Cherry Blossom

Word from curator

Sandra

Japan expert

70+ destinations visited

18 curated trips

Cherry blossom season in Tokyo is a breathtaking spectacle. This year it is predicted to start flowering in Tokyo on March 24th and reach full bloom by March 31 (last updated on January 22). Kyoto will follow a few days later.

There are several must-visit locations to witness the stunning blooms.

• Chidorigafuchi Park offers a mesmerizing display of sakura trees along its moat, creating a dreamy tunnel of pink petals.

• Along the Meguro River Cherry Blossoms Promenade, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll under a canopy of cherry blossoms, making it a perfect spot for hanami picnics.

While Tokyo boasts remarkable cherry blossom spots, Kyoto is equally enchanting during this season:

• Maruyama-koen Park is a vibrant hub for cherry blossom viewing, with its iconic weeping cherry tree illuminated in the evenings.

• Kyoto Gosho, the Imperial Palace Park, offers a serene setting for sakura viewing, while the Kamo-gawa River's riverside promenade is lined with cherry trees, creating a postcard-worthy scene.

• Kiyomizu-dera Temple's hillside location provides breathtaking vistas of cherry blossoms against the city's backdrop.

• Meanwhile, Shimbashi offers a taste of old Kyoto with its charming, traditional atmosphere.

• Kyoto Botanical Gardens and Ninna-ji Temple provide a quieter cherry blossom experience, where you can appreciate the delicate beauty of sakura in a more serene setting.

Whether in Tokyo or Kyoto, cherry blossom season is a magical time to experience the fleeting beauty of Japan's iconic sakura trees.