Where to See the Best Cherry Blossoms in Japan
Tokyo
Urban hanami at its most iconic. Expect famous parks, riverside walks, and blossoms woven directly into daily city life. Tokyo is typically among the first major cities to bloom.
Kyoto
Temple backdrops, historic streets, and cinematic views. Kyoto’s bloom usually trails Tokyo by a few days, making it a natural second stop.
Osaka
Lively, social, and scenic. Castle views, riverside paths, and food-focused hanami make Osaka a strong base, especially for regional day trips.
Mount Fuji Area
For classic postcard views, the Fuji region often blooms slightly later than central Tokyo. This makes it a strategic buffer if the capital peaks early.
Hokkaido
Late, quiet, and uncrowded. Sakura season here feels calmer and cooler, with a distinctly different atmosphere from the main Honshu cities.
AloJapan.com