Japan Cherry Blossom Season
Hanami, or flower viewing during Japan’s cherry blossom season, is a cultural phenomenon woven into traditions from snowy Hokkaido to sun-soaked Okinawa. The fleeting beauty of sakura is not only the perfect excuse for a springtime photoshoot but also a chance to enjoy lively cherry blossom festivals and to grasp Japan’s deeper philosophies. 🇯🇵
With sakura trees soon set to bloom, this guide will give you everything you need to know about cherry blossoms in Japan — from the perfect time to see them in full bloom to the best hanami spots from north to south.
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To sprinkle in even more tips and insider tricks for your Japan adventure, we asked our local photographers to spill all the details: what are the best cherry blossom spots? When is cherry blossom season in Japan, and what can we learn from sakura? 🌸
TLDR
Photo: Coo & Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer. Diana and family capture memories in Kyoto with a family photoshoot at Higashiyama District during cherry blossom season in Japan.
2025 Cherry Blossom Forecast
They don’t call it a fleeting beauty for nothing — cherry blossoms bloom for only a short period, lasting about 1-2 weeks. However, blooming times vary across the country, typically spanning from late March to early May. That’s why timing your visit for sakura viewing and considering regional variations is important. 🗓️
Luckily, meteorological agencies release forecasts to inform flower-viewing lovers when cherry trees are expected to start blooming and when they will reach full bloom.
Japan Cherry Blossom Tree Varieties
Bright pink, pale pink, pure white, even yellowish and green — cherry blossoms come in so many shades that it’s almost impossible to pick a favourite! With over 100 varieties blooming across Japan, here’s a cheat sheet to level up your sakura knowledge. 😉
What are Weeping Cherry Trees?
Also known as Shidarezakura, these are a distinctive variety of cherry trees with gracefully drooping branches, resembling a weeping willow. You can find them in Kyoto’s Maruyama Park, among other locations.
What is the Yoshino Cherry Tree?
The Somei-Yoshino is the most popular and widely cultivated cherry tree in Japan. It’s the “classic” sakura tree planted all over the country. During full bloom, their delicate blossoms dominate the branches, creating a striking, cloud-like effect with no leaves. 😮
Are Plum Blossoms Also Sakura?
Plum blossoms, or ume, are another famous flowering tree in Japan that bloom earlier than sakura, with hues ranging from white to dark pink. Although often mistaken for cherry blossoms, plum blossoms have a denser, hardier appearance, with flowers and buds appearing together.
Photo: Coo & Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer. Rachael and partner capture memories in Kyoto with a couples photoshoot at Philosopher’s Path during cherry blossom season in Japan.
Best Sakura Viewing Spots in Japan
Hokkaido
Hokkaido’s capital welcomes its bloom burst later than most of Japan, in late April, after long winters. You can even admire them with snow-capped mountains in the background — quite a sight! ❄️
In the city, Maruyama Park is a prime spot to take in the spectacle, with the impressive Hokkaido Shrine right next door framed by dozens of cherry trees. The long and narrow Odori Park is also painted in shades of pink, and Moerenuma Park, designed by artist Isamu Noguchi, sits just outside town, offering a more modern, artistic take on hanami. 🎨
Aomori
In Tohoku’s Aomori Prefecture, cherry blossoms begin to bloom around mid-April. The star attraction? Hirosaki Park. The park is home to over two thousand cherry trees, which many consider the most beautiful in all of Japan. Endless clouds of pink and white frame Hirosaki Castle and its tranquil moat, creating a scene straight out of an ancient Japanese painting. It’s pure hanami magic! 🪄 ✨
Kanazawa
Beginning in early April, Kanazawa’s historic architecture becomes even more enchanting when framed by cherry blossoms. One of the top spots is Kenrokuen Garden, considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens. Each section showcases different cherry blossom varieties, and the scene is especially beautiful when viewed from the Flower-Viewing Bridge, where delicate petals reflect elegantly on the pond’s surface. 😍
At Kanazawa Castle, the spectacle takes on a unique charm — at night, the blossoms are illuminated with LED lights. It’s a chance to embrace the fleeting beauty of life and soak in the magic of a sakura-lit evening.
Tokyo
Renowned for its urban green spaces, Tokyo transforms into a fantastic stage for the sakura symphony. A picnic at Shinjuku Gyoen Park is a great starting point. 🧺 The park boasts a diverse collection of cherry tree varieties, and you can get seasonal sweets and souvenirs inspired by the delicate blossoms.
Shioiri Park offers a more tranquil riverside setting along the Sumida River, perfect for a leisurely sakura-lined stroll. Over in Ueno Park, you’ll find a tunnel of cherry blossoms along the park’s central walkway — picture-perfect photo ops guaranteed!
Also in central Tokyo, Shiba Park features a stunning view of Tokyo Tower framed by pink petals. 🗼 Paying a visit to the nearby Zojo-ji Temple is one of the best things to do in Tokyo in any season, but during hanami, this traditional landmark meets the sleek city skyline beneath a magnificent sakura canopy.
Fly tip: Just a short trip from Tokyo, still in the Kanto region, there are several spots and onsen towns that offer views of cherry blossoms framing Mt. Fuji. The most famous location? Chureito Pagoda — Fuji-san, cherry blossoms, and a five-story pagoda? Pure Japan in a single view! 🗻
Photo: Nathalie in Tokyo for Flytographer. Vithun and partner celebrate a surprise proposal in Tokyo with an engagement photoshoot at Kasai Rinkai Koen during cherry blossom season in Japan.
Kyoto
From the end of March, vibrant shades of pink and white blanket Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital. You can stroll along the city’s Philosopher’s Path, a famous 2-kilometre walking trail lined with hundreds of Somei Yoshino cherry trees. Their branches arch over a canal, forming a breathtaking tunnel in soft pink hues.
At Kinkaku-ji Temple, a few cherry blossoms were strategically placed for the ultimate aesthetic effect. The delicate pink petals and the temple’s golden surface create a mesmerizing scene — and their reflection in the front pond is the cherry on top (no pun intended!). 🍒
Other must-visit spots in the ancient capital include Maruyama Park, where you’ll find the perfect Japanese ambiance with beautifully landscaped gardens, ponds, and bridges. And for that old-world feel, take a stroll through the narrow streets of the famed Higashiyama District, lined with traditional townhouses.
Catch the sakura season in Kyoto, and you’ll understand why ancient poets once called it “The Capital of Flowers.” 🎎
Photo: Coo & Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer. Annie and partner capture memories in Kyoto with a couples photoshoot at Higashiyama District during cherry blossom season in Japan.
Osaka
In Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city, you’ll find a whopping 4,000 cherry trees surrounding the famed Osaka Castle, creating a picturesque urban setting and a perfect spot for a picnic.
Want more castle views? 🏯 A day trip away is Himeji, home to Himeji Castle, a national treasure of Japan that becomes even more appealing when framed by cherry blossoms.
Nara is also just a short train ride away. Amidst its stunning architecture and a good dose of sakura swirl, you’ll encounter one of the city’s most beloved symbols — an army of free-roaming deer wandering the temple grounds. Can you imagine a more idyllic experience? 🦌
Kyushu
Of Japan’s main islands, Kyushu is about as far south as you can go, which means sakura season kicks off a little earlier, starting in late March.
Fukuoka is the perfect launchpad for your sakura adventure, with nighttime illuminations setting the scene for a stroll after indulging in the city’s legendary food scene. 🍣
Less than two hours from central Fukuoka, you’ll find Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s three premier castles. Its dark, imposing structure stands in stunning contrast to the hundreds of cherry blossoms that surround it.
From Kumamoto, it’s an easy trip to Kagoshima, where cherry blossoms frame none other than an active volcano — Sakurajima, still puffing smoke into the sky. 🌋 Now that’s a hanami view with a twist!
Photo: Coo & Yurika in Osaka for Flytographer. Angela and family capture memories in Osaka with a family photoshoot at Osaka Castle during cherry blossom season in Japan.
Customer Spotlight: What Can We Learn from Sakura?
Like the mighty Mount Fuji, sakura is one of Japan’s most iconic symbols. Look a little closer, and it transforms from a fleeting bloom into a profound experience. 😌
Executive Chef Ken Nakano of Market by Jean-Georges at Vancouver’s Shangri-La Hotel recently returned to Japan during the hanami season to celebrate his mother’s 80th birthday. His journey through Wakayama, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto, and Tokyo showed him the profound cultural significance of the fleeting beauty of the sakura season, which embodies the Japanese concept of “mono no aware:” the awareness of life’s impermanence.
The trip deepened Nakano’s connection to his heritage as he visited his grandmother’s mikan orange farm and witnessed how different cities celebrate this natural cycle.
Many places around the world celebrate cherry blossom season differently, but in Japan, hanami is a collective tradition, bringing the entire nation together in reflection and appreciation. This cultural immersion inspired Nakano to bring Japan’s dedication to tradition and mindfulness back to his culinary leadership in Vancouver. 👏
Photo: Flytographer in Tokyo. Ken Nakano captures memories in Tokyo with a solo adventure photoshoot during cherry blossom season in Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which month is cherry blossom in Japan?
Cherry blossom season varies across Japan, typically spanning from late March to early May. For early blooms, you can visit Okinawa in mid-January, while Hokkaido sees its blossoms as late as April.
Which city in Japan has the best cherry blossoms?
Kyoto, known as “The Capital of Flowers,” offers stunning views along the Philosopher’s Path and around historic temples like Kinkaku-ji. The ancient capital combines cherry blossoms with traditional architecture, creating unparalleled viewing experiences.
What is the best time to visit Japan?
Late March to early April is ideal for catching cherry blossoms in major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. The exact timing varies by region, so check local forecasts for your specific destination.
Is April too late for cherry blossoms in Japan?
April is not too late, as northern regions like Hokkaido and Aomori typically see their peak bloom in mid to late April. However, cherry blossoms in southern regions will have already finished blooming by this time.
Photo: Coo & Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer. Kaytlin and partner capture memories in Kyoto with a couples photoshoot at Philosopher’s Path during cherry blossom season in Japan.
Capturing Cherry Blossom Memories
As Nakano discovered, visiting Japan during the Sakura season is about living in the moment and appreciating life’s transient beauty.
Still, you’ll want to capture this natural spectacle in the best way possible. 📸 Our Flytographers across Japan are ready to help. With their talent, they can transform the magic of Japanese cherry blossoms into timeless photographic memories you’ll cherish forever. 🫶
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“Amazing and pleasant experience with photographer Ayako who has been really helpful towards my requests. The whole proposal went well and we loved the photos she had taken of us. She even kept me updated on the state of the cherry blossom in Tokyo and directed my partner and I on how to pose nicely for the photos. I would highly recommend Ayako to my friends and family. Thank you so much Ayako! ❤️🙏🏼”
Marvin
Shinjuku Gyoen Park
“From the very beginning of our trip and photoshoot planning, Coo has gone above and beyond. When cherry blossoms weren’t yet blooming in our original location, Coo found another location with gorgeous blossom scenery for us to have the exact shots we wanted. Then during the shoot he made us feel so welcomed and comfortable! We are so beyond happy with our photos! They came out better than we could have imagined.”
Kaytlin
Philosopher’s Path
“Coo was very professional from start to finish and communicated with me via whats app a few days before the shoot. He also gave good suggestions on where we will be shooting as I’ve informed him that we wanted to have cherry blossoms in our shoot. He cued us on what poses to make to make us all feel relaxed. I was really excited to see how the pictures will look like and we love all of them!”
Pamela
Osaka Castle
