A pink wonderland you won’t find in Taiwan: Japan’s top 5 must-see cherry blossom festivals

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

The cherry blossom season in Japan is a major annual tourist highlight. The Japan Meteorological Corporation has released its latest cherry blossom forecast, predicting that cherry blossoms in Tokyo will bloom on March 15, four days earlier than the previous forecast of late February. Meanwhile, Osaka has also moved up from its initial prediction of March 24 to March 21. Travelers who have already planned their cherry blossom trips may need to adjust their schedules accordingly.

1. Tokyo – Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Festival
The cherry blossoms along the Meguro River are a memorable sight for many travelers visiting Japan during cherry blossom season. The approximately 4-kilometer-long river is lined with around 800 cherry trees. When spring arrives, the blooming cherry blossoms create a spectacular view, perfect for enjoying a stroll along the riverbanks.

2. Tokyo – Ueno Park Cherry Blossom Festival
Ueno Park is one of Tokyo’s most popular cherry blossom spots and is also the largest park in the city. It features the expansive Shinobazu Pond, as well as Ueno Zoo, the Ueno Royal Museum, and the Tokyo National Museum. The park sees its highest number of visitors during the cherry blossom season at the end of March, and evening cherry blossom viewing events attract large crowds. Food stalls and tourists fill the park to capacity.

3. Fukuoka Prefecture – Maizuru Park Cherry Blossom Festival
Located in Fukuoka, the largest city on Kyushu Island, Maizuru Park is home to thousands of cherry blossom trees. When spring arrives, Yoshino cherry and weeping cherry trees transform the ancient castle grounds into a dreamy pink wonderland. During the blooming season, the “Fukuoka Castle Cherry Blossom Festival” is held, allowing visitors to enjoy the cherry blossoms throughout the park. The view becomes even more breathtaking at night when the castle is illuminated.