Japan Cherry Blossom Viewing Guide 2024
Spring season in Japan attracts visitors from all over the world to witness beautiful blooming cherry blossoms in dreamy shades of pink and white. Read on to find out the blooming dates as well as some of the best spots for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) this sakura season!
Japan’s 2024 Cherry Blossom Forecast
According the official forecast released by the Japan Meteorological Corporation on 10 January 2024, cherry blossom season in Japan is expected to peak from late March to early April, particularly in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Sakura in Tokyo area is expected to reach its peak on 30 March 2024. Use the above dates as a guide in planning in 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've compiled a list of gorgeous 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!
Tokyo (late March to early April)
Ueno Park Cherry Blossom Festival
Source: MATCHA
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: Live Japan
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 2024 cherry blossom season. If you are visiting between 25 March to 24 April, the park is open all day. Do check Shinjuku Gyoen official website for 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.
Osaka (late March to early April)
Kema Sakuranomiya Park
Source: ZEKKEI Japan
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: Japan City Tour
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.
Kyoto (late March to early April)
Philosopher’s Path
Source: Live Japan
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: Kyoto City Official Travel 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.
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.
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.
Walk along the The park is also lit up at night, visit at night and admire 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.
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