Spring is Japan's most beautiful season. The sakura season brings parks and temples into a splendor of pink blossoms. Here's how to plan your trip.
The Japanese cherry blossom season, or hanami, is one of the country's most anticipated times of the year. The sakura season progresses from south to north — in Tokyo and Kyoto, the trees usually bloom from late March to early April. Follow the Japan Meteorological Corporation's sakura forecast to time your trip perfectly.
The hanami tradition dates back over a thousand years to the Heian period, when aristocrats gathered to admire the flowers and write poetry. Today, hanami is a celebration for the entire nation — families, groups of friends, and colleagues gather in parks for picnics under the blooming trees.
The best way to enjoy the cherry blossoms is a traditional hanami picnic in a park. Pack onigiri rice balls, dango sweets, tamagoyaki omelets, and Japanese tea. Many people buy ready-made bento boxes from a local store or konbini. Don't forget a picnic mat, or 'blue sheet' plastic mat!
Popular hanami spots in Tokyo include Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, and the Meguro River. Ueno Park has over a thousand cherry trees, and the atmosphere is lively and festive. Shinjuku Gyoen is a calmer, paid park where alcohol is prohibited. The Meguro River offers a magical experience with its evening illuminations.
In Kyoto, cherry blossoms surround historic temples, creating a magical atmosphere. Maruyama Park is Kyoto's most popular hanami spot, with a famous weeping cherry tree at its center. Kiyomizu-dera, the Philosopher's Path, and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove are unforgettable experiences during the sakura season.
Nighttime hanami, or yozakura, is a particularly magical experience. Many parks and temples illuminate the cherry trees in the evening, and the pink blossoms glow against the darkness. A boat trip on Tokyo's Chidorigafuchi moat during the illuminated sakura season is one of the most unforgettable experiences.
Practical tips: Book accommodation months in advance, as the sakura season is Japan's most popular travel time. The Japan Rail Pass saves money on train tickets and allows for fast travel between cities. Get a Suica or Pasmo card for public transport as soon as you arrive. Calculate your Japan trip budget with our travel cost calculator — Japan can surprise you with its affordable street food prices.
Be sure to also try seasonal foods: sakura-mochi (a rice cake wrapped in a cherry leaf), hanami-dango (three-colored rice balls), sakura lattes, and cherry blossom-themed specialties in restaurants make the trip a unique gastronomic experience. Even 7-Eleven and Lawson konbinis have special sakura season products.
Etiquette rules: Do not touch the trees or shake the branches, do not climb the trees for photos, clean up your own trash, and respect others' picnic space. At the most popular spots, it's a good idea to arrive early in the morning to reserve a spot. Pack light — use our packing list tool and remember travel insurance. Traveling alone? Read our solo travel guide.
Outside of Tokyo, consider day trips to Kamakura, where the cherry trees at Tsurugaoka Hachimangū shrine are magnificent, or to Yoshinoyama in Nara, known for its 30,000 cherry trees on the mountainsides.