Sakura Festivals 2026: Dates, Highlights and Travel Tips

Every spring, Japan transforms into a sea of soft pink as cherry blossoms bloom across the country. Sakura festivals (桜祭り, sakura matsuri) celebrate this fleeting season with food stalls, lantern-lit evenings, traditional performances, and communal hanami (flower viewing).

If you’re planning a spring trip, this guide to Japan’s top sakura festivals in 2026 covers expected dates, festival highlights, and practical travel tips to help you plan around peak bloom.

Note: Sakura festival dates are typically adjusted each year based on bloom forecasts. The dates below reflect historical patterns and early predictions—always check local updates closer to spring 2026.

(1) Ueno Sakura Matsuri (Tokyo)
(2) Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival (Tokyo)
(3) Maruyama Park Sakura Festival (Kyoto)
(4) Philosopher’s Path Hanami (Kyoto)
(5) Osaka Mint Bureau Cherry Blossom Viewing (Sakura-no-Torinuke)
(6) Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival (Aomori)
(7) Sapporo Cherry Blossom Festival (Hokkaido)

(1) Ueno Sakura Matsuri (Tokyo)

Source: Canva

Ueno Sakura Matsuri is known for its lively and celebratory atmosphere, making it one of Tokyo’s most energetic cherry blossom events. During the festival period, more than a thousand cherry trees bloom across Ueno Park, forming long pink canopies that attract both locals and international visitors. As evening approaches, traditional lanterns illuminate the park’s main walkways, creating a classic yozakura setting that feels festive and social. Food stalls throughout the park serve seasonal snacks and popular street foods, encouraging visitors to picnic beneath the blossoms and stay well into the night.

Best dates to visit: Late March to early April, with peak bloom typically occurring between the last week of March and the first few days of April.
Tip: Visit early in the morning on weekdays for a calmer experience, or come after sunset if you want to enjoy lantern-lit night viewing at its most atmospheric.

(2) Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival (Tokyo)

Source: Canva

The Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival offers a more refined and romantic way to experience sakura season in Tokyo. Rows of cherry trees line both sides of the river, their branches arching over the water to create soft reflections when the blossoms are in full bloom. In the evening, pink lanterns light up the riverside, transforming the area into a glowing promenade that is especially popular for evening walks. Seasonal food stalls and nearby cafés contribute sakura-themed drinks and desserts, blending hanami with Tokyo’s modern urban lifestyle..

Best dates to visit: Late March to early April, usually aligning closely with Tokyo’s peak bloom period.
Tip: Arrive in the mid-afternoon to enjoy the scenery before night crowds gather, and stay until dusk for the best lighting and photographs.

(3) Maruyama Park Sakura Festival (Kyoto)

Source: Japan Guide

Maruyama Park’s sakura festival centres around its famous weeping cherry tree, which becomes one of Kyoto’s most photographed spring sights. During the day, visitors gather on picnic mats beneath blooming trees, creating a lively yet traditional hanami atmosphere. At night, soft illuminations highlight the cascading branches of the weeping cherry tree, giving the park a dramatic and elegant glow. Nearby food stalls and long-established tea houses add to the experience, allowing visitors to enjoy seasonal flavours in a setting that reflects Kyoto’s cultural heritage.

Best dates to visit: Late March to early April, with the weeping cherry tree often peaking slightly earlier than surrounding trees.
Tip: Evenings are especially beautiful but crowded; visit in the late afternoon to enjoy both daylight and early illuminations without the peak rush.

(4) Philosopher’s Path Hanami (Kyoto)

Source: Japan Food Guide

Hanami along the Philosopher’s Path offers a peaceful and reflective cherry blossom experience that contrasts with Kyoto’s busier festival sites. Hundreds of cherry trees line the narrow canal, their branches forming a soft corridor of blossoms that gently frames the walking path. Instead of food stalls or performances, the highlight here is the slow pace and quiet beauty of the surroundings. Temples, residential streets, and small cafés along the route add depth and intimacy, making the experience feel personal and unhurried.

Best dates to visit: Late March to early April, with blossoms usually reaching full bloom slightly after central Kyoto parks.
Tip: Visit early in the morning for the quietest experience and the softest natural light, ideal for photography.

(5) Osaka Mint Bureau Cherry Blossom Viewing (Sakura-no-Torinuke)

Source: Canva

The Osaka Mint Bureau’s cherry blossom viewing event is distinguished by its focus on rare and late-blooming sakura varieties. The grounds feature hundreds of cherry trees, many with layered petals and deeper shades of pink than the more common Somei Yoshino. The event is open to the public for a limited time each year, creating a sense of anticipation and exclusivity. Visitors follow a designated walking route through the grounds, allowing for an organised and educational appreciation of Japan’s diverse cherry blossom cultivars.

Best dates to visit Early to mid-April, typically lasting for about one week.
Tip: Check official announcements in advance, as entry may require prior registration and the event period is strictly limited.

(6) Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival (Aomori)

Source: Canva

The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival is widely regarded as one of Japan’s most spectacular sakura events. Set against the backdrop of Hirosaki Castle, the cherry trees bloom in dense layers that create a striking contrast with the historic architecture. One of the festival’s most iconic sights is the castle moat covered with fallen petals, forming a vivid “cherry blossom carpet.” Night illuminations further enhance the scenery, while local food stalls showcase regional specialities that give the festival a distinct northern character.

Best dates to visit: Late April to early May, depending on weather conditions.
Tip: Plan at least one evening visit to experience the illuminated castle and blossoms, which offer a completely different mood from daytime viewing.

(7) Sapporo Cherry Blossom Festival (Hokkaido)

Maruyama Park, Sapporo
Source: Canva

Sapporo’s cherry blossom festivals provide a relaxed and spacious alternative to the crowded parks of Honshu. The cooler climate delays the bloom, extending sakura season into early May. Large parks such as Maruyama Park and Moerenuma Park offer wide open spaces where visitors can enjoy hanami without feeling rushed or overcrowded. The overall atmosphere is calm and family-friendly, allowing for leisurely picnics and unhurried walks beneath the blossoms.

Best dates to visit: Late April to early May, making it one of the last places in Japan to enjoy cherry blossoms.
Tip: Pack light layers, as spring temperatures in Hokkaido can still be cool, especially in the evenings.

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