Must-See Cherry Blossom Viewing in Japan！2014 Sakura Forecast Released
Last updated 2026-09-25 — The arrival of cherry blossoms in the warm, blooming month of March tells people that "spring has come." The blossoming of cherry trees in Japan tugs at people's heartstrings. From the moment the first flower blooms on the branches, people eagerly await the full bloom that will eventually paint the mountains pure white and brilliant pink...
By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, reported and compiled by Chen Guanxin
The arrival of cherry blossoms in the warm, blooming month of March tells people that "spring has come." The blossoming of cherry trees in Japan tugs at people's heartstrings. From the moment the first flower blooms on the branches, people eagerly await the full bloom that will eventually paint the mountains pure white and brilliant pink, and when strong winds blow, the petals flutter like thousands of butterflies, creating a dazzling spectacle in the air. A full 358 days of anticipation leads to just a brief seven-day encounter, making cherry blossom viewing both rare and special. According to Weathermap’s forecast, due to the particularly cold winter in western Japan this year, the cherry blossoms awoke early and began to prepare for blooming. It is expected that the cherry blossom season will begin in late March.
River and Lisa were in Japan for research right during cherry blossom season—what special experiences did they have? Check out the next page.
The reason why Japanese people are especially fond of cherry blossoms lies in their short blooming period, during which the flowers do everything they can to bloom beautifully before falling from the branches without regret. This symbolizes the impermanence of life and reveals the fleeting nature of beauty and youth—reminding us to cherish the present. Therefore, every March and April, an unexpectedly huge "hanami" (cherry blossom viewing) craze emerges. Groups of friends gather to celebrate, singing, drinking, and chatting under the cherry trees, admiring the vibrant blossoms. But as night falls, the night blossoms take on a poetic charm—under the glow of lights, the flowers blur into swathes of pink clouds. Nighttime cherry blossom viewing offers a different experience from daytime; the blossoms shift moods with the change from day to night. At night, the flowers emit a faint fragrance. For a deeper cherry blossom experience, try night viewing—you might even find yourself dancing under the blossoms, enjoying a unique kind of charm.
The beautiful night cherry blossoms are another option for your cherry blossom journey in Japan. (Image provided by the Interchange Association, Taipei Office)
Ancient castles surrounded by colorful cherry blossoms take on a poetic beauty. (Image provided by the Interchange Association, Taipei Office)
The faint glow of lanterns makes the night cherry blossoms appear and disappear, a hazy scene that the Japanese have loved since ancient times. Recently, some cherry blossom viewing spots have enhanced the experience during peak season by using lighting to offer views different from those in daylight. Famous night cherry blossom spots span Japan from north to south, including Ueno Park, Chidorigafuchi, Meguro River, Inokashira Park, and Rikugien in the Tokyo area; Maruyama Park, Hirano Shrine, Heian Shrine, and Kiyomizu-dera in the Kyoto area. Additionally, Japan’s three major night cherry blossom viewing spots are: Takada Park in Jōetsu City, where the blossoms typically bloom from early to late April; Ueno Imperial Park, with blossoms around late March; and Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture, best viewed from late April to early May.
Under the brilliance of the cherry blossoms, capture the annual scenery with a brush. (Image provided by the Interchange Association, Taipei Office)
As for the three major night cherry blossom spots in the Tohoku region, they include Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture, Kakunodate in Akita, and Kitakami Shinsenkyo in Iwate Prefecture, with optimal viewing times around late April to early May.
To experience a different kind of cherry blossom viewing pleasure in Japan, you can also choose "yakatabune (traditional Japanese houseboat) cherry blossom viewing." Since ancient times, viewing cherry blossoms from a yakatabune has been one of the more luxurious ways to enjoy the season, and Tokyo’s Sumida River (Asakusa area) is a classic spot. Visiting Osaka’s Tenma Bridge Port, along the Okawa River near the Mint Bureau or Sakuranomiya Park, also offers great cherry blossom spots. Every year in late March when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, crowds flock to the area, and taking a boat to view the night blossoms is also a wonderful choice.
Cherry blossoms in full bloom display the vibrant energy of spring. (Image provided by the Interchange Association, Taipei Office)
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