From the beautiful sakura trees to hanami picnics and petal-covered shrines,
there's nothing quite like cherry blossom season in Japan!
Plan your trip with this handy cherry blossom forecast
* Dates listed are estimated opening times. The best viewing time is generally 5–7 days after the blossoms open.
Enjoy hanami minus the hassle with these special tour activities
Don't miss out on these popular experiences while you're in Japan!
Have a smooth time exploring Japan with these smart travel options
The most widespread sakura tree in Japan, it is pink when it starts blossoming, and later turns to white.
These blossoms have multiple layers, and grow large and fluffy, which makes this particular tree truly gorgeous. It blooms about 1-2 weeks after the somei yoshino.
This is a weeping cherry tree with drooping branches. It resembles a gigantic pink willow at its peak, and is a well-loved favorite of many. Shidarezakura is the designated flower of Kyoto prefecture.
The real name of this flower is moss phlox but it is also known as garden sakura in April-May, when its beautiful pink color covers the outdoor fields. Blooming later than cherry trees, shibazakura is perfect for hanami late in the season.
During the cherry blossom season you can try limited-edition and seasonal sakura sweets. Not only does nature turn pink, but many shops are also decorated in sakura themes. You can try sakura-mochi and other sakura-flavoured Japanese sweets. Be sure to taste them during your spring trip to Japan!