Japan Cherry Blossom Viewing Guide For First-Time Visitors

Cherry blossom season in Japan is nothing short of magical. Known locally as sakura, cherry blossoms hold a great sense of symbolism in Japanese culture. The arrival of the blossoms heralds warmer, longer days and a renewed sense of hope.

Head to one of Japan's cherry blossom destinations between March and May, and chances are you'll see crowds of people with drinks and snacks in hand, lazing under the sun amid trees heavy with pink petals. This is known as hanami, and it is a universal celebration of the blossom.

Springtime Japan is the fairytale image of what spring should be — a signifier of fresh beginnings, warmer days, and a time to stop and appreciate the fleeting beauty of nature. It embodies the country's culture of mono-no-aware (appreciating impermanence).

If you've never experienced cherry blossom culture in Japan, you're in for a treat! To get you sakura-ready, we've put together a guide outlining all you need to know about the season:

For many Japanese people, the arrival of sakura marks new beginnings. March and April are also the start of the new work and school year, enhancing the season's atmosphere of fresh hope and novel experiences. It's a time when the air is thick with a sense of optimism and anticipation (and pollen, too).

One of the key features of cherry blossom season is hanami parties. If you break down the term hanami (花見), it translates literally to "flower" (花 hana) and "viewing" (見 mi). But hanami is more than just admiring flowers; it's a celebration of nature, new beginnings, friendship, and frivolity.  

The origins of modern-day hanami parties can be traced back to the Nara period (710–794), but at that time, it was plum blossoms that ruled the scene. Texts from this era reported local aristocrats and courtiers reading Chinese poems celebrating the plum blossoms.

By the Heian period (794–1185), the term hanami had become synonymous with cherry blossom viewing, but it was a pastime enjoyed primarily by aristocrats. By the Kamakura and Muromachi periods (1185–1573), it had permeated the samurai class.

It took another half century until the culture of hanami parties spread beyond the aristocracy. During the Edo period (1603–1867), Japan's commoners started having banquets under the trees, and that led roughly to the hanami we have today.

The best time to see cherry blossoms often depends on where you're planning to go. Japan's landmass is narrow and long, meaning the seasons between the north and south of the country can differ quite significantly. It's not unusual to experience warm sunny days on the southern islands of Okinawa, while at the same time, the mountains of Hokkaido are dusted with snow.

This diversity in climate makes it hard to pinpoint an actual date that's best for catching the blossoms. But if you so desire, you can track and chase them down across the country. As a general rule, late March to early April is the best time to see the blossoms, as it's when the sakura in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are in bloom.

The southern part of Japan is warmer, meaning that the blossoms down there bloom earlier. For 2023, prefectures like Wakayama, Kochi, and Fukuoka are expected to see the flowers bloom from the third week of March. This year, Tokyo cherries are also expected to bloom around then.

In Kyoto and Osaka, the peak cherry blossom season will be between the last few days of March and the first week of April. If you want to catch late blossoms, then head to Sapporo in Hokkaido, where the trees won't start flowering until the first few days of May — a whole month after the rest of the country!

Each year, the Japan Meteorological Agency releases its official cherry blossom forecast. Here is the prediction for 2023:

Key cities:

●    Tokyo — flowering on March 22, in full bloom on March 30
●    Kyoto — flowering on March 27, in full bloom on April 5
●    Osaka — flowering on March 28, in full bloom on April 5

Early blossoms:

●    Nagoya — flowering on March 22, in full bloom on March 30
●    Kochi — flowering on March 22, in full bloom on March 30
●    Fukuoka — flowering on March 23, in full bloom on April 1
●    Hiroshima — flowering on March 26, in full bloom on April 4
●    Wakayama — flowering on March 27, in full bloom on April 4
●    Kagoshima — flowering on March 27, in full bloom on April 7
●    Kanazawa — flowering on April 4, in full bloom on April 10
●    Sendai — flowering on April 8, in full bloom on April 13
●    Nagano — flowering on April 9, in full bloom on April 15
●    Aomori — flowering on April 22, in full bloom on April 26
●    Sapporo — flowering on May 2, in full bloom on May 5

Just before the cherries, two other types of flowers come into bloom, sometimes tricking the unknowing viewer. These are plum and peach blossoms. Both come in various shades of pink and white and are easy to confuse with the famous sakura, but there are a few things to look out for.

Plum tree leaves are a dark, purplish red, and their shape is flat and open, while cherry tree leaves are green and look like they've been folded down the middle.

Another giveaway is the petals; if you pay attention to the shape, color, and number of petals, you'll get a good indication of which flower you're looking at. The petals of peach blossoms are shaped like teardrops. Plum blossoms are even and round, while cherry blossoms have a cleft at their tip.

Color-wise, it is harder to tell the difference, but there are some things you can look out for. Peach blossoms are only ever pink, while plum blossoms get so dark, they look almost purple. A little deceiving, but worth noting — cherry and plum blossoms can come in shades of white, too.

Finally, if you want to be a blossom expert, here's one last tip: look at how the flower attaches to the tree. Plum blossoms are easy to differentiate as they have no stem; they sprout straight from the tree. Peach blossoms, however, have short stems from which two flowers sprout, and cherry blossoms have long stems that connect the flower to the branch.

There are around 200 different types of cherry blossoms in Japan, so to list them here would be nearly impossible. There are, however, a few main variations you'll find quite regularly.  

One of the key varieties is the Somei-yoshino, the most common type. It's known for its delicate, single-petaled pink blooms. There's also the Yama-zakura, known for its deep pink color and slightly larger petals. And one of the most picturesque is the Shidare-zakura (or "weeping cherry"), known for its drooping branches and large, double-petaled pink blooms. A more unique variation worth looking for is the Fugenzo, a white flowering cherry tree that blooms a little later than most other varieties.

Tokyo

The Meguro River is an incredibly popular cherry blossom spot in Tokyo. This river runs through the heart of the stylish neighborhood of Nakameguro and is flanked by over 800 cherry trees that create a tunnel of soft, bubblegum-pink blossoms when in full bloom. With food stalls and drink stands lining the river, this pocket of the city gets rather busy, so try and get there outside peak hours (evenings and weekends) to secure a good view.

Ueno Park is a great place to go if you're looking to stretch out, set up a picnic tarp, and enjoy the cherry blossoms at a more leisurely pace. The park has over 1,000 cherry trees, and during cherry blossom season, it's home to plenty of hanami-themed attractions, including food stalls and drink stands selling local and/or seasonal snacks. Get a unique perspective on the cherry blossoms by visiting the park's Shinobazu Pond, where you can rent a boat and cruise underneath the trees in style. Ueno Park is also home to several museums and temples, making it a great place to combine hanami with other activities.

Kyoto

Two of the most Kyoto-esque destinations for cherry blossoms are Arashiyama and The Philosopher's Walk. Famous for its bamboo forest, Arashiyama is also home to around 1,500 cherry trees. Its fame as a cherry blossom destination dates back to the 13th century when Emperor Go-Saga transplanted a few hundred trees from Mount Yoshino for his newly built imperial villa.

The Philosopher's Walk in Kyoto is a two-kilometer-long stone path that cuts through the northern park of Kyoto. With a stream on one side and picturesque Kyoto-style architecture on the other, it's arguably one of the most beautiful cherry blossom walks in Japan.

Osaka

Kema Sakuranomiya Park is a top choice for cherry blossom viewing in Osaka. The park runs along the Ogawa River and lines the banks with a dense cluster of cherry trees. The park has over 4,000 cherry trees, and at about four kilometers long, there's plenty of space for laying out a picnic spread.

If you're looking for a great walking route, head to the nearby Sakuranomiya Station and walk towards Osaka Castle; it's a 30- to 45-minute stroll and an excellent way to take in the sights. If you do take the strolling option, be sure to put aside enough time to explore Osaka Castle Park. The castle is home to around 4,000 cherry trees that look spectacular reflecting off the castle moat.

Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture is a stunning historic city. It’s home to some incredible sites, including Kenrokuen Garden, which many believe to be one of Japan's most beautiful traditional gardens. If you're around in April, be sure to visit the park, which is particularly spectacular during cherry blossom season when the artful outdoor design is awash in shades of pink.

Up north in Aomori Prefecture is Hirosaki Castle, one of the most locally adored places to see cherry blossoms in Japan. Scattered around the grounds are close to 2,600 cherry trees that bloom from late April to early May. Photographers flock to this site to snap the perfect picture of Hirosaki Castle framed by the blossoms.

In Nara Prefecture, you'll find Yoshino, a small town with a big cherry blossom reputation. The town is home to over 30,000 cherry trees that bloom from late April to early May. Yoshino is home to Mount Yoshino, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous spots to view the cherry blossoms. The mountain is home to four main areas — each with its own unique variety of sakura trees — that come together to create a stunning gradient of pink and white. Other famous spots to view cherry blossoms in Yoshino include Kinpusen-ji Temple, home to one of Japan's largest cherry trees, and Yoshimizu-jinja Shrine.

If you get invited to a hanami party in Japan, take the opportunity to go! Or if you don't, then throw one for yourself. There are a few things you should be sure to bring to the party if you want to do it right.

For those who want to take the traditional approach, it’s custom to bring a bento (boxed lunch) and some drinks (usually beers or canned highballs), as well as light snacks and maybe some games to get the party going.

However, a last-minute hangout under the cherry blossoms can be as much fun as the classic approach. Be sure to grab a blanket or tarp, not only to sit on but also to claim your space. You can pick up tarps readily from Daiso or other “dollar” (100 JPY) stores, while everything else you need for a fun party can easily be sourced from your local convenience store.

Japan is a foodie’s paradise, so of course, the country offers plenty of cherry blossom-themed snacks to celebrate the season.

On the traditional side, there's sakura mochi, a Japanese sweet made from mochi (sticky rice) wrapped in a cherry blossom leaf. The rice is colored cherry blossom pink, and the astringent flavor of the leaf pairs well with the naturally sweet mochi.

This treat goes best with sakura tea. This tea is made by steeping cherry blossom petals in hot water. It's simple but elegant; the tea has a delicate floral aroma and a subtly sweet taste.

On the more contemporary side of things, many of Japan's candy and snack manufacturers also bring out limited edition sakura-themed treats to go wild over. Starbucks in Japan regularly releases a range of sakura-themed drinks, while Asahi Beer decorates its cans in very photogenic cherry blossom designs. On the candy and souvenir front, some classic staples include cherry blossom Kit-Kats, Pocky, and ice cream, so you can take a little piece of the Japanese sakura season home with you!