This blog post will discuss when, and in particular where to see cherry blossoms in Japan.
When is the best time to see cherry blossom in Japan?
This is the sixty four million dollar question. As we discussed in our last blog, it is generally from late March to April depending on locations in Japan. However, timing is slightly different from year to year due to climate and weather. It is hard to predict far in advance, and the best way to see the blooms is to spread your chances and include many cherry blossom spots in the hope that you will see different stages of cherry blossoms and hit the peak at some time during your stay.
So, we still recommend you travel from late March to April if you are travelling in Honshu, the main island of Japan (or into May if you are travelling to Hokkaido. See below), but include a few different microclimate spots such as lower and higher altitudes, coastal towns and in the mountains to maximize your viewing.
Our top 3 picks for the best place to see cherry blossom in Japan
I travel all over Japan every year, and my favourite places to see the delicate pink flowers tend to be in the countryside rather than cities. Cherry blossoms at iconic sights in Tokyo and Kyoto are beautiful, but I recommend you consider including some of the less-known viewing spots in rural Japan in your trip. In the countryside, less crowds means you can leisurely enjoy strolling, or perhaps have a picnic under the trees. You can also immerse yourself in the regional cultures and traditions more easily.
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Hokuriku (the Sea of Japan side of Honshu)
The Hokuriku region includes Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa and Fukui prefectures. Apart from Ishikawa prefecture, the other areas are much less known by international tourists, yet, they are very accessible (connected by shinkansen). Hokuriku region is rich in culture such as regional food and crafts, naturally spectacular, and most importantly has many gorgeous cherry blossom viewing spots including castle grounds, Japanese gardens and along river banks. This year in 2024, I was very lucky to see possibly the best cherry blossom displays I have ever seen, it was on our Cherry Blossom Tour of Sea of Japan Coast with our guests.
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Kyushu
Kyushu is the southernmost island among the four main islands of Japan. It is known for its temperate climate and laidback lifestyle. Kyushu has a great combination of features of Japan that travellers to the country look for. Vibrant city and nightlife of Fukuoka, best known pottery towns and rural landscapes in Saga, samurai history and mighty Mt Aso in Kumamoto to name a few. Kyushu is slightly warmer than Honshu, and you can catch cherry blossoms early in the season. We run the Food and Cherry Blossom Tour of Kyushu Japan focusing on Japanese food cultures and production as well as cherry blossoms.
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Tohoku (Northern Honshu)
We have run the Cherry Blossom Tour of Northern Japan for many years and this has been very popular with our guests. Some cherry blossom sites such as Hirosaki Castle and Kakunodate are getting famous, but still not too overly crowded. Travellers can enjoy staying in a small local hotel or ryokan, enjoy authentic rural experiences and the warm hospitality of local people. You can see cherry blossoms in Tohoku much later in the season into late April.
You still have lots of time to plan your trip to Japan for the 2025 cherry blossom season. Book your 2025 Cherry Blossom Tour today.
Written by Yuki Takano
Director of Journey to the East Pty Ltd
Yuki founded Journey to the East, a tour operator specializing in tours to Japan with her husband Col in 2013. Yuki travels to Japan regularly for her research, and creates unique tours for the guests.
