2018 Sakura Cherry Blossom in Japan

The beautiful sakura cherry blossoms are the main attraction for the thousands visiting Japan every spring. Enjoy the time-honored tradition of hanami flower viewing – by bus, boat or foot, you will find all the best sakura experiences on Voyagin.

2018 Sakura Cherry Blossom Forecast in Japan

Plan your trip with the help of this cherry blossom forecast!

  • Sapporo
    4/29
  • Kushiro
    5/14
  • Akita
    4/15
  • Kanazawa
    4/4
  • Kyoto
    3/29
  • Hiroshima
    3/26
  • Fukuoka
    3/22
  • Kagoshima
    3/26
  • Kochi
    3/22
  • Osaka
    3/27
  • Nagoya
    3/25
  • Shizuoka
    3/24
  • Tokyo
    3/22
  • Fukushima
    4/4
  • Aomori
    4/18

Best Sakura Tours in Japan

See More Tokyo Tours

Most Popular Activities in Japan

Travel Essentials in Japan

Popular Spots in Japan

  • Nakatsugawa

    Gifu

    Wander the streets of Magome-juku, historical Edo Period post town on the Nakasendo route, visit the old-fashioned wooden houses and theater, then enjoy cherry blossoms on a cycle ride through the unspoiled nature of Kashimo, Nakatsugawa.

    Explore Nakasendo
    Nakatsugawa

  • Mt. Fuji

    Shizuoka

    Over 800,000 shibazakura flowers bloom over this vast field at the foot of Mt. Fuji. The contrast of Mt. Fuji against the vivid colors of the blossoms is a sight not to be missed.

    Fuji Shibazakura Festival
    April 14 – May 27, 2018

    Fuji Shibazakura Tour
    Mt. Fuji

  • Hirosaki Castle

    Aomori

    There are more than 2,600 sakura trees here, of which over 300 are more than a century old. The unique impact of these numerous cherry blossoms draws attention from all over the country. Most spectacular are the sakura tunnel, and the cherry blossom petals turning the water around the castle completely pink.

    Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival
    April 21 – May 6, 2018

    Hirosaki Castle Sakura Festival
    Hirosaki Catsle

  • Himeji Castle

    Hyogo

    Adorned with over 1,000 sakura trees, among them somei yoshino, shidarezakura, and others. Himeji Castle is designated as one of 'Japan's best 100 sakura spots' because of the elegant combination of Himeji Castle's white walls with the pink and white cherry blossoms.

    Himeji Castle & Sakura Tour
    Himeji Catsle

  • Kawazu

    Shizuoka

    The sakura in Kawazu bloom earlier than the rest of Japan. They are well known for their rich pink color contrasting with the yellow of the rapeseed blossom that grows around the trees. These sakura trees remain in full bloom for a longer time.

    Kawazu Sakura Festival
    Feb 10 – March 10, 2018

    Kawazu Sakura Festival
    Kawazu

  • Mt. Yoshino

    Nara

    The stunning view of over 30,000 cherry blossom trees spreading across the vast natural area of Mt. Yoshino is a sight everyone in Japan wants to experience. At this famous spot you can see thousands upon thousands of sakura trees from a single observation spot.

    30,000 Sakura Viewing Tour
    Nara

About Hanami

About Japan's most popular tradition in spring

In Japan the culture of sakura appreciation – or ‘hanami’ – commonly takes the form of outdoor picnics in parks or along rivers, with friends and family members. This practice is over 1,300 years old and originated from ancient rituals in which farmers predicted if there will be an abundant harvest by gathering around sakura trees and observing the condition of the cherry blossoms. In fact, hanami applies to other flowers as well, but since the cherry blossoms can be seen perfectly from under the tree, the sakura is considered to be the most suitable tree for hanami. In Japan great emphasis is placed on the changing of the seasons, so hanami is a perfect opportunity to enjoy this part of the local culture in the season of cherry blossoms. Don’t miss hanami in Japan!

Types of Sakura

  • Somei Yoshino

    The most widespread sakura tree in Japan, it is pink when it starts blossoming, and later turns to white.

  • Yaezakura

    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.

  • Shidarezakura

    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.

  • Shibazakura

    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.

Sakura Sweets

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!

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