Every spring, cherry blossoms transform landscapes into breathtaking shades of pink and white, marking the arrival of a cherished tradition—hanami, the art of flower viewing. From Japan’s iconic Yoshino cherry blossoms to vibrant festivals worldwide, the season is filled with cultural celebrations, mesmerizing sights, and unforgettable experiences.

The cherry blossom or Sakura season here is nothing short of a mega festival when you witness the mesmerizing flowers and trees in full bloom across the country’s cities and interiors. Japanese culture has deep interlinks with the festival since it symbolizes renewal, spring, and the beauty in life. 

People also gather for Hanami or flower viewing parties under the trees, participate in tearoom ceremonies, and enjoy the hilt. If you’re planning a trip to Japan, this is probably the best time! Trust us, you won’t regret it! But do make sure you plan everything in prior since the festival attracts thousands from across the world! 

Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan 2025 

What are the best places to experience this fascinating cherry blossom festival in Japan this year?  From Tokyo’s urban grandeur to Osaka’s historic charm, there are plenty of options. Here’s looking at some of them. 

Tokyo- Witness an Urban Cherry Blossom Wonderland

Nowhere does Japanese cherry blossom viewing get better than in the urban sprawl of Tokyo. Late March to early April is when visitors descend on Tokyo from across the world with events like the Ueno Sakura Matsuri at Ueno Park. This has everything from performances and food stalls to thousands of trees in full bloom!

You’ll also love the Nakameguro Sakura Matsuri which offers stunning glimpses of the cherry trees along the canal with gorgeous night illumination. Then there’s the Shinjuku Gyoen Cherry Blossom Festival with its traditional Hanami experience, picnics, and more. 

In fact, Shinjuku Gyoen has more than a thousand cherry trees with amazing landscaping, while you should also head to Chidorigafuchi for a spot of lovely boating while surrounded by blooming cherry trees. The reflections of the blossoms in the water create a magical ambience for sure.

Sumida Park is another hotspot with its lovely trees against the Tokyo Skytree backdrop, complete with a riverside walkway and fabulous illumination after dark. 

Kyoto- Sakura Beauty Amidst Historic Temples

You will do well to look up the cherry festival schedule in Kyoto which is usually from late March to mid-April. It’s where you’ll chance upon the perfect combination of rich history, traditional culture, and beautiful cherry blossoms.

The Hanami season is when the city comes alive with 50+ varieties of trees including the rare omurozakura to the popular weeping Sakura.

Don’t miss the 1,000-year-old festival at Hirano Jinja which is also a famous shrine in Kyoto. Another option is the Kiyomizu-dera or temple which is famous for its wooden platform and lovely cherry blossom views. 

Then there’s the iconic Shoji Temple in the forests and the pristine Maruyama Park which is known for its Gion tree and many other varieties. The nightly illumination makes it a sight to behold, drawing innumerable people every year. Discover the charming Philosopher’s Path where you walk along the canal with hundreds of trees lining it.

Nijo Castle in Kyoto also offers stunning Sakura viewing spots with fabulous illumination from 6 PM onwards. There’s also a vibrant projection with several interactive displays and night tea ceremonies. 

Osaka- Sakura Viewing By the Castle

Osaka is where the cherry festival dates are usually between late March and mid-April, and you can enjoy an incredible experience at the hallowed Osaka Castle. It offers a fabulous view of the cherry blossoms in its park with around 3,000 trees to explore over 261 acres. You can even enjoy a picnic at the park which lights up spectacularly at night for unforgettable photographs. 

The Nishinomaru Garden is also worth paying a visit for its lovely cherry trees in the Somei Yoshino variety. There are several events held at night here, which draw sizable crowds of locals and tourists alike. You’ll also fall in love with the landscape of the Kema Sakuranomiya Park on the water with its lovely trees and access to famous buildings like the Mint nearby. 

Yoshino- Japan’s Iconic Cherry Blossom Mountain 

The Yoshino cherry blossom viewing experience is simply out of this world! More than 30,000 blossoms take over the entire mountain, offering stunning views and lifetime photographs on your visit! Located in Nara Prefecture, Mount Yoshino is arguably the most famous viewing spot for cherry blossoms in Japan over several centuries. 

Enjoy the trees going up the mountain and explore the ancient shrines and temples dotting the charming town along with enjoying Hanami parties in the lovely parks and viewpoints along the route. 

Hokkaido (Sapporo & Hakodate) – Late-Season Blossoms

Do you want to enjoy a unique Hanami festival away from the buzzing crowds? It’s possible if you experience the late-season blooms in Hokkaido. The cherry blossom fall aficionado always has Hokkaido on his/her calendar and the crowds are also less during this time, i.e. from late April to mid-May.

Hakodate is where you’ll find the best blooms in this period while Sapporo also makes for an excellent place to visit here. Other options include the eastern Hokkaido zone along with Matsumae. Hakodate has a lovely promenade with lovely blossom views that you will particularly enjoy. 

Best Cherry Blossom Festivals & Activities In 2025

Here is a quick guide to the top festivals that offer everything from Hanami parties to cherry festival concerts, tearoom experiences, performances, and a lot more. 

Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival- Tokyo 

This one is an epic festival that you shouldn’t miss! It’s got more than one thousand cherry trees for you to explore, with the festival offering stunning nighttime illuminations worth capturing in addition to enjoyable Hanami picnics and fabulous concerts. Don’t miss the festive fervour along Main Street while gorging on local street food delights. If you’re lucky, you may even get to see an impromptu Geisha performance here! 

Chiyoda Sakura Festival- Tokyo 

How does a romantic boat ride under the cherry blossom trees sound? Add rousing fireworks to the mix along with stunning views from the pier and you’re sorted! The festival will take place between 12th March and 23rd April this year, offering pier operations and boating till nighttime. Visit the official festival website to stay updated about tickets and availability. 

Maruyama Park Hanami Festival- Kyoto

If it’s the traditional Hanami experience you’re after, then nothing beats this festival with its traditional setting and the lovely illuminated blossoms all around! The wonderland is a big draw and so are the traditional tea ceremonies where you’ll get a taste of Japanese life in its most beautiful essence. Don’t miss the Higashiyama Hanatoro Festival in March when the park lights up with innumerable charming lanterns! The grand weeping Sakura in the evening will be a sight for sore eyes, with the spectacular lighting! 

Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival- Aomori

Get down to the Aomori Prefecture with its petal-filled moats and the stunning fall scenery with hundreds of cherry blossoms. The festival takes place between the 23rd of April and the 5th of May and attracts visitors by the thousands! You can even go boating here and explore the majestic Hirosaki Castle too. And while you’re here, don’t miss participating in the Tebura de Kanokai or cherry viewing parties with picnics, which is something of a local tradition. 

Osaka Mint Bureau Sakura Viewing- Osaka

Watch the cherry blossoms in full bloom at the special event in mid-April along the Yodo Riverside Lane. Open for a week, it offers a 560-meter passage lined with trees and picture-perfect riverside landscapes. Think of it as a limited-time entry to view rare varieties of blossoms.

Also Read: Facts About Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan

Stay Close to the Blooms: Best Accommodation for Cherry Blossom Season

Now that you’ve got an idea of the top festivals and cities to visit during the cherry blossom season, it’s time to book your accommodation strategically. You should aim to stay as close to the blooms as possible, getting your fill of them throughout your stay. Here’s a guide that may help. 

Tokyo

You should consider booking serviced apartments in Ueno and Shinjuku for easy access to the festivals and best blossom viewing sites. You’ll find plenty of options at reasonable rates if you book in advance. 

Kyoto 

Kyoto’s top accommodation recommendations in the cherry blossom season include Higashiyama, Gion, and also anywhere near Maruyama Park. 

Osaka

To make the most of the Sakura season in Osaka, try finding accommodation near the Kema Sakuranomiya Park and the stunning Osaka Castle Park. 

Hokkaido

Late-season blossoms in Hokkaido are best-enjoyed if you stay at Sapporo, or even near Abira Town. 

Choosing serviced apartments helps you get more space, privacy, and flexibility in comparison to regular hotels with the service and amenities being at par with the latter. You can stay for extended durations at attractive rates and book your accommodation flexibly in prime areas across Japan. 

Travel Tips for Cherry Blossom Season in Japan

Want to make the most of your trip to Japan for the cherry blossom season? Here’s what you should ensure: 

• Plan prior: Chalk out your itinerary well in advance, booking a flight and cherry blossom festival tickets as early as you can. Remember that most serviced apartments and hotels sell out quickly in this period. 
• Check the Dates & Timings: Make sure you’re aware of the blossom dates and timings/forecasts to catch the full blooms at the right time. 
• Public Transportation: You don’t want to spend time stuck in a massive jam right? Use public transportation and pick up the JR Pass to get quickly from one viewing point to another. 
• Timing Your Visits: Make sure you’re there early in the day or late in the evening to bypass the huge crowds that descend on Japan during the season. 

Enjoy Japan in a Whole New Way with the Cherry Blossom Festival 

Sakura or cherry blossom viewing is an incredible experience in Japan and you can expect to have the time of your life at the festival on your trip. Of course, make sure you plan everything early and secure the best-serviced apartments near the prime viewing spots in your preferred cities. 

You can check out serviced apartments to find the best accommodation options at reasonable rates. To sum up, if you’re planning a Japan trip, try to go during the Sakura season. It will give you a glimpse of the country in a whole new way with unmatched beauty and traditional cultural effervescence.