Best Spots for Cherry Blossom Viewing in Japan

Japan's cherry blossoms paint the landscape each spring in delicate pink hues for a magical spectacle that draws visitors from around the world. Ethereal flowers, known as sakura, come rich with deep cultural heritage in Japanese tradition, representing both beauty and the passing of life. The annual cherry blossom season turns Japan's cities and countryside into magical wonderlands. From the historic streets of Tokyo to the serene gardens of Aomori, every location gives a different perspective on this much-loved natural phenomenon. Whether you want to be one of the first at Meguro River in Tokyo to be shown the lit-up blossoming cherry, or take historic samurai districts in the old town of Akita in the country, a series of pictures unfolds Japan's breathtaking views for cherry blossom viewing. Pack your camera and get ready for that trip to Japan's finest spring destinations.

1. Shinjuku Gyoen, Tokyo

Shinjuku Gyoen is a peaceful oasis in the middle of the busy city of Tokyo. This 144-acre park is home to over 1,500 cherry trees of various types. Here, you'll find rare varieties such as thePrunus × yedoensis and the deep pinkPrunus serrulata.

2. Ueno Park

Ueno Park is a symbol of Tokyo's rich cultural heritage and has the honor of being Japan's first public park since 1873. As you stroll through the park, you'll find an impressive collection of 1,200 cherry trees lining the main pathway, making a magical tunnel of pink blossoms during peak season.

3. Chidorigafuchi (Tokyo)

Chidorigafuchi is one of Tokyo's most magical places when cherry blossoms are present. Over 260 cherry trees line the western moat of the Imperial Palace, thus creating a beautiful pink canopy. The 700 meters pathway offers breath-taking views when delicate petals dance above the water's surface, painting perfect reflections.

4. Hirosaki Castle Park, Aomori Prefecture

Hirosaki Castle Park is a beautiful Japanese park with history that reveals the concept of feudalism in Japan. It transforms into a wonderful paradise of cherry blossoms during sakura season. The park has about of 2,600 cherry treesthat appear as a dramatic view against the backdrop of the historic three-story castle tower.

5. Kakunodate (Akita Prefecture)

Kakunodate, once known as the "Little Kyoto of the North," is a quaint and delightful town that epitomizes Japan's samurai legacy. Here, in this historic samurai town, you can walk past its streets lined with no less than 400 weeping cherry trees (shidarezakura). 

6.  Meguro River, Tokyo

In the sakura season, the Meguro River is a beautiful pink tunnel. With 800 cherry trees along the 3.8-kilometer waterway, the branches of the trees intertwined to form natural arches overhead.