When is the best time to visit the cherry blossoms in Japan?

Japan is known for its cherry blossoms. So much so that they have a cherry blossom festival dedicated to this beautiful flower. They be can found all over Japan in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Depending on the climate in the year, cherry blossoms begin blooming between March and April and is in full bloom at the beginning of May. The festivals take place through out the months of March and April. However, dates vary depending on weather conditions but becomes available later on in the year in order to determine when the best time is.

Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo

The Cherry Blossom Festival this year in Tokyo will take place on March 19th through the month of April. Two of the most popular view spots in Tokyo are the Meguro River and Inokashira Park.

Meguro River

Located near in Nakameguro Station, a trip to the Meguro River is an accessible trip and a worthwile stop. The river is lined with over 1,200 cherry blosssom trees and is beautiful during the day, but is especially beautiful when lit up with lanterns at night.

Inokashira Park

Just a train ride away, in the Inokashira Park lies a huge pond that is filled with fallen cherry blossom petals. It is a beautiful sight to see at any time of day, but is also illuminated by lights at night. If you want, you can even get a closer look by renting a boat and enjoy paddling around the pond.

Cherry Blossoms in Osaka

The Cherry Blossom Festival this year in Osaka will take place on March 25th through the month of April. Two of the most popular view spots in Osaka are the Himeji Castle and Mount Yoshino.

Himeji Castle

Here you can find over 1,000 cherry blossom trees that surround the Himeji Castle. The white castle is a wonderful contrast to the pink flowers of the cherry blossoms. To enter there is a small fee that you need to pay, but you will be able to not only see the beautiful cherry blossoms, but will also get to explore the castle itself!

Mount Yoshino

Mount Yoshino is broken into 3 different sections: lower, middle, and upper. The lower you start the eariler they will bloom due to the elevation so visit accordingly. Once you are there, you will find youself overlooking a gorgeous sea of cherry blossoms. Take a stroll through the mountain or go off to a quiet area and have a picnic amongst the trees.

Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto

The Cherry Blossom Festival this year in Kyoto will take place on March 23rd through the month of April. Take a flight to the closest airport in Osaka and take the train over to two of the most popular view spots in Kyoto in the Arashiyama District and walk the Philosopher’s Path.

Arashiyama District

On the outskirts of Kyoto lies the Arashiyama District. It is a booming touristy area surrounded by nature and is especially popular during the cherry blossom season. This is yet another spot you can rent a boat to cruise along or walk along the bridge that stretches across the river.

Philosopher’s Path

Also known as Tetsugaku-no-Michi, the Philosopher’s Path is located between two temples in Kyoto and surrounded by hundreds of cherry blossom trees and is known as Kyoto's best walking trail. It is a walking path paved with stone where you can walk along the entire path of cherry blossoms for 30 minutes. Afterwards, go explore some temples and shrines nearby.

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• The prices listed above are past searches done by real customers in the period for specific travel dates. Fares are round trip, based on availability, and are subject to change.