Why You Should Visit Japan During Cherry Blossom Season

Japan is one of my favorite countries worldwide, and after spending an entire month there, I long to return. I have really good Japanese family friends living in Japan that I consider family. So, when I got to Japan, it almost felt like I was coming home. On this trip to Japan, I got to stay with them for a month by myself (I was spoiled), and I made it JUST in time for cherry blossom season!

I was the happiest person on the planet because that particular year, the cherry blossoms fell later in the year, and it was just in the middle of it when I arrived. This is such a special time to go to Japan, and I feel so lucky to have gotten to experience it during cherry blossom season that I now want you to experience it!

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Why You Should Visit Japan During Cherry Blossom Season

When is cherry blossom season in Japan? 

Cherry blossom season typically starts in late March and can last until mid-May. In many parts of Japan, it will end in April. The actual full bloom of the flower on each tree usually will only last about 2 weeks. Before heading on your trip, make sure to do your research on when the blooming is predicted that particular year, so you don’t miss it! You can check cherry blossom forecasts here for more information on the best times to visit. Just remember that while visiting Japan during this time of year is spectacular, it can be very crowded in certain places.

Where to see the best cherry blossoms?

You won’t have an issue seeing the cherry blossoms as long as you go at the right time! Sakura can be found in over 1,000 locations all across Japan. Yoshino, Kansai, is one of the most famous places to view cherry trees because over 30,000 sakura cover the Kii Mountains and the town! A few other great spots to view them are at Himeji Castle, Hirosaki Castle, Tokyo, and in Kyoto. I personally loved seeing them in the city of Kyoto with the backdrop of ancient history in the town. 

Why should you visit Japan during cherry blossom season?

1) The Japanese temples and castle views are amazing with cherry blossoms in the foreground.

It’s breathtakingly beautiful and fairytale magical, all at the same time. If this is the only reason to visit during cherry blossom season, then it’s probably enough. Cherry blossom season is incredibly impressive when you visit temples and castles with beautiful cherry blossoms all around you. You’ll get to see the cities and countryside covered in blossoms like the pics below. SWOON! As I mentioned above, try to visit Hirosaki Castle and Himeji Castle!

2) Everything is Sakura flavored! 

Sakura is the Japanese word for cherry blossom, and when I say everything is sakura flavored, I mean everything! They even make sakura KitKat flavors, face masks, chapstick, and cookies. You name it, and it’s probably sakura flavored. Definitely try the sakura mochi! This photo below is of my matcha tea ice cream, but you best believe they have cherry blossom flavored as well. Anything for sakura season!

3) The weather is getting nicer

Usually, cherry blossom season falls at the beginning of spring when everything in Japan is crisp and cool, and other flowers and plants are in bloom. This typically falls in late March and early April, which are considered the best times to visit. There are some days when it’s chilly, but you’ll also get great days where you can just wear a light jacket around.

4) Locals start their ‘hanami’ traditions

In Japanese, the word “hanami” literally translates to “flower watching” or “blossom viewing”. Many local Japanese people not only go out to look at the cherry blossoms and cherry trees but will set up a picnic in the parks to watch them bloom. The hanami is all about BYOB picnics and home-cooked meals to gather with friends and family under the cherry blossoms. If you’re around a nice cherry blossom area, grab a picnic and some friends to watch the blooms, and you’ll probably meet locals too!

5) There are other flower-blooming festivals during this time!

In the springtime, there are many other flower blooming festivals like the one I visited at Mt. Fuji called Fuji Shibazakura Festival. It was a bit crowded, but worth it because of the landscape! There are also other flower festivals surrounding Golden Week, a popular time off for Japanese workers. They work on these flowers and gardens months in advance and are spectacles! This usually takes place at the end of April and is the same time as numerous Japanese holidays. You’ll see the photo with the carp streamer or Koinobori below that celebrates this time of year.

The Japan cherry blossom festival season is one of the most incredible times to visit Japan. Just keep in mind t is busy with tourists and can be one of the busiest times to be in the country. That said, I never felt like it was too hectic to get around, and I’m really glad I still went during cherry blossom season! I promise it’s a good idea. 

Would you visit Japan during cherry blossom season? 

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