Cherry blossom season in Japan is one of the most anticipated times of the year, attracting visitors from around the world. However, sakura blooms at different times across the country, depending on the region and climate. To help you plan your trip, this month-by-month guide highlights the best cherry blossom spots and their expected bloom periods, from early openings in Okinawa to late-season blossoms in Hokkaido.

January – Early Blooms in Okinawa

While most of Japan is still in winter, Okinawa experiences its earliest cherry blossoms due to its subtropical climate. Unlike the delicate pale pink blossoms in mainland Japan, Okinawa’s cherry blossoms, known as hikanzakura, are darker pink and bloom from the top down.

Best Locations in January:

• Nago Central Park (Nago City) – A popular festival with cherry trees lining the hillsides.
• Yaedake Sakura no Mori Park (Motobu) – A scenic drive with cherry trees along the mountain road.

Peak bloom: Mid-to-late January

February – Sakura Festivals in Okinawa and Kyushu

Okinawa’s sakura season extends into early February, while cherry trees in southern Kyushu start budding towards the end of the month. Some rare varieties, such as kawazu-zakura, begin blooming in warm coastal areas near Tokyo.

Best Locations in February:

• Mt. Yaedake (Okinawa) – Home to one of Japan’s earliest cherry blossom festivals.
• Kawazu (Shizuoka Prefecture) – Famous for its early-blooming kawazu-zakura, which lasts for about a month.

Peak bloom: Early-to-mid February (Okinawa), late February (Shizuoka)

March – Sakura Begins in Kyushu and Central Japan

By mid-to-late March, cherry blossoms start appearing in the southern and central regions of Japan. Popular hanami (flower-viewing) spots in Fukuoka, Hiroshima, and Kyoto begin drawing crowds.

Best Locations in March:

• Maizuru Park (Fukuoka) – Home to the ruins of Fukuoka Castle, with over 1,000 cherry trees.
• Peace Memorial Park (Hiroshima) – A serene location with sakura trees lining the river.
• Maruyama Park (Kyoto) – One of Kyoto’s best spots, famous for its massive weeping cherry tree.

Peak bloom: Mid-to-late March

April – Full Bloom Across Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka

April is the peak of cherry blossom season in central Japan, with iconic locations in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka bursting into full bloom. This is also when the biggest sakura festivals take place, making it the busiest time for hanami.

Best Locations in April:

• Shinjuku Gyoen (Tokyo) – A large park with different varieties of cherry trees, allowing for extended bloom periods.
• Philosopher’s Path (Kyoto) – A peaceful canal walk lined with hundreds of cherry trees.
• Osaka Castle Park (Osaka) – Over 3,000 sakura trees surround the historic castle.

Peak bloom: Early-to-mid April

Late April – Cherry Blossoms in Northern Honshu and the Japanese Alps

As central Japan’s cherry blossoms begin to fade, northern Honshu and mountainous areas see their peak bloom. Places like Aomori and Nagano offer stunning views with fewer crowds.

Best Locations in Late April:

• Hirosaki Castle Park (Aomori) – Famous for its moat filled with fallen sakura petals, creating a “flower raft” effect.
• Takato Castle Ruins Park (Nagano) – Known for its vibrant kohigan-zakura, a rare type of cherry blossom.

Peak bloom: Mid-to-late April

May – Sakura Season in Hokkaido

By May, most of Japan’s cherry blossoms have faded, but Hokkaido still experiences peak bloom. This is the last chance to see sakura before summer arrives.

Best Locations in May:

• Goryokaku Park (Hakodate) – A star-shaped fort surrounded by cherry trees, best viewed from Goryokaku Tower.
• Matsumae Park (Matsumae) – Home to over 10,000 cherry trees and one of Japan’s northernmost castles.

Peak bloom: Early-to-mid May

Conclusion

Cherry blossom season in Japan lasts for several months, depending on the region. Whether you’re visiting in January for Okinawa’s early blooms, in April for peak hanami in Tokyo and Kyoto, or in May for the final blossoms in Hokkaido, there’s always a perfect place to enjoy sakura. By planning ahead and checking bloom forecasts, you can experience this iconic season at its best.