Top-Ranking Cherry Blossom Locations Across Japan 2025

Each year, millions of tourists flock to Japan to witness the enchanting display of sakura, or cherry blossoms, a tradition known as hanami. While the cherry blossom season brings crowds and traffic, it also presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to admire the ethereal beauty of Japan's most renowned flower. This year, we've compiled a list of Japan's top cherry blossom viewing spots, complete with their prime viewing periods.

Hanami: Cherry Blossom Viewing Tradition

Hanami, which means "flower viewing" in Japanese, involves picnicking under sakura trees, appreciating their fleeting splendor, and savoring the arrival of spring. The custom dates back to the Heian period (794-1185), and today, it remains an integral part of Japanese culture.

Cherry Blossom Season 2025

The cherry blossom season typically begins in Kyushu and gradually moves north towards Hokkaido. We have prepared a region-by-region guide for witnessing Japan's enchanting sakura.

Kansai Region (Kyoto, Osaka, Nara)

Starting in late March and lasting until early April, the Kansai region offers numerous opportunities to enjoy the cherry blossoms. Notable spots include:

Maruyama Park, Kyoto: This picturesque park is home to approximately 800 cherry trees that bloom around early April. For an unforgettable evening experience, attend the Gion Yozakura, a night festival illuminating the cherry trees.
Mount Yoshino, Nara: A must-see destination famed for its thousands of cherry trees, Mount Yoshino boasts picturesque Sakura vistas throughout the mountain.
Osaka Castle Park: Visit this iconic park during the cherry blossom season to catch a glimpse of the beautiful blossoms framing the castle.
Nara Park: Bathe in the natural beauty of thousands of cherry trees while sharing the space with friendly, roaming deer.

Kanto Region (Tokyo, Yokohama)

The Kanto region, particularly Tokyo, provides a myriad of cherry blossom viewing locations. Peak bloom in Tokyo typically occurs from late March to early April.

Ueno Onshi Park, Tokyo: This vast park is one of the busiest and liveliest locations for cherry blossom viewing in Japan.
Shinjuku Gyoen and Chidorigafuchi Park, Tokyo: Both Ueno Park and these two parks offer impressive cherry blossom displays. Shinjuku Gyoen is known for its tranquil, scenic Japanese landscape gardens, while Chidorigafuchi Park's moat creates a beautiful reflection of the blossoming trees.
Yoyogi Park, Tokyo: For early blooming cherry blossoms (Kawazu-zakura), visit Yoyogi Park around late March to early April or explore Rinshi no Mori Park, or Kyūnaka River nearby.
Sankeien Garden, Yokohama: This historic garden boasts a vibrant array of cherry blossoms in late March to early April.

Chubu Region

Takato Castle Ruins Park, Nagano: This park, home to over 1,500 cherry trees, is considered one of Japan's top 100 cherry blossom spots and is particularly breathtaking during early to mid-April.

Tohoku and Hokkaido (Northern Japan)

Visitors seeking to witness cherry blossoms in the north can find them in the following locations:

Hirosaki Castle, Aomori Prefecture: Known for its beautiful cherry blossoms, this castle is one of the top three in Tohoku.
Hokkaido: With a later cherry blossom season, spring blooms in Hokkaido in mid-April to early May. Notable locations include Moerenuma Park in Sapporo, Goryokaku Tower and Fort in Hakodate, Asahigaoka Park in Furano, Mt. Tengu in Otaru, and Asahikawa Park (famous for its night illumination of cherry trees).

By following this guide, you can experience Japan's captivating cherry blossom season at its finest.

Sources:[1] OnlyInJapan https://www.onlyinjapan.net/events-guides/posts/best-sakura-spots-japan-2021[2] JNTO https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/40000/735224/[3] Travel Japan Now https://traveljapannow.com/features/chidorigafuchi-cherry-blossom-festival-tokyo-2021/[4] Go Japan Asia https://www.gojapanasia.com/city/kyoto/maruyama-park[5] Hyperdia https://www.hyperdia.com/en/article/20190325/657/[6] Lonely Planet https://www.lonelyplanet.com/japan/kanto/yokohama/attractions/sankeien-garden-158670[7] Just Go https://www.justgo.jp/en/sightsee/5036

Beginning in late March and lasting until early April, the Kansai region's Maruyama Park in Kyoto offers a picturesque setting with approximately 800 cherry trees that bloom around early April, providing an unforgettable evening experience with the Gion Yozakura festival.
Mount Yoshino in Nara, famed for its thousands of cherry trees, offers picturesque Sakura vistas throughout the mountain during the cherry blossom season.
In the Kanto region, particularly Tokyo, Ueno Onshi Park offers a bustling and lively location for cherry blossom viewing, while Shinjuku Gyoen and Chidorigafuchi Park provide tranquil scenic gardens with beautiful cherry blossom displays.4.Sankeien Garden in Yokohama, with its historic garden and vibrant array of cherry blossoms in late March to early April, is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a peaceful cherry blossom experience.
For travelers venturing to Tohoku and Hokkaido, Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture is known for its beautiful cherry blossoms and is one of the top three castles in Tohoku, while Hokkaido's Moerenuma Park in Sapporo offers a later cherry blossom season with spring blooms in mid-April to early May.