Every spring, Japan comes to life with pastel-hued blooms, drawing in crowds from all over the world. In fact, cherry blossom (sakura) season marks the most popular time to visit the diverse country.
Walk around Tokyo in spring, and you’ll see locals taking part in hanami, which is the act of viewing cherry blossoms. Some of the most popular spots include Ueno Park, Yoyogi Park and Yasukuni Shrine, where they enjoy a picnic at the park or host sakura viewing parties at night. However, if it’s your first time viewing cherry blossoms, you may want to choose to go to lesser-known spots — so you can fully immerse yourself in the experience without jostling through the hoards of tourists.
Get away from the crowds at these spots in Japan for a more zen setting for cherry blossom viewing.
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The famed Mount Yoshino of Nara Prefecture has been one of Japan’s best cherry blossom viewing spot for centuries. Its history dates back to more than 1,300 years ago, when the first trees were planted along its slopes. Today, the mountain is covered by approximately 30,000 cherry trees of different varieties, most significantly the Yamazakura variety. For the most scenic view of the pastel-hued surroundings, head to the Hanayagura View Point, hidden about one hour on foot from the upper ropeway station.
Estimated date of first bloom in Nara: 27 March
Estimated date of full bloom in Nara: 8 April
Sumida River Park, located only a few-minute walk from Asakusa Station, is home to big annual firework displays and cherry blossom viewing events in spring. The park is home to around 510 cherry trees, which can act as a canopy as you hanami under it. Alternatively, take the waterbus to enjoy the cherry blossoms from the river. At night, you can marvel at the majestic sight of illuminated trees, which makes for a completely different experience.
Estimated date of first bloom in Tokyo: 22 March
Estimated date of full bloom in Tokyo: 1 April
Estimated date of first bloom in Kyoto: 25 March
Estimated date of full bloom in Kyoto: 2 April
Showa Memorial Park, located a 25-minute ride from Shinjuku Station, is nestled in a large town in West Tokyo. The vast area is roughly 38 times the size of the Tokyo Dome and is divided into five different areas, the ForestZone, Water Zone and the Plaza Zone. While the park is popular all year for illuminations in winter and barbecue areas in the summer, it transforms into one of the most amazing cherry blossom viewing spots in all of Tokyo in spring; with the Cherry Blossom Garden boasting different varieties of over 1,500 cherry trees. Additionally, don’t miss the variety of vivid gold rape plants that contrast with the pink hues of the sakuras.
Estimated date of first bloom in Tokyo: 22 March
Estimated date of full bloom in Tokyo: 1 April
One of Tokyo’s most famous gardens, Rikugien holds a light-up event twice every year — once in autumn to showcase the colours of the Japanese maple trees, and another during sakura season. A highlight of the garden are the weeping cherry trees flanking the main gate, as well as the Azalea bushes located along the shore. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, head to the Tsutsuji no Chaya, a beautiful tea house viewpoint.
Estimated date of first bloom in Tokyo: 22 March
Estimated date of full bloom in Tokyo: 1 April
