Kyushu — Recommended Cherry Blossom Spots
Bloom forecast
• Fukuoka: March 20–23
• Kagoshima: March 18–21
Maizuru Park (Fukuoka)
A former castle site with wide paths and open skies. Easy access from central Fukuoka makes it ideal for casual hanami and first-time visitors.
Sengan-en (Kagoshima)
A historic garden with cherry blossoms framed by Sakurajima volcano. A calm, scenic option that blends nature, history, and landscape design.
Shikoku — Recommended Cherry Blossom Spots
Bloom forecast
• Matsuyama: March 22–25
• Takamatsu: March 23–26
Matsuyama Castle (Matsuyama)
Cherry trees climb the hillside around one of Japan’s best-preserved castles. Great views over the city and a classic spring atmosphere.
Ritsurin Garden (Takamatsu)
A meticulously designed landscape garden where cherry blossoms appear as part of a larger seasonal composition rather than the main attraction.
Chugoku — Recommended Cherry Blossom Spots
Bloom forecast
• Hiroshima: March 24–27
• Okayama: March 24–27
Peace Memorial Park (Hiroshima)
Rows of cherry trees line the river paths. The contrast between spring blossoms and the site’s historical weight makes for a quiet, reflective hanami.
Korakuen Garden (Okayama)
One of Japan’s Three Great Gardens. Cherry blossoms appear alongside ponds, bridges, and open lawns, offering a balanced, elegant setting.
Kansai — Recommended Cherry Blossom Spots
Bloom forecast
• Osaka: March 25–28
• Kyoto: March 25–29
• Kobe: March 25–28
Kema Sakuranomiya Park (Osaka)
Thousands of cherry trees stretch along the river. Popular, lively, and perfect for walking hanami through the city.
Philosopher’s Path (Kyoto)
A narrow canal lined with cherry trees. Best enjoyed early in the morning when the crowds are thin and the mood is quiet.
Meriken Park (Kobe)
Cherry blossoms with a modern harbor backdrop. A relaxed, open-space hanami that feels different from traditional park settings.
Chubu — Recommended Cherry Blossom Spots
Bloom forecast
• Nagoya: March 24–27
• Kanazawa: March 28–April 1
• Nagano: April 5–10
Tsuruma Park (Nagoya)
A classic urban park known for early blooms and night illumination. Popular and energetic during peak season.
Kanazawa Castle Park (Kanazawa)
Wide grounds with cherry trees set against castle walls. Spacious and walkable, even during busy weekends.
Zenkoji Temple (Nagano)
Late-blooming cherry trees around an important Buddhist temple. A good choice for travelers who miss the peak further south.
Kanto — Recommended Cherry Blossom Spots
Bloom forecast
• Tokyo: March 24–27
• Yokohama: March 24–27
• Chiba: March 25–28
Ueno Park (Tokyo)
One of Tokyo’s most famous hanami spots. Extremely crowded, festive, and iconic.
Sankeien Garden (Yokohama)
A spacious traditional garden with relocated historic buildings. A quieter alternative to central Tokyo parks.
Chiba Park (Chiba)
A local favorite with a pond and open lawns. Less tourist traffic, making it suitable for relaxed viewing.
Tohoku — Recommended Cherry Blossom Spots
Bloom forecast
• Sendai: April 4–8
• Aomori: April 18–22
Tsutsujigaoka Park (Sendai)
Known for weeping cherry trees and late-evening illumination. Spacious and calm compared to city-center parks.
Hirosaki Castle (Aomori)
One of Japan’s most famous cherry blossom sites. Petals often cover the castle moat like a pink carpet at peak bloom.
Hokkaido — Recommended Cherry Blossom Spots
Bloom forecast
• Sapporo: April 28–May 2
• Hakodate: April 23–27
Maruyama Park (Sapporo)
A natural park beside a shrine, offering a relaxed, local-style hanami experience.
Goryokaku Park (Hakodate)
A star-shaped fort surrounded by cherry trees. Famous from above, but equally impressive at ground level.
Expected Full Bloom Timing
In most regions, full bloom is expected about one week after the initial bloom:
• Tokyo / Osaka / Kyoto: late March to early April
• Tohoku: mid to late April
• Hokkaido: early May
Notes
• These dates are estimates, not guarantees.
• Warmer-than-average March temperatures may push blooms earlier.
• Cold snaps can delay blooming by several days.
• Urban areas tend to bloom slightly earlier than surrounding regions.
Summary
• Earliest blooms: Southern Kyushu (mid–late March)
• Peak nationwide season: Late March to early April
• Latest blooms: Hokkaido (late April to early May)
This page will be updated as more precise forecasts become available.
Leave a Reply