Hokkaido (Sapporo): Expected to bloom on April 27 (4 days earlier than average), with full bloom on May 1 (5 days earlier).

Tohoku (Aomori, Sendai):

Kanto-Koshin (Tokyo, Nagano):

Hokuriku (Kanazawa): Expected to bloom on April 6 (3 days later), with full bloom on April 11 (3 days later).

Tokai (Nagoya): Expected to bloom on March 26 (2 days later), with full bloom on April 5 (3 days later).

Kansai (Kyoto, Osaka, Wakayama):

Chugoku (Hiroshima): Expected to bloom on March 29 (4 days later), with full bloom on April 7 (4 days later).

Shikoku (Kochi): Expected to bloom on March 25 (3 days later), with full bloom on April 1 (2 days later).

Kyushu (Fukuoka, Kagoshima):

Atami (Shizuoka Prefecture): Located about 1.5 hours from Tokyo, about 58 Atami-zakura trees bloom along a peaceful stream in late January to early February, about a month ahead of Japan’s standard cherry blossoms.

Kawazu (Izu Peninsula): About three hours from Tokyo, Kawazu-zakura is a unique cherry blossom variety that blooms in late Febraury to early March, nearly a month earlier than typical sakura. About 850 vibrant pink flowers line a 4km stretch of the Kawazu River, creating a stunning early spring scene.

Miurakaigan (Kanagawa Prefecture): About 1.5 hours from Tokyo, Miurakaigan offers a smaller-scale but picturesque cherry blossom viewing experience in mid-to-late February.

Blossoms in the Greater Tokyo region may bloom from March to April.

Tohoku Region (Sendai and beyond): In Sendai, sakura usually start blooming at the end of March, slightly later than in Tokyo.

Hokkaido (Sapporo and beyond): The last cherry blossoms in Japan typically bloom in late April to early May, making Hokkaido one of the final places to enjoy sakura season.

Tokyo: Flowering: March 23 / Full bloom: March 31

Mt. Fuji Area (Lake Kawaguchi): Flowering: April 13 / Full bloom: April 19

Sapporo: Flowering: April 27 / Full bloom: May 1

Sendai: Flowering: April 6 / Full bloom: April 11

Kanazawa: Flowering: April 6 / Full bloom: April 11

Nagoya: Flowering: March 26 / Full bloom: April 5

Kyoto: Flowering: March 29 / Full bloom: April 6

Osaka: Flowering: March 30 / Full bloom: April 6

Hiroshima: Flowering: March 29 / Full bloom: April 7

Fukuoka: Flowering: March 26 / Full bloom: April 4

Moerenuma Park (Sapporo): Designed by sculptor Isamu Noguchi, this artistic park features large sculptures and is awash with bright pink cherry blossoms in spring.

Goryokaku Tower and Fort Goryokaku (Hakodate): This star-shaped, French-style fort is a national historic site surrounded by renowned cherry blossoms. The adjacent 107m-high Goryokaku Tower offers a unique aerial view of Hokkaido’s cherry blossoms.

Asahigaoka Park (Furano): Known as one of Japan’s Hundred Views, it offers a spectacular panorama of the Furano Basin and Tokachi mountains, complemented by 3,000 cherry trees.

Mt. Tengu (Otaru): Named after mythical creatures, it provides stunning views of Otaru and the Sea of Japan, with illuminated cherry trees in spring creating a dramatic effect.

Asahikawa Park (Asahikawa): Home to about 3,500 cherry trees, this park is a popular destination in Hokkaido, featuring night-time illuminations of the blossoms during the season.

Hirosaki Park (Aomori): Spanning 49 hectares and home to about 2,600 cherry trees, Hirosaki Park is celebrated as one of Japan’s premier cherry blossom viewing locations. See more top cherry blossom spots in Aomori here.

Mt. Iwaki (Aomori): Revered as a sacred mountain, Mt. Iwaki boasts about 6,500 cherry trees along a 20km road, offering a spectacular bloom from late April to early May.

Kakunodate Bukeyashiki-dori (Akita): Known for its well-preserved samurai district, Kakunodate is adorned with pink weeping cherry trees in late April, creating a striking contrast against the black board fences of the samurai residences. See more top cherry blossom spots in Akita here.

Miharu Takizakura (Fukushima): A national natural treasure, Miharu Takizakura is one of Japan’s Three Most Famous Cherry Blossom Trees. Over 1,000 years old, this magnificent weeping cherry tree is surrounded by a walking path for visitors. See more top cherry blossom spots in Fukushima here.

Hitome Senbonzakura (Miyagi): Stretching over 8 kilometers along the Shiroishi River, this area features a breathtaking view of cherry trees with the snow-capped Zao Mountains in the background. See more top cherry blossom spots in Miyagi here.

Tsutsujigaoka Park (Sendai): The Date Clan, historically influential in Miyagi, excelled in politics, business, and environmental conservation. Three centuries ago, Date Tsunamura planted 1000 sakura trees in Tsutsujigaoka Park, preserving them for posterity. Despite challenges over the years, replanting efforts have maintained the park’s allure, now featuring over 360 diverse sakura trees. See more top cherry blossom spots in Miyagi here.

Meguro River (Tokyo): Along the 3.8-kilometer stretch of the river, about 800 cherry trees bloom beautifully, complemented by the option of dining and drinking in nearby cafes and restaurants.

Rikugien Gardens (Tokyo): This serene and historic Japanese landscape garden, designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty, is famed for its weeping cherry trees in spring.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (Tokyo): Renowned as a pinnacle of Japanese garden design, Shinjuku Gyoen features around 1,000 cherry trees of 65 different species, offering a stunning display in spring.

Ueno Park (Tokyo): Hosting approximately 1,200 cherry trees, Ueno Park is a top spot for cherry blossom viewing. The park attracts nearly 2 million visitors each spring, especially enchanting in the evening with illuminated bonbori lanterns.

Yoyogi Park (Tokyo): As one of Tokyo’s largest parks, Yoyogi Park draws crowds in spring under its expansive cherry blossoms for hanami gatherings.

Lake Kawaguchi (Yamanashi): Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Fuji, the shores of Lake Kawaguchi transform into a mesmerizing cherry blossom haven each spring. In the area, the Arakurayama Sengen Park (Chureito Pagoda) is also a popular destination worth visiting.

Nagoya Castle (Aichi/Nagoya): This top tourist spot in Nagoya is surrounded by about 1,000 cherry trees of 10 varieties, including popular Yoshino and Shidare, offering stunning spring views. The castle’s annual Spring Festival, from late March to early April, features a light-up event that highlights the blossoms and castle. Additionally, the festival includes local Nagoya cuisine and drinks at Shachihokodo and traditional Japanese games.

Kenrokuen Garden (Ishikawa/Kanazawa): Ranked among Japan’s three most famous gardens, Kenrokuen features about 40 varieties and 420 cherry trees, blooming in mid-April. It’s also listed among the 100 Best Sakura Spots in Japan.

Matsumoto Castle (Nagano): As Japan’s oldest five-tiered, six-story castle, Matsumoto Castle is celebrated for its springtime cherry blossoms. The evening illumination event along the outer moat creates a mesmerizing, romantic atmosphere.

Shinshu Zenkoji Temple (Nagano): Founded in 642, this temple is surrounded by a stunning array of cherry trees and weeping cherry blossoms, adding to its historic and spiritual ambiance.

Takato Castle Ruins Park (Nagano): Home to approximately 1,500 cherry trees, this park is recognized as one of Japan’s top 100 cherry blossom spots and is a must-visit during the bloom season.

Ueda Castle Park (Nagano): Built in 1583, Ueda Castle is renowned for its surrounding area, adorned with over 1,000 cherry trees that create a breathtaking spectacle each spring.

Himeji Castle (Hyogo): Famous for its over 1,000 cherry trees, Himeji Castle offers a unique cherry blossom experience, including boat tours in the moat under the pink petals during the cherry blossom festival.

Tō-ji Temple (Kyoto): Featuring Japan’s tallest wooden pagoda, Tō-ji Temple is surrounded by about 200 stunning cherry trees, creating a mesmerizing scene. You can also enjoy cherry blossom views while dining at nearby Kyoto restaurants.

Ninna-ji Temple (Kyoto): Ninna-ji is known for its Omuro-zakura, a variety of late-blooming cherry trees, set against a five-story pagoda. This picturesque site is recognized as a national scenic beauty and one of Japan’s top 100 sakura viewing spots.

Yoshimine-dera Temple (Kyoto): Established in 1029, Yoshimine-dera is celebrated for its beautiful weeping cherry blossoms and sits amidst the western mountains of Kyoto.

Mount Yoshino (Nara): Mount Yoshino boasts about 30,000 white wild cherry trees spread across its valleys and ridges, offering a spectacular cherry blossom view in spring.

Matsuyama Castle (Ehime): One of the 12 remaining castles built before the Edo Period, Matsuyama Castle is a picturesque location for cherry blossom viewing. Its historic grounds are adorned with numerous cherry trees, offering a splendid combination of natural beauty and historical significance during the spring bloom.

Hijiyama Park (Hiroshima): Renowned for its 1,300 cherry trees and panoramic city views, this is Hiroshima’s premier hanami location, featuring popular photo spots near Henry Moore’s Arch and family-friendly areas next to the Manga Library. The park is a vibrant location for evening cherry blossom viewing, with lively picnics along its winding paths.

Hiroshima Castle (Hiroshima): The grounds and moat banks are home to around 350 cherry trees blooming in early April, offering quintessential Japanese scenery.

Ritsurin Garden (Kagawa): Known for its scenic beauty, Ritsurin Garden in Kagawa features a tranquil landscape perfect for cherry blossom admiration. The garden’s well-manicured paths and ponds are enhanced by the delicate blossoms of cherry trees, creating a serene and picturesque setting for visitors.

Fukuoka Castle (Fukuoka): History and nature blend beautifully at Fukuoka Castle, where a cherry blossom festival is held each spring. The festival features a variety of events, illuminations, local cuisine, and traditional performances.

Kumamoto Castle (Kumamoto): As one of Japan’s most iconic castles, Kumamoto Castle offers a magnificent backdrop for cherry blossom viewing. The castle’s expansive grounds are dotted with cherry trees, making it a prime destination for experiencing the stunning beauty of spring blossoms amidst historic architecture.

Bring a waterproof tarp or picnic blanket, easily available at 100 yen shops, or use a large plastic garbage bag.

Stock up on your favorite drinks and sakura-themed bentos or snacks from convenience stores or supermarkets.

Don’t forget wet wipes, chopsticks, a garbage bag, a camera, and warm clothing for the cooler evenings of early spring.

For an extra special experience, consider renting a kimono for daytime strolling and photo opportunities.