There are images that haunt you. One of them is that of a Japanese park in spring: trees covered with white and pink flowers, petals slowly falling, and people sitting under the branches sharing food and conversation. It's called hanami, and it's one of the most beautiful traditions you can experience while traveling.
If you're thinking of traveling to Japan in spring, this guide tells you everything you need to know: when the cherry blossoms bloom, where to see them, what else to do, and how to organize your trip for it to go well.
When is spring in Japan?
Spring in Japan extends approximately from late March to early June, although the most anticipated season, that of the cherry blossoms, is concentrated between late March and early May depending on the region.
The phenomenon follows a very clear logic: it begins in the south of the country and moves north. Thus, while in Tokyo cherry blossoms bloom in late March, in Hokkaido (northern Japan) they can take until May.
This particularity allows for planning the trip following the blooming season, something many travelers intentionally do.
When do cherry blossoms bloom in Japan?
The cherry blossom bloom, known as sakura, varies each year depending on the previous winter's climate, but there are very reliable indicative dates:
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Tokyo and its surroundings bloom between late March and early April.
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Kyoto and Osaka do so practically on the same dates, peaking between approximately March 28 and April 10.
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Hiroshima and the Chugoku region are usually in bloom during the first week of April.
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Tohoku, in northern Honshu, reaches its peak between mid- and late April.
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Hokkaido, the northernmost island, blooms between late April and early May.
The full blooming period lasts between one and two weeks in each city, so planning well in advance is key.
The best places to see cherry blossoms
Tokyo: Shinjuku Gyoen and Ueno Park
Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo's largest parks and one of the best in the country for hanami. It has over 1,000 cherry trees of different varieties, which extends the blooming season longer than in other places.
Ueno Park, livelier and more popular among locals, is the traditional meeting point for celebrations under the trees.
Kyoto: Philosopher's Path and Maruyama
The Philosopher's Path, a walking trail along a canal lined with cherry trees, is one of the most iconic scenes of Japanese spring.
Maruyama, in the heart of Gion, has the most photographed cherry tree in the city: a century-old tree that is lit up at night during the season.
Hiroshima: Peace Park and Miyajima Island
Hiroshima has a special meaning in spring. Seeing the cherry blossoms bloom in Peace Park, in front of the Genbaku Dome, is an experience that blends beauty and reflection in a way that few cities in the world can offer.
Miyajima Island, a half-hour ferry ride away, is also spectacular with its cherry blossoms and the red torii emerging from the water.
Tohoku: Hirosaki and Kakunodate Castle
Less known to foreign travelers, these northern destinations are among the most impressive in the country. Hirosaki Castle, surrounded by over 2,500 cherry trees, offers a medieval image that seems straight out of another time.
Kakunodate combines samurai architecture with weeping cherry trees in one of the region's most characteristic scenes.
What is hanami and how to experience it
Hanami is the Japanese tradition of sitting under cherry trees to enjoy the blossoms. It's not just contemplation: it's a social celebration. People bring food, drinks, and blankets, and spend hours under the trees with friends, co-workers, or family.
To experience it well, it's best to arrive first thing in the morning to get a spot in the most popular parks, bring some food or buy it from the stalls set up during the season, and stay until sunset to see how the trees are lit by the last light of day.
Many parks organize nighttime illuminations called yozakura which are absolutely magical.
Japan in April: beyond the cherry blossoms
Spring in Japan doesn't end with the cherry blossom bloom. April is also the month when parks and gardens regain their color, temperatures are mild and perfect for walking, and the general atmosphere is calmer than in summer.
It's a good time to visit the Kenrokuen gardens in Kanazawa, considered one of the three most beautiful gardens in the country, or to do the Japanese Alps route, taking advantage of the early spring conditions.
It's also wisteria season, which blooms shortly after the cherry blossoms and offers a completely different color palette.
Practical tips for traveling to Japan in spring
Book well in advance: accommodation in Tokyo and Kyoto during cherry blossom season sells out months beforehand. If your trip is in spring 2027, start looking now.
The season coincides with the start of the Japanese school and fiscal year, so there's a lot of local movement. Trains and tourist attractions can be busier than usual, especially on weekends.
Temperatures are pleasant but variable: wear layers. One day it can be 18°C and the next day drop to 10°C, especially in Tokyo and Kyoto.
To get around easily and without connectivity worries, check out our guide on eSIM for Japan: having internet from the very beginning is essential for following real-time bloom maps and navigating cities.
What to eat in spring in Japan
Japanese gastronomy also has its spring dimension. Special editions of sakura-flavored sweets and drinks appear at this time: from sakura mochi, a rice cake wrapped in a cherry leaf, to cherry blossom coffee and ice cream sold in all kinds of establishments.
It's also an ideal time to try takenoko, bamboo shoots cooked in many ways and only available in spring. And, of course, hot dishes remain prominent on still-cool evenings.
If you want to discover all the culinary richness of the country before traveling, don't miss our guide to Japanese gastronomy.
Is spring the best time to visit Japan?
Yes, with nuances. Spring is one of the most beautiful times to travel to Japan, but also one of the busiest and most expensive.
If you're looking for tranquility and more affordable prices, consider traveling just before or just after the peak bloom. If you want to experience hanami to the fullest, accept that there will be crowds and plan ahead.
For those traveling in winter, we also have a complete guide to Japan in January with everything you need to know about the other great season to discover the country.
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