[2026ver]Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan: 10 Must-Visit Sakura Destinations

Cherry blossom season is one of the most beautiful and anticipated times of the year. Every spring, delicate sakura flowers transform cities, mountains, riversides, and historic sites into breathtaking pink landscapes. From iconic urban spots in Tokyo to peaceful countryside views and ancient castles, cherry blossoms offer a uniquely Japanese travel experience.

In this article, we introduce 10 carefully selected cherry blossom spots across Japan, chosen for their beauty, history, and accessibility for international travelers. Each location includes useful travel information such as the best time to visit, access details, and what makes it special—helping you plan the perfect spring trip in Japan.

Whether you are visiting Japan for the first time or returning to explore beyond the major cities, these sakura destinations will show you why cherry blossom season is truly unforgettable. 🌸

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Mount Yoshino (Nara)

Mount Yoshino (Nara)
“A mountain painted in pink — Japan’s most iconic cherry blossom landscape.”

Mount Yoshino is considered Japan’s most famous cherry blossom destination, with approximately 30,000 cherry trees covering the entire mountain. The blossoms bloom gradually from the lower slopes to the upper areas, allowing visitors to enjoy sakura over a longer period.

Hirosaki Park (Aomori)

Hirosaki Park (Aomori)
“Where cherry blossoms meet history, moats, and magical flower carpets.”

Hirosaki Park is home to over 2,600 cherry trees, many of them more than 100 years old. It is famous for its cherry blossom tunnels and “Hanaikada,” where fallen petals cover the moat like a pink carpet.

+ Details of Hanaikada

Hanaikada, meaning “flower raft,” is one of the most famous spring scenes in Hirosaki Park. As cherry blossoms reach the end of their bloom, countless petals fall onto the castle moats and slowly gather on the water’s surface. The petals drift and overlap, creating the illusion of a soft pink carpet floating across the water.

Unlike peak bloom, hanaikada appears for only a short period, usually a few days after full bloom, making it a rare and highly anticipated moment for visitors and photographers. The quiet, dreamlike atmosphere offers a different kind of cherry blossom experience—one that symbolizes both beauty and impermanence in Japanese culture.

Sakura festival web site >> https://www.hirosakipark.jp/sakura/hanaikada/hanaikada-data/

Takato Castle Ruins Park (Nagano)

Takato Castle Ruins Park (Nagano)
“Home to Japan’s most elegant and richly colored cherry blossoms.”

Takato Castle Ruins Park is famous for its Kohigan cherry trees, known for their deeper pink color. These blossoms are often praised as some of the most beautiful cherry blossoms in Japan.

Miharu Takizakura (Fukushima)

Miharu Takizakura (Fukushima)
“A thousand-year-old cherry tree flowing like a waterfall of petals.”

Miharu Takizakura is one of Japan’s Three Most Famous Cherry Trees. This over 1,000-year-old weeping cherry tree looks like a waterfall of blossoms when in full bloom.

Meguro River (Tokyo)

Meguro River (Tokyo)
“Urban cherry blossoms glowing along a stylish riverside.”

Around 800 cherry trees line the Meguro River, making it one of Tokyo’s most popular urban cherry blossom spots. The area is especially famous for night illuminations.

Ueno Park (Tokyo)

Ueno Park (Tokyo)
“Tokyo’s liveliest cherry blossom celebration in the heart of the city.”

Ueno Park is one of Japan’s oldest and liveliest cherry blossom spots, with over 1,000 cherry trees. During peak season, the park has a festive atmosphere with food stalls.

Osaka Castle Park (Osaka)

Osaka Castle Park (Osaka)
“Cherry blossoms framed by one of Japan’s most famous castles.”

Osaka Castle Park offers beautiful cherry blossoms with Osaka Castle as a dramatic backdrop. The contrast between the historic castle and pink blossoms makes it a popular photo spot.

Kakunodate Samurai District (Akita)

Kakunodate Samurai District (Akita)
“Timeless weeping cherry trees lining historic samurai streets.”

Kakunodate is known for its weeping cherry trees lining the samurai residences. The combination of traditional houses and sakura creates a quiet and elegant atmosphere.

Kitakami Tenshochi Park (Iwate)

Kitakami Tenshochi Park (Iwate)
“A breathtaking tunnel of cherry blossoms stretching along the river.”

Kitakami Tenshochi Park features a 2-kilometer-long cherry blossom tunnel with more than 10,000 trees, making it one of the largest sakura spots in northern Japan.

Chidorigafuchi Green Way (Tokyo)

Chidorigafuchi Green Way (Tokyo)
“Cherry blossoms reflected on water beside the Imperial Palace.”

Chidorigafuchi is one of Tokyo’s most scenic cherry blossom locations. Visitors can enjoy sakura from rowboats on the Imperial Palace moat, offering a unique perspective.

Conclusion

Cherry blossom season is more than just a beautiful time to visit Japan — it is a once-a-year cultural moment that captures the heart of the country. From ancient mountains covered in pink at Mount Yoshino, to romantic riverside walks in Tokyo, and peaceful historic towns like Kakunodate and Hirosaki, each destination offers a completely different sakura experience.

What makes these 10 locations stand out is their balance of beauty, history, and accessibility. Whether you prefer lively urban celebrations, quiet countryside scenery, iconic castles, or rare natural monuments, these spots showcase the full diversity of Japan’s cherry blossom culture.

Another key highlight is timing. Because cherry blossoms bloom at different times depending on the region, it’s possible to follow the sakura northward and extend your spring journey from late March through early May. This flexibility makes Japan an ideal destination for travelers planning longer spring trips.

Cherry Blossom Spot	Prefecture	Best Viewing Period
Meguro River	Tokyo	Late March – Early April
Ueno Park	Tokyo	Late March – Early April
Chidorigafuchi Green Way	Tokyo	Late March – Early April
Osaka Castle Park	Osaka	Late March – Early April
Mount Yoshino	Nara	Early – Mid April
Takato Castle Ruins Park	Nagano	Early – Mid April
Miharu Takizakura	Fukushima	Mid April
Kitakami Tenshochi Park	Iwate	Mid – Late April
Kakunodate Samurai District	Akita	Late April – Early May
Hirosaki Park	Aomori	Late April – Early May

For first-time visitors, these destinations are easy to reach, well-maintained, and internationally friendly, with clear transportation options and visitor facilities. For repeat travelers, they offer deeper seasonal charm and unforgettable scenery that changes every single day during bloom.

If you are planning a spring trip to Japan, visiting even one of these cherry blossom spots will leave a lasting impression. Seeing them together helps you understand why sakura season is considered one of the most magical travel experiences in the world.

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Thank you for reading!! I hope you enjoy traveling Japan.