5 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms That Are Blooming Fast This Year in Japan

① Cherry Blossom Season in Hokkaido

Cherry blossom season in Japan starts in March. This year, the cherry blossoms are predicted to bloom a bit earlier. However, Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, has a late cherry blossom season compared to other regions. The cherry blossoms in Hokkaido are expected to bloom by the end of April, making it a unique travel destination where you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing a bit later.

The Goryokaku Cherry Blossom Festival in Hakodate, located in southern Hokkaido, is one of the most popular festivals. Goryokaku Park is star-shaped and has more than 1,600 cherry trees, offering stunning views.

Various observation decks are located within the park. From the decks, you can take in the entire view of the park. Thanks to hundreds of lanterns, it’s a great place to enjoy the night view in the evening. At the park, you can enjoy the festival with various foods.

In Hokkaido, cherry blossoms can be enjoyed even in May. The drive from Route 36 to Noboribetsu Hot Spring Village is popular among locals. This grand cherry blossom path, representing Hokkaido, is considered one of the year’s best cherry blossom spots.

This place, known as the “Flower Tunnel,” is an approximately 5-mile drive route. There are about 2,000 Ezo Yamazakura cherry trees. There is a walking path next to the road, so many people park their cars and take a walk.

You can enjoy the spring of Hokkaido while driving along the flowers. Along with viewing cherry blossoms, you can also visit Noboribetsu Hot Spring Village and enjoy a hot spring bath.

② Iconic Cherry Blossom Spots in Tokyo

Tokyo is the most popular tourist destination. The cherry blossoms in Tokyo are available starting in March, and this year, they are expected to bloom on March 20. The Meguro River is one of Tokyo’s most famous cherry blossom spots.

It’s a place where you can enjoy beautiful views along the riverside in the city. The rows of restaurants make it a popular spot for many people. When spring comes, cherry blossoms bloom along the walking paths on both sides of the Meguro River. The scenery of cherry trees reflected on the water’s surface, and floating cherry blossom petals are stunning.

A cherry blossom path spanning over half a mile is created along the river. Residents often enjoy picnics under the cherry blossoms. Enjoying local food from the food stalls along the riverbank can make your cherry blossom trip even more enjoyable. Meguro River is a representative flower festival venue in Tokyo where you can spend time together. When night falls, the lighting creates a more cozy atmosphere.

Ueno Park is where the largest cherry blossom festival in Japan is held. There are more than 1,000 cherry trees just at the main gate of Ueno Park. Walking along the cherry blossom path in the park makes you feel like spring has come. The park also has museums, Shinobazu Pond, and a zoo.

During the festival period, over 800 lights are installed in the park. It’s a cherry blossom travel destination loved by locals, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists each day. If you’re planning a spring trip to Tokyo, Ueno Park is a must-visit spot.

③ Places Known as Japan’s Top Three Cherry Blossom Travel Destinations

Aomori is located at the northernmost tip of the Tohoku region in Japan. Along with Sapporo, it’s known as a representative snowy travel destination in Japan. In winter, you can see landscapes covered with white snow. The cherry blossom season in Aomori is also later than in other regions.

This year, the cherry blossoms in Aomori are expected to bloom on April 19. The most famous cherry blossom spot in Aomori is Hirosaki Castle. Here, the “Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival” is held. This festival, held from the end of April to the beginning of May every year, is considered one of Japan’s best cherry blossom viewing spots. It’s one of Japan’s top three cherry blossom spots.

There are about 2,600 cherry trees in this place. The cherry blossoms in Hirosaki Park are said to have started in 1715. As it has a long tradition, the trees are over 300 years old. Hirosaki Park has more than 50 varieties of cherry trees, including the most famous variety, Somei Yoshino. With its enormous scale, this park is especially renowned for its beautiful donarium cherry.

At night, Hirosaki Castle is lit up, creating dramatic beauty. It’s a great place to stroll under the lights and enjoy the night view. You can also enjoy a boat ride while looking at the cherry blossoms along the river. Every cherry blossom season, over 2 million tourists visit Hirosaki Park.