SAKURA Japan's cherry blossom season is a spectacular event that attracts millions of visitors each year. This comprehensive guide will provide you with information on the best cherry blossom viewing spots across different regions of Japan, including predicted bloom dates for 2025, nearby attractions, transportation access, and recommendations for accommodations and dining.
1.
: Late April to Early May 2025
Goryokaku Park is a star-shaped fort in Hakodate, known for its 1,600 cherry trees that create a stunning pink canopy in spring1.
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Goryokaku Tower: Offers panoramic views of the park and city
Mount Hakodate: Famous for its night views
Hakodate Morning Market: Fresh seafood and local specialties
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From Hakodate Station, take the tram to Goryokaku Koen Mae stop (15 minutes)
Alternatively, a 20-minute walk from JR Goryokaku Station
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La Vista Hakodate Bay: Luxury hotel with hot springs and city views
Four Points by Sheraton Hakodate: Comfortable rooms near Hakodate Station
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Lucky Pierrot: Local hamburger chain, try the Chinese Chicken Burger
Hakodate Ramen Kamome: Delicious seafood ramen
2.
: Late April to Early May 2025
Hirosaki Park is home to about 2,600 cherry trees and is considered one of Japan's premier cherry blossom viewing locations23.
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Hirosaki Castle: 400-year-old castle within the park
Neputa Mura: Museum showcasing local festival floats
Tsugaru-han Neputa Village: Traditional crafts and performances
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Take a short bus ride from JR Hirosaki Station to Hirosaki Park3
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Hotel Natulux Hirosaki: Modern hotel near the park
Dormy Inn Hirosaki: Features a public bath and sauna
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Anzu: Local izakaya serving Aomori specialties
Yamazaki: Famous for its apple pie, a local delicacy
3.
: Mid to Late April 2025
Miharu Takizakura is a 1,000-year-old weeping cherry tree and one of Japan's Three Most Famous Cherry Blossom Trees23.
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Miharu Castle Ruins: Historical site with scenic views
Sakura no Sato Park: Additional cherry blossom viewing
Abukuma Cave: Impressive limestone cave system
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Take a taxi or local bus from Miharu Station (JR Tohoku Main Line)
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Shosuke no Yado Takinoyu: Traditional ryokan with hot springs
Hotel Listel Inawashiro: Comfortable hotel near Lake Inawashiro
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Takimoto: Local restaurant serving Fukushima specialties
Cafe Sakura: Enjoy cherry blossom-themed desserts during spring
1.
: Late March to Early April 2025
Ueno Park is one of Tokyo's most popular and accessible cherry blossom viewing spots, with over 1,000 cherry trees1.
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Tokyo National Museum
Ueno Zoo
Ameyoko Shopping Street
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Directly accessible from JR Ueno Station (Yamanote Line)
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Mitsui Garden Hotel Ueno: Modern hotel near the park
Nohga Hotel Ueno: Stylish boutique hotel with a great location
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Ueno Seiyoken: Historic Western-style restaurant in the park
Usagi: Popular ramen shop near Ueno Station
2.
: Late March to Early April 2025
Chidorigafuchi is a moat northwest of the Imperial Palace, lined with hundreds of cherry trees creating a stunning tunnel of blossoms1.
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Imperial Palace
Yasukuni Shrine
National Museum of Modern Art
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5-minute walk from Kudanshita Station (Tokyo Metro)
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The Tokyo Station Hotel: Luxurious hotel in a historic building
Hotel Grand Arc Hanzomon: Offers views of the Imperial Palace
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Pigment: Innovative Japanese cuisine near Chidorigafuchi
Tempura Kondo: High-end tempura restaurant
3.
: Late March to Early April 2025
Mitsuike Park in Yokohama has been named one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots" in Japan, featuring three ponds and over 1,000 cherry trees3.
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Yokohama Cosmo World: Amusement park with a giant Ferris wheel
Yokohama Chinatown: Largest Chinatown in Japan
Minato Mirai 21: Modern harbor area with shopping and dining
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Take City Bus Number 104 from Shin-Yokohama Station or Tsurumi Station3
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InterContinental Yokohama Grand: Luxury hotel with bay views
Richmond Hotel Yokohama-Bashamichi: Comfortable mid-range option
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Seryna: High-quality Yokohama beef restaurant
Yokohama Kurikoan: Famous for its chestnut-flavored sweets
1.
: Mid to Late April 2025
Takato Castle Park is renowned for its 1,500 pink Kohigan cherry trees and is considered one of the top three places to see cherry blossoms in Japan3.
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Takato Castle Ruins
Takato Art Museum
Kozenji Temple
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Take the JR Azusa limited express train from Shinjuku Station (Tokyo) to Okaya, then transfer to the JR Iida line and get off at Inashi Station3
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Takato Onsen Yokichi: Traditional ryokan with hot springs
Hotel Route-Inn Ina: Comfortable business hotel in nearby Ina City
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Takato Sakura Manju: Local shop famous for cherry blossom-shaped buns
Shinshu Soba Takato: Excellent soba noodle restaurant
2.
: Mid to Late April 2025
Chureito Pagoda offers one of the most iconic views in Japan, with cherry blossoms framing both the pagoda and Mount Fuji in the background3.
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Arakura Sengen Shrine
Kawaguchiko Lake
Fuji-Q Highland amusement park
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20-minute walk from Shimoyoshida Station on the Fujikyu Railway Line3
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Kozantei Ubuya: Ryokan with private hot spring baths and Mt. Fuji views
Highland Resort Hotel & Spa: Family-friendly hotel near Fuji-Q Highland
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Hoto Fudo: Local restaurant famous for hoto noodles
Tempura Restaurant Ninja: Unique dining experience with a ninja theme
3.
: Early to Mid-April 2025
Kenrokuen is considered one of Japan's three most beautiful landscape gardens and is particularly stunning during cherry blossom season1.
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Kanazawa Castle
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
Higashi Chaya District
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Take the Kanazawa Loop Bus from Kanazawa Station to the Kenrokuen Shita stop
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Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel: Upscale hotel near Kenrokuen
Hotel Nikko Kanazawa: High-rise hotel with city views
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Omicho Market: Fresh seafood and local specialties
Itaru Honten: Traditional Kaga cuisine in a historic setting
1.
: Late March to Early April 2025
Osaka Castle Park features about 3,000 cherry trees surrounding the iconic Osaka Castle1.
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Osaka Castle Museum
Osaka Museum of History
Dotonbori entertainment district
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10-minute walk from Tanimachi 4-chome Station (Osaka Metro)
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Hotel New Otani Osaka: Luxury hotel with castle views
Osaka Castle Hotel: Mid-range option near the park
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Kani Doraku: Famous crab restaurant in Dotonbori
Harukoma Sushi: Popular local sushi restaurant
2.
: Late March to Early April 2025
Maruyama Park is Kyoto's most famous cherry blossom viewing spot, centered around a large weeping cherry tree1.
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Yasaka Shrine
Gion district
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
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5-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station (Keihan Main Line)
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The Celestine Kyoto Gion: Elegant hotel in the heart of Gion
Kyoto Granbell Hotel: Stylish boutique hotel with a rooftop bar
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Gion Karyo: High-end Kyoto cuisine
Nishiki Market: Food market with various local specialties
3.
: Early to Mid-April 2025
Mount Yoshino is home to over 30,000 cherry trees and has been a popular cherry blossom viewing spot for over 1,300 years23.
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Kinpusenji Temple
Yoshimizu Shrine
Yoshino Ropeway
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Take the Kintetsu Limited Express from Kyoto or Osaka to Yoshino Station
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Kashintei Hanaya: Traditional ryokan with mountain views
Yoshinoyado Kaguraya: Comfortable inn near Yoshino Station
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Kadochiyama: Local restaurant famous for Yoshino kuzu dishes
Hanayama: Traditional Japanese sweets shop
1.
: Late March to Early April 2025
The Peace Memorial Park offers a poignant cherry blossom viewing experience alongside its historical significance1.
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Atomic Bomb Dome
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Shukkeien Garden
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Take the Hiroshima Sightseeing Loop Bus from Hiroshima Station
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Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima: Upscale hotel with park views
Hotel Granvia Hiroshima: Convenient hotel connected to Hiroshima Station
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Okonomimura: Building dedicated to Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki
Hassei: Popular local izakaya
2.
: Late March to Early April 2025
Ritsurin Garden is one of Japan's most beautiful landscape gardens and offers stunning cherry blossom views1.
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Takamatsu Castle Ruins
Shikoku Mura Open Air Museum
Yashima: Flat-topped mountain with panoramic views
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3-minute walk from Ritsurin-Koen-Kitaguchi Station (Kotoku Line)
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JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu: Modern hotel near Takamatsu Station
Takamatsu Tokyu REI Hotel: Comfortable hotel in the city center
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Waraya: Famous udon restaurant
Hinode Suisan: Fresh seafood restaurant at Takamatsu Central Fish Market
3.
: Late March to Early April 2025
Maizuru Park, built on the ruins of Fukuoka Castle, is one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyushu1.
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Ohori Park
Fukuoka Art Museum
Tenjin Underground Shopping Center
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10-minute walk from Akasaka Station or Ohori-Koen Station (Fukuoka Subway)
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The Blossom Hakata Premier: Stylish hotel near Hakata Station
Nishitetsu Grand Hotel: Upscale hotel in the Tenjin area
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Hakata Issou: Popular ramen shop
Yanagibashi Rengo Market: Fresh seafood and local specialties
Conclusion
Japan's cherry blossom season is a magical time that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and unforgettable memories. By planning your trip around the predicted bloom dates for 2025 and exploring the various regions of Japan, you can create a truly spectacular cherry blossom journey. Remember to book accommodations and transportation in advance, as the peak bloom periods can be extremely busy. Enjoy the fleeting beauty of the sakura and immerse yourself in the rich traditions and modern attractions that Japan has to offer.
