Japan Cherry Blossom Viewing Guide 2025
Best known for its breathtaking cherry blossoms, spring in Japan is an enchanting season and for good reason. Travellers from around the world flock to witness the stunning landscapes blanketed in dreamy shades of pink and white. As you prepare your cameras and outfits, we break down the best time and places for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) for you.
Read on for the latest sakura blooming forecasts and top hanami spots:
(1) Tokyo
(2) Osaka
(3) Kyoto
(4) Ibaraki
(5) Niikawa
(6) Ishikawa
(7) Aomori
Japan’s 2025 Cherry Blossom Forecast
According the official forecast released by the Japan Meteorological Corporation on 6 February 2025, cherry blossom season in Japan is expected to peak from late March to early April, particularly in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Similar to last year, this year’s cherry blossoms are expected to bloom around the average timing across Japan as well. Sakura in Tokyo area is expected to reach its peak on 1 April 2025. Use the above dates as a guide in planning your holiday itinerary in Japan this spring.
With over 1,000 locations in Japan showcasing cherry blossoms, picking “the one” spot can be quite a challenge. Therefore we have curated a list of stunning locations by region to help you breeze through the selection process. In addition, sakura festivals and events are also held at some of the popular hanami locations, be sure to pop by and immerse yourself in the festivities!
(1) Tokyo (late March to early April)
Ueno Park Cherry Blossom Festival
Source: Japan Travel
Ueno Park is home to over 1000 cherry trees, witness the sprawling park transform into a sea of pink between late March and early April. At the festival, you may catch a couple of geisha performing if you are lucky. Did you know that some 50 active geisha live nearby in Asakusa?
If you have the time to hang around Ueno Park, do not miss the lovely nighttime illuminations of the cherry trees after sunset.
Shinjuku Gyoen
Source: Japan Guide
Easily accessed within a 10-minute walk from Shinjuku station, Shinjuku Gyoen houses about 68 varieties of trees which makes the short-lived hanami season all the more memorable. Catch a wide variety of cherry blossoms, including Kanzakura (winter cherry) which bloom in February, Somei (Yoshino cherry) which blossom from late March to early April, Ichiyo and Kanzan, which flower in mid-April, and Baigoji Juzukakezakura (cherries of Baigo-ji Temple) which blossom in late April.
Do note that there is a small admission fee (￥500 for adults) and reservations may be required to enter the park during the 2025 cherry blossom season. To avoid overcrowding in the months of March and April in 2025, advanced reservations will be required to enter the park on selected weekends. Do check Shinjuku Gyoen official website for more details on the updated opening hours and latest visitor information.
Meguro River Park
Source: Japan Travel
Experience hanami in hip Nakameguro, Meguro River Park, where roughly 800 sakura trees turn the riverside promenade into shades of white of pink and white. Take a leisurely stroll along the river and find a spot for picnic if you are early.
After sunset, the cherry trees are illuminated, food and drinks are available on sale along the river.
Meguro River Park is accessible from either Meguro Station or Nakameguro Station, a 5-minute train ride from Shibuya.
(2) Osaka (late March to early April)
Ogimachi Cherry Blossom Festival 2025
Source: Try Hard Japan Event
For an exciting way to celebrate sakura season, head to the Ogimachi Cherry Blossom Festival in Osaka! This three-day event spanning from 29 to 31 March 2025 takes place at Ogimachi Park during peak bloom, offering more than just beautiful cherry blossoms.
Visitors can enjoy live music, stage performances, a beer garden, food trucks, and enchanting evening illuminations. While admission to the park and performances is free, access to the beer garden requires a ticket. You may choose between an All-You-Can-Drink ticket for ￥3,000 or a 90-minute seating-only plan for ￥1,500. Online sales for beer garden tickets start on March 16th. Check the official event website for more details.
Kema Sakuranomiya Park
Source: Inside Osaka
At Kema Sakuranomiya Park, nearly 5000 cherry trees line Okawa River for several kilometres. Reel in the lovely cherry blossom from the riverside promenade or from the comfort of a river cruise. There are also open areas with plenty of space for picnics.
Osaka Castle
Source: MSS Dot Net
On the spacious compound of Osaka Castle are over 4000 cherry trees surrounding the majestic relic. Nishinomaru Park in the western citadel of the castle is ideal for picnics, catch picturesque views of the castle tower and illuminations in the evening.
(3) Kyoto (late March to early April)
Philosopher’s Path
Source: Japan Guide
Lined by hundreds of cherry trees, the Philosopher’s Path is a 2-kilometre-long walking trail connecting Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) and Nanzenji, through the northern part of Kyoto’s Higashiyama district. Spot restaurants, cafes and boutiques located along the path.
Maruyama Park
Source: Japan Guide
Located next to Yasaka Shrine, Maruyama Park is Kyoto’s most popular spot for hanami gatherings. The centrepiece of the park is none other than the large weeping cherry tree which lights up from late March to early April, from 6pm to 10pm. There will also be several food stands and pop-up restaurants set up under the trees.
Arashiyama
Source: Japan Travel
Nestled in Kyoto’s westernmost region along the Katsura River, Arashiyama is a scenic destination rich in history and culture. Not only is it famous for its Bamboo Forest, it is is also a favourite among visitors for hanami! More than 700 years ago, Emperor Go-Saga built a villa here and brought cherry blossom trees from Yoshino Mountain. Today, it still remains as one of Kyoto’s prime sakura-viewing spot.
These beautiful blossoms can be admired at various locations, including Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama, home to over 120 Japanese macaques. The park overlooks the Ōi River, also called the Hozu or Katsura River, where the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge stands. Nearby, Daikakuji Temple also sets another picturesque scene with sakura trees blooming around its tranquil pond.
(4) Ibaraki (late March to early April)
Hitachi Cherry Blossom Festival
Ushiku Daibutsu Source: Ibaraki Prefecture
Every April, the city of Hitachi transforms into a breathtaking sea of pink as around 14,000 cherry trees come into full bloom. Witness vast fields of seasonal blooms at Hitachi Seaside Park, and the awe-inspiring Ushiku Daibutsu (one of the world’s tallest Buddha statues).
From early to mid-April, Heiwa Dori (Peace Street), Kamine Park, and Juo Panorama Park are illuminated at night, creating a mesmerising atmosphere during the renowned cherry blossom festival. Labelled one of Japan’s 100 most beautiful sakura spots, the highlight of the festival is the grand parade on the first weekend of April, where towering 15-meter-high and 8-meter-wide festival floats are pulled through the streets. These floats serve as stages for traditional puppet performances.
As the streets become pedestrian-only, visitors can immerse themselves in the festivities, indulging in classic Japanese festival treats such as candy apples, chocolate bananas, takoyaki, yakisoba, and a variety of grilled yakitori skewers.
Kamine Park
Source: Japan Travel
Ibaraki's Kamine Park is a fantastic destination for a family-friendly day out, offering a zoo, amusement park rides, pools, and more. In spring, the park transform to a breathtaking sea of enchanting pink and white as around 1,000 cherry trees burst into bloom, making it a popular hanami spot. Its beauty has earned it a place on Japan’s Top 100 cherry blossom viewing sites as well!
Admission fees vary depending on the activities you choose, entry to the amusement park costs ¥450 for adults and ¥200 for children, while the zoo is priced at ¥520 for adults and ¥100 for children. To witness the cherry blossoms at their peak, plan your visit around early to mid April.
Shizumine Furusato Park
Source: Guidoor
Shizumine Furusato Park is one of Ibaraki’s top destinations for cherry blossom viewing, especially in late spring. The park is particularly famous for its stunning yaezakura, or double-flowering cherry trees. These blossoms, known for their large, densely layered petals and vibrant pink hues, stand out against the more common pale Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms found across Japan.
With its wide-open spaces, the park is perfect for a relaxing hanami experience. Visitors can spread out a picnic blanket beneath the blossoms and enjoy the scenic beauty, while walking trails provide different vantage points to admire the flowers. Each year, from mid to late April, the Yaezakura Festival celebrates the late-blooming cherry trees.
(5) Niikawa (late March to early April)
Kurobe River Embankment Cherry Blossom Path
Source: Nyuzen Town Tourism and Products Association
The Kurobe River Embankment Cherry Blossom Path in Toyama Prefecture is a picturesque route that comes alive with vibrant cherry blossoms each spring. Lining the embankment, the trees form a beautiful tunnel of pink petals, offering a stunning contrast against the flowing river and majestic mountain backdrop. This scenic spot is a favourite among visitors for hanami and photography, be sure to snap many photos of Japan’s springtime beauty. Source: Nyuzen Town Tourism and Products Association
(6) Ishikawa (early April)
Kenroku-en
Source: Visit Kanazawa
Kenroku-en in Kanazawa, Ishikawa is one of Japan’s three most famous gardens which were created by feudal lords during the Edo period, alongside with Koraku-en in Okayama and Kairaku-en in Mito. Experience the mindfulness of the samurai era and admire every feature of the traditional Japanese landscape garden. Did you know the oldest water fountain in Japan is also located in Kenroku-en?
At Kenroku-en, plum blossoms and cherry blossoms bloom in spring, azalea flower in summer and vibrant red Japanese maple leaves come alive in fall. Come winter, the pine trees along the pond are covered with snow. Discover the unique sceneries of Kenroku-en, all year round.
Kanazawa Castle
Source: Visit Kanazawa
Connected to Kenroku-en is Kanazawa Castle, a partially-restored castle which belonged to mighty Maeda clan of Kanazawa. Take a look out of the narrow windows of the top floors of the turrets and survey the castle grounds, moat and garden dotted with cherry blossom trees below.
Outside the Katsurazaka gate, there are small restaurants and cafes serving food and ice-cream covered in gold leaf. Immerse in the traditional arts and crafts expression of Kanazawa in museums in the vicinity, such as 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Traditional Art.
(7) Aomori (late April)
Prefer somewhere less crowded and touristy? Head up north to Aomori, where nature and tradition thrive.
Hirosaki Park Cherry Blossom Festival
Source: Hirosaki Park
From late April to early May, Hirosaki Park offers a magnificent cherry blossom scenery. See Hirosaki Castle among the blooming cherry trees and walk along the Sakura Tunnel on the West Moat.
With around 2,600 sakura trees of more than 50 varieties, the park is home to the famous somei yoshino sakura, shidare-zakura (weeping cherry trees) and yae-zakura (double-layer cherry trees). Did you know that the volume of flowers on each cherry tree branch in Hirosaki Park is nearly double of what grows naturally? This is because the Aomori farmers use the same pruning techniques they use on their apple trees on the cherry trees, hence the cherry trees can flower with more buds than others.
The park is lit up at night so visit at night to view the cherry blossoms in another light!
Sakura-flavoured Food Delights
Source: Arigato Japan, Sakuraco, Sakuraco (L-R)
During this hanami season, you will get to savour limited-edition sakura-flavoured foods, both traditional and contemporary. One must-try iconic delicacy is sakura mochi. This wagashi (traditional Japanese confectionery) is made from mochi wrapped in a pickled cherry tree leaf and makes for a tangy, sweet and salty treat. In Tokyo, you will find Kanto’s flat version made with rice flour, while in Osaka and Kyoto, you can find Kansai’s chewier mochi ball made with glutinous rice flour.
Prefer something sweeter, try the sakura manju- a steamed or baked bun in white or pink, filled with sweet bean paste, adorned with sakura petals or leaves.
Bag home some sakura senbei- cherry blossom petals baked/grilled with rice cracker batter. This snack is often enjoyed with green tea or sake.
Source: Kit Kat Instagram
Kit-Kat fans should definitely check out the various renditions of sakura-themed Kit Kat, such as the Sakura Mochi Kit Kat and Sakura Sake Kit Kat which combines the subtle flavour of cherry blossom and the crisp flavour of sake. Read our review of 18 exclusive flavours of Kit Kat here.
Did you know that there are several varieties of cherry blossoms in Japan? Read our ultimate guide here.
Enjoy reading our articles? Check out others below!
