Ultimate Guide to Cherry Blossom in Japan

For the Japanese, this is a time to enjoy the newly warm weather, and take picnics in parks and gardens underneath the blooms. For tourists, this is a one-of-a-kind experience with endless photo-ops: trees bursting with color, often complementing magnificent backdrops of temples, picturesque parks, or tranquil waterways. Cherry blossom festivals are held in major cities which cater to all parties. 

Blossoming starts first in Japan’s subtropical south and sweeps up through the country to its northernmost islands. A pro-tip: should you wish to see the blossoms but avoid the crowds, head up north to Hokkaido later in the season, or down to the warm climes of southern island Kyushu earlier on.

The popularity of visiting at this time also goes hand-in-hand – unfortunately – with peak season surcharges. Hotel rates are at their highest nationwide, and in Kyoto’s best properties can be almost three times higher than normal. For many, the higher rates and thicker crowds are a price worth paying to visit at this most delightful time of year. For others, it may be worth considering traveling around the edges of sakura season, or pushing your trip back to the Fall months. 

Himeji Castle – an easy day trip from Kyoto is especially popular with Japanese, with over 1,000 trees within the grounds. Osaka Castle boasts 4,000 trees and is an equally easy day trip from Kyoto (or well worth an overnight stay). The northern shores of Lake Kawaguchiko in Hakone National Park offer a tantalizing photo op of Mount Fuji framed by sakura, and at slightly higher elevation should be timed towards the end of your trip.