Cherry Blossom season is almost among us! Cherry blossoms, or sakura in Japanese, are a well known attraction of Japan and cherry blossom viewing is a huge deal. Known as hanami, families and friends will go on outings, picnic baskets in tow, and sit under the trees enjoying the view and each others company. Among locals (of Japan), the best places for sakura viewing are well-known, and during the viewing season, they become very crowded. Different parts of Japan bloom at different rates so if you're interested in going to Japan for the cherry blossoms, this is something to keep in mind.
Usually the best times for sakura viewing are in late March and early April, but the blooms do not last long. After they reach full bloom, the blossoms usually fall off the tree. Because of this, there is a very short window of time to go out and see the cherry blossoms. The good news is that there are usually sakura trees everywhere in Japan, so you're sure to see some if you go around this time. This means you don't have to go to very specific or obscure spots just to see the trees. Japan itself seems to turn shades of pink, especially around parks and open spaces. For those who do want the full experience of being surrounded by cherry blossom trees and pretty pink petals falling around you, we've made a list of our top 5 recommended spots. The ones that didn't make the list are many, and it's important to note it doesn't mean that they aren't all gorgeous, popular, or great spots. We've just narrowed it down to our top locations considering many things like popularity, accessibility, crowds, types of cherry blossoms, and the surrounding environment. We also tried to consider places all over Japan for a bit of variety. If you're in Japan and get to see the beautiful cherry blossoms, consider yourselves lucky~!
1. Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle is a great location for those who are interested in cherry blossom viewing. Located in the Hyōgo Prefecture, come spring, Himeji Castle and the surrounding park is enveloped in pretty pink sakura petals. People can picnic under the cherry blossom trees and enjoy the view, or walk around the castle grounds that are open to the public and walk paths that are lined with sakura trees. The castle itself is beautiful and rich with history, but with the cherry blossom trees in bloom, the sight is like nothing else!
2. Philosopher's Walk
Philosopher's Walk is found in Kyoto and is a different kind of cherry blossom viewing location. Philosopher's Walk during sakura bloom is perfect for those who fancy a romantic walk with a loved one, a group of friends to enjoy each other's company, or a contemplative stroll solo to be alone with your thoughts. The cherry blossom trees grow parallel to the path and the adjacent canal so your path is lined with some beautiful pink petals. Although Philosopher's Walk is not always crowded and lined with people, during sakura season, it gets decidedly more packed as the beauty of the area is too much for anyone to resist!
3. Goryokaku
Goryokaku is a star-shaped fort that was built during the Edo period in Hakodate, Hokkaido. When the cherry blossoms begin to bloom, the area is transformed into a gorgeous sight of delicate pink. The view is particularly amazing from a top-down perspective where you can take in the star-shaped form and the sakura trees that border it. To see it like this, check out the Goryokaku Tower found next to the fort.
4. Mount Yoshino
Mount Yoshino is ranked as one of the best spots for hanami by multiple sources, and we have to agree that it is amazing! What makes Mount Yoshino so special is that the cherry blossoms grow along a mountain slope. Not only is it a unique hanami sight, but there are over 30,000 of the sakura trees of many different varieties. The mountain slope is divided into four separate sections that usually vary by a couple days for blooming. So the window of time to view the blossoms is a bit greater here. People can travel up the mountain enjoying different viewing spots, and stop by local shops and restaurants as well. Enjoying the cherry blossoms amongst nature sounds like the dream!
5. Ueno Park
Now, Ueno Park is one of the most well-known and popular locations for hanami, and it definitely does get crowded! For those who enjoy a lively vibe of bustling crowds and thrive on the energy of crowds, this is a fun place to experience the cherry blossoms. For those who want to feel the peaceful vibes, this may not be the ideal spot. However it may be nice to experience once to feel people's true excitement for hanami, and see the cultural aspects of it. Many people enjoy having picnics, especially a spot under the tree, but to reserve that coveted spot, you have to get there very early!
Honorable Mention
Chidori-ga Park (Chidori-ga-fuchi)
Since we only had five slots, this location didn't quite make it in. Chidori-ga Park in Tokyo isn't a place where you can enjoy traditional hanami, picnic included, as it is not allowed, but what makes this location special are the boats available for rent. People can rent row boats and enjoy the cherry blossoms from the water. It may be especially dreamy to do this just as the petals begin to fall like pretty pink snow. You can also enjoy the illusion of privacy as you're in separate boats from others and far more spread out.
We hope you've enjoyed our list of our top locations for sakura viewing in Japan! There are multiple places all over Japan that offer beautiful hanami places, so no matter where you are, you're sure to find a place right for you!