The Ultimate Guide to Japan’s Most Breathtaking Cherry Blossom Views by Region

Japan’s cherry blossom season is a magical time, transforming cities, parks, and countryside landscapes into dreamy pink wonderlands. But did you know that cherry blossoms bloom at different times across Japan?

To help you experience peak blooms, we’ve crafted three distinct 7-day itineraries, each tailored to a specific region:
Kanto (Tokyo & Hakone) – Ideal for early to mid-April
Kansai (Kyoto, Osaka & Yoshino(Wakayama)) – Peak bloom from late March to early April
Tohoku (Hirosaki (Aomori) & Northern Japan) – Best for late April to early May

Let’s dive into these unforgettable seasonal journeys to help you plan the perfect sakura-filled adventure!

Kanto Region (Tokyo & Hakone Onsen Stay) – 7 Days of Cherry Blossom Bliss

Best Time to Visit: Early to mid-April  

Day 1: Arrival & Ueno Park Blooms

• Arrive in Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) and transfer to Tokyo.
  
• Take an afternoon stroll through Ueno Park, one of Tokyo’s most famous cherry blossom spots.

Day 2: Sumida River Cruise & Asakusa Charm

• Enjoy a Sumida River cruise, passing sakura-lined banks.
• Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, blending history with seasonal beauty.

Day 3: Chidorigafuchi Moat & Imperial Gardens

• Row a boat along the Chidorigafuchi Moat, surrounded by cherry blossoms!　（During cherry blossom season, you may need extra fees.)
  
• Explore the Imperial Palace East Garden, filled with spring blooms.

Day 4: Hakone’s Volcanic Beauty & Onsen Ryokan Stay

Click here for the Ultimate Guide of Onsen in Japan

• Cruise across Lake Ashi, admiring Mount Fuji in the distance.
• Ride the Hakone Ropeway, catching stunning views from above.
• Onsen Experience: Stay in a traditional ryokan, soak in a relaxing onsen, and indulge in a multi-course kaiseki dinner.

Day 5: Shinjuku Gyoen & Tokyo’s Urban Cherry Blossoms

Travel back to Tokyo and explore Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, famous for its variety of cherry trees.

Day 6: Nakameguro Canal & Shibuya Crossing

• Wander along the Nakameguro Canal, where cherry blossoms reflect beautifully in the water.
• Experience Tokyo’s vibrant city life at Shibuya Scramble Crossing.

Day 7: Departure from Tokyo

Enjoy a final Japanese breakfast and depart from Narita or Haneda Airport.

Kansai Region (Kyoto, Osaka & Yoshino) – Cherry Blossom Wonderland

Best Time to Visit:Late March to early April

Day 1: Arrival in Osaka & Dotonbori Nightlife

Arrive in Kansai International Airport (KIX) and soak in the neon-lit vibes of Dotonbori.

Day 2: Osaka Castle & Sakuranomiya Park

• Wander through Osaka Castle Park, surrounded by over 3,000 cherry trees.
• Visit Kema Sakuranomiya Park, offering scenic sakura views along the river.

Day 3: Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path & Ginkaku-ji

• Take a train to Kyoto and stroll along the Philosopher’s Path, one of Kyoto’s most peaceful cherry blossom walks.
• Visit Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion), a Zen masterpiece framed by sakura blooms.

Day 4: Kiyomizu-dera & Higashiyama’s Historic Streets

• Admire panoramic spring views from Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
• Explore the historic streets of Higashiyama, lined with traditional shops and hidden cherry blossom spots.

Day 5: Arashiyama’s Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji Temple

• Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove for a magical morning walk.
• Stop by Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with seasonal beauty.

Day 6: Yoshino – The Mountain of Cherry Blossoms

• Take a day trip to Mount Yoshino, home to over 30,000 sakura trees blooming in layers.
• Walk through Lower, Middle, Upper, and Inner Yoshino for breathtaking views.

Day 7: Departure from Osaka

Enjoy a traditional breakfast before heading to Kansai International Airport.

Hidden gem alert: If you have extra time, Mount Hiei offers another lesser-known sakura viewing spot near Kyoto.

Tohoku Region (Hirosaki & Northern Beauty) – Late Bloom Magic

Best Time to Visit: Late April to early May

Day 1: Arrival & Travel to Aomori

Fly to Aomori or take the Shinkansen for a scenic ride north.

Day 2: Hirosaki Castle & Cherry Blossom Dreamland

Explore Hirosaki Park, where cherry blossoms reflect beautifully in the castle’s moat.

Day 3: Lake Towada & Oirase Gorge

• Cruise across Lake Towada, framed by springtime beauty.
• Walk through Oirase Gorge, filled with waterfalls and sakura-lined pathways.
• If you have time, visit Towada city Aomori. You might be able to see the beautiful cherry blossoms at Kankocho-dori in Towada city Aomori. (Left side picture)

Day 4: Kakunodate’s Samurai District & Weeping Cherries

Visit the Samurai Residences of Kakunodate, famous for its weeping cherry blossoms.

Day 5: Sendai’s Historic & Cherry Spots

• Visit Sendai Castle Ruins for sweeping views of the city.
• Stop by Zuihoden, the stunning resting place of Date Masamune.

Day 6: Matsushima Bay – Scenic Coastlines

Enjoy a cruise through Matsushima Bay, known for its breathtaking coastal cherry trees.

Day 7: Return to Tokyo & Departure

• Travel back via Shinkansen and depart from Narita or Haneda Airport.

Cultural tip: Aomori is famous for the delicious apple. Try Aomori’s apple-based snacks while exploring cherry blossoms in Hirosaki! RAGUENEAU(ラグノオ)’s apple pie is one of the best. 

Final Thoughts: Your Dream Cherry Blossom Journey

No matter which region you choose, Japan’s cherry blossom season offers unforgettable moments. Whether you prefer a city adventure, historical serenity, or nature escapes, these seasonal itineraries ensure you experience peak sakura beauty.

Which itinerary speaks to you most? Let us know from the comment section below!