Cherry Blossom Viewing in Japan 2026: Forecast Dates & Best Places to See Sakura

Cherry blossom season, one of the most anticipated times of the year, is finally approaching. As spring arrives, Japan transforms into a breathtaking landscape of soft pink and white blooms, sweeping across the country from south to north.

Whether you are planning a family holiday, a spring getaway with your partner, or simply want to experience Japan at its most scenic, cherry blossom season between March and April offers a unique opportunity to see the country at its most beautiful.

Based on the latest 2026 cherry blossom forecast released by the Japan Meteorological Corporation, updated on 22 January 2026, this guide highlights when and where to catch the best sakura views, along with recommended cherry blossom viewing spots across seven prefecture prefectures.

Tokyo

Estimated flowering: 22 March | Estimated full bloom: 29 March

Tokyo is often a first stop for many tourists to Japan, and it is also one of the easiest cities to enjoy cherry blossoms without leaving the city.

Source: Google Review, Jared Lee

1. Ueno Park

Ueno Park is one of Tokyo’s most well-known hanami locations, with over 1,000 cherry trees spread across the park. During the day, it is a favourite spot for picnics beneath the blossoms, while seasonal street food stalls add to the festive atmosphere. In the evenings, lantern illuminations cast a soft glow over the cherry trees, offering a different and equally charming viewing experience after sunset.

Source: Japan Travel

2. Meguro River

Meguro River is a romantic stretch of cherry trees arching over the river. In the evenings, lanterns light up the blossoms along the riverbanks. During peak season, a walk along the river is accompanied by street food vendors offering classic festival treats, making it a popular spot for an evening stroll.

Kyoto

Estimated flowering: 25 March | Estimated full bloom: 2 April

Kyoto is home to several well-known cherry blossom viewing spots, from canal-side walkways to open parks, making it a memorable destination for cherry blossom viewing.

Source: Japan Guide

1. Philosopher’s Path

Philosopher’s Path, known in Japanese as Tetsugaku no Michi, is a canal-side walkway approximately 2 kilometres long. Lined with cherry trees, the path takes about 30 minutes to complete at a leisurely pace. The route runs from the area near Ginkakuji, also known as the Silver Pavilion, to the Nanzenji neighbourhood, and is conveniently located near several temples and shrines, making it easy to combine with other sightseeing stops in Kyoto.

Source: Japan Guide

2. Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park is best known for its large weeping cherry tree, which stands at the heart of the park and is illuminated in the evenings during cherry blossom season. It is a popular hanami spot, with food stalls set up during peak bloom periods. The surrounding area is also home to several Japanese dining establishments, including a well-known restaurant awarded three Michelin stars. During seasonal events such as the Higashiyama Hanatoro Festival, Maruyama Park and its neighbouring streets are decorated with lanterns and light installations, making it an ideal setting for a romantic evening walk as well as exploring the area.

Osaka

Estimated flowering: 25 March | Estimated full bloom: 1 April

Cherry blossom viewing in Osaka is centred around its parks and riversides, offering easy access to spring scenery without travelling far.

1. Osaka Castle Park

Osaka Castle Park is one of the city’s most popular cherry blossom viewing spots, where rows of cherry trees bloom against the backdrop of Osaka Castle. Within the park, Nishinomaru Garden is especially well known, featuring around 600 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino and weeping varieties. During peak bloom, the garden offers extended opening hours and evening light-ups, allowing visitors to enjoy cherry blossoms with the illuminated castle in view.

Source: Japan National Tourism Organization

2. Kema Sakuranomiya Park

Kema Sakuranomiya Park extends for about four kilometres along the Ogawa River and is lined with cherry trees throughout the stretch. The park is perfect for picnics during cherry blossom season, with open spaces along the riverbanks that also make it a good spot for strolling or cycling while enjoying the scenery.

3. Expo ’70 Commemorative Park

Expo ’70 Commemorative Park was developed for the 1970 World Expo and is now a large public space known for seasonal flower displays and open garden lawns. The park has several hundred cherry trees planted across different areas, allowing visitors to enjoy cherry blossoms while walking through the space. One of the park’s highlights is the Tower of the Sun, a symbolic structure from the original expo that remains a key feature of the site.

Fukuoka

Estimated flowering: 22 March | Estimated full bloom: 30 March

Located in southern Japan, Fukuoka is among the earliest places to welcome the cherry blossom season.

1. Maizuru Park

Located around the ruins of Fukuoka Castle, Maizuru Park offers wide open spaces for cherry blossom viewing within the city. Several walking paths are lined with cherry trees, allowing visitors to walk beneath arching blossoms during the season. The park also has lawn areas suitable for picnics. About a 15-minute walk from central Fukuoka, the park is close to attractions such as the Fukuoka Castle Museum and the Korokan Ruins Exhibition Hall, where visitors can learn more about the area’s history.

Source: Japan National Tourism Organization

2. Nishi Park

Nishi Park is a hilltop park that is popular with locals and offers wide views across the city and the sea, making it a scenic spot during cherry blossom season. The park is also home to Terumo Shrine, which sits within the grounds. From various points within the park, visitors can see landmarks such as Fukuoka Tower as well as northern areas of Fukuoka City, including Shikanoshima and Nokonoshima.

3. Goryokaku Park

Goryokaku Park is a designated national historic site in Hakodate and is recognised as one of the region’s notable cherry blossom viewing spots. The park features nearly 1,500 cherry trees, most of which are Somei Yoshino, planted across the grounds surrounding the star-shaped fortress and moat. Head to the observation deck of Goryokaku Tower for a different view of the cherry blossoms, where visitors can overlook the star-shaped fortress and cherry trees surrounding the moat during peak bloom.

Hokkaido

Estimated flowering: 26 April | Estimated full bloom: 30 April

If you miss cherry blossom season in Honshu, Sapporo provides another opportunity to enjoy the blooms in cooler weather.

Source: Maruyama Park

1. Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park is a well-known local hanami spot near Hokkaido Shrine. The park includes facilities such as Maruyama Zoo, Maruyama Baseball Stadium, and Maruyama Field, and becomes especially lively during cherry blossom season.

2. Moerenuma Park

Moerenuma Park is a large, modern park designed with a focus on art, landscape, and open space, offering a quieter setting for cherry blossom viewing. The park features several man-made structures that visitors can explore, including the Glass Pyramid as a central landmark, Mount Moere, an artificial hill with panoramic views, and wide geometric lawns and pathways that define the park’s layout. During cherry blossom season, the park’s spacious layout allows visitors to enjoy the scenery without heavy crowds, making it well suited for those who prefer a quieter cherry blossom viewing experience.

Aomori

Estimated flowering: April 22 | Estimated full bloom: April 26

Aomori is one of the later regions in Japan to experience cherry blossom season, making it a good destination if you are planning to visit Japan towards the end of April.

1. Hirosaki Park

Hirosaki Park is one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Sites and surrounds the historic Hirosaki Castle. The park is home to approximately 2,600 cherry trees across more than 50 varieties, with blossoms lining walking paths, castle moats, and open park spaces. A highlight is the cherry blossom tunnel along the western moat, where rows of trees form a canopy during peak bloom. The park also hosts the annual Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, during which visitors can rent small boats to view blossoms along the moat or visit in the evening to see illuminated trees, offering a unique cherry blossom viewing experience.

Source: Japan National Tourism Organization

2. Ashino Park

Ashino Park is part of the larger Ashino Chishogun Prefectural Natural Park and includes Lake Ashinoko. The park is home to around 1,500 cherry trees and approximately 1,800 pine trees, creating a scenic landscape during spring. Cherry blossoms here typically reach peak bloom in late April, with viewing opportunities often extending into Japan’s Golden Week holiday period in early May, making it a suitable destination for travellers who miss earlier bloom periods. The park also features the Dazai Osamu Literary Monument and a statue dedicated to the celebrated 20th-century Japanese author. Visitors can enjoy activities such as rowing on the lake or walking across the suspension bridge while viewing the seasonal scenery.

Ishikawa

Estimated flowering: 2 April | Estimated full bloom: 8 April

Ishikawa Prefecture offers a mix of historic districts and traditional gardens for cherry blossom viewing during spring.

1. Kenrokuen Garden

Kenrokuen Garden is one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens. During cherry blossom season, visitors can enjoy views of blooming trees alongside traditional garden scenery. The garden is also within walking distance of several cultural attractions, including the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art. Those interested in traditional Japanese arts can also explore nearby cultural sites such as the Kaga Yuzen Kimono Center and the Kanazawa Noh Museum.

2. Kanazawa Castle Park

Kanazawa Castle Park is located beside Kenrokuen Garden and allows visitors to walk around the castle grounds while enjoying cherry blossoms with the historic castle as a backdrop. Kanazawa Castle was originally built in the late 16th century and was later damaged by multiple fires over the centuries before being reconstructed.

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Cherry blossom season is one of the most anticipated times to visit Japan, with each region offering its own unique way to enjoy the blooms.

Planning a trip to Japan for cherry blossom viewing? Let us help. We offer private, customisable tours led by local guides, allowing you to experience the season at your own pace and according to your interests.

Be sure to explore our other travel guides for more inspiration and destinations to include in your trip across Japan.