Cherry blossom season in Japan is more than just a natural spectacle—it’s a time for celebration. Across the country, sakura matsuri (cherry blossom festivals) bring people together with food stalls, illuminated trees, live performances, and cultural events. While many parks and temples host informal hanami gatherings, certain festivals stand out as must-visit experiences. Here’s a guide to the best cherry blossom festivals in Japan, from famous events to hidden gems.
1. Ueno Sakura Matsuri (Tokyo)
Held in Ueno Park, one of Tokyo’s most famous hanami spots, this festival attracts millions of visitors every year. Over 1,000 cherry trees line the park’s main path, creating a spectacular tunnel of pink blossoms. The festival features evening illuminations (yozakura), food stalls, and live performances, making it an ideal place for both daytime and nighttime hanami.
Highlights:
- Beautiful lantern-lit sakura at night
- Traditional performances and street food
- Easy access in central Tokyo
Best time to visit: Late March to early April
Location: Ueno Park, Tokyo
2. Chiyoda Sakura Festival (Tokyo)
For an unforgettable sakura experience, visit Chidorigafuchi, the moat surrounding the Imperial Palace. This festival is famous for its boat rides under the cherry blossoms, where visitors can paddle along the water while pink petals drift around them. The trees are illuminated in the evening, creating a magical atmosphere.
Highlights:
- Rowboat rentals for a unique hanami experience
- Stunning night illuminations
- A scenic walk along the Imperial Palace moat
Best time to visit: Late March to early April
Location: Chidorigafuchi Park, Tokyo
3. Takato Castle Park Cherry Blossom Festival (Nagano)
Takato Castle Park is one of Japan’s top three cherry blossom spots, known for its kohigan-zakura, a rare type of sakura with deeper pink petals. During the festival, the park hosts tea ceremonies, local food stalls, and evening light-ups. The contrast between the blossoms and the ruins of Takato Castle adds to the beauty of this historic site.
Highlights:
- Unique dark pink cherry blossoms
- A historic setting with castle ruins
- Traditional tea ceremonies under the trees
Best time to visit: Mid-to-late April
Location: Takato Castle Park, Nagano
4. Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival (Aomori)
Set against the backdrop of Hirosaki Castle, this festival in northern Japan offers one of the most breathtaking sakura landscapes. One of its unique features is the flower raft, where fallen cherry blossoms cover the surface of the castle moat in pink. Visitors can enjoy boat rides, food stalls, and cultural performances, all with the majestic castle in the background.
Highlights:
- The famous “sakura carpet” effect in the moat
- One of the longest-lasting cherry blossom seasons in Japan
- Traditional events such as archery and tea ceremonies
Best time to visit: Late April to early May
Location: Hirosaki Park, Aomori
5. Goryokaku Cherry Blossom Festival (Hokkaido)
For those who miss the main cherry blossom season in Tokyo and Kyoto, Hokkaido’s sakura season lasts until May. The best place to see them is Goryokaku Park, a star-shaped fortress in Hakodate. The park’s 1,600 cherry trees bloom late, offering one of the last hanami experiences in Japan each year. Visitors can enjoy viewing the blossoms from Goryokaku Tower or taking a boat ride through the moat.
Highlights:
- Aerial views of cherry blossoms surrounding the star-shaped fort
- Late-season blooms, perfect for those who missed Tokyo’s sakura
- A peaceful, uncrowded alternative to mainland festivals
Best time to visit: Late April to early May
Location: Goryokaku Park, Hakodate, Hokkaido
6. Yoshino Sakura Festival (Nara)
Mount Yoshino is Japan’s most famous cherry blossom mountain, with over 30,000 trees covering the slopes. The cherry blossoms bloom at different elevations, creating a wave of pink that lasts for weeks. The festival features traditional music, food stalls, and guided tours through the mountain trails. The uppermost area, Oku Senbon, offers a panoramic view of the entire valley.
Highlights:
- A breathtaking mountain covered in sakura
- Extended bloom season from lower to upper elevations
- Stunning views of cherry blossoms in every direction
Best time to visit: Early to mid-April
Location: Mount Yoshino, Nara
7. Miharu Takizakura Festival (Fukushima)
One of Japan’s most famous single cherry trees, the Miharu Takizakura (Waterfall Cherry Tree) is over 1,000 years old. This massive weeping cherry tree, with its cascading pink blossoms, draws visitors from across Japan. Unlike crowded city parks, this festival offers a more serene and spiritual hanami experience.
Highlights:
- A legendary 1,000-year-old cherry tree
- A peaceful setting in the Fukushima countryside
- A rare chance to see a natural wonder of Japan
Best time to visit: Mid-April
Location: Miharu, Fukushima
8. Himeji Castle Cherry Blossom Festival (Hyogo)
Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, becomes even more stunning when surrounded by thousands of cherry trees in full bloom. The festival includes live performances, cultural exhibits, and nighttime illuminations, making it one of the most elegant hanami experiences in Japan.
Highlights:
- Cherry blossoms framing Japan’s most beautiful castle
- Traditional Japanese dance and music performances
- An evening light-up event for nighttime viewing
Best time to visit: Early April
Location: Himeji Castle, Hyogo
9. Kakunodate Cherry Blossom Festival (Akita)
Kakunodate, known for its well-preserved samurai district, offers a unique hanami experience. The town’s streets are lined with weeping cherry trees, creating a tunnel of blossoms against historic Edo-period samurai homes. The festival includes tea ceremonies, local delicacies, and performances in an elegant, traditional setting.
Highlights:
- Sakura trees lining an Edo-era samurai district
- A mix of cultural heritage and natural beauty
- Fewer crowds compared to major Kyoto or Tokyo spots
Best time to visit: Late April
Location: Kakunodate, Akita
10. Fuji Kawaguchiko Cherry Blossom Festival (Yamanashi)
Few cherry blossom views are as breathtaking as those at Lake Kawaguchi, where sakura trees bloom against the backdrop of Mount Fuji. This festival is famous for its stunning photography opportunities, offering reflections of Fuji and cherry blossoms in the lake’s waters. Visitors can also enjoy boat rides, food stalls, and local craft markets.
Highlights:
- The iconic view of cherry blossoms with Mount Fuji
- A peaceful lakeside setting with great photo opportunities
- Outdoor activities like cycling and boat rides
Best time to visit: Early to mid-April
Location: Lake Kawaguchi, Yamanashi
Conclusion
Japan’s cherry blossom festivals offer a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and seasonal celebrations. Whether you want to see sakura against a historic castle, on a quiet mountain path, or reflected in a scenic lake, there’s a festival for everyone. By planning ahead and choosing a less crowded location, you can fully enjoy the magic of cherry blossom season in Japan.
