Long-haul
Cherry blossom in Japan: when to go, where to see it and where to stay
Pink petals drift down over the river, and under the trees friends sit on blue tarpaulins with sake and bento boxes. How to plan a trip to see the cherry blossom in Japan.
Pink petals drift down over the river and settle like a blanket on the water. Under the trees, friends and colleagues sit on blue tarpaulins with sake, beer and bento boxes, and nobody is in a hurry. Hanami, flower viewing, is one of Japan’s oldest traditions, and for a few weeks every spring the whole country revolves around sakura.
The bloom is short and hard to time, and hotels fill up months ahead. Here is when to go, where to see the trees at their best and where to stay.
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When does the cherry blossom bloom?
The blossom moves from south to north through spring. The Japanese follow it almost like a weather report, and forecasts are published early in the year.
Okinawa: as early as January and February.
Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka: usually from late March to early April.
Northern Honshu: around mid to late April, for example at Hirosaki Castle.
Hokkaido: from late April to early May.
Each tree blooms for about a week, and full bloom lasts only a few days. If you are flexible, you can follow the front north.
The best hanami spots in Tokyo
In Tokyo the trees bloom along rivers, canals and in the parks. Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen are the classics. Along the Chidorigafuchi moat by the Imperial Palace you can rent a rowing boat under the trees, and along the Meguro River lanterns hang in the branches at night.
Book the experience: See tours and things to do in Tokyo
Marunouchi
Palace Hotel Tokyo sits across the road from the Imperial Palace gardens.
Tokyo: Palace Hotel Tokyo
The hotel sits right by the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace and the moat, within walking distance of Chidorigafuchi. Many rooms look out over the gardens and green spaces around the palace.
Tokyo Station is next door, so it is easy to take the train on to Kyoto when the blossom moves.
Book your stay: See rooms at Palace Hotel Tokyo
Otemachi
Hoshinoya Tokyo is a ryokan in the middle of the financial district.
Tokyo: Hoshinoya Tokyo
Hoshinoya Tokyo is a ryokan in a modern tower in Otemachi. You take off your shoes at the entrance, walk on tatami throughout the building and bathe in a rooftop onsen.
It is an unusual blend of traditional Japanese hospitality and big city, with the Imperial Palace close by.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hoshinoya Tokyo
The best hanami spots in Kyoto
Kyoto may be the most beautiful place to see the cherry blossom. The Philosopher’s Path follows a canal under a long tunnel of trees. In Maruyama Park by Gion a huge weeping cherry is lit up at night, and in Arashiyama the trees bloom against the green hills.
Book the experience: See tours and things to do in Kyoto
Kamo River
The Ritz-Carlton sits on the Kamo River in central Kyoto.
Kyoto: The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
The hotel sits on the Kamo River, where cherry trees line the banks and people sit watching the water in the evening. Nishiki Market and Gion are a short walk away.
The spa has an indoor pool, and after a long day of temples it is a good place to come back to.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
Kyoto: Park Hyatt Kyoto
Park Hyatt sits on the hillside in Higashiyama, by Kodai-ji temple and the steep stone lanes up to Kiyomizu-dera. From the restaurant you look out over the pagoda and the rooftops of the old town.
From here it is a few minutes’ walk to Maruyama Park and its weeping cherry.
Book your stay: See rooms at Park Hyatt Kyoto
Cherry blossom with Mount Fuji behind
Perhaps the most famous sakura photo is the Chureito Pagoda with Mount Fuji and pink trees in front. It is near Fujiyoshida, close to Lake Kawaguchi, and the bloom often comes a little later than in Tokyo. Read more in our guide to Mount Fuji and Hakone.
When should you book?
Flights and hotels: book six to nine months ahead, Kyoto fills up first.
Flexible dates: choose hotels with free cancellation and follow the forecasts from February.
Trains: reserve shinkansen seats early in peak season.
Cherry blossom in Japan FAQ
When is cherry blossom season in Japan?
In Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka the cherry trees usually bloom from late March to early April. Okinawa blooms as early as January, while Hokkaido follows in late April and May.
How long does the cherry blossom last?
Each tree blooms for about a week, and full bloom lasts only a few days. Because the bloom moves north, you can extend the season by travelling on.
Where is the best place to see cherry blossom in Tokyo?
Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, Chidorigafuchi by the Imperial Palace and the Meguro River are among the best known spots.
Where is the best place to see cherry blossom in Kyoto?
The Philosopher’s Path, Maruyama Park, the Kamo River and Arashiyama are the classics. Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for the cherry blossom?
Stay close to the parks and rivers, for example at Palace Hotel Tokyo by the Imperial Palace and The Ritz-Carlton on the Kamo River in Kyoto. Book early, ideally with free cancellation.