Sakura (桜), or cherry blossom season, is the most popular time to visit Japan, and no wonder. Cherry blossom viewing, hanami (花見), happens for only a brief time between late March and early May. How to enjoy cherry blossoms in Japan isn’t about crowded viewing spots though.
Whether this is your first trip or your latest trip to Japan, sakura season is an experience you’ll be remembering and telling stories about for years to come.
However, it’s easy to get caught up in myths and misconceptions, such as tight schedules, heading only to over-crowded spots, and thinking there are only specific spots for enjoying cherry blossoms and Japan.
In our practical guide to cherry blossom season in Japan, you’ll understand:
- What cherry blossom season is
- Why the popular spots in lists, articles, and social posts aren’t your only options
- How excellent cherry blossom viewing can be anywhere in Japan
- What to know about planning your trip, checking forecasts, and choosing (or adapting) your travel plans
Experience has taught us that there are so many ways to enjoy sakura and hanami. You don’t have to get stuck in crowds or only a handful of spots either.
Watch the video for our our practical guide to enjoying cherry blossom season:
Cherry blossoms in Japan video
Your practical guide to sakura season 桜 と 花見
More on cherry blossom season
Ready for more? Head to our in-depth guide to sakura season:
Plan your trip with our full guide planning your first cherry blossom season in Japan
Plan your cherry blossom trip to Japan
We love visiting Japan at any time of year, but cherry blossom time has a special significance beyond any other. How to enjoy cherry blossoms in Japan comes down to going where and when you can, in the time you have to visit. Wherever you go in Japan, you’ll find amazing cherry blossoms. The key is getting there.
Sakura season is the most popular time to visit Japan for a reason. Cherry blossoms are a visual spectacle, but they also remind us to appreciate things in life while we have the opportunity to do so.
Planning your first cherry blossom season in Japan
Latest cherry blossom forecast from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
