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Japan Cherry Blossom 2023

Forecast: When & Where To
See Sakura in Japan
Date published: 7 February 2021
Last updated: 11 January 2023

#Spring #How To: Sightseeing

Planning your dream trip to Japan in spring for

cherry blossom season? Here is where and
when is the best time to see the cherry
blossoms in Japan in 2023!

In this deep dive, we share the Japan cherry

blossom forecast, talk about sakura viewing
culture, and see where are the best places to
see cherry blossoms in Japan.

Table of Contents

When is the best time to visit Japan for cherry

blossoms in 2023?

When is Japan s cherry blossom season in 202

3?

Where is the best place to see the cherry bloss

oms in Japan?

Why is cherry blossom season so important in

Japan?

Does Japan have cherry blossom festivals?

When to start planning your spring trip to Japa

n

Book an unforgettable cherry blossom tour

When is the best time to visit

Japan for cherry blossoms in
2023?

Cherry blossom in Tokyo

The peak season for cherry blossoms in Japan

is generally from late March to early April. This
is the best time for seeing the bloom in popular
sightseeing destinations such as Tokyo, Kyoto,
and Osaka.

For 2023, according to the Japan

Meteorological Corporation's official forecast,
cherry blossoms in Tokyo are expected to
bloom on March 22, two days later than in the
previous year.

How long do the cherry blossoms last in

Japan?

Cherry blossoms in Japan reach peak bloom

roughly a week after they start opening. "Peak
bloom" does not mean that the trees
immediately shed their blossoms. You will still
be able to enjoy them for about a two-week
window.

However, if you've already booked your trip

outside these dates, fear not! You can still enjoy
Japan's famous flowers.

Where to visit for early blossoms (January-

February)
In areas south of Tokyo, there are cherry
blossoms that start blooming in January. One is
the town of Kawazu, which is about 3 hours
south of Tokyo along the Izu Peninsula coast.
Kawazu is known for a unique variety of cherry
tree, known as Kawazu-zakura, which blooms
around a month earlier than typical blossoms.

Another area is in the city of Atami, roughly 90

minutes south of Tokyo, where Atami-zakura
bloom along a peaceful stream. These, too,
bloom around a month earlier than typical
Japanese cherry blossoms.

Where to visit for later blossoms (April-

May)
In the colder areas of Northern Japan, cherry
blossom season typically occurs later than in
the rest of the country. For example, sakura in
Sendai (northeastern Japan) is typically
forecast to open at the end of March.

The last cherry blossoms in Japan to open are

expected to be in Hokkaido toward the end of
April.

Recommended reading

Atami Sakura: Japan's Incredible Early

Blooming Cherry Blossoms Near Tokyo

Catch Early-blooming Cherry Blossoms

Near Yokohama ‒ Until Early March!

Just South of Tokyo, Cherry Blossoms

Come Early To This Enchanted Land

Yaezakura: Best Places to See Late-

Blooming Cherry Trees around Tokyo for
Latecomers

When is Japan s cherry blossom

season in 2023?
The dates below are according to the Japan
Meteorological Corporation's official cherry
blossom forecast as of January 11, 2023.

The forecast is based on various factors,

including temperature lows in autumn and
winter, and past area data.

Tokyo
Flowering: March 22 / Full bloom: March
30

Sapporo
Flowering: May 2 / Full bloom: May 5

Sendai
Flowering: April 8 / Full bloom: April 13

Kanazawa
Flowering: April 4 / Full bloom: April 10

Nagoya
Flowering: March 25 / Full bloom: April 4

Kyoto
Flowering: March 27 / Full bloom: April 5

Osaka
Flowering: March 28 / Full bloom: April 5

Hiroshima
Flowering: March 26 / Full bloom: April 4

Fukuoka
Flowering: March 23 / Full bloom: April 1

Top 12 Cherry Blossom Spo…

Where is the best place to see the

cherry blossoms in Japan?
Japanese cherry blossom hotspots can be
found in over 1,000 locations across the
country, so choosing just one best place is
tough. We ve found it easier to come up with
our sample of stunning spots by region.

Must-See Sakura Ranking: Top 100

Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan

a. Northern Japan: Hokkaido

Sakura blossoms around Goryokaku (Hakodate, Hokkaido)

・Moerenuma Park (Sapporo)

A park designed by the sculptor Isamu
Noguchi. The whole area is an artistic space
with enormous sculptures interspersed
throughout the park, and in spring it comes
alive in bright pink with blossoms.

・Goryokaku Tower and Fort Goryokaku

(Hakodate)
A star-shaped fort with the first French-style
fortifications in Japan. Goryokaku was
designated as a national special historic site
and the surrounding park is known for its
famous cherry blossoms. The 107m-high
Goryokaku Tower adjacent to the park is a spot
where you can marvel at a unique view of the
gorgeous Hokkaido cherry blossoms from
above.

・Asahigaoka Park (Furano)

One of the One-Hundred Views of Japan, here
you can enjoy a splendid view of the Furano
Basin and Tokachi mountain range, with some
3,000 cherry blossom trees spreading out in
front of you.

・Mt. Tengu (Otaru)

Named for the mythical creatures of Japanese
folklore, Mt. Tengu offers gorgeous views of
Otaru and the Sea of Japan. In springtime,
some of the cherry trees are lit from
underneath, creating a dramatic scene.

・Asahikawa Park (Asahikawa)

With around 3,500 cherry trees, Asahikawa
Park is a famous stop for many tourists to
Hokkaido. The trees are lit up at night during
the season.

Recommended reading

12 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms

in Hokkaido

Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park: In

Japan's North, the Floor Comes Alive
With Sakura Colors

Visiting Hokkaido in Spring: Ultimate

Guide to Hokkaido Weather & What to
Wear

Where to Stay in Hokkaido - Japan s

Gorgeous Northern Island

b. Northeastern Japan: Tohoku Region

Weeping cherry tree blossoms along Kakunodate Bukeyashiki-

dori (Akita)

・Miharu Takizakura (Fukushima)

Attracting many visitors every year and
recognized as a national natural treasure, this is
one of Japan s Three Most Famous Cherry
Blossom Trees. A walking path is paved around
the large weeping cherry tree, which is believed
to be over 1,000 years old.

・Hitome Senbonzakura (Miyagi)

The Shiroishi River, which flows through the
southern part of Miyagi Prefecture, is lined with
about 8 kilometers of cherry blossom trees
along its embankment in an area called Hitome
Senbonzakura , creating a stunning landscape
with a backdrop of the majestic snow-capped
Zao Mountains.

・Hirosaki Park (Aomori)

Covering about 49 hectares and containing
around 2,600 cherry trees, Hirosaki Park is
known as one of the best cherry blossom
viewing spots in Japan.

・Kakunodate Bukeyashiki-dori (Akita)

Kakunodate, in Akita Prefecture, is a popular
tourist spot where the old streets of 390 years
ago remain. Bukeyashiki-dori is a place where
many samurai residences were built. Towards
the end of April every year, the streets become
decorated in pink weeping cherry trees, which
create a stunning view when contrasted with
the black board fences surrounding the
samurai residences.

・Mt. Iwaki (Aomori)

Worshipped as a sacred mountain since ancient
times, Mt. Iwaki is home to about 6,500 cherry
trees line a 20km stretch of road which are in
full bloom from late April to early May.

Recommended reading

Top 10 Cherry Blossom Spots in Tohoku,

Northern Japan

20km Cherry Blossom Tunnel! Japan s

Mt. Iwaki Has The World's Longest
Cherry-Lined Road

Top 10 Cherry Blossom Festivals to

Enjoy in the Tohoku Region

5 Trains for Seeing Cherry Blossoms in

Tohoku: Enjoy Japan's Spring Scenery

Visiting Sendai In Spring: What You Need

To Know Before Traveling To Sendai
Between March And May

Browse & Book ▶ Hotels in Tohoku

c. Eastern Japan: Kanto-Koshin Region

Cherry blossoms at night along Chidorigafuchi Park (Tokyo)

・Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (Tokyo)

These well-designed gardens are said to be a
masterpiece of garden landscapes in Japan. It
is a place where you can fully enjoy the scenery
in every season. About 1,000 cherry trees from
65 species bloom in spring.

・Ueno Park (Tokyo)

With around 1,200 cherry trees, Ueno Park is
one of the most famous cherry blossom
viewing sites in Japan. Every spring, when the
cherry blossoms bloom, nearly 2 million people
visit the park for hanami. In the evening,
bonbori (paper lanterns) are lit, and the cherry
blossoms look fantastic as they appear in the
soft illumination of the paper lanterns.

・Meguro River (Tokyo)

About 800 cherry trees blossom along
Megurogawa which stretches for about 3.8
kilometers. While there are no parks here, you
can enjoy cherry blossom viewing while having
drinks and meals in the cafes and restaurants
along the river.

・Yoyogi Park (Tokyo)

Yoyogi Park is the fifth largest Tokyo municipal
park and the wide-open spaces under cherry
trees attract crowds of people in springtime to
enjoy hanami.

・Rikugien Gardens (Tokyo)

A time-honored Japanese landscape garden
with a gentle atmosphere designated a Special
Place of Scenic Beauty. Weeping cherry trees
here during spring are a must-see.

Recommended reading

10 Best Sakura Viewing Spots in Tokyo

Breathtaking Blossoms at Chidorigafuchi

‒ Tokyo s Favorite Sakura Spot

Japan s Cherry Blossoms ‒ Best Secret

Spots to Enjoy Spring Sakura Magic
without the Crowds

What to Know About Japan's Cherry

Blossom Festivals

3 Budget-Friendly Hotels in Tokyo

Near Cherry Blossoms

4 Recommended Tokyo Hotels for

Cherry Blossom Season: Right Near
the Sakura

Browse & Book ▶ Hotels in Tokyo

Japan Sakura Walk: Cherry …

d. Central Japan: Hokuriku and Tokai

Region

Matsumoto Castle framed by beautiful sakura blossoms

(Nagano)

・Ueda Castle Park (Nagano)

Ueda Castle is a famous castle built in 1583,
and the surrounding area is filled with over
1,000 cherry trees that bloom spectacularly in
spring.

・Matsumoto Castle (Nagano)

The oldest existing five-tiered, six-story castle in
Japan, Matsumoto Castle is especially famous
in spring, when cherry blossoms bloom
everywhere around the castle. During an
evening event, cherry blossom trees that line
up along the outer moat are lit up, and when
you walk in the pale pink transparent light you'll
feel positively enchanted by the romantic
scene!

・Takato Castle Ruins Park (Nagano)

Takato Castle Ruins Park is a cherry blossom
spot worth visiting multiple times. In fact, this
home to around 1,500 cherry trees has been
selected as one of the 100 most famous cherry
blossom spots in Japan and is one of three
major cherry blossom spots in Japan.

・Kenrokuen Garden (Ishikawa)

Kenroku-en is one of the three most famous
gardens in Japan. About 40 types of cherry
blossoms and about 420 trees are planted
where, which bloom in mid-April. It is also
selected as one of the 100 Best Sakura Spots
in Japan.

・Shinshu Zenkoji Temple (Nagano)

Shinshu Zenkoji was founded as a temple in the
year 642 and ringed by a gorgeous assortment
of cherry trees and weeping cherry blossoms.

Recommended reading

Top 10 Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan's

Chubu Region

Browse & Book ▶ Hotels in Nagano

e. Mid-Western Japan: Kansai/Kinki Region

Some of the 1,000 cherry blossoms around Himeji Castle

(Hyogo)

・Himeji Castle (Hyogo)

With over 1,000 cherry trees on its grounds,
Himeji Castle is renowned as a cherry blossom
viewing spot. During the cherry blossom
festival, you can take a boat tour in the moat
and enjoy going under the pink petals.

・Tō-ji Temple (Kyoto)

Toji Temple is home to Japan s tallest wooden
five-storied pagoda, and around 200 gorgeous
cherry blossom trees bloom around the
grounds nearby, making for a particularly
breathtaking scene. You might even consider
dining at a restaurant in Kyoto with cherry
blossom views!

・Ninna-ji Temple (Kyoto)

Planted in the northwest area of the Chu-mon
gate, a special variety of late-blooming cherry
trees called Omuro-zakura create a tasteful
atmosphere. The scenery combining the five-
story pagoda with blooming cherry blossoms is
just exquisite, making it an official national site
of scenic beauty and earning it a place among
the 100 best sakura viewing points in Japan.

・Yoshimine-dera Temple (Kyoto)

Known for its gorgeous weeping cherry
blossoms, Yoshimine-dera Temple was founded
in 1029 and is located in Kyoto s western
mountains.

・Mount Yoshino (Nara)

Mount Yoshino is a well-known spot for cherry
blossoms, with some 30,000 white wild cherry
trees neatly planted across the mountain valley
and ridge, making for a breathtaking sight in
spring.

Recommended reading

10 Best Kyoto Cherry Blossom Spots:

When To See Them & Sakura Festival
Dates

Kyoto Cherry Blossom Festivals and

Events

10 Best Osaka Cherry Blossom Spots:

When & Where to See Sakura Festivals!

10 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Osaka

- According to Locals

10 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Nara &

When To See Sakura Festivals

10 Best Places for Cherry Blossoms

Near Kobe: Where and When to See
Sakura

3 Incredible Ryokan and Hotels Near

Kyoto's Best Cherry Blossom Spots

Where To Stay In Cherry Blossom

Season In Kyoto: 3 Budget Hotels
Right Near the Sakura

Browse & Book ▶ Hotels in Kyoto

f. Southwestern Japan: Chugoku and

Shikoku Region

Ritsurin Garden in Kagawa Prefecture. (Photo: PIXTA)

・Matsuyama Castle (Ehime)

・Ritsurin Garden (Kagawa)

g. West Japan: Kyushu Region

Kumamoto Castle (Photo: PIXTA)

・Kumamoto Castle (Kumamoto)

Celebrated for Centuries: The 5

Great Sakura Trees of Japan

Why is cherry blossom season so

important in Japan?

Dressing in kimono and seeing the cherry blossoms is a popular

activity for many visitors to Japan

Viewing cherry blossoms has been a national

pastime since the 8th century. There are many
species of cherry, some of which have been
cultivated through cross-breeding. These
efforts took off in the 14th century where they
became cultivated as ornamental flowers.

But why is Japan so fascinated with the sakura

phenomenon since centuries ago? Cherry
blossom trees have many meanings to the
Japanese. A lot has to do with the very brief life
of the flowers, blooming only for about a week
to ten days.

Their fleeting beauty illustrates all too perfectly

that nothing in this world is permanent,
everything passes away at some point. A sad
but beautiful admiration for this impermanence
has been an important part of the Japanese
mindset since ancient times. In Japanese, it s
called mono no aware. This mindset can be
found in the smallest things of Japanese daily
life.

Recommended reading

These 17 Weird Japanese Cherry

Blossom Facts Will Make You Feel
Instantly Smarter!

10 Exotic Japanese Cherry Tree Types

You'll Fall in Love With

All About Japan's Famous Weeping

Cherry Trees: Seasons, Types, and
Where to See Them

Japan s Sakura Culture Q&A ‒

Everything You Need to Know about
Cherry Blossoms in Japan

What is the Difference Between Plum

and Cherry Blossom? How To Tell Them
Apart & 7 Places to See Them

Does Japan have cherry blossom

festivals?

Blossoms along the Meguro River (Tokyo)

Japan does indeed have a variety of cherry

blossom festivals, though they take a different
form than in the West.

The act of appreciating cherry blossoms is

called hanami - literally flower viewing. These
outdoor parties are carefully planned, as the
cherry blossom season doesn't last very long -
once they start blooming they only last up to a
few weeks.

Many people rely on the blossom forecast

known as the sakura-zensen. Across Japan,
sakura trees blossom at different times.
Generally, the first flowers to open are in the
southwest, where temperatures are typically
warmer, while the last sakura to bloom are in
the colder northern areas.

Throughout sakura season, particularly on

weekends, parks and streets covered in cherry
blossom trees get completely filled with people
having their annual hanami picnic.

Hanami can last an entire day and even into the

evening, as viewing "yozakura," or "night
sakura," is very popular as well, with many
places offering illuminated sakura trees.

Recommended reading

Sakura Matsuri: 10 Famous Cherry

Blossom Festivals in Japan

Top 10 Cherry Blossom Festivals to

Enjoy in the Tohoku Region

Beyond the Guidebook: Expats Share

Their Favorite Hanami Spots and Rituals

Japan in Spring: Tips for Enjoying Cherry

Blossom Festivals in Japan

Can I join hanami events in Japan?

Hanami picnics are a popular pastime in spring (Ueno Park,

Tokyo)

Yes, visitors are welcome to join in and

appreciate the sakura magic! Some basic items
will be needed in advance.

First, you ll want a waterproof tarp or picnic

blanket, which can often be found at a 100 yen
shop. (A large plastic garbage bag will suffice
as well.)

Next, pick up some of your favorite beverages

at a convenience store or supermarket - and
some sakura-themed bentos or other foods as
well. Wet wipes, chopsticks, and a garbage bag
are also helpful. Don t forget to bring your
camera and some warmer clothes for when
night falls: it can still be brisk in early spring!

Also, while it might still be a little chilly outside,

for an outstanding daytime experience, try
renting a kimono and strolling around while
snapping photos!

Recommended reading

All About Hanami: How Japanese Enjoy

Sakura Viewing

Browse & Book ▶ Popular activities in Tokyo

When to start planning your spring

trip to Japan
Those wishing to enjoy cherry blossom season
in Japan are encouraged to start planning
their spring travel at least 5 months in
advance.

As with autumn foliage season in the fall, hotels

in Tokyo and Kyoto can fill up quickly for cherry
blossom season, so it's recommended to book
accommodations as soon as your travel
dates are set.

Where to Stay In Japan For Cherry

Blossom Season

17 Luxury Onsen Ryokan in Japan

With Gorgeous Cherry Blossom Views

More on traveling to Japan in spring

Visiting Japan for the cherry blossoms? Be sure

to check out these important links to help make
your time even more amazing!

Tokyo Sightseeing Done Right: What to

Wear in Spring and What to Bring

Ultimate Japan Spring Travel Guide: 10

Tips for traveling to Japan in Spring!

Plum Blossoms in Japan: 9 Best Spots In

And Around Tokyo (And When To See
Them)

Book an unforgettable cherry

blossom tour
Make your trip extra memorable by booking
one of these recommended cherry blossom
tours.

Tokyo Area: Odawara Castle and

Hakone Day Spring Blossom
Sightseeing Trip from Tokyo
Photo: Klook

Tokyo Area: Kawazu-zakura Joren

Falls & Nanohana One Day Tour
from Tokyo
Photo: Klook

Tokyo Area: Miura & Yokohama

One Day Tour from Tokyo
Photo: Klook

Tokyo Area: Mt. Fuji Flower Festival

Tour with Mt. Kachi Kachi Ropeway
Experience from Tokyo
Photo: Klook

Tokyo Area: Mt. Fuji and Lake

Kawaguchi Scenic Spots Day Tour
from Tokyo
Photo: Klook

Tokyo Area: Kannami & Izu Kawazu

Sakura One Day Tour from Tokyo
Photo: Klook

Kyoto Area: Kyoto Sagano

Romantic Train, Arashiyama,
Kiyomizudera & Fushimi Inari-taisha
Day Tour
Photo: Klook

Kyoto Area: Arashiyama Gourmet

Coupon + Randen 1 Day Free
Ticket
Photo: Klook

Browse cherry blossom tours available in

2023

Enjoy cherry blossom season by train

Japan has a huge number of scenic train rides

letting you enjoy the magic of cherry blossom
season. The articles below feature some of our
biggest recommendations.

We also recommend saving money and hassle

by getting a Japan Rail Pass or other discount
tickets via our Transport Passes section, at the
link below.

Browse & Save ▶ Popular Rail Passes

Springtime Exclusive! Top 7 Scenic

Views of Cherry Blossoms With
Trains Near Tokyo

Sakura Train: 5 Scenic Train Rides for

Cherry Blossoms Around Kyoto &
Osaka

Dates referenced are based on information

available on the Japan Meteorological
Corporation's website.

#Spring #How To: Sightseeing #Parks

#Japanese Festivals (Matsuri)

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.

*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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