Discover Cherry Blossom Season in Japan

The cherry blossom season generally runs from March to early May (roughly New Zealand’s autumn), and the ‘sakura front’ moves from south to north. 

• Major cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka will typically see their peak blooming periods in late March to early April, whilst northern areas like Hokkaido tend to bloom later.
• The season usually begins in the south in Kyushu, in March.
• The Japan National Tourism Organisation releases forecasts each year to help you be specific about when you want to go.

Japan is a must-visit destination for any avid tourist, however there are many cultural differences which it pays to be mindful of.  Here are a couple of tips and tricks to help you navigate like a pro.

• Japan runs on their world-class rail system, but it can get expensive quickly. Purchase a regional or intercity pass to make things easier.
• Respect local etiquette. Japanese social norms are polite, quiet and considerate, so don’t talk loudly on public transport and remove shoes when going indoors.
• Cash is still important to the Japanese economy, so it pays to have some Japanese Yen on hand - especially in areas outside of the main city centre.
• Plan the things you want to do, but leave some room for the spontaneous. Japan is a nation to be explored - so the many side streets and local areas are hidden troves full of exciting experiences.

Being strategic about where you stay during the sakura season can pay dividends! These are the must-book hotels for your holiday to Japan, to ensure you’re close by when the season commences. 

March - Southern Kyūshū for the early blooms

• The Hotel Nikko Fukuoka located in Fukuoka city is an ideal base for Kyūshū’s early cherry spots like Maizuru Park or Nishi Park. A short 3-minute walk from the local JR Hakata Train Station, you’ll be central to the action and find it a convenient spot to set up for your visit. Enquire when booking around recommendations for seeing the sakura bloom and see what offers they have.
• Kumamoto Hotel Castle is situated right in the action, right by the sakura at Kumamoto’s castle park. A strong blossom spot in early to mid-April, but heading there at the end of March may earn you some early views without the crazy crowds. The Hotel itself is cosy with well appointed rooms and amenities available on site to make your stay top quality.
• ANA Crowne Plaza Kumamoto New Sky is a reliable and profound international hotel brand based out of Kumamoto, with easy access to cherry blossoms. Overlooking the Shirakawa River and a short walk from the Sembabashi tram station, this sleek hotel in a modern building is local to the Contemporary Art Museum as well. You’ll find it an ideal spot for easily getting to the blossoms, whilst also having access to other popular tourist attractions.

April - Central Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka)

• Stay luxuriously, and centrally to the action, at The Peninsula Tokyo. Offering profound views of the Japanese capital skyline, with high-end facilities, exceptional (and mouthwatering) dining options and comfortable rooms, it’s truly a cut above when it comes to high quality stays. You’ll be within easy reach of the cherry blossoms also. You can consider highly accessible spots like Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, and Chidorigafuchi, or if you’re there a bit early then the Izu Peninsula also offers cherry blossoms.
• For a premium stay, and even some cherry-blossom themed offerings at the hotel, you’ll love the Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto. Discover a magical getaway where you can immerse yourself in cultural rituals, wellness and deliciously tantalising dining options. Spacious rooms and suites are on offer, and you’ll have gorgeous views showing you the best Japan has to offer. Plus, the hotel is conveniently located in the Higashiyama district, with its own private garden courtyard featuring cherry trees. Or, you can take a quick journey to Maruyama Park - a classic hanami spot famous for its large, weeping cherry tree!
• If you’re Osaka-bound then the Hotel Granvia Osaka is an excellent choice. Not only is it convenient to nearby cherry blossom blooms, but it is also connected to a major train station - being directly above the JR Osaka Train Station - which will make it easy for you to get around the city. The hotel itself is comfortable and relaxed, with clean and well designed rooms, and all the amenities you need for an idyllic stay.

May - Northern Japan with Later Blooms (Tohoku & Hokkaidō)

• ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo in Hokkaidō is an ideal base for witnessing the late bloom of cherry blossoms in Japan. Occupying an exquisite high-rise in downtown Hokkaidō, this modern hotel is an easy 8-minute walk from Sapporo station and just a 15-minute walk from Odori Park. This exquisite park boasts many glorious attractions, and amongst them are scatterings of cherry blossom trees. You’ll want to visit this park in early May as they do tend to start their bloom in late April.
  • If you’re after large groves of cherry blossoms then consider Maruyama Park or Moerenuma Park - both still in Sapporo - which have gorgeous swaying groves of these trees. Moerenuma Park in particular is home to nearly 2,000 cherry trees that create a stunning visual effect.
• Hotel Metropolitan Sendai is a major hotel chain in Tohoku that brings you high quality ambience with exquisite amenities. Your comfortable and well designed bedroom will be the ideal place to relax and unwind after a day of exploring, and you’ll find your stay to be the peak of leisure. Located near several cherry blossom spots, you can choose from Nishi Park, Tsutsujigaoka Park and Mikamine Park to visit, within easy reach. Nishi Park is famous for its many cherry trees, whilst Tsutsujigaoka Park and Mikamine Park both have huge varieties of trees - with Tsutsujigaoka Park having about 350 different varieties.
• For the very end of the season, you’ll want to stay somewhere like La Vista Hakodate Bay. This bayside hotel is an idyllic spot where you can combine sea views with onsen baths - plus art deco rooms, a healing spa and much more. Nearby you’ll find Goryokaku Park which is famous for its 1,500 trees situated in a star-shaped fortress, or you can wander through the cherry blossom tunnel at Sakuragaoka Street. These tend to bloom in the same range of very late April to early May.

See the cherry blossoms like a local, and book a tour in one of the cities instead. With so many tourists flocking to the nation every year to experience the blooms, there are many different and reputable tour operators that have popped up to show you the way.

1. JCB Sakura Tours is an excellent choice if you’re in the regions between Kyūshū and Hokkaidō. A long-standing specialist in cherry blossom tours (hanami tours) within Japan, they will give you a full guided, blossom-focused experience, and their expert local guides will take you to the best spots for viewing.
2. Covering Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima and much of southern Japan, you’ll find that Japan Deluxe Tours bring ample choice for viewing the blooms. Providing group tours, you’ll find them great if you’re seeking some more classic touring itineraries that have many of the main sakura spots built in.
3. Offering packages reaching into 2027, Japan Tours cover much of Japan and have varied durations for their many packages. They’re a great option if you’re looking for a tour provider that is slightly more flexible, or if you’re a bit more budget conscious but still want the local experience.
4. Journey to the East offers small-group (max 8 guest) tours that are focused on less-crowded cherry-blossom spots that are more off the beaten path. Expect to see local favourites and spots that you won’t find in typical guides.
5. UME Travel conducts private, tailor-made journeys across Japan that will help you see the sakura blooms. They have a focus on custom schedules, often working with different budgets to help you achieve your tour goals, without breaking the bank. 

If you’re after a different way to see the cherry blossoms, perhaps even with a glass of sake in hand, then a restaurant booking is the way to go! Picture it - delicious food, comfortable scenery and cherry blossoms swaying gently outside the window. Here are a few of the best restaurants to book for viewing the cherry blossoms.

• In Tokyo, and located in the ARK Hills South Tower, in Roppongi, you’ll find RUBY JACK’s Steakhouse & Bar which has an outdoor terrace you can dine on. Not only can you get a delicious meal and drinks but you’ll be able to watch the Ark Hills cherry blossoms from your table. They often have a seasonal spring menu as well with delicious cocktail offerings.
• Yakatabune Amiko is a restaurant unlike any other, as you’ll be in a large wooden boat sailing down the Sumida River. During the spring, you’ll have views of cherry blossoms along the bank swaying wistfully in the breeze, and by night you’ll see them lit up by spotlights for a truly enchanting experience.
• Reika Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is situated in one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan! This restaurant will treat you to delicious culinary ventures and tantalising drinks, whilst offering terrace views of the exquisite sakura scenery in the national garden.
• Ostu is an Italian restaurant - just in case you’re after some pasta while you’re roaming Japan - that is elegant and polished. With large windows on all sides of the restaurant, you’re likely to find yourself looking out over the cherry blossoms while you indulge in some of the exquisite Piedmont cuisine.
• Haru Dining is an international restaurant situated near to the Kayaba-cho Station. Along with the handcrafted and selected dishes by internationally renowned chefs, you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms that line the street outside the restaurant. Situated on Sakura-dori Street (it’s even in the name!), you’ll dine well and find yourself in total zen as you watch the pink petals softly fall outside.

If you’re ready to turn your travel dreams into a reality, then it’s time to start booking for next year. Get in touch with your local Flight Centre Travel Expert today and get ready to experience the cherry blossoms.