the area’s past, along with Approx. 1,500 Takato Kohigan-zakura cherry trees found only here.
When they reach peak bloom, the entire area turns a beautiful shade of pink.
The sight of historic Japanese structures surrounded by a sea of blossoms is exceptionally beautiful.
After sunset, the park is illuminated, adding a mysterious touch to the scenic setting and creating a magical space to enjoy night cherry blossoms.

Along the Kawazu River, early-blooming cherry blossoms are known to start flowering in early February.
These blossoms were discovered in Kawazu Town in 1955 and are called “Kawazu-zakura.”
They’re known for their large flowers and deep pink color, and thanks to Izu’s mild climate and their early-blooming nature, they reach full bloom over the course of Approx. one month.
Approx. 850 cherry trees bloom along the river alone, and across Kawazu Town, Approx. 8,000 Kawazu cherry trees bloom in full.

During the Warring States period, Takeda Shingen ordered Yamamoto Kansuke—also known as a master castle builder—to create a new layout that became the basis of Komoro Castle.
In Tensho 18 (1590), after Toyotomi Hideyoshi unified Japan, Sengoku Hidehisa, who was put in charge of Komoro, carried out major renovations to the castle and developed the castle town, building it into the stronghold seen in today’s remains. It’s a rare “anajiro” (a castle built lower than the surrounding castle town), with structures such as the Otemon Gate and stone walls still preserved in their original form.
After the castle’s role ended with the abolition of feudal domains in Meiji 4 (1872), it was developed as “Kaikoen,” a park that enshrines Kaiko Shrine, and was reborn as a modern park.
Today, it’s also known as one of Nagano’s leading cherry blossom spots and is selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.
Don’t miss the three Komoro Yaebenishidare trees, which can only be seen in Komoro.
Their deep, near-purple pink color and double-layered petals blooming in a weeping form can only be seen in Komoro City.
Also beautiful is the view from atop the stone walls of the Honmaru ruins, where Approx. 500 cherry trees in the grounds spread out like a sea of clouds—be sure not to miss it.

A strolling garden that took Approx. 180 years to create under successive lords of the Kaga Maeda clan, and is counted as one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens.
A strolling garden is designed to be enjoyed while walking through the entire grounds, unlike a sit-and-view garden meant to be appreciated from a palace room or study.
Across its vast grounds of Approx. 34,600 tsubo, ponds, winding streams, and artificial hills are scattered throughout, allowing visitors to stop at different points and enjoy the whole garden.
It’s also known for its seasonal beauty, and its nighttime illuminations—transforming the garden into a fantastical scene—are especially popular.
Kenrokuen Garden has Approx. 400 cherry trees, and in spring, an elegant view unfolds as the blossoms harmonize with the garden’s refined scenery.
The calm you feel amid the vibrant beauty is something uniquely found in Japanese gardens.

The Asuwa River flows through central Fukui City, and along its banks, around 600 cherry trees color the riverside for Approx. 2 km.
Since the trees line both sides of the path, the blossoms form a tunnel overhead, creating the feeling of being wrapped in cherry blossoms.
During peak bloom, the Asuwa River Cherry Blossom Promenade is illuminated after sunset, and the area takes on a magical atmosphere.
Also within walking distance is Asuwa-yama Park, which is likewise selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots—be sure to stop by.

One of Japan’s leading moat parks, located in central Takaoka City and also designated as a National Historic Site park.
The park was developed on the former site of Takaoka Castle, built in Keicho 14 (1609) by Maeda Toshinaga, the second head of the Kaga Maeda clan, and stone walls from the time of construction remain today.
Within the spacious grounds surrounded by three moats, facilities such as shrines, a museum, a zoo, and restaurants are scattered throughout.
In spring, around 1,800 cherry trees bloom along the moats, which make up Approx. 30% of the park, adding color to the calm setting. The reflections on the water are also beautifully atmospheric.
During the Takaoka Sakura Festival, the park is illuminated as well, and the blossoms softly glow in the light.

The head temple of the Omuro school of Shingon Buddhism, registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site as part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.”
Construction began in 886 in the early Heian period, by imperial order of Emperor Koko (the 58th emperor), and it was founded in 888 by Emperor Uda.
The Kondo (Main Hall) at the back of the grounds was relocated in the early Edo period (Kan’ei era, 1624–1645) from the Shishinden Hall of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, originally built in the Momoyama period.
As a rare surviving example that conveys palace architecture of the time, it is the only structure at Ninna-ji designated as a National Treasure.
In spring, Somei Yoshino and weeping cherry trees bloom throughout Ninna-ji’s grounds, as if competing in beauty.
Among them, the late-blooming, short-statured cherry trees known as “Omuro-zakura” are especially stunning.
People have long visited to see Omuro-zakura, and the site is designated both as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots and as a national Place of Scenic Beauty.
Another highlight is the illumination of the graceful Omuro-zakura and the National Treasure Kondo.
The view of Ninna-ji covered in cherry blossoms will make the beauty of this World Heritage site feel even more profound.

Kema Sakuranomiya Park stretches along both banks of the Okawa River in central Osaka. It’s a 4.2 km-long riverside park developed from the Kema Arai Seki weir, where the river branches from the Yodo River, downstream to Tenmabashi Bridge.
It’s also famous as one of the city’s top hanami spots, and the sight of Approx. 4,800 cherry trees in full bloom—especially around the area from Tenmabashi to near Sakuranomiya Bridge—is spectacular.
From daytime until late at night, it draws large crowds of hanami visitors every year.

Mount Yoshino refers to a ridge that stretches from the south bank of the Yoshino River in central Nara Prefecture toward the Omine mountain range.
It can also refer to the area dotted with shrines and temples centered around Kinpusen-ji Temple.
The UNESCO World Heritage listing “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range” includes Mount Yoshino, and the entire area is registered as a World Heritage site.
It’s also known as Japan’s top cherry blossom destination. In spring, the blossoms gradually open from Shimo-senbon up through Oku-senbon, beautifully coloring the entire mountain.
Approx. 30,000 cherry trees are planted here, and after sunset the blossoms are illuminated, creating a magical, scenic atmosphere.

Kintaikyo Bridge spans the Nishiki River in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Built in 1673, it is Approx. 35 m long and about 5 m wide.
It’s a rare wooden arch bridge on a global scale, with a structure unlike any other.
It’s designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty and is currently aiming for UNESCO World Cultural Heritage registration.
The main structure of Kintaikyo Bridge is built using traditional Japanese wooden joinery techniques.
The area around Kintaikyo Bridge is also a cherry blossom destination, and together with Kikko Park a short walk away, it’s selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.
When Approx. 1,500 cherry trees planted around Kintaikyo Bridge reach peak bloom, their white and pale pink petals beautifully decorate the bridge.
After sunset, the area is illuminated, creating a fantastical world unlike the daytime view.

Its predecessor was Tsuruyama Castle, built in 1441 by Yamana Tadamasa, which was abandoned during the Onin War and the Bunmei disturbances.
Later, Mori Tadamasa—known as the younger brother of Mori Ranmaru, a close aide to Oda Nobunaga—began rebuilding the castle, renaming “Tsuruyama” to “Tsuyama.”
Construction began in 1604, and after 13 years, a grand castle was completed, becoming one of Japan’s Three Great Hilltop Castles on Plains.
The area around the ruins is now maintained as Kakuzan Park and is also known as a cherry blossom destination where Approx. 1,000 cherry trees bloom in full. During the season, you can view illuminated cherry blossoms from atop the stone walls.

One of the Onomichi Three Mountains is Senkoji-yama, at an elevation of 144.2 m. Senkoji Park spreads from its summit down the hillside.
A major draw is how easy it is to reach: a ropeway runs from the city to the park, and it takes Approx. 3 minutes. Along the way, you can enjoy views of Onomichi’s townscape, recognized as a Japan Heritage site.
In the park, Approx. 1,500 cherry trees of various varieties—including Somei Yoshino, weeping cherry blossoms, and double-flowered cherry blossoms—are planted, and it gets very lively with hanami visitors in spring.
From the observation deck, you can enjoy sweeping views of the city and the Seto Inland Sea through the cherry blossoms.
The cherry-lined paths along the way are also beautiful, and you’ll feel the pleasant, seasonal spring atmosphere.
During peak bloom, you can also admire night cherry blossoms lit by the warm glow of paper lanterns after sunset.

Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture is a cultural property garden designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty, and is the largest of its kind in Japan.
The flat garden area covers 16 hectares. Including Mt. Shiun, which forms the backdrop, the total area is Approx. 75 hectares.
It received the highest three-star rating in the Michelin Green Guide Japan, and features a strolling garden across its spacious grounds.
With six ponds and 13 artificial hills, you’ll encounter different beautiful views with every step.
In spring, Ritsurin Garden offers a distinctly Japanese, scenic view as plum blossoms and cherry blossoms bloom throughout the grounds.
Around 150 charming cherry trees can be enjoyed mainly in the North Cherry Grove and South Cherry Grove.
The typical peak bloom period is from late March to early April.
Approx. 300 blossoms, including Somei Yoshino and Edo-higan, bloom beautifully.

Matsuyama Castle is a symbol of Matsuyama City and is also famous as an impregnable castle.
It has 21 Important Cultural Properties including the main keep, and plenty of highlights such as the main keep, Ichinomon Gate, and Shichikumo Gate. Inside the main keep, valuable historical materials are also on display.
It’s also fun to see the defensive features that made it so hard to attack, such as lattice windows, arrow slits, and stone-dropping openings.
With armor try-ons and a matchlock gun experience corner, you can enjoy taking photos while experiencing history firsthand.
Shiroyama Park at the foot of the castle is popular as a cherry blossom spot, and it gets crowded with hanami visitors during the typical Somei Yoshino blooming season.
In addition to Somei Yoshino, various types of cherry blossoms such as Kawazu-zakura and Yoko-zakura are planted, creating beautiful scenery where historic architecture and sakura blend together.
The illuminated main keep and glossy cherry blossoms after sunset are also beautiful.

Hyotan-zakura Park, located upstream along the Niyodo River in Agawa District, Kochi Prefecture, is a scenic viewpoint with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.
In spring, Approx. 250 cherry trees bloom throughout the park, decorating the open landscape in soft pink.
A must-see is the park’s namesake: the Hyotan-zakura, an old cherry tree Approx. 500 years old, designated as a prefectural Natural Monument.
With a height of Approx. 21 m and a base circumference of Approx. 6 m, seeing it up close is sure to leave you awestruck by its beauty and power.
Walking paths are also maintained, and canola flowers bloom along the paths and around the cherry trees, so you can stroll while enjoying the feel of spring. It’s a must-visit spot for hanami in Kochi.

Isshingyo no Ozakura is a single cherry tree in Minamiaso Village, Aso District, and is a Yamazakura cherry tree that’s over 400 years old.
It stands Approx. 14 m tall, with a trunk circumference of over 7 m.
It’s among the largest in all of Kyushu and serves as a symbol of Minamiaso Village.
During the Warring States period (1467–1590), Minamiaso Village was called “Mine-mura,” and the lord of Kakuyoku Castle, built here, lost his life in a battle elsewhere.
His wife and children returned to Mine-mura and planted cherry saplings to console the spirits of the lord and his clan.
Because they devoted themselves to spiritual practice (offering sincere prayers), it came to be called Isshingyo no Ozakura.
Another feature is the canola fields that spread out around it.
Since the canola flowers reach their peak at nearly the same time as the cherry blossoms, you can enjoy the sight of a magnificent sakura standing amid delicate yellow blooms.

Akizuki, in Asakura City, Fukuoka Prefecture, is blessed with mountains and rivers and preserves an old-fashioned townscape. It once flourished as a castle town, to the point of being called the “Little Kyoto of Kyushu.”
Akizuki is also designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. The Approx. 500 m tree-lined road leading to the Akizuki Castle Ruins is Akizuki Suginobaba.
Around 200 cherry trees line both sides, and when they reach peak bloom, a cherry blossom tunnel forms.
As you walk this road lined with historic buildings and blossoms, you may feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Kokura Castle was built by Hosokawa Tadaoki, who entered the region for his achievements in the Battle of Sekigahara, starting in 1602 over a period of seven years.
Later it became the seat of the Ogasawara clan, but in 1866 it burned down, leaving only the stone walls. After the war, the keep was rebuilt at the strong request of local citizens.
In spring, around 300 cherry trees bloom around Kokura Castle, creating a beautiful view as sakura color Fukuoka’s only castle keep.
The dignified scenery of the illuminated keep and cherry blossoms after sunset is also a must-see.
Typically from late March to early April, the Kokura Castle Sakura Festival is held, with food stalls lining the area.
It’s also recommended to enjoy the blossoms at a relaxed pace while tasting food bought from the stalls.

Nakijin Castle Ruins is located in Nakijin Village, Kunigami District, and is also sometimes called “Hokuzan Castle.”
Together with nine other sites including Shuri Castle Ruins, it is registered as a World Heritage site.
Across grounds roughly the same size as Shuri Castle, you’ll find scenery where stone walls that make use of the terrain blend with rich nature.
From the highest point, you can look out not only over the grounds but also to the beautiful sea beyond.
It’s also known as a cherry blossom destination, with around 230 Kanhi-zakura trees blooming within the castle grounds.
The breathtaking view accented by deep pink blossoms is not to be missed.
There are also light-ups that create a magical look for the Kanhi-zakura, so visit after sunset as well.

Nago Castle Park in Nago City is known for its outstanding views over downtown Nago and the East China Sea.
It’s considered one of Okinawa’s top scenic spots.
At the visitor center “subaco,” built in a spot with great visibility, you can take a break with coffee and other drinks while enjoying the view from large windows.
There are around 10,000 Kanhi-zakura trees in the grounds, and it’s also known as a cherry blossom destination.
The view of Kanhi-zakura framed by a torii gate with downtown Nago beyond is especially beautiful. Another highlight is being able to enjoy sunsets along with Kanhi-zakura.
At the Nago Sakura Festival, held every January, you can enjoy events that showcase Okinawan culture, and it draws big crowds of locals and travelers.

Yaedake Sakura no Mori Park is located halfway up Mt. Yaedake in Motobu Town, Kunigami District.
It’s also popular as a hiking course, and is loved by locals as well as travelers.
At peak bloom, around 7,000 Kanhi-zakura trees burst into bloom.
The deep pink blossoms harmonize with the green trees, creating a vivid and elegant landscape.
Another great point is that you can enjoy cherry blossoms at your own relaxed pace.
Don’t forget to visit the observation deck too, where beautiful natural scenery spreads out before you.