Some of the best places to visit during your sakura holiday in Japan include:
- Nakameguro, Tokyo
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tokyo
- Maruyama Park, Kyoto
- Himeji Castle, Himeji
- Shinkyo Bridge, Nikko
You can find more suggestions in our guide to sakura season.
Sakura quite literally means ‘a flowering cherry tree’.
Adoration of sakura season dates back to the Heian period over 1,000 years ago. A short yet vibrant season, it’s associated with renewal and new beginnings. This time of year is met with great admiration and it’s common for it to be celebrated in Japanese culture. As a result, it is regularly showcased in art and other cultural outlets.
Hanami, otherwise known as the cherry blossom festival, has existed for centuries. There are no exact dates for when these festivals take place, however, there will be ongoing celebrations. If you’re planning a cherry blossom festival tour to Japan, be sure to align your trip with when each location will enjoy sakura season.
You will naturally come across celebrations throughout the sakura season, but there are some places in Tokyo with more extensive celebrations. These include:
- Ueno Park
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- Meguro River
The areas of Kyoto and Tokyo are particularly vibrant at this time of year and are worth visiting to experience cherry blossom festivals during your trip to Japan.
Many people opt for white and pastel-coloured clothing during sakura season holidays in Japan. Having said this, more practical advice includes wearing a coat or jacket during the earlier stages of the season as it can be a little chilly. As the season progresses, layers are a good idea, allowing you to add and remove clothing where necessary.
Regardless of when you go, we recommend wearing comfortable footwear for your cherry blossom walking tour in Japan.
Our cherry blossom walking tours in Japan are guided group trips. Group sizes will range from 6-18 people, plus your expert leader, with travellers aged 16 years or above.
The activity level will be listed in our trip details, but they will generally be in the moderate range, requiring some fitness and an adventurous spirit. You can read our full activity level guidelines for more information.
The weather during your cherry blossom trip to Japan will depend on where you are. During the spring, temperatures range from 2–24 °C, so it is recommended that you check the forecast ahead of your trip. The start of the season is a lot chillier, so make sure you account for this.
Yes, you can find out more about our cycling cherry blossom tours to Japan here.
