By Wei Ruiwei, compiled and reported
It's cherry blossom season again! For independent travelers, taking local Japanese trains to follow the annual bloom of sakura is a memorable experience worth cherishing.
From mid-January, the cherry blossoms gradually make their first appearance in Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost point, then bloom one after another as they move northward, continuing for nearly four months. The blooming stages of cherry blossoms—from bud to full bloom—can be categorized as "third bloom," "fifth bloom," "seventh bloom," and "full bloom." The scenery around a week after blooming (around the eighth bloom stage) is particularly stunning.
Traveling by train offers a unique way to enjoy cherry blossoms. (Photo provided by the Interchange Association, Taipei Office)
Cherry blossoms typically begin to bloom when temperatures are around 12–13°C, but the time from budding to full bloom varies by species and climate—for example, about 8 days in Kyushu, 7 days in the Kanto region, and 5 days in the Tohoku region, with colder areas having shorter blooming periods. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency's predictions for 49 locations across the country on February 1 regarding Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms, this winter has been cooler than usual from February to April, so the cherry blossoms are expected to bloom later this year. To find out the exact timing for viewing, you can check the Japan Meteorological Agency's website (www.jwa.or.jp) in advance.
With the signing of the Open Skies Agreement between Japan and Taiwan at the end of 2011, new flight routes
12 Scenic Railway Routes for Cherry Blossom Viewing
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Cherry blossom routes |
Highlights |
Recommended viewing period |
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1. JR Hachikō Line (between Kanae and Higashi-Hanno Stations) |
The cherry blossom avenue at Ichigaya Station is famous in the Tokyo metropolitan area, but heading to the suburbs, the Hachikō Line connecting Hachiōji and Takasaki Stations also offers photogenic spots—such as the railway bridge near Kanae Station—that shouldn’t be missed. |
Late March |
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2. Keifuku Electric Railroad Kitano Line (between Funaoka and Kitano-Takaido Stations) |
The local Kitano Line, affectionately known as the “Arashiyama Den,” is also famed as a “cherry blossom tunnel.” This section passes through a 200-meter tunnel formed by 70 cherry trees. |
Early April |
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3. JR Hisatsu Line (between Tsunagi and Hitoyoshi Stations), Kumamoto Prefecture |
Just past Tsunagi Station lies a 400-meter-long cherry blossom avenue, one of photographers’ favorite spots. |
Early April
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4. JR Kansai Main Line (between Ogura and Kasagi Stations), Kyoto Prefecture |
Along the Kizu River near Kasagi Station, the Kasagi Cherry Blossom Festival is held when the blossoms are in full bloom. |
Early April |
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5. Tantetsu Railway (between Kitahiara and Taniguchi Stations), Gifu Prefecture |
The Tantetsu Railway is known for its 1,500-year-old “Usuzumi Cherry Tree,” and special trains are added during the cherry blossom season. |
Early April |
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6. JR Chūō Main Line (between Katsunuma Kōshu and Shionoya Stations), Yamanashi Prefecture |
Parks near the stations coordinate light-up events to celebrate the blooming period. |
Early April |
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7. Oigawa Railway Main Line (between Yama & Wakuya Stations) Shizuoka Prefecture |
The cherry blossom tunnel near Yama is very popular. |
Early April
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8. Watarase Keikoku Railway (between Mizunuma & Hanawa Stations) Gunma Prefecture |
A former ore transport railway now used for tourism, the area around Mizunuma Station features particularly beautiful cherry blossoms. |
Early April |
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9. JR Mito Line (between Kamisuegawa & Fukiage Stations) Ibaraki Prefecture |
The area between Iwaki-Ishii and Iwaki-XY Stations has many 500-year-old Tsuchi边境 cherry trees. |
Early April |
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10. JR Ou Main Line (between Kōu & Akayu Stations) Yamagata Prefecture |
The Yonezawa Cherry Corridor near the branch line from Akayu Station to Nagai Line is a famous hanami spot, and the thousand cherry trees at Kamurayama Park, a 15-minute walk from Akayu Station, are spectacular. |
Mid-April |
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11. JR Tōhoku Main Line (between Daigawa & Funakoshi Stations) Miyagi Prefecture |
A renowned cherry blossom site, featuring an 8-kilometer stretch with around 1,200 Somei Yoshino trees. |
Mid-April
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12. JR Kamaishi Line Iwate Prefecture |
About an 8-minute walk from Tōno Station, Nabeura Park offers around 1,000 Somei Yoshino cherry trees from late April to early May each year. |
Late April
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(Information provided by the Taipei Office of the Interchange Association, Japan)
● Read more: Falling Cherry Blossoms—Picnic Feast at Ueno Park ~ Cherry Blossom Viewing in Kanto
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