There’s nothing quite like sakura season in Japan. Walk through a gorgeous blossom tunnel in Tokyo, enjoy a picnic in the grounds of stunning Himeji Castle or snap superlative sakura-framed photos of majestic Mount Fuji. If you’re dreaming of a hanami holiday, read on for our guide to the best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan during sakura season.
When is the best time to go to Japan to see cherry blossom 2020
Sakura season in Japan moves slowly northwards from Okinawa in the south of Japan to Hokkaido in the chilly north and varies by year according to the weather conditions. Generally speaking, the safest time to plan a visit to see the cherry blossom at its best is mid-March to early April. However, if you can’t make it then, head north or to higher elevations and you should still be in for some spectacular viewing.
Keep an eye on the frequently-updated cherry blossom forecast to keep track of the flowering and bloom dates. Also, note that many locations in Japan are expecting cherry blossoms to arrive earlier this year compared to 2019 due to the projected warm weather this spring.
Lastly, flights to Japan during the sakura cherry blossom 2020 season can be expensive if you purchase your flight tickets late. Check out some of the best sakura flight deals to Japan on Skyscanner and get your tickets soon!
Where are the best places to see cherry blossom Japan 2020 during the sakura season
1. Mount Yoshino, Nara Prefecture
For the true sakura afficianado with a hankering for fresh mountain air, a trip to Mount Yoshino is a worthy pilgrimage. Covered in over 30,000 cherry trees, Mount Yoshino has been Japan’s most popular cherry blossom viewing spot for centuries, so join the crowds and amble around the cherry tree-covered slopes, explore ancient mountain temples or pack a picnic and head to Naka Senbon Park for a hanami under the blossoms. If it’s the views you want, hike for an hour up to Hanayagura View Point and be prepared to be awed. Best of all, because of the elevation, sakura season here often stretches until late April!
When to go: Late March to early April
How to get there: Trains from Osaka Abenobashi Station to Yoshino take 90 minutes (RM37/JPY990). From Yoshino Station, there are regular shuttle buses running to Naka Senbon Park (RM14/JPY360)
2. Himeji Castle, Himeji
Stunning Himeji Castle is surely Japan’s most spectacular castle. Built in the 17th century and carefully restored a few years ago, this castle boasts striking white wooden walls that contrast beautifully with the cherry blossom during sakura season. The castle is surrounded by 1000 cherry trees which burst into life, promising a stunning spot for a hanami picnic or a boat trip around the moat.
When to go: Late March to early April
How to get there: Hop on a train for the 60-minute ride from Osaka to Himeji Station (RM58/JPY1,520) from where it’s a 15-minute walk to the castle.
3. Shinjuku Gyoen, Tokyo
Undoubtedly one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, Shinjuku Gyoen features French, English and Japanese-style gardens and contains more than 1300 cherry trees, making this one of the best places in the capital to view sakura. This is a great spot for people watching and as alcohol is forbidden here, it’s perfect for letting the kids run wild in the open spaces. Many of the trees here are late blossoming varieties, so if you arrive after peak season elsewhere in Japan, this is a good bet for seeing sakura.
When to go: Mid to late March
How to go there: 10-minute walk from Shinjuku Station
4. Mount Fuji, Shizuoka Prefecture
The Fuji Five Lakes region offers spectacular scenery in a number of places, so to get the most out of your Fuji experience, you’ll need to start the day off early and be prepared for a bit of travelling. A good spot for early morning photos of Fuji with sakura in the foreground is at Chureito Pagoda. Another great place for stunning mountain views is the northern shore of Kawaguchiko, with the blossoms and lake making a stunning accompaniment to the majestic backdrop of Fuji.
When to go: Late March to early April
How to get there: Take a bus from Shinjuku Bus Terminal to Kawaguchiko Station (2 hours; RM73/JPY1,950)
5. The Philosopher’s Path, Kyoto
A walk along the Philosopher’s Path, following the cherry tree-lined canal from temple to café to boutique under the shade of the blooming sakura is a real springtime treat. The path gets its name from the philosopher Nishida Kataro, who used to meditate as he walked along this path on his daily commute to Kyoto University. Take a detour off the path and pop into notable attractions including the Nanzenji Temple and the cherry blossom hotspot of the Keage Incline before enjoying the eye-popping anime on display at the Manga Museum.
When to go: Late March
How to get there: Hop on the train from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station (29 mins; RM22/JPY570) and then take bus 5 from Kyoto Station (25 mins; RM8/JPY220)
6. Hirosaki Castle, Hirosaki
Take a trip up to the north of Honshu to see the sakura at Hirosaki Castle, considered one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan. As it’s in the north, the trees blossom late here, so if you’ve missed the peak season, head up here and explore the gorgeous park around the castle with its 2500 cherry trees and numerous blossom tunnels. Be sure to take a soothing boat ride on the blossom covered moat too. After dark, come and check out the illuminations for a magical hanami experience during the sakura festival which will be held on 23 April to 6 May 2020.
When to go: Late April
How to get there: Take the train from Aomori to Hirosaki Station (30 mins; RM26/JPY680) and then hop on the Dotemachi Loop Bus to get to the castle.
7. Ueno Park, Tokyo
For a gorgeous nocturnal hanami experience, head to Ueno Park after dark and see the trees lit up by over 1000 paper lanterns. No matter the time you come, be prepared for crowds and a lively atmosphere as this place attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each sakura season. Enjoy a stroll, browse goodies at the antique market and enjoy the beautiful blossom. Cherry trees at Ueno Park usually blossom a few days earlier than at other spots in Tokyo so if you get into town a bit early, make a beeline here.
When to go: Mid to late March
How to get there: Walk from Ueno Station
8. Takayama City, Takayama
If you are looking to see rural and traditional Japan on your hanami expedition, be sure to make the trip to the old city of Takayama to enjoy the city’s famous Takayama Festival (14 and 15 April 2020) and to explore its beautifully preserved old town, morning markets and traditional villages. Good places to see sakura here include the iconic Nakabashi Bridge and the cherry tree-lined Enakogawa River.
When to go: Mid to late March
How to get there: Take a train from Osaka to Takayama (3.5 hours, RM417/JPY11,010) and then explore on foot.
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