Japan Cherry Blossom 2023 Dates & Locations
2023 Blooming Dates, Best Viewing Places and Latest Forecast for Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan
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With Spring 2023 also comes The Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan. Travellers from all around the world are making their way to celebrate one of the most beloved yearly events in the spring in Japan, which is the Sakura Festival.
The Cherry Blossom Festival (Sakura Festival) in Japan attracts countless visitors who come to admire the transformation of Japan's landscape, looking for the best viewing spots. The sweet cherry scent, the wonderful blooms turn Japan into a suave painting full of soft and lovely colours.
There is a great deal of anticipation before the Cherry Blossom Festival 2023, and many prepare months in advance, organizing their trips, buying flights and reserving accommodation. It is difficult to figure out which month cherry blossom blooms in Japan, so we created an updated forecast grouped by regions and cities to help you plan.
We will also try to show you the importance of the Sakura season for the Japanese, what it means in Japanese culture and how people celebrate.
End of March 2023 Update: Cherry Blossoms are currently in full bloom in most areas of Japan. Since the Sakura season will be ending shortly, this article will not receive any further updates until November 2023.
In November, we will update this article in preparation for the 2024 Sakura season.
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When is cherry blossom season in Japan 2023?
Cherry blossom season peaks between March 27 and April 5, 2023 in the Tokyo area. The earliest cherry blooms appear in Okinawa in early February 2023. The last blooms can be seen in Hokkaido around in mid-May 2023.
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What is the best month in 2023 to see cherry blossoms in Japan?
Between 15 March and 2 April 2023 you have the best chance to see cherry blossoms in Japan.
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Will there be a Cherry Blossom Festival in 2023?
Yes, absolutely. After the pandemic, everybody is excited about the return of the cherry blossom festivals throughout Japan. See the dates and locations.
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Where is the best place to see sakura?
Yoshino is the best place to see the thousands of cherry trees blooming in the spring, Japan's most famous cherry blossom destination is located in the Nara Prefecture.
2023 Cherry Blossom Forecast
Cherry blossom blooming will peak between the last week of March and the first week of April.
The table below shows the Cherry Blossom 2023 blooming dates in Japan and best viewing dates, grouped by regions. Have a look at our detailed guide for each city, including best viewing points in 2023. All dates are based on the latest forecast from the Japanese Meteorology Corp. official site.
| City | First Bloom | Best Viewing |
|---|---|---|
| Hokkaido Region (Bloom in April) | ||
| Muroran | May 1 | May 6 to May 9 |
| Hakodate | April 27 | April 30 to May 2 |
| Sapporo | April 29 | May 2 to May 6 |
| Tohoku Region (Bloom in April) | ||
| Aomori | April 18 | April 22 to April 26 |
| Morioka | April 15 | April 20 to April 24 |
| Sendai | April 6 | April 10 to April 13 |
| Akita | April 15 | April 19 to April 22 |
| Yamagata | April 10 | April 14 to April 18 |
| Fukushima | April 4 | April 8 to April 11 |
| Kanto-Koushin Region (50% bloom) | ||
| Mito | March 28 | April 1 to April 10 |
| Utsunomiya | March 23 | April 3 to April 6 |
| Maebashi | March 28 | April 3 to April 5 |
| Kumagaya | March 25 | March 30 to April 8 |
| Choshi | March 27 | April 3 to April 11 |
| Tokyo | March 20 | March 27 to April 5 |
| Yokohama | March 21 | March 28 to April 5 |
| Kofu | March 23 | March 28 to April 6 |
| Nagano | April 5 | April 9 to April 17 |
| Hokuriku Region (75% bloom) | ||
| Niigata | April 3 | April 7 to April 15 |
| Toyama | March 30 | April 3 to April 11 |
| Kanazawa | March 29 | April 2 to April 10 |
| Fukui | March 27 | April 1 to April 9 |
| Tokai Region (75% bloom) | ||
| Gifu | March 19 | March 26 to April 3 |
| Shizuoka | March 23 | March 29 to April 6 |
| Nagoya | March 19 | March 26 to April 3 |
| Tsu | March 25 | March 31 to April 8 |
| Kinki Region (80% bloom) | ||
| Hikone | March 23 | March 28 to April 6 |
| Kyoto | March 23 | March 28 to April 6 |
| Osaka | March 22 | March 27 to April 5 |
| Kobe | March 23 | March 29 to April 6 |
| Nara | March 23 | March 28 to April 6 |
| Wakayama | March 21 | March 26 to April 4 |
| Chugoku Region (75% bloom) | ||
| Tottori | March 24 | March 31 to April 8 |
| Matsue | March 24 | March 31 to April 8 |
| Okayama | March 24 | March 31 to April 8 |
| Hiroshima | March 22 | March 28 to April 5 |
| Shimonoseki | March 24 | March 31 to April 8 |
| Shikoku Region (75% bloom) | ||
| Tokushima | March 24 | March 31 to April 8 |
| Takamatsu | March 24 | March 31 to April 8 |
| Matsuyama | March 20 | March 28 to April 5 |
| Kochi | March 20 | March 28 to April 5 |
| Kyushu Region (80% bloom) | ||
| Fukuoka | March 17 | March 25 to April 2 |
| Saga | March 17 | March 25 to April 2 |
| Nagasaki | March 17 | March 25 to April 2 |
| Kumamoto | March 19 | March 26 to April 3 |
| Oita | March 17 | March 25 to April 2 |
| Miyazaki | March 19 | March 26 to April 3 |
| Kagoshima | March 27 | April 3 to April 11 |
Based on the dates above, you can schedule your visits to your favourite destinations to enjoy the cherry blossom blooming. The first blooms will start in Okinawa in January 2023 and soon the whole island is expecting the full blooms between March and April.
It is important to remember that unusually warm weather can cause the cherry blossom trees to bloom early. In 2019 cherry blossom bloomed about 4 days earlier on average than previously expected. It is advisable to arrive at least a couple of days early to ensure you don't miss the full bloom.
Remember, you usually have a window of 9 days while the cherry trees are in full bloom.
What is the meaning of the Cherry Blossom Season?
The symbolism of the Cherry Blossom Season in Japan is associated with the Buddhist influence and the concept of "mono no aware" which means "the pathos of things" or "an empathy toward things". The idea behind "mono no aware" is that the Japanese believe in the awareness of the transience of all things, which in turn are meant to heighten the appreciation of their beauty. The emotion should be one of the gentle sadness, as all beautiful things, just like life itself, is passing.
Next time you find yourself walking under a Sakura tree in Japan, allow the beautiful melancholia to take over, and to remind you of the beautiful, long, custom of the hanami.
What do Cherry blossom symbolize?
Cherry blossom in Japan has a lot of different meaning and symbolism. Cherry blossoms often appear in Japanese movies, anime and other art like paintings and even music.
In Japanese culture, cherry blossom symbolizes the passing of life through the quick blooming and withering of the petals. The beauty of the flowers symbolizes youth while being aware of one's mortality - which is just the way of life.
You will find references to cherry blossoms in Buddhist teachings, with had a lot of influence on Japanese culture.
The symbol of cherry blossom appears on many Japanese items including the 100 yen coin, traditional tattoos, in pop culture, and it was part of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics.
What to expect from the Cherry Blossom Season in 2023?
The tradition of the Cherry Blossom Festival is still very much alive today. Thousands of people fill the parks all around Japan to admire the beautiful Sakura trees. It is also common to have picknick under the Sakura trees.
The parks get so busy that some companies send employees to the park early morning to reserve a spot for their co-workers in the afternoon. When the evening comes, many Japanese have great social events under the trees. In major cities, it can be common to celebrate the Cherry Blossom Festival during the night, where paper lanterns are hung.
What is night Sakura (yozakura)?
Know that during the night, hanami (a Japanese word which used to mean "picnicking under a blooming Sakura tree") is called "yozakura" (night Sakura), when the trees are illuminated. Even during these times, all Sakura spots tend to be crowded, but because "yozakura" is said to be more romantic, viewing spots are predominately occupied by couples.
Best night Sakura viewing places in Tokyo
If you are in Tokyo during the Sakura season, the following parks are best for night Sakura:
- Yoyogi Park
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- Gardens around the Imperial Palace
- Ueno Park
- Hibiya Park
Many areas along the Arakawa and Sumida River are also beautiful and perfect for an evening picnic.
Best night Sakura viewing places in Kyoto
Visit some of the sites in Kyoto centre, or take a longer trip out of the city and discover areas with jaw-dropping cherry blossom forests.
- Fushimi Inari Taisha
- Kiyomizu-dera
- Shosei-en Garden Kikoku-tei
- many spots along the Kamo River
Outside the city, visit Mount Hiei or Arashiyama, there are many cherry trees along the bamboo groove. Visiting Nara which is well-known for its deer and lovely cherry trees can be a perfect day trip from Kyoto.
If you happened to be in Osaka during the season, the Osaka Castle and its gardens are a must.
What is the Cherry Blossom Festival?
An ancient tradition in Japan where people enjoy the blooming of cherry blossoms in parks and celebrate with a picknick under the Sakura trees.
The history of the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan started during the Nara period, about 1300 years ago. The tradition of hanami was a custom of enjoying the beauty of blooming Sakura (cherry) or ume (plum) trees.
During the Heian period, this was reserved mainly for the Imperial Court, but the custom soon spread to the samurai society, and eventually to the common Japanese people. Drinking sake and having a nice lunch under the Sakura trees while marvelling at the falling Sakura flowers was the beginning of this great tradition.
In modern times, the Cherry Blossom Forecast gets released every year by the Japanese Meteorological Agency, so everybody can enjoy the cherry blossom festival. The Sakura blooms start in January 2023 in Okinawa, reach Kyoto and Tokyo towards the end of March 2023 and finally arrive in Hokkaidō sometime in May 2023.
Take a look at the Cherry Blossom Season Forecast 2023 for each region and city below. We have included the "First Bloom date" and the "Best Viewing dates" so you can pick the best time to visit your favourite locations.
Are there cherry blossoms in Japan in May?
Yes! You can enjoy the Cherry Blossom Season in May, but you have to travel all the way to the North, to Hokkaido. You can take the bullet train from Tokyo all the way. There is also a convenient night train with sleeping cars.
When do cherry blossoms bloom?
Cherry blossoms bloom in Spring, starting in early January 2023 in the south of Japan until mid-May 2023 in Hokkaido. Central Japan, including Tokyo, enjoys the Sakura season from mid-March until April.
Okinawa Cherry Blossom Forecast 2023
Nago (Okinawa)
Blooming starts: January 10-12
Estimated Best Viewing: 12 February
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots: Nago Castle Park (Nago, Okinawa)
Recommended hotel: Okinawa Marriott Resort Spa
Kyushu Cherry Blossom Forecast 2023
Fukuoka (Fukuoka)
Blooming starts: March 15-17
Estimated Best Viewing: March 25 to April 2
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots: Nishi Park (Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: THE LIFE hostel & bar lounge
Oita (Oita)
Blooming starts: March 15-17
Estimated Best Viewing: March 25 to April 2
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots: Oka Castle Park (Taketa, Oita Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Oita
Nagasaki (Nagasaki)
Blooming starts: March 17
Estimated Best Viewing: March 25 to April 2
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:Omura Park (Omura, Nagasaki Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: Richmond Hotel Nagasaki Shianbashi
Saga (Saga)
Blooming starts: March 17
Estimated Best Viewing: March 25 to April 2
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:Ogi Park (Ogi, Saga Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: Hotel Route-Inn Saga Ekimae
Kumamoto (Kumamoto)
Blooming starts:March 19
Estimated Best Viewing: March 26 to April 3
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spotss:
- Kumamoto Castle (Kumamoto, Kumamoto Prefecture)
- Kumamoto Castle (Kumamoto, Kumamoto Prefecture)
- Lakeside of Ichifusa Dam (Mizugami, Kumamoto Prefecture)
- Minamata Cherry Line (Minamata, Kumamoto Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: Crowne Plaza ANA Kumamoto New Sky
Miyazaki (Miyazaki)
Blooming starts: March 19
Estimated Best Viewing: March 26 to April 3
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots: Mochino Sekino Park (Miyakonojo, Miyazaki Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: Sheraton Grande Ocean Resort
Kagoshima (Kagoshima)
Blooming starts: March 27
Estimated Best Viewing: April 3 to 11
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots: Tadamoto Park (Okuchi, Kagoshima Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: Richmond Hotel Kagoshima Kinseicho
Shikoku Cherry Blossom Forecast 2023
Takamatsu (Kagawa)
Blooming starts: March 24
Estimated Best Viewing: March 31 to April 8
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots: Kotohiki Park (Kanonji, Kagawa Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: Ten to Sen Guesthouse
Tokushima (Tokushima)
Blooming starts:March 23-24
Estimated Best Viewing: March 31 to April 8
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:Seibu Park (Tokushima, Tokushima Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Tokushima Ekimae
Matsuyama (Ehime)
Blooming starts:March 20-21
Estimated Best Viewing: March 28 to April 5
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:Matsuyama Park (Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Matsuyama
Kochi (Kochi)
Blooming starts:March 20
Estimated Best Viewing: March 28 to April 5
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:
- Kagamino Park (Kami, Kochi Prefecture)
- Makino Park (Sakawa, Kochi Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: South Breeze Hotel
Chugoku Cherry Blossom Forecast 2023
Hiroshima (Hiroshima)
Blooming starts:March 22
Estimated Best Viewing: March 28 to April 5
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:
- Senkoji Park (Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture)
- Ueno Park (Shobara, Hiroshima Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: Mitsui Garden Hotel Hiroshima
Okayama (Okayama)
Blooming starts:March 24
Estimated Best Viewing: March 31 to April 8
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:Kakuzan Park (Tsuyama, Okayama Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: Mitsui Garden Hotel Okayama
Matsue (Shimane)
Blooming starts:March 24
Estimated Best Viewing: March 31 to April 8
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:
- Matsue Castle Park (Matsue, Shimane Prefecture)
- Bank of the Hi River (Unnan, Shimane Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: Ten Ten Temari
Tottori (Tottori)
Blooming starts:March 24
Estimated Best Viewing: March 31 to April 8
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:
- Kyusho Park (Tottori, Tottori Prefecture)
- Utsubuki Park (Kurayoshi, Tottori Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: APA Hotel Tottori Ekimae
Shimonoseki (Yamaguchi)
Blooming starts:March 24
Estimated Best Viewing: March 31 to April 8
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:
- Kikko Park (Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture)
- Tokiwa Park (Ube, Yamaguchi Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: Shimonoseki Grand Hotel
Kansai Cherry Blossom Forecast 2023
Tsu (Mie)
Blooming starts:March 23-25
Estimated Best Viewing: March 31 to April 8
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:
- Mitake (Tsu, Mie Prefecture)
- Miyagawa-Tsutsumi Park (Ise, Mie Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: Hotel Route-Inn Tsu
Osaka (Osaka)
Blooming starts:March 22
Estimated Best Viewing: March 27 to April 5
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:
Osaka Castle Park (Osaka, Osaka Prefecture)
Japan Mint (Osaka, Osaka Prefecture)
Expo Park (Suita, Osaka Prefecture)
Book your Cherry Blossom Accommodation in Osaka
Recommended hotel: Hotel Keihan Universal City
Recommended article: Things To Do In Osaka
Hikone (Shiga)
Blooming starts:March 23
Estimated Best Viewing: March 28 to April 6
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:
- Kaizu Osaki (Takashima, Shiga Prefecture)
- Hokoen Park (Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: Hotel Sunroute Hikone
Recommended article: Best Things To Do In Japan
Kyoto (Kyoto)
Blooming starts:March 23
Estimated Best Viewing: March 28 to April 6
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:
- Arashiyama (Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture)
- Ninnaji Temple (Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture)
- Daigoji Temple (Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture)
- Kasagiyama Natural Park (Kasagi, Kyoto Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: HOTEL MYSTAYS Kyoto Shijo
Recommended article: Best Things To Do In Kyoto
Kobe (Hyogo)
Blooming starts:March 24
Estimated Best Viewing: March 29 to April 6
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:
- Himeji Castle (Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture)
- Akashi Park (Akashi, Hyogo Prefecture)
- Shukugawa Park (Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe
Recommended article: Best Things To Do In Kobe
Nara (Nara)
Blooming starts:March 23
Estimated Best Viewing: March 28 to April 6
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:
- Nara Park (Nara, Nara Prefecture)
- Mount Yoshino (Yoshino, Nara Prefecture)
- Koriyama Castle Park (Yamatokoriyama, Nara Prefecture)
Book your Cherry Blossom Accommodation in Nara
Recommended hotel: The Deer Park Inn (so you don't miss the deers!)
Recommended article: Best Things To Do In Nara
Wakayama (Wakayama)
Blooming starts:March 21
Estimated Best Viewing: March 26 to April 4
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:
- Kimiidera Temple (Wakayama, Wakayama Prefecture)
- Negoroji Temple (Iwade, Wakayama Prefecture)
- Shichikawa Dam (Kozagawa, Wakayama Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: Hotel Granvia Wakayama
Recommended article: Best Things To Do In Japan
Chubu Cherry Blossom Forecast 2023
Kofu (Yamanashi)
Blooming starts:March 23
Estimated Best Viewing: March 28 to April 6
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:Ōboshi Park (Minamikomagun, Yamanashi Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: Sentia Hotel Naito
Niigata (Niigata)
Blooming starts:April 2-3
Estimated Best Viewing: April 7 to April 15
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:
- Okotsu Canal (Tsubame, Niigata Prefecture)
- Muramatsu Park (Kosen, Niigata Prefecture)
- Takada Park (Joetsu, Niigata Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: Hotel Okura Niigata
Toyama (Toyama)
Blooming starts:March 29
Estimated Best Viewing: April 3 to April 11
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:
- Matsukawa Park (Toyama, Toyama Prefecture)
- Takaoka Castle Park (Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Toyama
Kanazawa (Ishikawa)
Blooming starts:March 28
Estimated Best Viewing: April 2 to April 10
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:Kenrokuen Garden (Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: APA Hotel Kanazawa Chuo
Fukui (Fukui)
Blooming starts:March 26-27
Estimated Best Viewing: April 1 to April 9
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:
- Asuwayama Park (Fukui, Fukui Prefecture)
- Maruoka Castle Park (Sakai, Fukui Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: Hotel Fukui Castle
Nagoya (Aichi)
Blooming starts:March 19
Estimated Best Viewing: March 26 to April 3
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:
- Okazaki Park (Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture)
- Four Seasons Road at Yamazaki River (Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture)
- Tsuruma Park (Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture)
- Gojo River (Iwakura, Aichi Prefecture)
You can take the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto and stop on the way in Nagoya for the day.
Recommended hotel: Nagoya Tokyu Hotel
Recommended article: Best Things To Do In Nagoya
Shizuoka (Shizuoka)
Blooming starts:March 23
Estimated Best Viewing: March 29 to April 6
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:
- Cherry Blossom Village (Ito, Shizuoka Prefecture)
- Mount Fuji Cemetary (Oyama, Shizuoka Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: Izu Imaihama Tokyu Hotel
Gifu (Gifu)
Blooming starts:March 19
Estimated Best Viewing: March 26 to April 3
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:
- Along the Shinsakai Canal (Kakamigahara, Gifu Prefecture)
- Usuzumi Park (Motosu, Gifu Prefecture)
- Kamagatani Valley (Ikeda, Gifu Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: Hotel Fine Garden Gifu
Nagano (Nagano)
Blooming starts:April 5
Estimated Best Viewing: April 9 to April 17
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:
- Garyuu Park (Suzaka, Nagano Prefecture)
- Takato Castle Park (Ina, Nagano Prefecture)
- Komoro Castle Ruins (Komoro, Nagano Prefecture)
Take a day trip to Nagano from Tokyo. If you can spend a couple of days, you should also visit the Hida Mountains and enjoy the many hidden sakura spots.
Recommended hotel: Chisun Grand Nagano
Kanto Cherry Blossom Forecast 2023
Tokyo (Tokyo)
Blooming starts:March 20
Estimated Best Viewing: March 27 to April 5
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:
- Ueno Onshi Park (Tokyo (Taito-ku)), Tokyo Prefecture)
- Shinjuku Gyoen (Tokyo, Tokyo Prefecture)
- Sumida Park (Tokyo (Sumida-ku)), Tokyo Prefecture)
- Koganei Park (Koganei, Tokyo Prefecture)
- Inokashira Park (Musashino, Tokyo Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: APA Hotel Shinagawa Sengakuji Eki-Mae
Choshi (Chiba)
Blooming starts:March 26-27
Estimated Best Viewing: April 3 to April 11
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:
- Shimizu Park (Noda, Chiba Prefecture)
- Mobara Park (Mobara, Chiba Prefecture)
- Izumi Nature Park (Chiba, Chiba Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: Zekkeino Yado Inubohsaki Hotel
Yokohama (Kanagawa)
Blooming starts:March 21
Estimated Best Viewing: March 28 to April 5
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:
- Kanagawa Kenriku Mitsuike Park (Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture)
- Odawara Castle Park (Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture)
- Kinegasayama Park (Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: Yokohama Royal Park Hotel
Mito (Ibaraki)
Blooming starts:March 28
Estimated Best Viewing: April 1 to April 10
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:
- Kamine Park (Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture)
- Shizumine Park (Nakashi, Ibaraki Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Mito
Utsunomiya (Tochigi)
Blooming starts:March 28
Estimated Best Viewing: April 1 to April 10
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:
- Nikko Pilgrimage Route (Utsunomiya/Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture)
- Ohirasan Prefectural Nature Park (Tochigi, Tochigi Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: HOTEL MYSTAYS Utsunomiya
Maebashi (Gunma)
Blooming starts:March 27
Estimated Best Viewing: March 21 to April 8
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:
- Akaginanmen Cherry Blossoms (Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture)
- Sakurayama Park (Fujioka, Gunma Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: Comfort Hotel Maebashi
Kumagaya (Saitama)
Blooming starts:March 25
Estimated Best Viewing: March 30 to April 8
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:
- Kumagaya Sakuratsutsumi (Kumagaya, Saitama Prefecture)
- Omiya Park (Saitama, Saitama Prefecture)
- Nagatoro (Nagatoro, Saitama Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: R&B Hotel Kumagaya Ekimae
Tohoku Cherry Blossom Forecast 2023
Aomori (Aomori)
Blooming starts:April 18
Estimated Best Viewing: April 21 to April 29
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:
- Ashino National Park (Goshogawara, Aomori Prefecture)
- Hirosaki Park (Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: Richmond Hotel Aomori
Akita (Akita)
Blooming starts:April 13
Estimated Best Viewing: April 17 to April 26
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:
- Senshu Park (Akita, Akita Prefecture)
- Mato Park (Yokote, Akita Prefecture)
- Bank of Hinokinai River and KakunoBlooming starts Samurai Residence (Senboku, Akita Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Akita
Morioka (Iwate)
Blooming starts:April 13-14
Estimated Best Viewing: April 18 to April 27
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:
- Takamatsu Park (Morioka, Iwate Prefecture)
- Kitakami Park (Kitakami, Iwate Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Morioka
Yamagata (Yamagata)
Blooming starts:April 10
Estimated Best Viewing: April 14 to April 22
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:
- Tsuruoka Park (Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture)
- Eboshiyama Park (Nanyo, Yamagata Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: Forest Inn Sangoro
Sendai (Miyagi)
Blooming starts:April 5
Estimated Best Viewing: April 9 to April 17
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots: Funaoka Castle Grounds (Shibata, Miyagi Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: Mitsui Garden Hotel Sendai
Fukushima (Fukushima)
Blooming starts:April 3-4
Estimated Best Viewing: April 8 to April 17
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:
- Miharu Shidarezakura (Miharu, Fukushima Prefecture
- Kasumiga Castle Park , (Nihonmatsu, Fukushima Prefecture)
- Tsuruga Castle Park (Aizu-Wakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture)
Recommended hotel: Richmond Hotel Fukushima Ekimae
Hokkaido Cherry Blossom Forecast 2023
Sapporo (Hokkaido)
Blooming starts:May 1
Estimated Best Viewing: May 2 to May 9
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots:
- Sakura Namiki Street (Shinhidaka, Hokkaido)
- Matsumae Park (Matsumae, Hokkaido)
Recommended hotel: Premier Hotel -Tsubaki- Sapporo
Recommended article: 15 Day Hokkaido Itinerary
Hokkaido is the last area in Japan to get the cherry blossom. As Hokkaido is the coldest area, cherry blossom tends to bloom here in early May, (or late April) and stay in bloom until mid-May 2023.
If you went to Japan and want to share your experience, tell us about your favourite sakura spot, please do so in the comments below. Have any questions? Let us know in the comments.
Good luck, happy Sakura hunting and have a lovely Cherry Blossom Season 2023!
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During the Cherry Blossom Season, Japan tends to be busier than usual so if you haven't done yet, make sure to book your accommodation as soon as possible.
You are right! The accommodation should be booked well in advance for the cherry blossom festival in Japan.
This will be good for me to go there after mine best tours from san francisco. I will plan the journey soon and will go ahead.
That's amazing! Your guide is very well compiled. Sharing this on my Facebook!
Hey! Thank you so much for writing this. i am planning on visiting this place since a long time and now having read your blog i have complete knowledge of the place.
Wow! It's really a amazing festival I went there with my paratner and both of us has enjoyed a lot I would like to go there again so that I could make a new sweet memories
Thanks
Wonderful!
Please keep me posted for next year sakura festival.
Absolutely stunning! Thanks for the great guide. Will definitely use for my trip next month. xx Morgan
Great guide. Cherry blossom season in Japan is such a bucket list trip for me! Hoping to get there one day!
We are going this April (coincidentally) and we simply can't wait to trail around Japan for a whole month. The cherry blossom transforms the country...so amazing.