Hanami, or cherry blossom viewing, is one of Japan’s most cherished traditions. Every spring, locals and tourists gather under blooming sakura trees for picnics, enjoying food, drinks, and the beauty of nature. While many parks offer stunning cherry blossom displays, some provide the perfect setting for a traditional hanami experience—combining history, scenery, and space for gatherings. This guide highlights the best parks in Japan for a memorable hanami picnic.
1. Ueno Park (Tokyo)
One of the most famous hanami spots in Japan, Ueno Park is home to over 1,000 cherry trees that create a stunning pink canopy. The park becomes a lively celebration site during peak bloom, with people securing picnic spots early in the morning. Food stalls, cultural performances, and museums add to the experience.
Why visit?
- Lively hanami atmosphere with a festival-like feel
- Close to museums, shrines, and Ueno Zoo
- Evening illuminations for yozakura (nighttime cherry blossom viewing)
Best time to visit: Late March to early April
Location: Ueno, Tokyo
Access: 2-minute walk from Ueno Station (JR Yamanote Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza & Hibiya Lines)
2. Shinjuku Gyoen (Tokyo)
For a more relaxed and elegant hanami picnic, Shinjuku Gyoen offers wide open spaces and a variety of cherry blossom species, including early and late bloomers. Unlike Ueno Park, alcohol is not allowed, making it ideal for families and those who prefer a quiet setting.
Why visit?
- A mix of Japanese, English, and French-style gardens
- More than 1,000 cherry trees, with varieties that extend the hanami season
- Clean and well-maintained picnic areas
Best time to visit: Late March to mid-April
Location: Shinjuku, Tokyo
Access: 5-minute walk from Shinjuku-Gyoemmae Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
3. Yoyogi Park (Tokyo)
If you’re looking for a casual and lively hanami experience, Yoyogi Park is one of the best places in Tokyo. The atmosphere here is relaxed and social, attracting groups of friends, families, and even performers. The park’s wide open lawns make it easy to find a good picnic spot.
Why visit?
- Spacious picnic areas, great for large groups
- A vibrant mix of locals and tourists
- Close to Harajuku and Meiji Shrine for sightseeing
Best time to visit: Late March to early April
Location: Shibuya, Tokyo
Access: 5-minute walk from Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line)
4. Maruyama Park (Kyoto)
As Kyoto’s most famous hanami spot, Maruyama Park is home to the legendary shidare-zakura (weeping cherry tree), which is illuminated at night. The park is near Yasaka Shrine, and its traditional setting makes it perfect for experiencing old Kyoto’s hanami culture.
Why visit?
- Iconic weeping cherry tree, beautifully lit at night
- Traditional tea houses and food stalls selling Kyoto delicacies
- Located in the historic Gion district, known for geisha culture
Best time to visit: Early to mid-April
Location: Higashiyama, Kyoto
Access: 10-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station (Keihan Line)
5. Osaka Castle Park (Osaka)
For an epic hanami picnic with a historic backdrop, Osaka Castle Park is the perfect destination. More than 3,000 cherry trees bloom around the castle, creating one of Japan’s most photogenic sakura landscapes. The park’s large size makes it easy to find a picnic spot, even during peak season.
Why visit?
- Stunning views of Osaka Castle framed by cherry blossoms
- Large open spaces, perfect for group picnics
- Nighttime illuminations create a magical atmosphere
Best time to visit: Late March to early April
Location: Chuo Ward, Osaka
Access: 10-minute walk from Osakajokoen Station (JR Loop Line)
6. Nara Park (Nara)
Nara Park offers a unique hanami experience with free-roaming deer among the cherry blossoms. This makes it one of the most special places to enjoy a picnic, especially for those who love nature and wildlife photography.
Why visit?
- Interact with friendly deer while enjoying cherry blossoms
- Historic sites like Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Shrine nearby
- Less crowded compared to Kyoto’s popular hanami spots
Best time to visit: Early to mid-April
Location: Nara
Access: 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station (Kintetsu Line)
7. Hirosaki Park (Aomori)
For a late-season hanami experience, Hirosaki Park in northern Japan is one of the best places to visit. The park features over 2,600 cherry trees, a historic castle, and a moat filled with pink petals that create the famous “flower raft” effect.
Why visit?
- The iconic cherry blossom moat, one of the most unique hanami sights in Japan
- Late-blooming sakura, making it ideal for those who miss Tokyo’s peak season
- Historic Hirosaki Castle adds a samurai-era charm
Best time to visit: Late April to early May
Location: Hirosaki, Aomori
Access: 20-minute bus ride from Hirosaki Station (JR Ou Line)
8. Moerenuma Park (Hokkaido)
For those visiting Japan later in the season, Moerenuma Park in Sapporo offers a modern, spacious, and uncrowded hanami experience. Designed by Isamu Noguchi, the park combines artistic landscapes with cherry trees, making it perfect for both nature and design lovers.
Why visit?
- Late blooming season, perfect for May hanami picnics
- A blend of modern landscape architecture and natural beauty
- Large open spaces, great for photography and relaxation
Best time to visit: Early to mid-May
Location: Sapporo, Hokkaido
Access: 25-minute bus ride from Sapporo Station
9. Senkoji Park (Hiroshima)
For a scenic hanami with ocean views, Senkoji Park in Hiroshima is an excellent choice. Overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, this park offers a unique cherry blossom experience with a panoramic view of islands and ships in the distance.
Why visit?
- A hilltop location with breathtaking views
- Peaceful atmosphere, ideal for a relaxed picnic
- Close to the historic town of Onomichi, known for temples and old streets
Best time to visit: Early April
Location: Onomichi, Hiroshima
Access: 15-minute walk from JR Onomichi Station
Conclusion
Japan offers countless parks for hanami picnics, but these locations provide the best mix of stunning cherry blossoms, cultural significance, and ideal picnic settings. Whether you prefer a lively festival atmosphere in Ueno Park, a historic setting at Osaka Castle, or a serene escape in Hirosaki Park, there’s a perfect hanami spot for everyone. Planning your picnic at one of these parks will ensure a truly unforgettable cherry blossom experience.
