Cherry blossoms are symbolic flowers that add color to Japan’s rich culture and beautiful scenery. Every spring, many people enjoy viewing cherry blossoms. Cherry blossoms are especially beloved among the four seasons in Japan and are a precious reminder of the changing seasons.
This article introduces famous cherry blossom viewing spots scattered throughout Japan. We recommend that you check the blooming status of the spot or area before going there to view cherry blossoms. Please take a look at it as a reference for your spring excursion.
Hirosaki Castle / Hirosaki Park (弘前城 / 弘前公園) – Aomori
Hirosaki Park, based on Hirosaki Castle, is a vast historical site covering approximately 149,000 square meters in the center of Hirosaki City. Hirosaki Castle is the only castle keep in the Tohoku region that was built in the Edo period (1603-1868) and still remains today. The park is also home to the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden, with 124,000 plants of 1,500 species, and the Hirosaki City Museum, which exhibits many historical materials and artifacts, allowing visitors to do many things at once.
Hirosaki Park is famous as one of the three best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan, but there are also seasonal events held throughout the year, such as the Autumn Leaves Festival in fall and the Snow Lantern Festival in winter.
Meguro River (目黒川) – Tokyo
The Meguro River is one of Tokyo’s most notable and well-known cherry blossom viewing spots. When the rows of cherry trees along the river are in full bloom, the area is crowded with visitors. The area along the river is also lined with cafes and stores, so many people enjoy shopping and lunch at the nearby stores while viewing the cherry blossoms. The cherry blossom festival is held during the cherry blossom viewing period, and the food stalls along the rows of cherry trees and the lighting up of the trees at night are highlights of the festival.
In recent years, the cherry blossoms along this stretch of the Meguro River have become very popular, and the area is crowded with many people during the cherry blossom season, so beware of crowds. Early in the morning is relatively free, so if you want to avoid crowds, it is recommended to visit in the morning.
Chidorigafuchi Greenway (千鳥ヶ淵緑道) – Tokyo
Chidorigafuchi Greenway is located about a 5-minute walk from Kudanshita Station. Chidorigafuchi Greenway is a 700-meter promenade surrounded by lush greenery along the moat of the Imperial Palace. It is one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo, and beautiful cherry blossoms can be seen from late March to early April.
The moat, planted with hundreds of cherry trees, is enveloped in the pink color of cherry blossoms in spring. During the “Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival,” the moat is illuminated at night for a romantic nighttime cherry blossom viewing experience. Boat rides are also available from the boat ramp on the promenade. During the festival, boat rides are available until 8:30 p.m. (boat tickets are available until 8:00 p.m.) and are recommended for those who wish to enjoy the nighttime cherry blossoms up close.
Arakurayama Sengen Park (新倉山浅間公園) – Yamanashi
Fuji, cherry blossoms, and the five-story “Chureito Pagoda”. The observation deck at Arakurayama Sengen Park is a highly acclaimed cherry blossom spot where visitors can experience a truly unique Japanese landscape. Arakurayama Sengen Park is located halfway up Mount Arakura and is home to approximately 650 cherry trees.
After getting off at Shimoyoshida Station on the Fujikyu Line, walk about 10 minutes to the entrance of the approach to Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine at the foot of Mt. Arakura. After climbing 398 steps from the precinct plaza, you will arrive at the observation deck, which was renovated in 2022. The cherry blossoms are usually at their best from early to mid-April, and the cherry blossom festival is held in early April, attracting many cherry blossom-viewing visitors. It is a long walk up the stairs to the observation deck area, but the view from the observation deck after a climb is exceptional.
Lake Kawaguchi North Shore (河口湖北岸 ) – Yamanashi
Lake Kawaguchi, one of the five “Fuji Five Lakes” at the foot of Mt. Fuji, each lake offers beautiful scenery depending on the season. Among them, Lake Kawaguchi is a recommended area compared to the other four lakes, as it has more tourist facilities such as the Kawaguchiko Museum of Art and the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum in the vicinity. The walking trail along the lakeside on the north shore of Kawaguchi Lake is a popular cherry blossom viewing course, with a row of about 200 Someiyoshino cherry trees stretching about 1 km, offering a panoramic view of cherry blossoms with dynamic Mt. Fuji.
Asuwa River Cherry Blossom Row (足羽川桜並木) – Fukui
The Asuwa River flows through the center of Fukui City. Along its embankment, there is a 2.2-km-long row of approximately 600 cherry trees, said to be the largest in Japan. Especially when the cherry trees are in full bloom, a tunnel of pink cherry blossoms is created, and visitors can walk under the tunnel and enjoy a spectacular walk through the tunnel of cherry blossoms. At night, the area is illuminated, and it is recommended to enjoy the fantastic cherry blossoms, which are different from those in the daytime. The cherry blossom festival is usually held from the end of March to the beginning of April, and the riverbanks are even more crowded with kitchen cars.
Kaizu Osaki (海津大崎) – Shiga
Kaizu Osaki is one of the eight scenic spots on Lake Biwa, and in spring, approximately 800 magnificent Someiyoshino cherry trees, ranging from old cherry trees over 80 years old to young trees to be passed on to the next generation, line the 4 km length of the lake shore. The best time to view the cherry blossoms is usually from early to mid-April, and it is known as one of the late-blooming cherry blossom viewing spots in the Kinki region. Located at the northern end of Lake Biwa, the water is crystal clear, and the contrast between the rows of cherry trees and the blue-colored lake creates the most beautiful scenery.
Tsuyama Castle (Kakuzan Park) (津山城 (鶴山公園)) – Okayama
Tsuyama Castle, the symbol of Tsuyama City, is known as one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Okayama Prefecture. The massive stone walls, which are approximately 45 meters high from the ground, remain in perfect condition, and the view of the cherry blossoms from the top of the stone walls is breathtaking.
Check out the video!
Check out the video of a local train trip in spring, where you can also enjoy the cherry blossoms at Tsuyama Castle!
Shiudeyama (紫雲出山) – Kagawa
Mt. Shiude is located on the Shonai Peninsula in Mitoyo City, Kagawa Prefecture. A beautiful view of the Seto Inland Sea can be seen from the top of the 352-meter-high mountain, which is reached by a nature-rich walking trail. From the observatory, you can see the beauty of the many islands of the Seto Inland Sea, and especially in spring, it is a popular spot to view the Seto Inland Sea together with approximately 1,000 cherry trees.
*During the cherry blossom season, reservations are required and must be made in advance online in order to enter the mountain. Please check the official website below once for details.
Official website: https://www.mitoyo-kanko.com/eng/shiude-access/
Maizuru Park (舞鶴公園) – Fukuoka
Maizuru Park, centered on the ruins of Fukuoka Castle, is a historical and recreational park representing Fukuoka City with various sports facilities. With approximately 1,000 cherry trees planted, the entire park is decorated with cherry blossoms, making it a must-see attraction. The castle tower from which you can look down on the cherry garden and along the moat where you can see reflections on the water are notable viewing spots.
During the “Fukuoka Castle Cherry Blossom Festival” held from late March to early April, the park is lit up at night, and food stalls filled with local delicacies and BBQs for everyone to enjoy are prepared, giving the park a different charm from the usual Maizuru Park. It is about a 15-minute walk from Tenjin, the center of Fukuoka City, and about a 5-minute walk from Ohorikoen Station.
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