Japanese Cherry Blossom Season - Everything You Need to Know

Travelers worldwide flock to Japan every year for one of the most beautiful scenes nature can give. Sakura season, AKA cherry blossom season is approaching quickly. Here’s what you need to know if you want to wake up and smell the blossoms.

What is sakura season?

Shades of white and pink tree blossoms annually take over Japan, known as a symbol of renewal, vitality, fragility, and beauty. The phenomenon known as Hanami brings outdoor parties and picnics both day and night. Today it’s a beautiful celebration, but it’s said that ancient Japanese farmers also used the bloom to know when to plant their rice crop.

When is sakura season?

The blossoms typically arrive every mid to late March and can be found till mid-May. The 2022 season is predicted to span from March 22nd until May 10th. If you travel north with the blossoms, you could see them for the entirety of the season. However, from bloom to drop is around two weeks.

Where is sakura season?

The sakura begins its bloom in the southern part of Japan and travels north to the top of the country. From Kagoshima to Hiroshima, Tokyo, and to Sapporo, you can find the stunning blooms at some point in every part of the country. The Japan Weather Association releases its prediction each year, helping guide visitors and locals alike through the season. This year is predicted to begin in both Fukuoka and Tokyo on March 22nd, and continue to Kushiro until May 10th.

Where are the best places to see the sakura?

Tokyo

• Shinjuku Gyoen
• Ueno Park
• Sumida Park
• Koishikawa Botanical Gardens

Osaka and Kyoto

• Osaka Castle Park
• Mount Yoshino
• Koriyama Castle
• Daisen Park
• Nijo Castle
• Toji Temple
• Arashiyama
• Hirano Shrine

Hiroshima

• Tsuyama Castle
• Miyajima
• Hijiyama Park
• Atomic Bomb Dome
• Hiroshima Castle

Kagoshima

• Yoshino Park
• Senganen Garden
• Hirakawa Zoo

Sendai

• Tsuruoko Park
• Hirosaki Castle Park
• Kusumiga Castle Park
• Shiogama Shrine
• Kakunodate

Sapporo

• Mayurama Park
• Goryokaku Park
• Hakodate Park
• Noboribetsu Onsen Flower Tunnel
• Matsume Park
• Asahiyama Park

Why should you visit Japan during the sakura season?

Being surrounded by some of the world’s most beautiful flowers, sights and culture is a one-of-a-kind experience. Parties, festivals, sakura flavored treats and drinks (yep, you can eat and drink sakura pedals), it’s an exciting time to see Japan. While there’s never a bad time to visit, sakura season certainly sweetens the deal.