Buzz
As spring unfolds, cherry blossoms paint Japan in shades of pink. People from all over gather for the Hanami festival, one of the country's largest celebrations.
This is also when Japan welcomes a surge of tourists eager to witness the blossoms and experience the unique Japanese culture that spring brings. Get ready to embark on a journey of discovery with Mytour!
Timing and Weather
The best time to see cherry blossoms in Japan is between March and May. The blossoms arrive earliest in Okinawa around January or February and linger until mid-May in Sapporo. It's also the time when Japan enjoys its most pleasant weather—just chilly enough to enjoy the snow without the harshness of winter. With just a coat and a scarf, you can stroll under the cherry blossom trees and capture countless breathtaking photos.
In Tokyo, daytime temperatures in March hover around 13°C, dropping to about 5°C in the early morning and at night. April sees daytime temperatures at around 18°C, with mornings and evenings around 10°C. By May, it's warming up nicely, perfect for witnessing the romantic cherry blossom showers, with daytime temperatures reaching 23°C and mornings and evenings around 15°C.
Unforgettable Experiences in Japan During Cherry Blossom Season
1. Joining the world's most beautiful cherry blossom festivals
Cherry blossoms bloom everywhere, inviting you to admire them at any time. @internet
2. Camping under the cherry blossom trees
Families camping together under the cherry blossom trees. @ Miguel Michán
You can lounge under the cherry trees reading books all day, stroll hand in hand, paddle boats on the lake, ride bicycles, host outdoor parties, and chat together. People also love finding picturesque spots under the sprawling cherry blossom trees.
Capture thousands of the most beautiful photos of Japan during cherry blossom season. @ Amal Ismail
3. Culinary heaven exclusive to cherry blossom season
During the Hanami festival, from families to eateries, restaurants, and food stalls at night markets, the colors and scents of cherry blossoms spread far and wide. You'll indulge in cherry blossom rice balls during outdoor picnics, tea, ice cream, macarons in pale pink hues, and the faint fragrance of cherry blossoms. Even cookies, jellies, cold noodles, candies, preserves... are all 'in tune' with cherry blossom season, available everywhere. Delicious and visually pleasing dishes made from the finest ingredients of Japanese spring.
People organize gatherings, enjoying food and conversation under the cherry blossom trees. @ Les Taylor
In addition, tourists in Japan during cherry blossom season seek to purchase souvenirs related to cherry blossoms such as scented sachets, perfumes, cosmetics, boxes of preserves, clothing, and exquisite handicrafts. Souvenirs are a paradise of tiny, beautiful items that make you want to buy them all.
A portion of beautiful and delicious pink frushi (fruit sushi) @ Michael
Dango cakes at the Hanami festival priced at 160 Yen. @ Chie Gondo
4. Season of countless vibrant cultural festivals
The Doll Festival (Hina Matsuri) is one of the festivals signaling the arrival of spring. @internet
5. Book a professional tour to admire the blossoms and enjoy famous landmarks
Cherry blossom viewing tour
Floating on wooden boats amidst cherry blossoms is an incredibly romantic experience during cherry blossom season. @yohei_sawamura
6. Hot spring baths amidst the coolness of spring
When it comes to hot spring baths, Japan is famous worldwide. With natural minerals beneficial for health, mental relaxation, and skin beauty, soaking in hot springs is an experience you shouldn't miss when traveling to Japan. Especially in spring, enjoying local specialties after soaking in hot springs is perfect.
You can book a tour to explore Mount Fuji and enjoy hot spring baths Onsen on Mytour to experience the two most distinctive features of traveling to Japan during cherry blossom season at once.
Soaking in onsen is a beloved experience for travelers visiting Japan. @hlfiona
Cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan
1. Fukushima City
Fukushima may not be as famous as Tokyo or Osaka, but it's well-known when it comes to cherry blossom season in Japan. The area boasts natural beauty like volcanoes, hiking trails, hot springs, and of course, cherry blossom trees in spring. In Fukushima, the most beautiful cherry blossoms can be found at Hanamiyama Park, displaying various shades of pink.
A panoramic view of Fukushima bursting with cherry blossoms. @ Tatters
2. City of Kanazawa
Explore Kanazawa tour
Why is every street in Kanazawa so beautiful? imnOthere0
3. City of Kobe
Located in Osaka Bay, surrounded by majestic mountains, Kobe is also an excellent cherry blossom viewing spot at Gokoku Shrine or Egeyama Park in early April. When in Kobe, don't forget to try the world's finest Kobe beef!
A serene corner street in Kobe. @ Pinterest
4. City of Kyoto
In spring, as cherry blossoms bloom everywhere, Kyoto becomes even more beautiful. People stroll hand in hand along the romantic Philosopher's Path, where cherry blossoms gently fall in the cool spring breeze. Moreover, according to Japan travel experience, Maruyama Park or Kiyomizu Temple - a UNESCO World Heritage site - are also places not to be missed for weekend camping to admire the heartwarming blossoms.
Cherry blossoms in full bloom in the courtyard of Momoyama Palace. @ KyotoDreamTrips
5. City of Nara
Nara was once the capital of Japan in the 8th century, hence the city bears many historical traces. During cherry blossom season, one cannot forget Nara Park with over 2000 cherry blossom trees in full bloom and adorable deer frolicking in the spring weather. Additionally, Koriyama City is also an ideal cherry blossom viewing spot.
The romantic scenery during the Hanami festival in Nara will make you fall in love with your own backyard. @ Jérôme Bailly
6. City of Osaka
How could Japan travel experiences overlook bustling Osaka, the city of attractions, street food, shopping, and entertainment? In spring, Osaka boasts over 5000 cherry blossom trees ready to bloom at Sakuranomiya Park, home to the most cherry blossoms in Japan, attracting thousands of tourists from both home and abroad.
A stunning night view during the cherry blossom festival along the Okawa River in Osaka. @ Trevor Dobson
7. Hokkaido Island
Renowned for its tourism and cuisine, Hokkaido is an island boasting numerous natural beauties, ski resorts, and breathtaking citrus-themed resorts. The best time to admire cherry blossoms is around late April to early May, featuring the sacred Hokkaido Shrine, Maruyama Park, or the sprawling Moerenuma Park adorned with large cherry blossom trees.
Hokkaido exudes purity in the spring weather. @ Jimmy Madriaga
During the Hanami festival, the Japanese people celebrate regardless of the time. Tourism services in provinces and cities are more vibrant than ever. Make sure to carefully consider Japan travel experiences during cherry blossom season, especially regarding the official bloom schedule for each region because cherry blossom viewing also requires a bit of luck!
