Sakura Season: When and Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan

Few things say “Japan” like the pink puffballs of springtime sakura. For a few fleeting weeks each year, the country transforms into a real-life painting—equal parts magic, pollen, and photo ops.

When Is Sakura Season?

The cherry blossom season usually starts in late March in the south and sweeps its way north through April. Think of it as nature’s slow-motion catwalk, with petals strutting from Kyushu to Hokkaido over several weeks.

Tokyo and Kyoto: Prime bloom is typically late March to early April.

Hokkaido: The show starts late—usually late April to early May. Fashionably late, as always.

Top Spots to See the Blossoms

• Ueno Park (Tokyo): Over 1,000 cherry trees and enough people to form a small country.
• Philosopher’s Path (Kyoto): Gentle strolls along a canal lined with sakura. Peaceful, poetic, occasionally packed.
• Hirosaki Castle (Aomori): A northern gem, often blooming after the rest of Japan has moved on to allergy meds.
• Mount Yoshino (Nara): 30,000+ trees. Yes, thirty thousand. No, that’s not a typo.

What to Expect (Besides Beauty Overload)

Hanami—cherry blossom viewing parties—are the highlight. Locals bring food, drinks, and tarps, setting up under the trees like picnic pros. Yes, there will be sake. Yes, it’s encouraged.

Photos, everywhere: Prepare for tripod traffic jams and selfie-stick swordplay. Try not to photobomb too many engagement shoots.

What to Pack

• A light jacket – spring weather is charmingly unpredictable.
• Camera or a phone with serious zoom game.
• Snacks – or grab a sakura-themed bento from any convenience store. Yes, even the food goes pink.

Final Thoughts

Cherry blossom season is short, stunning, and absolutely worth planning your trip around. Just don’t blink—those petals don’t hang around for long. It’s Japan at its most photogenic, poetic, and people-filled best.

And remember: if you miss peak bloom, there’s always next year. Or a photo filter.