Ethereal, beautiful, and delicate, Japan’s famous cherry blossom season is almost here, but which are this year’s must-see festivals?
Intro
With Spring just around the corner, many will be eager to experience Japan’s breathtaking cherry blossom season. The sakura (cherry blossom petals) hold deep cultural significance in Japan, symbolising the fleeting nature of life, as the delicate flowers last for only a short season each year. This makes cherry blossom trees all the more special to Japanese residents and the millions of international visitors who travel to the country to see them in bloom each year, but with so many spectacular festivals and beautiful locations across Japan it can be hard to know which to visit. To help you decide, the expert Japan Rail Pass team has analysed a wide range of factors, including Tripadvisor reviews and ratings, Instagram hashtags, and the vibrancy of the flowers in spring, to create an overall ranking of the must-visit cherry blossom festivals this season.
What Is Cherry Blossom Season?
Every spring, millions of visitors travel to Japan to view the cherry blossom. It’s one of Japan’s biggest seasonal events and a huge tourist attraction, but what is it exactly and where does hanami come in? Hanami, or flower-viewing, is directly associated with the sakura and involves much more than gazing at the beauty of these iconic trees. It regularly involves picnics, parties and gatherings in parks, gardens, temples and at well-known sakura viewing spots. Cherry blossom season is a time to celebrate and socialise with friends, family, colleagues and visitors from around the world, gathering together under the bough of the cherry blossom tree. You’re likely to hear more than a few cries of ‘kampai’ (cheers) during the day at hanami parties as people bring out bento food, beer and sake, play music, read poetry and dance to celebrate. Bigger venues will often have food and drink stalls too. You may even find yourself being sold special sakura infused products from sakura chu-hai (alcoholic drinks), sakura chocolate, beer, crisps and coffee. There are also traditional foods served at hanami such as the tri-coloured (pink, white and green) ‘dango’ dumpling snack. At night, the act of viewing is called ‘yozakura’ and sees the appreciation going on into the night under the glow of traditional lanterns and candles.
Top 10 Japanese Cherry Blossom Festivals
- Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival
- Nihonbashi Sakura Festival
- Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival
- Rikugien Gardens: A Mystical Weeping Cherry
- Koganei Cherry Blossom Festival
- Ark Hills Cherry Blossom Festival
- Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival
- Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Matsuri
- Bokutei (Sumida Park) Cherry Blossom Festival.
- Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival
Five of the Best
Now we’ve seen the top ten, let’s take a closer look at five of the best from the list.
- Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival, Japan
In first place for flower vibrancy is the Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival, held along the scenic Meguro River in Tokyo, Japan, which earns a flower vibrancy score of 8.11/10. This picturesque spot is famed for its dazzling illuminations, which brighten the Spring landscape and create a magical atmosphere. The peaceful atmosphere, combined with the lively energy of Tokyo, makes it a perfect spot for both relaxation and exploration during cherry blossom season.
2. Nihonbashi Sakura Festival
Following in second for flower vibrancy is the Nihonbashi Sakura Festival, which earns a flower vibrancy score of 8.02/10. During the festival, which runs between mid-March and mid-April, the area is transformed into a Sakura wonderland with workshops to give visitors a taste of Japan’s rich heritage alongside restaurants and cafes that serve cherry blossom-inspired dishes.
3. Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival
In third place for flower vibrancy is the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, held in the centre of Hirosaki city, which earns a flower vibrancy score of 7.94/10.
The festival is held between April 23rd and May 5th, and usually has 2,000,000 visitors annually. Visitors can expect an array of enchanting displays with many enjoying picnics under the vibrant pink trees. This once in a lifetime experience is only enhanced by the fact you can enjoy a picnic with the stunning view of Hirosaki Castle.
4. Rikugien Gardens
In fourth position is Rikugien Gardens which holds a cherry blossom light-up event and earns a flower vibrancy score of 8.02/10.This festival is famous for night-time illuminations which transform the cherry blossoms into a stunning spectacle. 
The gardens, ponds, bridges, and pathways are beautifully lit to create a magical scene. This festival is less crowded than those in Tokyo’s busier Hanami spots, so it is worth the visit if you want a more peaceful viewing experience.
5. Koganei cherry blossom festival
Rounding off the top 5 is the Koganei cherry blossom festival with a flower vibrancy score of 6.88/10. Located in one of the largest parks in Tokyo, it is a prime cherry blossom viewing spot. With over 17,000 cherry blossom trees - with varieties including Somei Yoshino, Yamazakura and many others. Alongside the stunning white and pink display of trees, the park is home to an open air architectural museum which allows visitors to experience a touch of culture at the same time.
When is Cherry Blossom Season?
Timing is everything as they say and the key to knowing when cherry blossom season is taking place in the Sakura Forecast. Due to the immense popularity of the season, the Japan Meteorological Corporation has been providing a cherry blossom forecast for a number of years. Generally speaking, cherry blossom season takes place in March and early April and announces the arrival of Spring in Japan. This is the best time to travel, but the dates can vary significantly by region, with Japan’s southern sub-tropical islands blooming first and the colder northern region considerably later, so it’s definitely best to plan ahead. As such, the Sakura Forecast (much like a weather forecast in other countries) has become an indispensable forward-planning tool for fans of these beautiful pink petals.
Bonus Recommendations
Now you’re up to speed on this year’s must-see festivals, you may want to read more about cherry blossom season in Japan as you plan a visit to this beautiful country. Here are a few additional recommendations for further reading
- Cherry blossom season sees the beginning of spring in Japan and it’s one of the most popular times of year to visit this unique and beautiful country. For our Top 10 Amazing Things To Do In Japan in the Spring, read our exclusive guide Spring in Japan, which is packed full of great ideas from visiting fruit-picking farms to enjoying spring festivals, outdoor activities, and even unique experiences like viewing the firefly squid of Toyama Bay.
- Springtime in Japan is a wonderful time to stop and smell the flowers - literally! And it’s not just the cherry blossom that’s worth viewing. You’ll find a plethora of beautiful flowers across Japan at this time of year. Read our Guide to Springtime in Hokkaido’s Biei-Furano area which is famous for fields filled with row after row of stunning multi-coloured flowers.
- We also have dedicated guides on the very best things to see and do if you’re visiting Japan in March, April, or May (when cherry blossom season takes place and undoubtedly one of the best seasons to visit Japan!).
