Cherry blossom, commonly known as Sakura (桜), is widely regarded as the national flower of Japan. When it blooms in Spring, locals and visitors gather for Hanami (花見) (cherry blossom viewing) to appreciate its transient beauty.
There is a common misconception that Sakura can only be seen in early April. That is actually referring to the time when it usually blooms in Tokyo, Osaka etc. In actual fact, Sakura generally blooms from late March (parts of Kyushu/Honshu/Shikoku) to early/mid-May (Hokkaido), so the idea is to move southwards/northwards depending on your time of visit. Also, even if in the same region, different altitudes result in slightly different bloom timings. It also depends on the variety, some bloom earlier, such as Kawazu Sakura (河津桜), while others bloom later, such as Yaezakura (八重桜).
As of 2024, the 9th year I was in Japan for cherry blossoms, I have visited around 72 places in Honshu and Hokkaido for Hanami, including 42 of 100 best spots (桜名所１００選) picked by Japanese Cherry Blossom Society (日本さくらの会).
Below are 10 places I highly recommend:
1. Hirosaki Park（弘前公園/鷹揚公園）, Aomori prefecture（青森県）
It is regarded as one of the top 3 cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan for both day and night time （桜の三大名所, 三大夜桜）. Could already understand why when I visited during Golden Week in 2013 (even though it only reached 50% bloom), even more so when I managed to catch it in full bloom in 2018. A classic Japanese castle with red bridge and snow-capped mountains in the backdrop, how better to complement the beauty of Sakura? Even after the bloom has come to an end, the moat filled with pink flower petals is also a sight to behold.
The Somei Yoshino（染井吉野）trees in Hirosaki Park are known to be the oldest in Japan. Cherry trees of this variety usually do not live longer than 80 years, however 400 of the trees here (out of 2600) are more than 100 years old! Other than Somei Yoshino, there are also many other varieties such as the late-blooming Yaezakura.
2. Kaizu Osaki（海津大崎）, Shiga prefecture（滋賀県）
It is not conveniently located, but totally worth going for the view of 4 km of Sakura trees lining the northern shore of Lake Biwa, minus the huge crowds in cities. Do note that it is still really cold here in April, so don't forget winter jackets!
3. Haradanien（原谷苑）, Kyoto prefecture（京都府）
It is a private garden in Kyoto city, but not too conveniently located. There is a need to pay for entry, and it isn't exactly cheap. Still, it is definitely worth the money, because the whole garden is filled with different breeds of Sakura and other flowers in Spring! Going around the place is like experiencing a maze in a secret garden. Shidarezakura 枝垂桜 (weeping cherry trees) cover the compounds, such that it looks like the sky is pink! Recommend to reach once it opens to avoid the crowd.
4. Himeji Castle（姫路城）, Hyogo prefecture（兵庫県）
Many castles have numerous cherry trees planted in the compounds, so castles are really great locations for Hanami. Personally feel that the traditional Japanese architecture complements Sakura really well too, much better than modern high-rise buildings.
Himeji Castle, with around 1000 cherry trees planted within the inner moat, is definitely one of the best castles to go for Hanami. A pity when I visited, it was under renovation.
5. Kintaikyo（錦帯橋）, Yamaguchi prefecture（山口県）
Kintai Bridge is located in Iwakuni（岩国）, a castle town in the south eastern part of Yamaguchi prefecture. I did not have much expectations of the place/view before going there, and knowing that weather would be bad that day did not help. But I was so wrong! The grandeur and elegance of the 5 arch wooden bridge across the wide Nishiki river, almost full-bloom Sakura lining both sides of the river, tranquillity of the adjacent Kikko Park, topped off by the milky veil of fog (thanks to the bad weather)... the scenery there totally captured my heart~
This place is highly accessible, just 15 minute bus ride away from Shin-Iwakuni station along the Shinkansen line.
6. Funaoka Castle Ruins Park（船岡城址公園）, Miyagi prefecture（宮城県）
It is the only place in Miyagi that is ranked in the top 100 sakura spots in Japan. Visitors can hike up or take the funicular that runs through a hill of cherry blossoms and enjoy the impressive view of 1300 full-bloom cherry trees from the top where the Kannon statue is.
In addition, 1200 Somei Yoshino trees line Shiroishi river（白石川）which runs from Funaoka station (the nearest train station) to Ogawara station (the next station) , creating a 8 km long Sakura tunnel, with Mount Zao in the backdrop! The scale of this place is actually comparable with Hirosaki Park, such that visitors can easily spend one whole day covering the compounds.
7. Takato Castle Ruins Park（高遠城址公園）, Nagano prefecture（長野県）
8. Takada Park（高田公園）, Niigata prefecture（新潟県）
This is 1 of top 3 night Sakura spots in Japan. Although it looks ordinary during the day, it transforms into a spectacular and magical sight at night, thanks to the illuminations. With food stalls lining the street, the festive mood is strong here. This place is also not easily accessible but crowded with local tour buses at night when the flowers reach full bloom.
9. Matsumae Park（松前公園）, Hokkaido prefecture（北海道）
Matsumae is a castle town located at the southernmost tip of Hokkaido. It is covered by 10,000 cherry trees (250 varieties), with most of them being the uncommon Naden（南殿）. The view from the top floor of the castle keep is especially impressive~
10. Goryokaku Park（五稜郭公園）, Hokkaido prefecture（北海道）
Other places that were also pretty impressive are:
1. Miharu Takizakura（三春滝桜）, Fukushima prefecture（福島県）
2. Tsuruga Castle Park（鶴ヶ城公園）, Fukushima prefecture（福島県）
3. Kakunodate Samurai District（角館武家屋敷）, Akita prefecture（秋田県）
4. Heian Shrine（平安神宮）, Kyoto prefecture（京都県）
5. Tsuyama Castle / Kakuzan Park（津山城・鶴山公園）, Okayama prefecture（岡山県）
6. Senkoji Park（千光寺公園）, Hiroshima prefecture（広島県）
This list will be updated as I visit more places in future. Hope to check out Hanami spots in Shikoku and Kyushu, which I have yet to explore.
Related Posts:
Top Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Tokyo
Night-time Cherry Blossom Viewing
South Hokkaido for Cherry Blossoms
Related Posts:
Top Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Tokyo
Night-time Cherry Blossom Viewing
South Hokkaido for Cherry Blossoms
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