Cherry Blossom Season in Japan: A Dreamy Spring EscapeCherry Blossom Season in Japan

Have you ever heard of a magical season that transforms Japan into a dreamy wonderland and is on the wish list of many? Yes, it’s the Cherry Blossom Season in Japan. The most anticipated time of the year, when you see Japan painted in beautiful pink and white shades of cherry blossoms, commonly known as “Sakura”. 

As winter comes to an end, the season of cherry blossoming arrives, usually during March and early May. A time every Japanese and nature lover waits for. Each Spring, Japan sees a large influx of tourists from different parts of the country to witness its natural charm at its best. 

Japanese People At Hilltop Park Landmark

What is Hanami?

Hanami is an age-old tradition observed during the Cherry Blossom Season, when families, friends, and partners gather under blossoming trees to watch the white and pink cherry blossoms, an ultimate feast for the eyes. People also love indulging in tea parties, picnicking, and watching lit paper lanterns, the most popular activities of the Cherry Blossom Season in Japan. 

The season is celebrated throughout Japan as a festival, but it also holds cultural significance as a season of new beginnings. It also reflects on the idea of short-lived nature, which is based on the Japanese Philosophy of “mono no aware.” It encourages people to appreciate the beauty of life and its impermanence.

Cherry Blossoms And People In Nagano, Japan

How is Japan’s Cherry Blossom Season Celebrated?

Although Hanami is the most famous and common way of celebrating Japan’s Cherry Blossom Season, there are a lot of other ways in which Japanese people love to cherish this vibrant season. Let’s have a look at these popular ways that you can also add to your itinerary. 

    • Visiting Famous Spots: Explore the famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan, including the Hirosaki Park (Aomori), Nicchuline in Kitakata City, the Kamo River in Kyoto and more. 

Cherry Blossom At Hirosaki Park In Japan

    • Traditional Japanese Food & Drinks: There are many Sakura-based traditional Japanese foods and drinks to try. Sakuramochi (a sweet dish) and Sakeare are among them.

Sakuramochi Japanese Traditional Sweets Rice Cakes

    • Tea Parties: Engaging in Japan’s traditional tea parties is quite popular during the Cherry Blossom Season. The tea is served in cups and pots, often decorated in cherry blossom motifs. 

Romantic Picnic In The Park With

    • Yozakura: The night viewing of the Sakura (cherry blossoms) is known as Yozakura. It’s among the most famous activities during Japan’s Cherry Blossom Festival. Different-coloured paper lanterns are lit, transforming the ambience into a more festive, romantic, and lively one. 

Night Festival Cherry Blossom And Japanses Lanterns

    • Capture Scenic Views: Another best thing to do during Japan’s Cherry Blossom Season is to take pictures against the most stunning backdrops of a diverse variety of Cherry Blossoms, which include Shidarezakura (Weeping Cherry), Kanhizakura (Bellflower Cherry) and many more. 

Shidarezakura Tree Blooming In Kajo Park

Top 7 Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan 

If you’re wondering about where to see the best varieties of cherry blossoms, we’ve listed the top 10 places to see the cherry blossoms (sakura). These are as follows. 

  • Ueno Park (Tokyo): The Ueno Park in Tokyo is home to over 1,000 cherry blossom trees and is one of the hotspots in Japan to witness the cherry blossoms. You can see most of the crowd gathering here during this season. Nighttime is when the real party starts, when lanterns are seen glowing over the vibrant “Sakura, the cherry blossom trees. 
  • Kitakami Tenshochi (Iwate): At the Kitakami Tenshochi in Japan, you can walk amid a tunnel of pink blossoming trees, giving a magical experience to the visitors. You can also take a horse-carriage ride to watch the dotted pink pathways beautifying the area. 
  • Hirosaki Park (Aomori): To engage in Hanami, Hirosaki Park is one of the major locations in Japan. One can find around 2,600 Sakura trees, which are nearly 300 years old. The Hirosaki Castle is also another major highlight of the spring.
  • Arakurayama Sengen Park (Yamanashi): It’s a multi-coloured park that offers spectacular views of Mt. Fuji. To witness the true essence of this vibrant season, don’t miss visiting this wonderful place at all. 
  • Mt. Yoshino (Nara): From late March to early April, you must visit Mt. Yoshino (Nara) and capture the incredible views along with the eye-catching Sakura (cherry blossoms).
  • Mochio Park (Miyazaki): A home to over 2,600 cherry blossom trees, the Mochio Park is among the most favourite destinations for Japanese citizens to indulge in Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing). An ideal picnic spot for bento lunches and taking stunning natural shots of the beautiful surroundings. 
  • Nicchu line in Kitakata City (Fukushima): it’s certainly a visual treat for visitors, as an impressive collection of Sakura can be seen at Japan’s Nicchu line in Kitakata City. 

Conclusion

The Cherry Blossom Season in Japan is not just about the flowers; it’s more than just a display of flowers. It’s a cultural moment widely celebrated in Japan through a centuries-old tradition known as “Hanami.” This season positively compels people to leave their private spaces and monotonous routines to appreciate the natural charm of Mother Nature and spend some quality time with loved ones. 

So, why wait? The blossoming season is right here, and if you still haven’t been a part of this breathtakingly beautiful season in Japan, you’re missing out on something big and unique.

Leave a Reply

Applying for a Japan eVisa

  • Step1: Fill out the online application form with your personal details and passport information.

  • Step2: Proceed to securely make an online payment using your credit card.

  • Step3: Check your email for the confirmation of payment and the receipt of your Japan eVisa, which will be sent electronically.

Get Your Japan eVisa


Recent Visa Blogs