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Cherry trees along the moat of Hirosaki Park, with Mt. Iwaki

Seasons

Cherry blossoms

Cherry blossoms open from south to north. Tokyo and Kyoto usually peak from late March to early April; Tohoku and Hokkaido from late April to early May.

Travel tips

  • Peak bloom can shift by a week or two from year to year. Check the bloom forecasts before you go.
  • Stations and paths are packed on peak-bloom weekends. Weekday mornings are easier.

10 places to go

Tap a pin to jump to that place's description.

Hokkaido

  1. 1

    Goryokaku-Koen-Mae

    Station

    Goryokaku in Hakodate, where cherries bloom along a star-shaped moat. Usually late April to early May.

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Tohoku

  1. 2

    Kakunodate

    Station

    Weeping cherries line the samurai-house street. Usually mid- to late April.

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  2. 3

    Hirosaki

    Station

    Hirosaki Park around Hirosaki Castle, by bus or about 30 minutes' walk from the station. Usually late April to early May.

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Kanto

  1. 4

    Ueno Park & Ueno Zoo

    Attraction

    Ueno Park's avenue of cherry trees, busy with picnickers. Usually late March to early April.

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  2. 5

    Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

    Attraction

    A spacious garden with many varieties, so the season lasts longer. Alcohol is not allowed.

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  3. 6

    Kudanshita

    Station

    Chidorigafuchi, where branches hang over the palace moat. About 5 minutes' walk from Kudanshita. Usually late March to early April.

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  4. 7

    Naka-meguro

    Station

    Cherry trees along the Meguro River, steps from Naka-meguro Station. Usually late March to early April.

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Kansai

  1. 8

    Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

    Attraction

    The Philosopher's Path runs south from Ginkakuji along a canal. Usually late March to early April.

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  2. 9

    Gion / Yasaka Shrine

    Attraction

    Maruyama Park, behind Yasaka Shrine, is known for its great weeping cherry.

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  3. 10

    Himeji Castle

    Attraction

    The white castle keep framed by blossoms. Usually late March to early April.

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From people who went

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Event dates, operating days, reservation rules and opening hours can change. Please check the official information before you go.

Photo and data credits

Cherry trees along the moat of Hirosaki Park, with Mt. Iwaki mko294 (CC BY 4.0) / Cherry trees in full bloom and lanterns in Ueno Park Syced (CC0) / The vermilion west gate of Yasaka Shrine facing Shijo Street DXR (CC BY-SA 4.0) / The white keep of Himeji Castle Reggaeman (Public domain). Cropped and resized.