Cherry Blossom Season Attractions in Japan

The Japanese cherry blossom season is among the most interesting natural phenomena in the world, with millions of tourists visiting it on an annual basis during the spring. Within this period, the pink and white Sakura flowers are blossoming all over the cities, countryside, temples, and riverbanks which turns the landscape into a dreamlike environment. Hanami, whereby individuals sit under cherry trees to have picnics, traditional foods and social celebrations is one of the major attractions. Popular parks, heritage shrines, and walking tracks are transformed into cultural areas full of festivals, music and seasonal decorations. There is also another event, which is yozakura, the cherry trees during the night light, which is a romantic and magical affair. Sweet pastries and beverages with a Sakura theme are also limited-edition, and they complement the experience even more.

Top highlights:

· Ueno Park

· Shinjuku Gyoen

· Philosopher’s Path

· Mount Fuji

· Hanami

Travel tips:

· Book flights, hotels, and trains well in advance as cherry blossom season is peak travel time.

· Check Sakura bloom forecasts regularly

· Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds.

· Follow local Hanami etiquette by cleaning up picnic areas

· Try yozakura (night viewing) for a less crowded experience.

· Enjoy seasonal Sakura-themed food and drinks

Top Attractions for Cherry Blossom Viewing

Ueno Park

Ueno Park is a well-known cherry-picking park in Tokyo, and it houses more than a thousand cherry-trees. In the Sakura season, picnics, food stalls, festivals and evening illuminations are abundant in the park and make it a festival atmosphere in spring.

Activities: Photography, Walk, picnic

Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku Gyoen is a large and well-landscaped park where one can have a serene experience of cherry blossoms. It has over 60 types of Sakura, which means it can offer longer blossom periods and unbelievable effects of the contrast between classic Japanese and urban landscapes.

Activities: Photography, Walk, picnic

Philosopher’s Path

A peaceful stone pathway The Philosopher’s Path is an excellent narrow path through a canal, bordered by hundreds of cherry trees. During spring, the cherry trees start shedding their petals to bring an atmosphere of romance and witness the beauty of Kyoto.

Activities: Photography, Walk, picnic

Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is a witness to one of the most representative cherry blossom sceneries in Japan, where those flowers of pink Sakura build frames around the snow-white peak. Lakes and villages give best photo opportunities as they have the combination of natural beauty and seasonal contrast.

Activities: Photography, Walk, picnic

Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing)

The Hanami tradition in Japan is also among the principal cultural traditions during the Sakura period, as the communities come together to celebrate the start of spring in the cherry trees. Even a very simple word of Hanami, which can be translated as flower viewing.

Activities: Photography, Enjoy, Relax