Cherry blossoms in full bloom—head to Japan for a night-viewing experience

As spring arrives, cherry blossoms across Japan bloom from south to north, and cherry blossom festivals kick off around the country. Admiring the delicate pink blooms under a bright blue sky is a must-do for visitors to Japan, but at night, when the blossoms are illuminated, they transform from their daytime pastel hues into ethereal night sprites—a breathtaking sight not to be missed.

Along the eastern shore of Okayama Korakuen, about a 1.3-kilometer stretch of riverbank is lined with Somei Yoshino cherry trees, making it a famous flower-viewing spot in Japan. During the blooming season, the riverside bustles not only with various vendors but also features a traveling amusement park. From sunset until 9 p.m., the cherry trees are lit up with lanterns known in Japanese as “bonbori,” creating a fantastical nighttime world.

Built in 1673, Kintai Bridge is a five-arch wooden bridge spanning the Nishiki River, the largest river in Yamaguchi Prefecture, and is one of Japan’s three most famous bridges. Around 3,000 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino and double-flowered varieties, create a spectacular landscape along the Nishiki Riverbanks, interwoven with the famous Nishiki River weaving culture. On the grassy viewing squares ideal for flower appreciation, you can also enjoy the night cherry blossoms in delight.

Maruyama Park is Kyoto’s most popular cherry blossom viewing park. When spring comes, the park is filled with swaying cherry branches, but the Kyoto locals’ favorite—the “Maruyama Night Sakura”—is a 70-year-old second-generation weeping cherry tree. The cherry blossom festivities at Maruyama Park rival those of Tokyo’s Ueno Park, and the park even stays brightly lit at night, letting everyone celebrate until the early hours.

Hirano Shrine is an ancient shrine relocated during the Heian period by Emperor Kanmu when the capital moved to Kyoto. The grounds are home to dozens of rare cherry varieties, totaling around 500 trees—the largest number in Kyoto. Locals call them the “Yoshino cherries of Kyoto,” most of which bloom early, with “peach cherry” blossoms appearing as early as mid-March, contrasting with the later-blooming “Imperial Palace cherries” of Ninna-ji Temple.

Hirano Shrine was built by the mother of Emperor Kanmu, who moved the capital to Kyoto, and is dedicated to the goddess Himemiko. The main hall features a rare architectural style called “Hirano-zukuri,” composed of four separate shrine buildings. The shrine boasts around 40 types of cherry trees, including unique varieties such as “Umebashira.” In early April, when 500 cherry trees burst into bloom, there are not only night viewing events but also an annual cherry blossom festival.