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Cherry blossom viewing in Japan is an incredible experience for every traveler. Stay updated on the cherry blossom blooming schedule and tips for cherry blossom viewing in Japan.
It's no coincidence that every spring, both local and international tourists eagerly flock to Japan to witness the beauty of cherry blossoms in full bloom. As spring comes to an end, the entire country is covered in the pink hues of these delicate yet stunning flowers, earning Japan the nickname 'Land of Cherry Blossoms.' It symbolizes peace, yet carries the robustness of its people.
With over 200 different species of cherry blossoms found in Japan, ranging from wild mountain varieties to meticulously cultivated ones, each species boasts unique colors and characteristics. If you want to appreciate the beauty of cherry blossoms at their peak, don't miss the 2024 blooming schedule and the list of ideal viewing spots provided by Klook below!
Cherry Blossom Blooming Schedule Japan 2024
From January 10, 2024, the Japan Meteorological Agency has announced the first cherry blossom forecast! Cherry blossoms in Japan are expected to bloom earliest in Kochi and Tokyo (late March) and latest in Sapporo (early May). Here's an overview of the forecasted bloom dates across different regions:
Tỉnh | Địa điểm | Dự báo ngày nở hoa (2024) | Dự báo ngày nở rộ (2024) | Ngày nở hoa trung bình hàng năm |
Hokkaido | Sapporo | 2 tháng 5 | 6 tháng 5 | 1 tháng 5 |
Aomori | Aomori | 21 tháng 4 | 25 tháng 4 | 22 tháng 4 |
Miyagi | Sendai | 8 tháng 4 | 12 tháng 4 | 8 tháng 4 |
Tokyo | Tokyo | 23 tháng 3 | 30 tháng 3 | 24 tháng 3 |
Ishikawa | Kanazawa | 1 tháng 4 | 7 tháng 4 | 3 tháng 4 |
Nagano | Nagano | 6 tháng 4 | 12 tháng 4 | 11 tháng 4 |
Aichi | Nagoya | 21 tháng 3 | 31 tháng 3 | 24 tháng 3 |
Kyoto | Kyoto | 23 tháng 3 | 1 tháng 4 | 26 tháng 3 |
Osaka | Osaka | 25 tháng 3 | 1 tháng 4 | 27 tháng 3 |
Wakayama | Wakayama | 23 tháng 3 | 31 tháng 3 | 24 tháng 3 |
Hiroshima | Hiroshima | 22 tháng 3 | 1 tháng 4 | 25 tháng 3 |
Kochi | Kochi | 18 tháng 3 | 26 tháng 3 | 22 tháng 3 |
Fukuoka | Fukuoka | 21 tháng 3 | 30 tháng 3 | 22 tháng 3 |
Kagoshima | Kagoshima | 22 tháng 3 | 3 tháng 4 | 26 tháng 3 |
Note:
- This forecast table is for reference only; the actual blooming time may vary due to factors such as weather and climate.
- For more detailed information on cherry blossom blooming times at specific locations, you can refer to the Cosmic Japan Meteorological Agency website.
Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Japan
Almost every corner of the Land of the Rising Sun offers ideal spots to admire the beauty of cherry blossoms. However, if you not only want to enjoy the blossoms but also immerse yourself in festive atmospheres and spend quality time with your loved ones through exciting activities, make sure to note down these top 14 cherry blossom viewing spots below!
Cherry Blossom Recommendations in Tokyo, Japan
1. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: A must-visit iconic spot during the cherry blossom season in Tokyo. Immerse yourself in the vibrant pink hues of cherry blossoms and relish the fresh spring air.
The vast garden comprises three distinct sections: the Japanese Garden, English Garden, and French Garden. Each area has its unique charm, creating a diverse and colorful panorama, promising you a splendid day of relaxation. Stroll leisurely under blooming cherry blossoms, capture memorable photos, or spread a picnic blanket with friends and family to enjoy a traditional hanami lunch.
- Address: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan
2. Ueno Park
Ueno Park is a tranquil oasis loved amid the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, offering you an escape from urban life's fast pace. Despite being one of Japan's oldest parks, Ueno never ceases to be captivating. Here, you'll discover ancient temples, art museums, science and history museums, and even a lively zoo.
Among the countless treasures in the park, the vibrant rows of cherry trees are Ueno's pride. When spring arrives, it becomes an ideal destination for cherry blossom viewing. You can spread a picnic blanket under the blooming cherry blossoms, enjoy a hanami picnic with friends and family, or simply stroll and capture photos in this beautifully romantic setting.
- Address: Ueno Park, Taito, Tokyo 110-0007, Japan
3. Meguro River
Meguro River presents an unforgettable romantic scene with the gentle pink hues of cherry blossoms reflecting on the clear green water during sunny spring days. However, the true magic unfolds when night falls.
To experience a unique cherry blossom viewing at Meguro River, visit during the Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Festival, where sparkling lights illuminate both the river and the blooming cherry blossoms. Immerse yourself in the local community's festive atmosphere, spread a picnic blanket, enjoy a sip of beer, or savor delicious street food from roadside stalls while admiring the radiant beauty of cherry blossoms under the dazzling lights.
Cherry Blossom Viewing Recommendations in Kyoto
4. Sagano Scenic Railway
Sagano Romantic Train is one of Kyoto's most renowned cherry blossom viewing experiences. The train journey takes you through pathways adorned with delicate pink cherry blossoms, creating a fairy-tale-like scenery.
The train ride lasts approximately 25 minutes, starting from Arashiyama Station and concluding at Saga-Arashiyama Station. Tickets can be purchased at the station or booked online.
For a more comprehensive experience, consider joining a day tour that includes the Sagano Romantic Train, Arashiyama, Kiyomizudera, and Fushimi Inari-taisha. This tour will take you to Kyoto's most famous landmarks, and you'll enjoy a buffet lunch or shabu-shabu beef, depending on your preference.
5. Maruyama-Koen Park
Maruyama-Koen Park is one of Kyoto's oldest and most famous cherry blossom viewing spots. The park covers a vast area with hundreds of cherry trees displaying vibrant colors.
A unique feature of the park is the weeping cherry tree, reaching a height of up to 20 meters. This cherry tree is illuminated beautifully in the evening, creating a truly impressive scene.
Maruyama-Koen Park is just a 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station. You can easily reach it by subway, bus, or taxi.
6. Philosopher's Walk
The 'Philosopher's Walk' is a charming trail approximately 2 km long, running alongside the Katsura Canal. Adorned with hundreds of cherry blossom trees, it creates a romantic and picturesque scene.
Named after Nishida Kitaro, a renowned Japanese philosopher who frequently walked this path for meditation, the Philosopher's Walk is an excellent place for a solo or accompanied stroll. It provides a wonderful opportunity to relax and behold the beauty of cherry blossoms.
You can walk along the Philosopher's Walk alone or with friends and family. It's a fantastic spot to unwind and appreciate the beauty of cherry blossoms.
7. Yodogawa Kasen Park
A captivating place to visit for cherry blossom shopping that rivals Tokyo is Kyoto's Yodogawa Kasen Park. Surrounding this area are over 700 cherry blossom trees planted along the riverbanks of the park and historical sites. The pink hues of cherry blossoms stand out against the green of the sky, mountains, and river, creating an incredibly relaxing space—not too crowded, allowing you to spend quality time with your family and friends.
Cherry Blossom Viewing Recommendations in Osaka, Japan
8. Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle is the most iconic cherry blossom viewing spot in Osaka. This historical site has long been a popular outing destination, especially in spring and autumn when the leaves turn vibrant red. Surely, everyone wants to capture a 'million likes' photo with the magnificent pink-hued castle backdrop, don't you?
- Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan
9. Okawa River
Marvel at the spectacular sight of over 4,000 cherry blossom trees blooming along the Okawa River (or Kyū-Yodo River)! The best way to enjoy this beauty is by joining a Cherry Blossom Cruise on the Okawa River, offering you a unique perspective of cherry blossom viewing.
If you have more time, other famous hanami spots in the area include Kema Sakuranomiya Park and the Japan Mint (home to around 350 trees of about 130 varieties!)
10. Expo '70 Commemorative Park
Expo '70 Commemorative Park is a vast park that once hosted the Japan World Exposition in 1970, featuring over 75 pavilions from countries and corporations worldwide.
Today, the garden has become a popular destination for locals to sunbathe, enjoy nature, and participate in sports activities. The park is also home to approximately 5,000 cherry blossom trees, promising you a magnificent and impressive spectacle!
- Address: Senribanpakukoen, Suita, Osaka 565-0826, Japan
Other Captivating Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Japan
11. Mount Fuji
What could be better than marveling at the iconic beauty of Japan on a trip? A cherry blossom tour at Mount Fuji will provide you with a complete experience of the land of the rising sun, with cherry blossoms blooming at the Shin Arakura Sengen Shrine, combined with the majestic nature of the mountain and pristine lakes. This is undoubtedly a fantastic stop for the whole family!
12. Ashikaga Flower Park (Gunma)
Spring is the time when a hundred flowers compete in color, adorning Ashikaga Park with the heavenly pink of cherry blossoms and the violet of wisteria. Another must-visit in Gunma is the Watarase Valley. The nostalgic train ride nestled among cherry blossoms will leave you in awe of its picturesque beauty. Don't miss out on the delicious skewered pig's tail at Mizunuma Onsen Station!
13. Miura and Yokohama
Late March to early April is the time when Miura and Yokohama are adorned with the vibrant colors of 1000 cherry blossom trees along the Keikyu Miura Kaigan Station to Komatsugaike Park. This 1km cherry blossom-lined path amidst picturesque nature and pleasant weather is the perfect time for a leisurely stroll and capturing beautiful moments.
14. Odawara Castle
Odawara Castle is a 'hot' spot for international tourists eager to witness Japanese cherry blossoms. The splendid combination of ancient elegance with flourishing cherry blossoms will dispel all fatigue and worries of modern life. Joining a cherry blossom tour in Odawara, visitors also have the opportunity to gaze far and wide to observe Mount Fuji and the serene city. Don't forget to experience wearing a kimono and savoring delicious Japanese cuisine!
15. Kokura Castle
Kokura Castle in the nostalgic Mojiko Retro port town is sure to provide an excellent cherry blossom viewing trip. Transform into a local with a traditional kimono, stroll under the blooming cherry blossoms, and immerse yourself in the historic atmosphere of Kokura Castle. Another 'must-do' experience is visiting ancient buildings steeped in history to learn more about Japanese culture!
16. Kyushu
As one of Japan's southernmost islands, Kyushu is an excellent, less crowded, and truly authentic location for organizing Hanami festivals. There's no more breathtaking sight than the grounds of Kumamoto Castle, where hundreds of cherry blossoms lead to the gates on the hilltop, blooming around mid-March.
17. Matsumae Park, Hokkaido
Matsumae Park, home to Japan's northernmost castle, is a fantastic spot to admire cherry blossoms with your family. With 250 different varieties and a total of 10,000 trees, it transforms into a beautifully surreal space. Particularly, when the sunset illuminates the castle, the scenery becomes even more romantic. Due to having various cherry blossom varieties with different blooming times, whether you arrive early or a bit later than the expected bloom, you'll still have a chance to participate in the cherry blossom festival here!
18. Miharu, Tohoku
From Tokyo, it takes about 2.5 hours to reach Miharu, but the effort is well worth it to witness the most vibrant cherry blossoms. Moreover, Miharu is renowned for plum blossoms. The white plum blossoms interspersed with the pink of cherry blossoms make this place a promised land for travel enthusiasts wanting to enjoy the fantastic atmosphere of spring.
19. Himeji Castle, Kansai
The white walls of Himeji Castle, built since the 14th century and UNESCO-listed for preservation, will become a perfect backdrop with thousands of cherry blossoms bursting to life around. The first blooms usually appear from late March and continue to flourish until early April. Travelers come not only to admire cherry blossoms but also seek opportunities to learn about traditional carpentry, which has been intertwined with the people of Japan for centuries.
20. Wakayama Castle
Wakayama Castle serves as an icon of Wakayama City with its time-honored architecture. Its towers provide a magnificent view of the entire town, where you can feel the vibrant spring atmosphere. With around 600 cherry blossom trees in full bloom, it's a beloved destination for cherry blossom festivals by international travelers.
21. Nagoya Castle and Shirotori Park
Shirotori Park is one of the largest parks in central Japan, representing the story of water flowing into the sea. Over 10 different cherry blossom varieties with 1000 blooming trees along the pathway create an incredibly romantic cherry blossom tunnel that you won't easily find elsewhere. If the romance of autumn brings a melancholic touch, spring at Nagoya Castle brings forth an abundance of vibrant and lively romance.
22. Yoshino, Kansai
If you're an adventurous soul and don't mind bustling festivals, Yoshino, Kansai, is undoubtedly the dream destination for the 2024 cherry blossom festival. Over 30,000 cherry trees create pink clouds covering the entire space, blending with the sky, mountains, and rivers, ensuring a perfect spring retreat for the whole family. Don't miss Yoshino if you're in Japan to admire cherry blossoms and enjoy the scenic beauty!
Travel Tips for Cherry Blossom Viewing in Japan
For a complete spring journey in the land of cherry blossoms, don't forget to pocket these incredibly useful travel tips from Klook!
1. How to Apply for a Japan Tourist Visa
Japan grants visa-free entry to 68 countries worldwide. Unfortunately, Vietnam is one of the countries requiring a visa for travel.
The visa application process is not overly difficult but not too easy either. Required documents include: valid passport, visa application form, passport photos, financial proof, hotel bookings, flight tickets, and an itinerary for Japan. For detailed steps, check out the Guide to Applying for a Japan Tourist Visa!
2. Getting Around in Japan
Japanese locals prefer public transportation, especially subways and trains. Instead of spending a large amount on taxis, why not get a Japan Rail Pass? This powerful pass allows unlimited travel on public transportation at almost every train station in Japan for 30 days.
Additionally, if you want to be chauffeured around, take control of your travel itinerary by considering renting a car in Tokyo with various price and model options.
3. How to Use the Internet While Traveling in Japan?
If this is your first time visiting the Land of the Rising Sun for the cherry blossom festival, don't forget to prepare a Japan 4G SIM card, delivered to your location in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Preparing a 4G SIM in advance will save you time and prevent any confusion upon arriving in Japan because most locals here may not use English extensively!
Experience Participating in the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan
Cherry blossoms are a sacred and revered symbol in Japan, so when attending this festival, remember to capture photos with the blossoms rather than picking them. Also, refrain from excessive alcohol, alcoholic beverages, or littering in the environment.
When exploring cherry blossom spots, don't forget to prepare a thick coat and comfortable shoes as Japan's spring weather can still be chilly compared to Vietnam. Lastly, ensure your phone and camera are charged to capture every moment of your spring journey!
While this guide may not cover every detail, Klook hopes this article provides essential tips for the cherry blossom season in Japan. With these insights, you're well-equipped for an amazing journey. What are you waiting for, #teamKlook? Pack your bags and embark on a cherry blossom adventure in Japan now!
For a perfect cherry blossom trip to Japan, don't forget to visit Klook Vietnam's Travel Blog for hot news for travel enthusiasts: Comprehensive Travel Experience in Japan You Need to Know, Hokkaido's Beauty for Nature Lovers, Top Theme Parks in Japan, Famous Kyoto Tourist Spots More Beautiful Than Paintings, Guide to Tokyo Skytree, Japan, Fun Experiences to Elevate Your Next Trip to Japan...
Why not go cherry blossom viewing in Japan with your better half?
