2025 Japan Cherry Blossoms: 10 Best Viewing Spots & Estimated Bloom Dates
We first spotted cherry blossoms in Taiwan, but of course, we had to see the beautiful sakura trees in Japan, too! We finally did it on our 10-day Japan spring trip, and we can say that our hanami (flower viewing) experience was definitely one for the books!
Tip: To time your trip on the 2025 Japan cherry blossom forecast if you want to catch these pink flowers in full bloom.
Related:
Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Korea
Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Taiwan
2025 Japan cherry blossom spots & estimated bloom dates
Want to experience the hanami season in Japan like we did? We made this list of the best cherry blossom spots in Japan with estimated flowering and full bloom dates based on Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC)’s official forecast as of 27 March 2025.
| Popular Areas | Est. Flowering Dates | Est. Full Bloom Dates |
| Tokyo | ||
| Meguro River | March 24 | March 29 |
| Chidorigafuchi Moat | March 24 | March 29 |
| Kitanomaru Park | March 24 | March 29 |
| Ueno Park | March 24 | March 29 |
| Osaka | ||
| Osaka Castle | March 27 | April 5 |
| Mint Bureau Cherry Blossom Alley | March 27 | April 5 |
| Kyoto | ||
| Gion District | March 27 | April 5 |
| Maruyama Park | March 27 | April 5 |
| Nagoya | ||
| Nagoya Castle | March 26 | April 4 |
| Meijo Park | March 26 | April 4 |
*The estimated bloom dates are based on the official forecast by Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC). Actual dates may still change depending on current weather conditions.
Best places in Japan for cherry blossoms
Tokyo
The capital city of Tokyo has some of the most accessible cherry blossom spots. Start your hanami journey in these parks and attractions in Tokyo.
Tip: Want to stay in Tokyo to catch the pink blooms easily? See our list of affordable Tokyo stays, Shinjuku hotels, Haneda Airport hotels, and Tokyo Disneyland hotels.
1. Meguro River
The Meguro River is arguably the best place to spot cherry blossoms in Tokyo with over 800 sakura trees lining the riverbank.
The place turns even more spectacular at night with trees being illuminated. There are also street food and drinks sold here, adding more flavor to your cherry blossom night viewing experience.
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Tip: Go on a scenic Meguro River cherry blossom viewing cruise to kick your hanami experience up a notch. This already includes the cruise fee, rental items, and guide. |
Estimated bloom dates: Last days of March to early April
Admission: Free
Address: Meguro, Meguro City, Tokyo, Japan, 153-0063
How to get there: From Shibuya Station, take the train to Meguro Station. The river is just outside the station.
2. Chidorigafuchi Moat
Located northwest of the Tokyo Imperial Palace, the Chidorigafuchi Moat is one of the most photographed cherry blossom spots in Japan, and it’s easy to see why.
During spring, the pathways along the moat are tinted in pink, and later in the season, the petals reflect on the water, creating an enchanting illusion of a pink river. Of course, riding a rowboat completes the magical experience!
Estimated bloom dates: Last days of March to early April
Admission: Free
Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo, Japan, 100-8111
How to get there: Take the train to Kudanshita Station or Hanzomon Station and walk for about 5 minutes to reach the moat.
3. Kitanomaru Park
After exploring the Imperial Palace grounds, we passed by Kitanomaru Park, a woodland park that was once the residence of the formidable Tokugawa clan.
Here, we saw different species of plants and flowers including the beautiful sakura blooms. While you’re here, do drop by the nearby attractions including the Science Museum and National Museum of Modern Art.
Estimated bloom dates: Last days of March to early April
Admission: Free
Address: 1-1 Kitanomarukoen, Chiyoda City, Tokyo, Japan, 102-0091
How to get there: On the Tozai, Hanzomon, and Shinjuku subway lines, you can take the train to Kudanshita Station. From the station, you can walk for about two minutes passing through the Tayasumon Gate.
4. Ueno Park
Ueno Park is a top Tokyo attraction known for its museums and galleries including the Tokyo National Museum, which is the largest of its kind in the country.
Come springtime, the park turns into an astonishing wonderland of pink and white with the main cherry blossom path near Ueno Zoo.
Estimated bloom dates: Last days of March to early April
Admission: Free
Address: Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo, Japan, 110-0007
How to get there: From Narita Station, ride the Keisei Skyliner to Ueno Station, or the JR Yamanote Line from Tokyo Station to Ueno Station. Then, follow the signs to JR Ueno Station Park Exit.
Osaka
Osaka is not only a food haven where you can sample some mouthwatering Japanese food, it is also home to some of the best cherry blossom spots in the country.
Tip: Searching for the best stays in Osaka? See our list of the best Osaka hotels and budget-friendly Osaka hotels.
5. Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle is a popular cherry blossom spot in Osaka, so we didn’t miss visiting this iconic attraction during spring.
Within Osaka Castle’s expansive grounds, we spotted some lovely cherry blossoms with locals enjoying a picnic under the sakura trees.
Estimated bloom dates: Last days of March to early April
Admission: Free (Osaka Castle Park)
Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Japan, 540-0002
How to get there: From Osaka Station, ride the Osaka Loop Line to Morinomiya Station (southeast side) or Osakajokoen Station (northeast side) of the park.
6. Mint Bureau Cherry Blossom Alley
The Mint Bureau Cherry Blossom Alley in Osaka is quite unique as it only opens for one week every year during the hanami season. This annual tradition has been ongoing for more than 140 years since it started in 1883.
The Mint Bureau officially picks the “Flower of the Year” among the many varieties of sakura trees lining the pathway. Currently, there are over 300 sakura trees of about a hundred varieties.
Estimated bloom dates: Last days of March to early April
Admission: Free
Address: 1 Chome-1-79 Tenma, Kita Ward, Osaka, Japan, 530-0043
How to get there: You have several options: 1) Take the JR Tozai Line going to Osaka Tenmangu Station, then walk for 15 minutes. 2) Ride the Osaka Metro to Minami-Morimachi Station or Temmabashi Station, and walk for 15 minutes. 3) Take the Keihan Railway to Temma Station.
Kyoto
Go to Kyoto if you want to immerse in Japan’s ancient traditions while enjoying the hanami season.
Tip: Looking for an affordable place to stay in Kyoto? See our list of budget stays and hotels in Kyoto.
7. Gion
There’s no better place to spot cherry blossoms while being transported to Japan’s ancient times than Gion, Kyoto’s famous Geisha District.
Come here at night for a chance to spot Geishas (be sure not to disturb them!), pass through old alleys, and pose under the illuminated sakura trees.
Estimated bloom dates: Early April
Admission: Free
Address: Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan
How to get there: From Kyoto Station, ride bus 100 or 206 going to Gion Bus Stop. You can also ride the Keihan Line to Gion-Shijo Station, or the Hankyu Line to Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station. Gion District is just a short walk from these stations.
8. Maruyama Park
From Gion, you can walk to Maruyama Park, a famous cherry blossom spot in Kyoto where the sacred Yasaka Shrine is also found. The highlight here is the Gian Gion weeping sakura tree, which gives off an otherworldly appeal.
After paying our respects, we explored the surrounding area and saw a picnic area where locals and tourists enjoyed food and drinks under the pink and white blooms.
Estimated bloom dates: Early April
Admission: Free
Address: Maruyamacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan, 605-0071
How to get there: From Kyoto Station, hop on Bus 100 or Bus 206 to Gion Bus Stop, then walk to Maruyama Park. By train, take the Keihan Line to Gion-Shijo Station, or the Hankyu Line to Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station. Then, walk for 8-10 minutes to reach Maruyama Park.
Nagoya
Aside from its unique food culture, Nagoya is also home to some of the most stunning cherry blossoms in Japan.
Tip: Want to stay longer in Nagoya? Check out our list of the best Nagoya hotels.
9. Nagoya Castle
The top cherry blossom spot in Nagoya is definitely Nagoya Castle, the first castle to be designated Japan’s National Treasure.
When we went there, delicate white cherry blossoms added a more picturesque view of the castle as seen in the photo above. We also chanced upon a parade of samurais and had a bento meal under the sakura trees like what the locals do.
Estimated bloom dates: Early April
Admission: ¥500 (adult); Free (children)
Address: 1-1 Honmaru, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan, 460-0031
How to get there: From Nagoya Station, you can just walk for 25 minutes to reach Nagoya Castle. Alternatively, you can ride the Higashiyama Line, transfer at Sakae to the Meijo Line going to Shiyakusho Station, which is just a 6-minute walk to the castle.
10. Meijo Park
From Nagoya Castle, we proceeded to Meijo Park where we saw people having picnics to enjoy the hanami season in Nagoya.
This expansive collection of parks surrounding Nagoya Castle has various open spaces and a variety of flowers other than cherry blossoms.
Estimated bloom dates: Early April
Admission: Free
Address: 1 Chome-2-25 Meijo, Kita Ward, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan, 462-0846
How to get there: From Nagoya Castle, you can just walk to Meijo Park for about 11 minutes. If you wish to commute, you can take the Meijo Line at Sakae to Meijo Koen, then take Exit 2.
These are just some of the best places to spot cherry blossoms in Japan. There’s still so much more to discover. Do let us know your favorite spot!
Tip: Want to hit Mt. Fuji and cherry blossoms in one go? Visit Arakurayama Sengen Park and Kawaguchiko, two of the best places to spot Japan cherry blossoms with majestic Mt. Fuji views. You may also want to consider staying in one of the best Mt. Fuji onsen hotels and resorts.
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