🌸 Tokyo — Best Cherry Blossom Spots

Best timing: Late March – Early April

📍 Ueno Park

Over 1,000 sakura trees line Japan’s most famous hanami park. Ideal for families and first-timers.

📍 Chidorigafuchi

Moat-side rowboats under sakura trees — a photogenic and romantic sakura experience.

📍 Meguro River

Over 800 trees bloom above riverside walkways with lanterns and bridges.

📍 Shinjuku Gyoen

Peaceful gardens with multiple cherry blossom varieties, perfect for seniors and photographers.

Tokyo makes an excellent sakura starting point. For bloom timing, read our forecast guide: Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast (2026).

🌸 Kyoto — Best Cherry Blossom Spots

Best timing: Early – Mid April

📍 Philosopher’s Path

A peaceful canal walk lined with hundreds of cherry trees between Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji.

📍 Maruyama Park

Home to Kyoto’s iconic weeping cherry tree illuminated at night — a spectacular viewing spot.

📍 Kiyomizu-dera

Temple platforms overlooking sakura-filled valleys — one of Japan’s most scenic spring views.

📍 Keage Incline

A preserved railway track tunnel of cherry trees, great for morning photography.

If you love Kyoto’s traditional atmosphere, consider a private onsen ryokan nearby. Learn etiquette here: Onsen Etiquette for First-Time Visitors.

🌸 Osaka — Best Cherry Blossom Spots

Best timing: Early – Mid April

📍 Osaka Castle Park

A dramatic moat and castle backdrop surrounded by over 4,000 sakura trees.

📍 Kema Sakuranomiya Park

Riverside sakura tunnels stretching nearly 4km — ideal for walking or cycling.

📍 Expo ’70 Commemorative Park

A massive park with food stalls and local hanami culture.

📍 Nara Mount Yoshino (side trip)

Over 30,000 sakura trees layered across mountain slopes — a bucket-list sakura destination.

Osaka works perfectly as a base if you’re planning a Kansai loop. For pass advice, read: Which JR Pass for Kansai Travel?

🚆 Sample Sakura Routes (Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka)

Here are suggested pacing options depending on group style:

⭐ Family-Friendly (8–10 days)

• Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka
• Slow pacing + kid-friendly activities

⭐ Multi-Generation (10–12 days)

• Tokyo → Kyoto → Nara → Osaka
• Less walking + private vehicle recommended

⭐ Photographers (10–14 days)

• Tokyo → Kyoto → Nara → Tohoku
• Maximizes bloom opportunities

For later blossoms, consider Hokkaido. See sample itinerary: Hokkaido Sakura Tour.

📝 Tips for Visiting During Sakura Season

• Hotels book fast: Kyoto & Tokyo fill 6–9 months out
• Ryokan sell out early: Especially those with private onsen
• Private driver: Ideal for seniors & multi-gen families
• Connectivity: See Pocket WiFi vs eSIM
• Backup plan: Weather can shift bloom by a week

🌸 Planning a Cherry Blossom Trip to Japan?

All itineraries on Jatravi are templates. We customize pace, hotels, transportation, and experiences for families, seniors, couples, and small private groups.

We do not sell fixed group tours — instead, we design private, fully-customized Japan itineraries with English-speaking support, ryokan recommendations, private onsen options, and logistical planning.

You don’t need to decide your full itinerary now — just share your dates and group details.

❓ FAQ: Cherry Blossom Spots in Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka