The earlier you can book, the better. The exact dates vary depending on the blossoms and are announced on the official website of the Imperial Palace Household agency. If you’re after some inspiration for early blossoms, take a look at my guide to hidden gems in Tokyo: Contributed by: Cindy, Free Two Roam The ideal time to visit is similar to Kyushu, late-March through to mid-April. If you are unable to travel in March or April it is still possible to see the Cherry Blossom. Japan's cherry blossom season is the best time to visit as there are over 260 cherry trees throughout the park. For the main tourist areas (Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima) cherry blossom season is usually from the end of March to the beginning of April. When my family and I got to Tokyo at the beginning of March, we were on the look out of cherry blossoms but discovered that we were there too early. We headed to Kyoto hoping for better weather and were greeted by the sun on our visit to Nara. We use cookies to ensure the best user experience and to help our website run effectively. Contributed by: Annie, Off Goes Annie After all, that’s what I believe is such an important part of travelling abroad and what being an invisible tourist is about! You’ll have the whole place to yourself and you can take beautiful and magical photos since there are no crowds. For planning purposes check out the Japan National Tourism Organisation cherry blossom map to see the last 10 years of information about when the cherry blossoms are likely to bloom. That’s great news, Jayda! Read reviews and compare prices for all accommodation in Kumamoto here. If you found this article useful, I’d love if you could share it to spread the word! Visit Japan in early spring (mid-late February) for the blooms of the outstanding super … The bridge consists of 5 arches that straddle across the Nishiki River. Thanks. To me personally, the last stage of the cherry blossoms is the most poetic, when the flowers turn white and shed slowly, falling gently to the ground, carried by the wind. In Hokkaido, you want to get there in May for the full array. There are many websites that will show you the current “sakura front” of each year. Stand on the small bridges to fully appreciate the full length of the walk, fully encapsulated by the stunning sakura. The combination makes for beautiful photos that will look like they came straight from a postcard. Contributed by: Sylvia, Wapiti Travel It’s an amazing sight and one of the most popular spots for cherry blossom viewing in Tokyo. You can also climb up to the top of the castle – something that takes time but is well worth doing – and look out at all of the cherry blossoms around. While there has been damage to parts of the complex from the 2016 earthquake in this region you can still see the beautiful blossoms around the castle and enjoy a picnic in one of the nearby parks. We visited Kyoto in the last week of March. Even though it can be very busy, it has an incredible atmosphere. Kyoto is also another … Read reviews and compare prices for all Osaka accommodation here. By using this site, you agree to our use of cookies. Contributed by: Jennifer, The Rainbow Route When is the best time to visit Japan? Even 6-12 months in advance would be best to avoid missing out on your first choice of accommodation. Himeji Castle is one of the most beautiful scenes you’ll see during your time in Japan, and it only looks even more impressive during cherry blossom season. Contributed by: Candiss, Lost Not Found So why not join them? It was in full bloom when we visited and it is also just a walking distance from the Kiyomizu-Dera Temple. Prepare an itinerary to ensure you can visit all the places you want (or use my 2 weeks in Japan and 3 weeks in Japan itineraries to get you started). Photos need to be taken at just the right time with just the right angle to ensure that unwanted faces are not caught in your camera frame too. Dedicated to travellers with a mid-range budget, my responsible travel blog explores ways we can enjoy being a visitor in a foreign place by 'blending in'. The Cherry Blossoms in Japan appear at different times throughout Sakura Season in Japan as some area’s of the Country remain colder than others for longer and the best time to see the Cherry Blossoms in Japan is as it starts warming up in each place and the time that you visit will depend on whether it is the best place to see Cherry Blossom in Japan or not as it changes quickly! Making me very excited! One can even sleep in the traditional rooms in the temples themselves and take part in the morning prayers. The view of Matsushima Bay from the observation deck over the cherry blossoms in front of Byakui Kannon Temple is outstanding. Contributed by: Paula, Truly Expat Her dreams? The gates of the Imperial Palace remain closed to visitors for the most part of the year. I am much the same as you for wanting to avoid crowds, Leigh! The island of Miyajima just off the coast from Hiroshima experienced full bloom on 22 March in 2020. She's passionate about responsible travel, history and preserving local cultures. The street is lined with 103 cherry streets of 31 varieties and is opened for 5 consecutive days in late March or early April. s.src = u + '?v=' + (+new Date()); The good news is that it lasts quite a long time and due to the geography of Japan there is a wide window for travel to be able to catch it. I love your itinerary options and suggestions for visiting. in a perfect location near Dotonbori and Namba Station! My wife and I were so excited for our first trip to Japan. The blossom can be seen throughout the island but there are a few places where it is especially impressive. Hirosaki Castle Park – … Contributed by: Jennifer P., aka Dr. J, Sidewalk Safari Third pin image credit: Pixabay he best part, they have a Sakura Festival every year where the many cafés and restaurants bordering the river serve delicious street food and Champagne with strawberries for the occasion. Everywhere I went, the scenic spots were filled with blooming sakura – and the best part was, many of the lesser-known destinations were less crowded than places like Kyoto or Tokyo! Boasting seaside towns in the south and alpine scenery, mountainous tracks and a more rural atmosphere in the north makes it a perfect off-the-beaten path destination to view cherry blossoms in the country. , visit 8 scenic ponds of Oshino Hakkai village, shop at Gotemba Premium Outlets or enjoy an onsen experience. I loved my stay at Kyoto Hana Hotel, in the heart of Gion! If you want to make the most of your next travel experience, learn how you can 'be invisible' here! It really would be a photographer’s dream come true! Kawazu is one of the first places in Japan to see the cherry blossoms. Read reviews and compare prices for all accommodation in Nara here. The central path is lined with about 800 cherry trees, and both sides are filled with revellers letting their hair down for their annual picnic under the blooms. There is a festival held in Nago Central Park to celebrate and this is a fantastic place to view the Cherry Blossom with over 20,000 trees located within it. Himeji castle is a short walk from Himeji station, which is served by the Japan Rail bullet trains. And (and that is a big AND) much less crowded so if you have the chance head down to Yokohama for some cherry blossom viewing. Yoshino is Japan's most famous cherry-blossom destination, and for a few weeks in early to mid-April, the blossoms of thousands of cherry trees form a floral carpet gradually ascending the mountainsides. After living in Japan, Kawazu is my favourite place to see the cherry blossoms. In particular, Matsumoto Castle is simply magical. Although the blossoms begin coming to life in the country’s south and inch northwards, for the purpose of this article I’m going to divide the destinations up into their regions based on popularity. Don’t expect it to be possible to leave booking your accommodation to the last minute or rock up hoping you’ll be able to find somewhere to stay – you’re sure to be disappointed if you’re turned away. var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0]; You can read my review of Dormy Inn and 3 other hotels I have personally enjoyed my stay in my detailed 6 Days in Tokyo Itinerary. Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan. TIP: Bring a mat, a bento box, and a thermos filled with tea for a full experience. I will not deny these areas of Tokyo are just amazing (I lived 1 street away from Meguro River). However, when you have an ancient temple as a background at the Todaiji Temple, this effect is even stronger. I arrived a few days before 1 April and got to experience the city in full bloom. You’re making me jealous, Viola! Each month, Japan has incredible treats for the tourist because every season seems to unleash more beauty than the last. The street is lined with 103 cherry streets of 31 varieties and is opened for 5 consecutive days in late March or early April. Let’s begin with the the Kanto region. A professional language hoarder, she can usually be found burying herself in travel books and Wikipedia articles. Based on this year the first blooms were in the second half of March but full bloom could be seen in Kagoshima in the first week of April. But I think on some occasions such as this, it would still be a very worthwhile experience I’d rather pay the entrance fee into places like Shinjuku Gyoen as there are fewer crowds there! Generally speaking, the best time to see cherry blossoms in the Kansai region ranges from late March to mid-April, and on occasion late-April depending on the altitude of the spot. It’s about a 20-minute walk from Maruyama Park to Keage Incline, but you might want … Now you know the best time to visit Japan for cherry blossoms, you’ll need some insider tips to avoid making mistakes during your planning and trip: As a few of my contributors have mentioned, the cherry blossom season in Japan is one of the busiest times of year for tourism, with both locals and international visitors flocking to see the clustered pink hues around the country. We were lucky enough to head to Japan in March last year and spent 2 full days viewing sakura during the cherry blossom season. Love getting off the beaten path and have some extra time for a day trip from Tokyo? From what I have heard, the blossoms don’t actually have much of a fragrance (how unfortunate is that!). I may earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase and if you do, thanks for your support! Kawazu is one of the best places to see the cherry blossoms in spring. I recommend spending at least half a day to go to the Kintaikyo (Bridge); the bridge is located in Iwakuni, a small city that’s about an hour away from Hiroshima by the JR. For an iconic cherry blossom experience, Japan Journeys (020 7766 5267; japanjourneys.co.uk) offers a 10-night Classic Japan Tour from March 26 to April 6 – optimum timings. Australian-based Alyse has been travelling "The Invisible Tourist Way" for twelve years and hopes to encourage fellow travellers to do so, too. Within the Chugoku region, the Sanyo region is an area in the south of Honshu covering cities like Hiroshima, Okayama, and Miyajima. However, the Philosopher’s Path remains comparatively quiet due to its large area. Tokyo counts many splendid places to see the cherry blossoms but the exclusivity to walk along Inui Street, one of the main streets on the Imperial grounds, makes this one thing to add on your bucket list of your upcoming Japan trip. Contributed by: Alexander, Destinavo Japan is 3,008 km (1,869 mi) long and has both subarctic and subtropical climates. You can combine sakura with staying at a temple and you’ll have a memorable experience! The best time to see the full bloom is from end of March until the middle of April. The Chugoku region lies within the country’s west, neighbouring the popular Kansai region to its east. You can find alternative hotels in Shibuya here, or Thinking about accommodation in Kawazu? I can also help get your itinerary planning off to a good start by sharing my tips for planning a trip to Japan and more helpful info so you can make the most of your experience! TIP: It’s recommended to book your accommodation well ahead, the sooner the better as this is the most popular time of the year to visit. The weather starts to get milder in March and blossom on the plum trees marks the beginning of spring. The large temple complex features a huge wooden hondo (main hall), a pond, and many cherry trees throughout. One of best places in Japan to enjoy the famous cherry blossoms is the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in Tokyo. Tokyo to Matsumoto in mid-April is an ideal journey to see cherry blossoms. While. The blossom here typically blooms from late-January through to early February. })(document, 'script', '//aff.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js'); Featured image credit: Pixabay TIP: Just make sure to bring a jacket. Come spring, the 54ha park in Tokyo becomes the epicentre of a crowded, noisy and wild hanami party. But trying to get a photo is almost impossible due to the abundance of people in and around these areas. Contributed by: Thais, World Trip Diaries Photos need to be taken at just the right time with just the right angle to ensure that unwanted faces are not caught in your camera frame too. Thinking about accommodation in Osaka? And still, so many different colors of blossom, the magical aroma, the peaceful atmosphere – the place quickly became our favorite to view the sakura. Thanks for the advice! From there you can get a nice overlook of the park with all the cherry trees, which is quite spectacular to see from above. I highly recommend Cross Hotel Osaka in a perfect location near Dotonbori and Namba Station! All rights reserved. To me personally, the last stage of the cherry blossoms is the most poetic, when the flowers turn white and shed slowly, falling gently to the ground, carried by the wind. If you want to catch the cherry blossom season, it varies geographically. Japan is well known for so many things: the food, beautiful temples, Sumo Wrestling to name just a few. We first heard of Koya Mountain and the town of Koyasan from some heavy illustrated books about Japan. As an Amazon Associate The Invisible Tourist earns from qualifying purchases. Keage Incline. I would love to visit one day, I can imagine that the perfume of so much blossom is truly intoxicating! You may wish to add these wonderful locations to your itinerary depending on where you’ll be during the blooming periods: Will this be your first trip to Japan? They’re really something else aren’t they, Andrea . Kawazu-zakura Joren Falls & Nanohana Tour from Tokyo →, Visit Joren no Taki waterfall, enjoy strawberry picking, stroll along the cherry blossom-lined river. Around eight hundred cherry trees line the Meguro River and stretches for 3.8 kilometres. If you are unable to travel in the spring but want to experience the blossom then you could head to Okinawa. Contributed by: Bistra, The Magic of Traveling The bridge is a unique wooden arch bridge that was built in 1673, connecting the Iwakuni Castle with the outside world. (function(d, sc, u) { Even when they’re in full bloom, it’s easy to find a tree to sit under and have a picnic. Actual times may vary depending on environmental factors so be sure to take this into account when planning your visit. Along the journey, you’ll find several temples and shrines, aiding you to find your inner peace. Minato Mirai is an excellent place to start, with sakura spotted in and around this beautiful area. And very exciting your sister will be living there! If it is your second time to Japan you can concentrate solely on Hokkaido and hire a car to explore the whole island. The rules that govern the best time to visit Japan as a whole — early spring when the cherry blossoms are blooming, before late April — apply to Tokyo as well. I hope this round-up of locations helps you to determine when will be the best time for you to tailor your trip and enjoy this breathtaking bucket list experience! Japan’s Cherry Blossom – January to February. Typically, the blossoms come alive in Japan’s south first as the climate is milder, before gradually creeping up north towards major cities such as Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo. There are a number of environmental factors that influence exactly when the blooming will take place each year such as temperature, rain and winds. TIP: Check out the many food stalls and game booths, enjoy a bento box and have a picnic on the riverside, the beauty and tranquility of the surrounding will make your day! Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is home to a large number of cherry trees, including early and late blooming cherry trees, which extends the cherry blossom viewing season. The best time to visit Japan is basically all the time. It was tough to decide when to visit, but ultimately we chose cherry blossom season for its beauty. We visited on 31st March and while some cherry trees were in full bloom, the area would have been at its best a week later. Visit Chureito Pagoda to see Mt Fuji, visit 8 scenic ponds of Oshino Hakkai village, shop at Gotemba Premium Outlets or enjoy an onsen experience. The city of Nara just outside Kyoto is a great place to visit in the spring. Read reviews and compare prices for all accommodation in Suzuka here. The largest and most popular island of Honshu has some of the best places to see the Cherry Blossom. Love the photos. It is a much less visited island so if you have the time to add it to your holiday you will find fewer crowds and certainly fewer western tourists. The best viewing time is about 5–7 days after the first bloom of cherry blossoms. Its garden houses a central pond, surrounded by manicured bushes, impressive rock formations, pine trees and the lush. In spring, the weeping cherry trees almost touch the ground, laden with stunning pink blossoms. Whether you choose to view them at night (lit up by the lights that are strategically placed in significant viewing areas) or head over by day (where they look stunning in the natural light of day) you will not be disappointed. I also love Matsumoto Castle because it’s open after dark for Matsumoto-jo Sakura Matsuri, a cherry blossom festival that occurs for a week when the sakura open. Nature lovers will appreciate the blooming flowers of spring, including the famed cherry blossoms, along with the equally stunning foliage of late autumn. In spring, the weeping cherry trees almost touch the ground, laden with stunning pink blossoms. Thinking about accommodation in Matsumoto? Mt Fuji and Oshino Hakkai Day Tour from Tokyo → Don’t worry, you just walk to the playground and them keep walking a little further. Our Classic Japan tour takes in all of these places and utlilises the world famous Shinkansen – more commonly known as the bullet train. With the temple in the background, they look even more majestic than they are already. Tailored especially for first-time visitors, these are my tried-and-tested personal itineraries I used during my own trips to Japan. In March and April the trees turn a beautiful shade of pink as the Sakura arrives. The trip to Matsumoto from Tokyo takes less than 3 hours by high-speed train. It a relaxing oasis in the middle of a busy city and a great place to spend a few hours exploring the gardens or enjoying a picnic. The Kansai region is an insanely popular place to see cherry blossoms in Japan. Admiration for Sakura blossoms is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. The best time to visit Japan is during early spring when the short-lived cherry blossoms are blooming but before or after the busy stretch of Golden Week holidays. Visiting Japan in March. They do not bloom everywhere at the same time , so plan your trip accordingly! Best Cherry Blossom Spots In Japan How do these rankings work? The cherry trees follow the river for four kilometres and lead to the Seven Waterfalls of Kawazu which is another site to see in Kawazu. I personally loved my stay at the amazing Matsumoto Hotel Kagestu! © 2021 Bamboo Travel - All rights reserved worldwide. Also, I clicked over to your post on how to be an invisible tourist and I LOVED it–all SO true . Shinjuku Gyoen is one of the largest and most beautiful parks in Tokyo and it consists of three different types of gardens: Japanese traditional, French formal and English landscape. Read reviews and compare prices for accommodation in Yokohama here. We all know and love Tokyo for the numerous spots that you can view the infamous Cherry Blossoms. The new year is fast approaching and if this one was anything to go by, the best time to visit Japan for cherry blossoms will be here before we know it! Our favourite cherry blossom experience was in Naka-Meguro near Ebisu in Tokyo. One can even sleep in the traditional rooms in the temples themselves and take part in the morning prayers. What we forget here is Yokohama (the unsung hero of yesteryear), is only a hop skip and jump away from its famous cousin Tokyo. However, it was also the perfect time to see the cherry blossoms in Sannenzaka Slope. 2 weeks in Japan | Tokyo Itinerary | Kyoto Itinerary | Osaka + Nara Itinerary | Miyajima Day Trip by Ferry | Hiroshima Itinerary, Hidden Gems in Kyoto | Kurashiki: The Venice of Japan | Takayama’s Hidden Jewel, Hida Folk Village | Snow Monkey Park in Summer | Japan Off the Beaten Path Destinations, Crucial Do’s & Don’ts in Japan | Best Japan Travel Guide Books | Japanese Phrases for Tourists | Meaningful Japanese Souvenirs, Authentic Kyoto Cooking Class | Traditional Kyoto Tea Ceremony | Hidden Local Bars in Kyoto. When the cherry blossoms start blooming around the last week Visit Joren no Taki waterfall, enjoy strawberry picking, stroll along the cherry blossom-lined river. The cherry trees here are known as Kawazuzakura whereas others are known as sakura. Only on very special occasions do visitors get to catch a glimpse of the pretty extended gardens and the royal buildings that hide behind the towering walls and fortified gates. 2017: Start 17th March/Full 24th March. Kawazu is located four hours south of Tokyo (or a two and a half hour train ride) in the Izu Peninsula. It’s truly one-of-a-kind. Otherwise…. Contributed by: Matilda, The Travel Sisters My sister is getting her teaching degree and is moving to Japan to teach English. TIP: While walking the main park pathway is a wonderful way to see the blossoms, we especially enjoyed the section of trees that runs right through Shinobazu pond. You can find my full Japan archive here, including videos and itineraries detailing how travelling The Invisible Tourist way at all destinations is the most efficient option to make use of your precious travel time. The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival attracts over two million visitors a year. Toward the end of March the cherry blossom begins to emerge in the south of the country, which is celebrated by the Japanese with picnics in local parks. There are many beautiful places to see the cherry blossoms in Kyoto, but most of them get so crowded that it’s hard to relax and really appreciate the beauty of the flowers. They really are, Nicky! The sakura trees in Suzuka usually flower in early to mid-April. There are other places, such as Yamashita Park and Kamonyama Park, where you can wander around aimlessly taking endless photos of these beautiful flowers without the distraction of thousands of people to duck and dive.

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