It’s the time of the year again. The sun’s out and about more often than not, warming the streets and lifting spirits all over the world. What’s special about this time of year in Japan is that it’s the most beautiful time of the year in this country. Locals and foreigners from near and far plan months ahead to be in the right spot at the right time. As soon as these Sakuras start to bloom, that marks the cherry blossom season in Japan.

What is Cherry Blossom Season?

Fujiyoshida, Japan Beautiful view of mountain Fuji and Chureito pagoda at sunset, Japan in the spring with cherry blossoms

The cherry blossoms in Japan is also known as “sakura” (桜) in Japanese. It is a symbol of the beginning of spring in the country. The blooming of these flowers all around has become such a significant event. Many have come to call the weeks of these blooming the "cherry blossom season", and so we’ll call it that as well.

The months leading up to the cherry blossom season is full of predictions and forecasts. It's to pinpoint exactly when the Sakuras will make their grand appearance. "Kaika" (開花) refers to blooming of the cherry blossoms, and "mankai" (満開) translates to the full bloom. From the buds to the ultimate falling petals, it is an entire experience worth witnessing.

Types of “Sakura” in Japan

There isn’t only one kind of cherry blossom. In fact, there is quite a variety of them of over 200, including both cultivated and wild types! All the cherry blossoms share similar traits though, but observe a bit harder! Peep closer and you’ll see a variation in size, color and even shape!

The most common one of Japanese cherry trees is the Somei Yoshino. This cultivated type of Sakura is a single-flowering variety. It has five petals for each flower with a pink tint so pale that it appears almost white.

Another common Sakura is the Yamazakura which is a wild Sakura variety. It's also known as the Hill Cherry because of its location on the mountains of Japan. This type of cherry blossom is also a faded tint of pink with five petals each flower.

Keep an eye out for the Shidarezakura, with another name of the Japanese Weeping Cherry Tree. Its physical appearance of drooping branches is why this variety has the name. Compared to the rest, the Shidarezakura cherry blossom type blooms earlier. The most famous place to see this variety is the Miharu Takizakura in Fukushima. This area has been growing for over a thousand years!

When is Cherry Blossom Season in Japan?

There isn’t an exact date for the whole country, or even an exact date that’s the same every year. The cherry blossoms’ blooming period is different depending on where it is. Certain regions in Japan get warmer earlier than others while some are still colder. Northern Japan gets the late blooming cherry blossoms often. The central and southern part are lucky enough to get the early bloomers. Get ready from mid-March onwards for areas like Tokyo and Osaka. Expect them till late April in areas like Hirosaki and Sapporo.

Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan?

Be in-the-know of the ideal spots for your best fill of Sakuras. There are specific areas that are abundant in them than others. Some of these areas also hold festivals for the cherry blossom season.

Kanto Region — Tokyo and Around

Let's address the most popular destination in all Japan for tourism: Tokyo. This city in Kanto region has one of the best areas for viewing the cherry blossoms. Never leave Shinjuku Gyoen out of your sakura hunting list. It’s the city’s largest national garden with at least a thousand cherry trees!

Another popular spot is the Meguro River. During the cherry blossom season, stalls will line along the river. There are also hung-up lanterns that complement the pale pink cherry trees.

If you find yourself near the Tokyo Skytree, pop by the Sumida Park. You might even consider getting on a river cruise and admire them as you take in the beauty of the area. Keep a lookout for the Bokutei Sakura-matsuri Festival. The Sakura trees are also lit up in the evening!

Ueno Park is also a festive area for a natural cherry blossom spot. There are thousands of lanterns hung up to light the way in the evening. The Ueno Sakura Matsuri is a cherry blossom festival full of local stalls for you to experience! You can also head to the former Edo Castle in Chidorigafuchi. The cherry blossoms gathers around the moats of the building.

The Rikugien Gardens has a 70-year-old shidarezakura tree. This is the best place to view the weeping cherry trees. The night sakura experience in this area is second to none. Witness a beautiful landscape with the most ethereal ambiance.

If a little adventure is what you seek, going up to Mount Fuji area might bring some cherry blossom good luck. In fact, you’re guaranteed to see some with an amazing view of the mountain in the background.

Kansai Region — Osaka, Kyoto, Himeji

Osaka castle among cherry blossom trees (Sakura) in the evening scene after sunset with dark blue sky and light (selective focus on the castle with blurry foreground of branches and cherry blossom trees)

South of the Kanto region is the Kansai region, and they have their own fair share of cherry blossoms. Osaka is usually the first stop one would take in this area. It is one of the biggest cities in Japan, after all. The Osaka Castle provides a wonderful landscape with the pale sakuras around it. The former 1970 World Exhibition turned into a public park. Now it is the Expo 70 Park and it holds over 5000 cherry trees, making it a popular sakura viewing spot.

Yoshinoyama and Tanzan Shrine are wonderful places in Nara for beautiful Sakura clusters. The Miho Museum in Shiga and Mt. Shiude in Shikoku area are also spots to consider. Don't forget about the Yodogawa Riverside Park, either!

Kyoto is one of the most culturally-enriched cities in all Japan. Why not take advantage of your cultural visit to view some cherry blossoms at the Takase River? Stay till the evening to witness the magic of lit-up, illuminated cherry trees. Another famous spot for Sakuras is the Philosopher’s Path, a stone path that’s about two kilometers long. A trip down there during the full Sakura bloom period is an unforgettable experience. If you find yourself in Kyoto in mid April, Ninnaji Temple should be your first stop. The area is full of Omuro cherry trees which bloom later than usual, so snag your last chance of sakura viewing!

Northern Region — Hokkaido, Tohoku

Hirosaki castle and Sakura cherry blossom tree in spring. Hirosaki castle tower is not that big but it’s the only one castle tower in Tohoku area which rebuilt at Edo Period.

Northern Japan is the best place for the late blooming cherry blossoms. It is the colder region in the country. Don’t worry about missing your chance at witnessing the beauty of Japanese Sakuras. Some here even last till the end of April!

The Tohoku area has a few wonderful spots for the cherry blossoms. The Hirosaki Castle, Hanamiyama Park and the Shiroishi River are to name a few. If you find yourself in the city of Sapporo, head over to Moerenuma Park for your fill. Hakodate’s Goryokaku Tower and the Fort Goryokaku are full of these seasonal flowers, too!

What to Do During Cherry Blossom Season?

There’s more to do than stare at the beautiful flowers during the cherry blossom season. People don’t get excited for these two beautiful weeks for the landscapes only. The festive atmosphere that comes with it is the best part!

“Hanami”

The most popular activity to do during the cherry blossom season is none other than “hanami” (花見). This translates to the traditional viewing of the Sakura trees. It has become a practice for the locals to set down a mat under the blooming Sakuras. Most of the time they have a few beverages and some light snacks to munch on while chatting. There are no specific places for this activity and one can go through with it anywhere they please. Yet, the best places include parks with hundreds of cherry trees and areas with stalls set up nearby.

Cherry Blossom Festivals

TOKYO,JAPAN-APRIL 1: People come to join Hanami festival at Ueno park in Tokyo,Japan on April 1,2015.Hanami festival will start when cherry blossom full bloom.

Speaking of stalls, the festivals that come around during this time of the year gathers quite a crowd. These festivals celebrate the start of the new season. It also brings people together over traditional Japanese food and beautiful nature. Some of these stalls serve exclusive products for the cherry blossom season. Look out for Sakura-themed food, drinks and souvenirs for you to mark your experience by.

Photoshoot

While this may not be a customary activity, one might as well make the best of the opportunity. It’s no doubt that these sakuras have out-of-this-world beauty. Some may not even be able to comprehend the ethereal landscape they’re witnessing. What better way to show off this magnificent sight by posing in front of them? Grab a camera or your smartphone and snap some pictures of the sakura flowers. In fact, hold a mini photoshoot with you and your friends or family!

Conclusion

Are you excited about the cherry blossom season already? Well, you should be because it’s around the corner. Some are even blooming around Japan as we speak! It’s not too late to put on your sakura hunting shoes. Get a move on to view the best cherry blossoms Japan has to offer this year!