Japan’s Best and Underrated Spots to Catch the Cherry Blossoms

It’s March - a month which associates the Spring season in Japan! The Sakura (Cherry Blossoms) in Japan is, without a doubt, well-known around the world! Many locals would always gather during this season to watch the flowers bloom. Pre-covid, Japan would also expect a rocket high of tourists during this season. This is how evidently popular Japan’s Sakura is.

The best time to check out the full bloom of the sakura is usually during March and April, but the exact time varies for each city and each year!

In light of the potential good news about Japan’s reopening of borders to tourists, we are bringing you some of the best yet underrated spots to catch some sakura this or next year - skipping the need to squeeze with crowds (somewhat safe from cluster spread)! Read on for more information or simply swipe through for some visual satisfaction!

Kasamai Ohata Road, Mutsu City, Aomori Prefecture

**Hirosaki Park** (Source: Aomori Sightseeing Guide)

Many would have already heard of one of the best cherry blossoms viewing spots in Japan - Hirosaki Park, Aomori prefecture!

But if you are just like me who prefers to skip the typical touristy spots, then Kasamai Ohata Road in Mutsu city is it for you! ‘Kasami’ actually means ‘Welcome’ in Japanese, and this is a popular driving route that runs through a tunnel of cherry blossom trees in full bloom.

Best time to catch them: the Sakura here starts blooming in late April and the best time to catch it when it is in full bloom would be early May!

If I have to name one of the most underrated cities and prefectures in Japan that deserves more shoutout and recognition, then it would be Mutsu City, Aomori Prefecture!

Mutsu City, Aomori Prefecture, is very close to Hokkaido, hence you will expect very cold temperatures during the winter. But precisely because it is surrounded by sea and freshwater, the high-quality seafood in Mutsu city is extremely popular! For instance, the tuna from Oma Town and scallop can be regarded as the best you can find in Japan! Besides the good food, you can also find breathtaking scenic spots such as Hotokegaura, and also natural outdoor onsens such as Yagen Onsen.

Want to get a taste of the local delicacies from Mutsu City? Good news! The first and only online store for Mutsu’s products is now available via Shopee! Check out their page if you would like to try some of the most authentic snacks and food from there!

Mutsu Japan Market

Kakunodate, Akita Prefecture

Did you know? Tohoku region holds the title for probably the best cherry blossom sights in Japan! And because of how popular it already is, many travel agencies or media pages will even launch weekend to 9 days long Tohoku Spring Itinerary! Such itineraries cover the different beautiful spots to catch cherry blossoms in the Tohoku region - from Fukushima to Aomori and Akita prefectures!

Akita prefecture is also located in the Tohoku region. And one of the best places to catch the sakura in Akita prefecture is at Kakunodate!

Kakunodate is a former castle town in Akita prefecture, and though the castle remains are no longer intact, this town is still very popular for its samurai tradition and its abundant number of weeping cherry blossoms trees!

Kakunodate samurai district and the Hinokinai river in this town are the go-to spots for catching the beautiful sakura! You can easily spend a day here by strolling through the samurai district and enjoying a laidback therapeutic picnic along the riverbank!

Best time to catch them: Late April

Kitakami Tenshochi Park, Iwate Prefecture

Source: Tohoku’s official tourism website

Another place you should check out the beautiful sakura in Tohoku Region is Kitakami Tenshochi Park in Iwate Prefecture (hmm sounds like a trip to the Tohoku region during the sakura season is enticing, comment down below if you would like a personalized itinerary around the Tohoku region)!

This place features tranquil and breathtaking sights of cherry blossoms!

They say that the top 3 most famous cherry blossom spots in Tohoku Region are Hirosaki Park in Aomori Prefecture, Kakunodate town in Akita Prefecture, and Kitakami Tenshochi Park in Iwate Prefecture!

This park is also pretty packed during the nighttime because of the beautifully illuminated lines of sakura trees - just picture how stunning it will be?! Not going to lie, but Kitakami Tenshochi Park is on my bucket list of cherry blossom sights! If the opening of Japan’s borders is extended to tourists, I would consider getting my air tickets there before the spring season ends!

Best time to catch them: Mid April to early May

Hanamiyama Park, Fukushima Prefecture

Yes, another famous cherry blossom spot in Tohoku Region - Hanamiyama Park, Fukushima Prefecture!

What makes this park so famous? Aside from its beautiful differently-colored cherry blossoms sight, there are also plentiful trails and paths for visitors to take a relaxing stroll. Additionally, a viewpoint at the top provides a nice panoramic view of the sakura!

Best time to catch them: Mid April

Ueno Park, Tokyo

For those who will only be visiting Tokyo, here is a good spot for you to catch some cherry blossoms in the bustling city! Ueno Park is just a stone’s throw away from Ueno station on the JR Yamanote Line, making it easily accessible! This park also makes it a very good weekend date for the local families and couples, so you would definitely expect some crowds if you visit during the weekend!

Best time to catch them: late March to early April (if you have the time, you can start your cherry blossoms viewing in Tokyo first, and move on to the Tohoku region!)

Here we have 5 beautiful places to catch some sakura if you make it to Japan!

If you enjoyed this, check out more similar reads below!

Cherry Blossoms in Japan - Top 5 Underrated Hanami Sites

Kyushu: Top 3 Viewing Spots During The Cherry Blossom Season