Spring is the most charming time to visit Japan. If you are ever in Japan during Spring, you shouldn't miss out on Japan's most loved cultural event that focuses on appreciating the stunning cherry blossoms. Here, we'll introduce the most beautiful spots to catch the breathtaking views of cherry blossoms. Below is a list of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan!
Kamaishi Sakura Festival (Toni Daimyo Procession)
A large festival with 300 years of history. The highlight is the atmospheric daimyo (feudal lord) procession that passes under the cherry trees
Held once every 3 years, a large festival at Amaterasu Mioya Shrine that takes place during the season of cherry blossoms. The traditional entertainment of Shinto dancing and singing that speaks of the town of Toni is offered to the gods, and a daimyo procession whose participants are garbed in ancient clothing winds its way through the town.
Phone
0193-55-2138
Ozekiyama Park
An entire mountain which makes up a nature park known for its spring cherry blossoms and fall colors
The whole park is a small mountain especially famous for its spring cherry blossoms and fall colors. During a walk through the vicinity, visit Hogen-ji Temple which is right next to the area connected with the Chushingura (The 47 Ronin) legend.
Ozekiyama Park which is located in northwest Miyoshi City along the banks of the Gonokawa River is a famous park known for its flora such as the cherry blossoms and azalea in the spring, the green leaves in early summer, the maple trees in autumn, and the snowscapes in winter. In 1632, when territory was given to Nagaharu Asano in his position as the daimyo (feudal lord) of Miyoshi, his residence was established on Mt. Ozeki with an observatory placed at the peak. Currently, a 2-story observation point s...
Phone
0824-63-9268
Price
- Free
Kitakami Tenshochi Sakura Festival
Riding a horse-drawn cart down the cherry tree path is a spring view out of a dream. One of the famous places in the Tohoku region for sakura.
Selected as being part of the Top 100 Places for Sakura and the Best Three Places for Sakura in the Tohoku, 10,000 cherry blossoms from 150 species of cherry trees appear all over in a 293ha area. It also boasts an incredibly beautiful 2km cherry tree-lined path.
Phone
0197-65-0300
Price
- Free
Website
www.japan-iwate.info
Hitsujiyama Park
Shibazakura Hill is a famous place in Chichibu and a popular spot in spring for tourists
The hilly area from where the entirety of Chichibu City can be viewed is densely planted with moss phlox. The approximately 400,000 moss phlox of 9 different types blossom in many different colors
A hill that resembles a single painting, Hitsujiyama Park is located at the base of Mt. Bukoh of Chichibu City in the back of Saitama Prefecture. The north and south sides of the park are known as Misubarashi Hill and Shibazakura Hill respectively. The planting of moss phlox began in the year 2000, and with the number of flowers growing each year, even the mass media has started to pay attention. In 2014, 570,000 people visited the site which has become the tourist spot for Chichibu in spring. Moss phlox (shibazakura) is a perennial which orig...
Business hours
- Everyday (8:00 AM ~ 5:00 PM )
Phone
0494-25-5209
Price
- Free
Only during the peak time of mid-April to mid-May to see the moss phlox: Adults 300 yen (for junior high school students and younger, free admission)
Website
chichibu.web.transer.com
Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha
Highly reputed as a site for cherry blossoms, it is the central place for worship of Mt. Fuji
Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha is the head shrine for the nation’s 1300 Sengen shrines. The head shrine’s grounds boast a huge area of 56198㎡ where you can view the lovely spectacle of Mt. Fuji alongside the main building of the shrine shining in scarlet.
Fearful of an erupting Mt. Fuji, the shrine was built to appease the spirits. Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha, as the head shrine for the nation’s 1300 Sengen shrines, is also the oldest shrine in the Tokai region. It is the central place for worship of Mt. Fuji, and it is said that when talking of the mountain, this shrine also has to be included. The enshrined deity is Konohanasakuya-hime, the goddess of Mt. Fuji and cherry blossoms, along with water which is the symbol of Japanese beauty. Asama-no-Okami which symbolizes the volcano of Mt....
Business hours
- Everyday (6:00 AM ~ 7:00 PM )
Phone
0544-27-2002
Price
- Free
Website
www.fuji-hongu.or.jp
Mt. Yoshino
The ultimate place for cherry blossoms. A sacred festival for a mountain dedicated to sakura.
Mt. Yoshino which is a World Heritage site enshrining its cherry trees has a superb April scenery when it is covered in cherry blossoms. You can enjoy some elegant trekking while viewing the mountain, flowers and old temples.
A mystical mountain which retains a mountain religion that enshrined its cherry trees. In spring, the mountain is covered in cherry blossoms just like a pale pink fog. Walking on the mountain trails, you can enjoy trekking while feeling some of that spring energy. A Mt. Yoshino spring overflows with flowers, and while walking on the mountain, it is the ultimate flower-viewing site of note where you can enjoy the superb scene of cherry blossoms. The sakura of Mt. Yoshino have had a close relationship with mountain worship from ancient times...
Business hours
- Everyday (9:00 AM ~ 4:30 PM )
Phone
0746-32-1007
Price
World Heritage sites
Kinpusen-ji Temple Zao Hall 500 yen (special viewing 1000 yen)
Yoshimizu Shrine 400 yen
Yoshino Mikumari Shrine Free
Kinpu Shrine Free/200 yen (Yoshitsune hiding tower)
Website
www.yoshinoyama-sakura.jp
Maruyama Park
The oldest park in Kyoto. In spring, the sky is covered with cherry blossoms in full bloom
Maruyama Park is a famous place for sakura. It is a popular spot to take a stroll in the beautiful Japanese garden that has free admission. There are also teahouses and a ryotei restaurant recommended for Kyoto epicureans.
A magnificent park spreading out to the east of Yasaka Shrine. Opened in 1886, it is the oldest park in Kyoto. In 1912, Jihei Ogawa created a garden centering on a pond making use of the natural hills which has contributed to its current appearance. The park has Yasaka Shrine to the west, Kodai-ji Temple to the south and Chion-in Temple to the north. You can enjoy the park’s beauty only found in Kyoto amid the temple roofs among the greenery of Higashiyama in the background. Within a garden that boasts an area of about 90,000㎡, you can...
Business hours
- Everyday
Phone
075-561-1350
Price
- Free
Kakunodate Bukeyashiki (samurai residences)
If you’re going to Akita, by all means visit the Bukeyashiki in Kakunodate, the Little Kyoto of the Tohoku region
Kakunodate is the Little Kyoto of the Tohoku region where the beautiful streets of the samurai residences that have existed since the Edo Era are carefully preserved. The weeping cherry blossoms that adorn the old residences make it even more worth seeing in the spring.
The streets of the Bukeyashiki have remained since the Edo Era. Around 400 years ago in the year 1620, Kakunodate was formed as a beautiful area of samurai residences within the designs for a large-scale city that has lasted to the present day. As functional services were put into place such as widened streets, a sewage system and fire preventative measures, the samurai residences and the townspeople area were separated. On one corner of the samurai residences that was once called Uchiyamachi, samurai of high ranking lived there. The vesti...
Business hours
- Everyday (9:00 AM ~ 4:30 PM )
Differs depending on the samurai residence
Phone
0187-54-2700
Price
- Adult: 300 JPY
- Child: 150 JPY
Ishiguro House Adults 300 yen Children 150 yen
Aoyagi House Adults 500 yen Students 300 yen Children 200 yen
Iwahashi House/Onoda House/Onosaki House/Kawarada House/Matsumoto House: free
Website
kakunodate-kanko.jp
Chidori-ga-fuchi
The cherry blossom-lined path created from a filled-in moat is a must-see at the former Edo Castle and current Imperial Palace
A moat built to surround Edo Castle during the age of the Tokugawa shoguns. Currently, it encircles the Imperial Palace. When the cherry blossoms of Chidori-ga-fuchi open en masse, it’s enough to forget the hustle and bustle of the city.
The moat surrounding the Imperial Palace is a famous place for cherry blossoms. This area has a moat which surrounds the Imperial Palace. Part of the moat resembles the shape of a plover (chidori) which is the reason behind the name of Chidori-ga-fuchi. During the Edo Era which lasted from the 17th century to the latter half of the 19th century, there was Edo Castle where the shoguns lived which is now the Imperial Palace. To prevent invasion by foreign enemies and to secure drinking water for Edo, a moat was constructed by damming up a...
Phone
03-3213-0095
Website
www.env.go.jp
Ninna-ji Temple
Ninna-ji is recommended for the beautiful late-blooming cherry blossom season
The temple was built in 888 by Emperor Uda. An example of Heian Era palatial architecture that served as a residence for the nobles of that time, Ninna-ji was recognized as a National Treasure and has also been registered as a World Heritage site, famous for its cherry blossoms.
Enjoy the National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties of Ninna-ji Temple. There are many National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties inside Ninna-ji. The Golden Hall that retains the notable atmosphere of a palace has been recognized as a National Treasure for its Heian Era style as it served as a residence for the Heian nobility. The Goei-do Hall which was constructed in the Momoyama style is an Important Cultural Property as is the temple’s five-storied pagoda, which, unlike other similar pagodas whose roofs usually...
Business hours
- Everyday (9:00 AM ~ 4:30 PM )
Phone
075-461-4070
Price
- Adult: 500 JPY
- Child: 300 JPY
Website
www.ninnaji.or.jp
Sakura-no-Yama Park
A spectacular viewing spot for airplanes! Also ideal for taking photos of spring cherry blossoms.
A perfect location that is known as “Plane-Spotting Hill”. Used for filming of programs such as TV dramas, it has also been selected as one of The Top 100 Views of Chiba.
You can view flowers throughout the four seasons and get a close-up of planes. Sakura-no-Yama of Narita City is a park situated on a small hill to the north of a 4000-meter runway at Narita Airport. It’s popular for being able to see the departure and arrival of airplanes at close range. You can also enjoy the rare sights of seeing the moment when the tires of a plane at takeoff tuck into the fuselage with the white steam coming off the wings. You will feel like cheering when the plane goes over your head as it roars by. It’s also...
Business hours
- Everyday (6:00 AM ~ 11:00 PM )
Phone
0476-20-1562
Price
- Free
Website
www.city.narita.chiba.jp
Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle, the symbol of Osaka that abounds with history
Osaka Castle was built by Toyotomi Hidetoshi in 1583. However, it was destroyed in a fire at the same time as Toyotomi Hidetoshi’s death. It was later rebuilt before it was again destroyed by fire in 1665. The modern Osaka Castle was rebuilt using contributions from local citizens after an appeal was made by the then-mayor of Osaka.
Stroll through the restored Osaka Castle. Although Osaka Castle has twice been destroyed by fire, Otemon and Sakuramon, which are Important Cultural Properties, still remain, as does the castle tower, which is a registered Tangible Cultural Property. The castle tower, which was rebuilt 266 years after being burned down, is a 55-meter high, five-story (outer), eight-floor (inner) building. This is one of the foremost of the many post-Showa era castle towers, and it boasts an elevator so that elderly people and disabled persons can enjoy it to...
Business hours
- Everyday (9:00 AM ~ 5:00 PM )
Phone
06-6941-3044
Price
- Adult: 600 JPY
- Child: 0 JPY
Website
www.osakacastle.net
Nara Park
Come and meet friendly deer at Nara Park and its many World Heritage sites
There are numerous World Heritage sites in this park at the base of the lush green mountains, such as Todaiji, Kofukiji and Kasuga-taisha. Friendly deer, which are said to be messengers from the gods, will come to greet you.
Nara Park is located in the center of Nara. Ever since the capital moved to Nara in the year 710, people have loved this location for the many historical cultural properties found here, and for the historical feel of the area and its climate. On the massive 660-hectare site of Nara Park in the center of Nara, you will find such World Heritage sites as Todaiji, Kofukiji, and Kasuga-taisha, as well as the Nara National Museum, which houses a number of National Treasures, including works of Buddhist art. The many ponds create a beautiful scene...
Business hours
- Everyday
Phone
0742-27-8036
Price
- Free
Website
en.wikipedia.org
Arakurayama Sengen Park
A viewing spot where you can get a picture together with Mt. Fuji, cherry blossoms and even a five-story pagoda
Located halfway up Mt. Arakura in Fujiyoshida City of Yamanashi Prefecture, this is a park from where you can get a full view of the city against the backdrop of Mt. Fuji. Known as a prominent viewing spot for Mt. Fuji, it is also popular as a famous spot for cherry blossoms.
At the top of 400 steps, the superb view is impressive. The park is located on Fujiyoshida City’s Mt. Arakura, and from there you can see the whole city in front of Mt. Fuji. It is a 400-step climb from the base of the mountain to the park but once you reach the top, there is a vermilion 5-story pagoda which was built as a monument for all those who had died in battle during World War I. Along the slope behind the pagoda, there is a spectacular viewing point. The recommended time to be there is firstly in the middle of April when the...
Phone
0555-22-1111
Price
- Free
Website
www.yamanashi-kankou.jp
Shibazakura Festival (Fuji Five Lakes)
Pink shibazakura (moss phlox) spreads all over behind Mt. Fuji. Go and see this scenery only seen in spring.
The Fuji Shibazakura Festival held annually from April to June is an event only in the spring where you can walk among the scenery of 800,000 blossoms of shibazakura. The towering sight of Mt. Fuji beyond this carpet of flowers is impressive.
Fields of pink blossoms spreading at the foot of Mt. Fuji. During spring at Fuji Five Lakes where beautiful flowers bloom, the Fuji Shibazakura Festival is held during the peak season when the blossoms are at their most beautiful between April and June. Famous in the metropolitan areas for the largest landscape of blossoms with about 800,000 shibazakura and Mt. Fuji, still covered in snow, creating a beautiful ridge line in the background, the sight of shibazakura blooming everywhere is impressive. In addition, the three sceneries of the pink...
Business hours
- Everyday (8:00 AM ~ 5:00 PM )
Between April and May
Check the official page.
Phone
0555-89-3031
Price
- Adult: 600 JPY
- Child: 250 JPY
Website
www.shibazakura.jp
Matsue Castle
The existing keep of the castle has been nationally designated as an Important Cultural Property. The simple yet sturdy construction brings presence.
There are many ways to admire the castle from its interior which was designed for war, the 360-degree panoramic view from the top floor, to the Horikawa Passage with its small boats and the ability to view cherry blossoms as one of Japan’s Top 100 Places for Cherry Blossoms.
The original castle which was built for warfare remains even today. Within Japan, there are only 12 castles surviving today. Among those 12, Matsue Castle is the only one in the San’in region. It is also the 2nd-largest, 3rd-tallest and the 6th-oldest castle. Every part of the interior was designed for battle. Naturally, there are ishiotoshi areas to throw rocks which are hidden from the enemy, but there are also tsukeyagura (attached towers) that were built intricately to resemble attics for defense and monitoring. Underground...
Business hours
- Everyday (8:30 AM ~ 5:00 PM )
Phone
0852-21-4030
Price
- Adult: 560 JPY
- Child: 280 JPY
High school students and older pay adult admission
Website
en.wikipedia.org
Zuigan-ji Temple
A National Treasure temple which Masamune Date devoted himself to building with the air of gorgeous Momoyama culture
The dazzling main hall constructed in Matsushima by the first feudal lord of the Sendai clan, Masamune Date, cannot be missed. At Zuigan-ji Temple, where many Important Cultural Properties including National Treasures are maintained, experience the art of Japan’s Middle Ages.
The family temple of the Date clan with a history going back over 1100 years. At the beginning of the Heian Era in the year 828, the priest Jikaku Daishi Ennin founded a temple in Matsushima with the help of 3000 students and monks. Afterwards, with the changes in authority, there came changes in patrons and even denominations as the temple continued to survive, but in the year 1600, the military commander Masamune Date built a castle in Sendai, and with the construction of the town, construction of temples and shrines proceeded. One of those...
Business hours
- Everyday (8:00 AM ~ 3:30 PM )
Phone
022-354-3218
Price
- Adult: 700 JPY
- Child: 400 JPY
Tsuruga Castle（Wakamatsu Castle）
With Japan’s only red brick castle keep, it is the symbol of Aizuwakamatsu
Wakamatsu Castle, which is located in Aizuwakamatsu City in Fukushima Prefecture, is also beloved by the local populace as Tsuruga Castle. It is also known as the famous castle which withstood attack during the Boshin War.
Tsuruga Castle has been nationally designated as a Historic Site. It was a robust structure that had endured withering attack for a month during the Boshin War, but was finally demolished with only the stone walls remaining. Originally completed in 1384, it was a famous castle whose name spread out throughout the nation. Thanks to the contributions of many people including local residents, the castle keep was restored in red brick and its appearance from the end of the Edo Era was revived...
Business hours
- Everyday (8:30 AM ~ 5:00 PM )
Phone
0242-27-4005
Price
- Adult: 410 JPY
- Child: 150 JPY
Website
www.tsurugajo.com
