Tripbaa Funbaa ! Asia's Free Travel Expert
The national flower of Japan - the cherry blossom has made Japan the world's most famous destination for cherry blossom viewing, and cherry blossom viewing in Japan has clearly become an itinerary that everyone plans for every spring. But with so many cherry blossom spots in Japan, which are the most beautiful and most recommended ones? The editor recommends them to you here. Go to the recommended cherry blossom spots in Japan for cherry blossom viewing and vacation this March and April !
Takayama Castle in Nagano has the title of "the Number One Cherry Blossom in the World" ! From the Sengoku period in Japan to the present, the periphery of the castle site has been surrounded by as many as 1,500 cherry blossom trees. When you come to Takayama Castle to view cherry blossoms in spring, there will definitely be people sitting under every cherry blossom tree for cherry blossom viewing and having picnics.
In addition, the most special thing about the cherry blossoms in Takayama Castle is that they are of a different variety from those in other spots. The Oshioi cherry blossoms planted in Takayama Castle are more pinkish. For a lively, unique, beautiful and romantic cherry blossom viewing spot in Japan, Takayama Castle is second to none. If you personally go to Takayama Castle to view cherry blossoms, you will surely affirm its beauty and title.
■ Official website: Takayama Castle Site Park
■ Address: 2295 Higashi - Takayama, Takayama - cho, Ina - shi, Nagano Prefecture
■ Opening hours: 6:00 - 22:00
In addition to the various well - known cultural heritage sites and cute deer that can be fed and played with, Mount Yoshino in Nara is also one of the cherry blossom spots in Japan. Mount Yoshino has multiple World Heritage sites. When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom in spring, as many as 30,000 cherry blossom trees bloom together. Therefore, Mount Yoshino also has the reputation of "a thousand cherry blossoms at a glance". Just imagining the scenery of the cherry blossoms in full bloom on the Lower Senbon, Middle Senbon, Upper Senbon and Oku Senbon mountains makes people want to fly to Nara immediately to admire its magnificent beauty.
■ Official website: Yoshino Mountain Tourism Association
■ Address: 1612 Yoshino, Yoshino - cho, Yoshino - gun, Nara Prefecture
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Three major cherry blossom spots in Japan - Mount Yoshino. (Photo / Photographer: Reginald Pentinio, Flickr CC License)
Go to Hirosaki Park in Aomori in spring to view cherry blossoms, and you can see cherry blossom scenery in Japan that is similar to but more beautiful than that of Meguro River. The rivers in Hirosaki Park are covered with fallen cherry blossoms, and you can also take a boat ride on the pink - white sea of flowers. This is the romance that spring should have.
03 Recommended Japanese Cherry Blossom Selection - Hirosaki Castle in Aomori. (Photo /
The illuminated night view of Hirosaki during cherry blossom season is even more enchanting. Weeping cherry trees sway along the riverbanks, and the falling petals resemble snowflakes. Walking through the lantern-lit cherry blossom tunnel feels like stepping into a fairytale. It's highly recommended to visit Hirosaki Park during both daytime and nighttime to experience different sceneries and atmospheres, as well as to admire its 50 varieties of Japanese cherry blossoms at a leisurely pace.
■ Cherry Blossom Season Admission: Adults 310 JPY, Children 100 JPY
■ Opening Hours: 9:00–17:00
■ Official Website: Aomori Prefecture Tourism Information Site
■ Address: Shimo-Shiroganecho, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, Japan
Recommended among Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots – Hirosaki Castle in Aomori. (Photo /
Inokashira Onshi Park, located near Kichijoji, is also a recommended spot for cherry blossom viewing in Japan during spring. Whether you're chatting leisurely on the lakeside bridge or benches, enjoying the scenery, boating on the lake, or riding a swan boat, these all offer different perspectives to appreciate Inokashira Onshi Park. However, there’s a rumor that couples who ride a swan boat under the romantic cherry blossoms might break up—so couples visiting for cherry blossom season should decide for themselves, Up! The best time to go is on a weekend, when besides the blossoms, there are also street performances and markets, making for a truly wonderful travel experience amid the stunning cherry blossoms.
■ Address: 4-1 Inokashira, Mitaka City
■ Cherry Blossom Season Ticket Prices: Park is free / Boating and swan boats require payment
■ Opening Hours: Park is open all day / Boating and swan boat schedules vary monthly
■ Official Website: Tokyo Official Travel Site
Just a 50-minute Shinkansen ride from Tokyo, Tochigi Prefecture is home to an urban "cherry blossom snow." The 16-kilometer-long Nikko Dori Sakura Namiki (Cherry Blossom Avenue) feels like stepping into a fairyland as you walk along it. Taking your time to admire the view can almost make you forget you’re in Japan for cherry blossoms. Along this Nikko Dori Sakura Namiki road, it's recommended to take a car ride, roll down the window, and enjoy the breeze as sakura petals fall around you—it’s like entering a snowy scene.
■ Address: Shimakanai, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture
■ Cherry Blossom Season Ticket Prices: Free
■ Official website: Utsunomiya Tourism Information Website
Recommended in Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots – The Cherry Blossom Avenue along the Nikko Road. (Photo / Hanami Special Website)
With its white walls and elegant shape, Himeji Castle is also known as the White Heron Castle. As one of Japan’s most famous historic castles, it attracts visitors from around the world all year round. In spring during the cherry blossom season, it becomes even more lively. The cherry blossoms surrounding Himeji Castle and the castle’s snow-white facade together create a breathtaking scene captured through the lens. On the vast Nishinomaru Square, many people enjoy picnics and fun under the cherry trees. When you visit Himeji Castle, it is highly recommended to climb up to the keep (Tenshu). Experiencing the cherry blossoms up close and admiring the sea of blooming cherry trees from above are both must-do experiences.
■ Address: 68 Honmachi, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture
■ Admission: Adults 1,000 yen / High school, junior high school, and elementary school students 300 yen
■ Opening hours: 9:00–17:00 (9:00–18:00 from April 27 to August 31)
■ Official website: Himeji Tourism, Convention and Exhibition Studio
Recommended in Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots – Himeji Castle. (Photo /
Matsukura Castle Ruins Park in Miyagi Prefecture is the only cherry blossom viewing spot in the prefecture listed among Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots. At Matsukura Castle Ruins Park, you can enjoy cherry blossoms from three perspectives: 1. Having a picnic under the cherry trees; 2. Heading to the top of the park to gaze at the sea of blossoms spread out before you; 3. Taking the green inclined cable car and immersing yourself in an embrace of cherry blossoms. The cable car runs through groves of cherry trees, where passengers hold their breath in awe of the beauty around them, while the view outside presents a striking contrast of pink petals dotted with green.
■ Address: 18-8, Tachiyama, Funakura, Shibata-machi, Shibata-gun, Miyagi Prefecture
■ Admission: Free
■ Opening Hours: 9:00–17:00 (Closed on Mondays)
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Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots – Matsukura Castle Ruins Park. (Photo / Tripbaa, Asia’s Free Travel Expert)
Okinawa is the earliest place in Japan where cherry blossoms bloom. By the end of January, you can attend the “Nago Cherry Blossom Festival” here, where you can not only admire the relatively deep red Japanese cherry blossoms but also experience the warmth of the Okinawan people through festival performances such as the Eisa Taiko drum dance and Ryukyuan dance.
Even if you miss the festival, Nago Castle Park offers plenty of fun for photos and play, with its amusement facilities and Sakura Bridge. Even the visitor center offers a great view overlooking downtown Nago. Enjoying Japanese cherry blossoms while taking in the scenery is a uniquely rewarding experience.
■ Event Dates: January 26 & 27
■ Address: 5511 Nago, Nago City
Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots – Nago Castle, Okinawa. (Photo /
[Tripbaa Funbaa]Authorized reprint. Original source: [2019 Japan Cherry Blossom Essential Guide – Top 3 Famous Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan + Complete Guide to the 100 Best Cherry Blossom Sites]