July 16 2024

5 Best Places to Visit in Japan During Sakura Season

around.the.world.in.flip.flops Asia, Japan 1

Planning a trip to Japan during cherry blossom season? You’re not alone—it’s one of the most iconic times to visit Japan, and for good reason. I spent 46 days traveling across Japan during sakura season, and I can confidently say it’s one of the best bucket list experiences to have in Japan.

The beauty of Japan’s cherry blossoms (or “sakura”) is truly magical—delicate pink petals, peaceful parks and a once-a-year atmosphere that draws visitors from all over the world. But with so many stunning spots to choose from, planning your Japan cherry blossom itinerary can be overwhelming.

That’s why I’ve put together this guide to the 5 best and most easily accessible places to see cherry blossoms in Japan—perfect for first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike. Whether you’re visiting Tokyo, Kyoto or beyond, these spots will help you make the most of your sakura season trip.

🌸 1. Kinosaki Onsen, Hyogo Prefecture — A Hidden Gem for Cherry Blossoms

If you’re looking for a peaceful and lesser-known spot to enjoy cherry blossoms in Japan, Kinosaki Onsen in Hyogo Prefecture should be at the top of your list.

This charming onsen (hot spring) town, located by the Sea of Japan, is known for its traditional wooden ryokan, quiet atmosphere and scenic canal that runs through the center. While it’s popular among Japanese travelers, it’s still relatively undiscovered by international tourists—especially during sakura season.

I was lucky enough to visit Kinosaki Onsen during peak cherry blossom bloom and it completely stole my heart. Cherry trees line both sides of the canal, their delicate pink petals creating a magical tunnel of blossoms. At night, the trees are softly illuminated, their reflections dancing on the water. It was like walking through a dream—easily my most memorable sakura experience in Japan.

Sakura by the river in Kinosaki Onsen

Whether you’re soaking in one of the town’s seven public baths or strolling along the lantern-lit river paths in your yukata, Kinosaki Onsen offers a perfect blend of traditional Japanese culture and springtime beauty. It’s a serene, picture-perfect destination that you should definitely include in your Japan cherry blossom itinerary.

🏔️ 2. Oide Park, Nagano — Sakura, Snowy Mountains & a View I’ll Never Forget

This isn’t the most central or convenient place on this list—it takes a bit of effort to get there—but I promise you, it’s completely worth the journey.

Oide Park, located in Nagano Prefecture, is one of the most majestic and unforgettable places I saw during my entire trip to Japan. The park offers a postcard-perfect view of Japan’s Northern Alps, with the Himekawa River flowing gently through the landscape and cherry trees blooming all around.

The contrast between the delicate pink blossoms and the snow-capped mountains in the background feels almost unreal—like a scene from a Studio Ghibli film.

Sakura season at Oide Park, Nagano Prefecture

But what makes this place truly special to me goes far beyond the scenery.

While traveling solo around the World, I made a Japanese friend in Thailand—she was moving to London and I was on my way to Japan for the first time. I mentioned how sad I was that we wouldn’t get the chance to meet up in her home country, and without hesitation, she told me, “You can meet my parents instead!”

It sounded wild at the time, but a few months later, I found myself staying with her incredibly kind family in Nagano. They took me in like one of their own and made it their mission to show me the best sakura spots in their region. One afternoon, they brought me to Oide Park, and I’ll never forget the view from the viewpoint they led me to.

We stood there together, soaking in the breathtaking scene—blossoms in full bloom, snowy peaks glowing in the distance and the soft sounds of the river below. It was one of those rare travel moments that felt completely still, completely sacred.

Seeing sakura at Oide Park with my friend’s parents was so special

If you’re looking for a cherry blossom experience that’s peaceful, authentic and far from the crowds, Oide Park is a place that will stay with you long after the petals fall.

🗼 3. Sumida Park, Tokyo — Skytree Views & Sakura Magic by the River

If you’re planning to visit Japan during cherry blossom season but want to stick to the major cities, you might be worried about missing out on the iconic sakura spots spread across the countryside.

I had the exact same concern when I started planning my trip—but I quickly realized that Tokyo has some incredible cherry blossom viewing locations, right in the heart of the city.

There are several well-known spots in Tokyo to enjoy the blossoms—like the famous Meguro River or the Chidorigafuchi Moat near the Imperial Palace. But if you want the perfect view of Tokyo’s Skytree framed by sakura, there’s one place you absolutely can’t miss: Sumida Park.

Located along the Sumida River, this park is, in my opinion, the best cherry blossom spot in Tokyo. It offers a stunning blend of nature and cityscape, with hundreds of cherry trees lining the riverbanks and the futuristic silhouette of Tokyo Skytree rising in the background.

Take a Rickshaw tour around this area 📍

I’ll never forget the first time I saw cherry blossoms in Japan—it was here. The soft pink petals, the Skytree glowing in the distance, and groups of locals dressed in colorful kimonos, taking part in beautifully staged sakura photoshoots… it felt like stepping into a dream.

If you’re in Tokyo during the right time, make sure to visit during the Bokutei Sakura Matsuri Festival. The park comes alive with food stalls, festival energy, and nighttime illuminations that turn the riverside walk into a glowing tunnel of blossoms. It’s the kind of experience that reminds you why spring in Japan is so legendary.

🏯 4. Himeji Castle, Hyogo — Japan’s Grandest Castle in a Sea of Sakura

Even if the name doesn’t ring a bell, you’ve probably seen photos of this iconic landmark. Himeji Castle is not only the largest castle in Japan, but also one of the most beautiful, known for its striking white exterior and elegant architecture. Often nicknamed Shirasagi-jō (White Heron Castle), it looks as though it could take flight at any moment.

A visit to Himeji Castle and its surrounding park is worthwhile year-round, but it becomes truly magical during sakura season. The contrast of cherry blossoms against the castle’s bright white walls creates a picture-perfect scene.

The sakura views around Himeji Castle are unforgettable

Learn more about Himeji Castle on this guided tour 🏯

I visited on April 5th, right at the peak of full bloom — and I still can’t believe how lucky I was to catch it at just the right time.

In the evening, the park filled with locals enjoying hanami picnics beneath the illuminated cherry trees. The soft glow of the lanterns, the laughter of families and the petals drifting through the air made for one of the most unforgettable experiences of my trip to Japan.

✨ 5. Kōdaiji Temple, Kyoto — A Night of Sakura, Lights & Unexpected Magic

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, chances are Kyoto is on your list — and rightly so. It’s one of the most popular cities in the country, and it’s absolutely stunning, especially during sakura season.

While wandering the city during the day, I was happy to spot cherry blossoms scattered here and there. But the real highlight of my time in Kyoto came completely unexpectedly — and at night.

I stumbled upon a poster advertising a sakura light show at Kōdaiji Temple. Even though the blossoms had been slow to bloom that year, I decided to check it out. I wasn’t expecting much — maybe a few early buds, some lights, a nice stroll…

But when I arrived and saw the sign that read “FULL BLOOM — TODAY”, I was stunned. It had happened just hours earlier.

What followed was one of the most cherished travel moments of my life — the kind that leaves you breathless and, honestly, a little teary-eyed. The cherry blossoms were in perfect bloom, glowing under the temple’s ethereal light show. I watched it again and again, completely mesmerized. I didn’t want the moment to end. If I could’ve paused time, I would have.

Seeing the sakura light show at Kōdaiji Temple was one of my absolute best experiences in Japan

These are some of the endless places where you can have a magical Sakura experience in Japan. I will cherish all of these experiences forever as they are some of my all-time favorite travel memories and I hope I inspired you to visit some of these special places as well and make some memories of your own.