2019 Sakura Cherry Blossoms in Japan

From the beautiful sakura trees to hanami picnics and petal-covered shrines,
there's nothing quite like cherry blossom season in Japan!

2019 Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast

Plan your trip with this handy cherry blossom forecast

  • Sapporo
    5/4
  • Aomori
    4/24
  • Sendai
    4/9
  • Kanazawa
    4/2
  • Kyoto
    3/29
  • Hiroshima
    3/26
  • Fukuoka
    3/20
  • Kagoshima
    3/28
  • Kochi
    3/18
  • Osaka
    3/27
  • Nagoya
    3/22
  • Tokyo
    3/22

Best Sakura Tours in Japan

Enjoy hanami minus the hassle with these special tour activities

See More Tokyo Tours

Most Popular Activities in Japan

Don't miss out on these popular experiences while you're in Japan!

Getting Around

Have a smooth time exploring Japan with these smart travel options

Recommended Cherry Blossom Spots

Get the most out of sakura season at these amazing hanami spots

  • 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 13 – May 26, 2019

    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 20 – May 6, 2019

    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, 2019

    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

Hanami Tips

  1. Arrive at your location extra early to reserve your spot with a picnic mat
  2. Pack luxuriously prepared food, pick up a bento, or buy snacks from a nearby convenience store
  3. Get in the mood with some cherry blossom-flavored treats – find them in nearby cafes and supermarkets
  4. Don’t be shy – say hi to the friendly locals and join in on the fun!
  5. It can get chilly even in spring, so be sure to bring a blanket or sweater for some extra warmth
  6. Enjoy! While you're having fun, don’t forget to pause, look up, and admire the fleeting beauty of the pink cherry blossoms

Know Your 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.

Don't Miss These Seasonal Sakura Treats!

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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