Japan Cherry Blossoms 2023: Forecast and Latest Update

Updated: Jan. 14, 2022

Get to know the latest update about Japan's cherry blossom season on this sakura guide. Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and more!

Table of Contents

• 1. QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ABOUT JAPAN'S CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON
  • 1.1 When is Japan's cherry blossom season?
  • 1.2 When is the best time to see cherry blossoms in Japan?
• 2. 2022 FORECAST FOR JAPAN'S CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON
• 3. LATEST UPDATE
• 4. SUGGESTED ITINERARY
  • 4.1 APRIL 1, 2022 to APRIL 7, 2022: [KYOTO] Cherry Blossoms, Sagano Romantic Train, Fufu no Yu Onsen, and
    Yasaka Shrine Day Tour
  • 4.2 APRIL 1, 2022 to APRIL 10, 2022: [TOKYO] Mt. Fuji Cherry Blossom Day Trip from Tokyo:
    Shinjuku Center Building -> Shinarakura Sengen Shrine -> Lake Kawaguchiko -> Kachi-kachi ropeway
    -> Kawaguchiko Northern Bank Park or Oshino Village Sakura -> Mt. Fuji 5th Station or 4th Station or Oshino Hakkai
    -> back to Shinjuku Station West Exit
  • 4.3 APRIL 1, 2022 to APRIL 10, 2022: [TOKYO] Cherry Blossom Half-day Tour with Optional Kimono or Rickshaw Experience:
    Shinjuku Prince Hotel -> Chidorigafuchi -> Ueno Park -> Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Commercial Street
    -> optional kimono/rickshaw experience
  • 4.4 APRIL 1, 2022 to APRIL 10, 2022: [TOKYO] Gunma Cherry Blossom Tour from Tokyo:
    Shinjuku Center Building -> Takatsudokyo Gorge -> Mizunuma Station Onsen Center -> ride train to Kobe Station
    -> Ashikaga Orchard strawberry picking -> Ashikaga Flower Park -> Hanyu Service Area -> back to Shinjuku
  • 4.5 APRIL 1, 2022 to APRIL 10, 2022: [TOKYO] Mt. Fuji Cherry Blomsson Tour from Tokyo:
    Shinjuku Washington Hotel -> Sengen Park -> Misaka -> Shingen Yakata -> Erin-ji Temple
    -> Yamanashi strawberry picking -> Chateau Katsunuma -> back to Shinjuku
  • 4.6 APRIL 1, 2022 to APRIL 10, 2022: [KYOTO] Hirano Shrine and Philosopher's Path Tour with Cherry Blossom Viewing:
    JR Kyoto Station Karasumaguchi Terminal -> Hirano Shine -> Philosopher's Path
  • 4.7 APRIL 1, 2022 to APRIL 10, 2022: [KYOTO] Cherry Blossom tour in Kyoto: JR Kyoto Station Kyoto Sightseeing Bus
    Karasumaguchi Terminal -> Shogunzuka Seiryuden -> Maruyama Park -> Kodaiji Temple -> Keage Incline -> Nanzenji Temple
  • 4.8 APRIL 1, 2022 to APRIL 10, 2022: [KYOTO] Temple and Botanical Garden Tour with Cherry Blossom
    : Kyoto Karasumaguchi Terminal -> Ninnaji Temple -> Shozan Resort -> Kamigamo Shrine -> Nagaraki Path ->
    Kyoto Botanical Garden
  • 4.9 APRIL 1, 2022 to APRIL 17, 2022: [OSAKA] Mount Yoshino and Nara Park Cherry Blossom Tour: Osaka -> Mt. Yoshino
    -> Nara Park -> Kasuga Taisha Shrine -> optional Night Illumination
• 5. JAPAN TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
  • 5.1 Tokyo must-haves
  • 5.2 Osaka must-haves
  • 5.3 Kyoto must-haves
• 6. TOKYO 1-DAY TOUR
  • 6.1 Mt. Fuji Classic Route Day Tour from Tokyo with Matcha Experience
  • 6.2 Mt. Fuji & Hakone Day Tour: Lake Ashi & Ropeway Day Trip from Tokyo
  • 6.3 Mt. Fuji and Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo: 5th Station, Hakone Pirate Ship & Ropeway, and Gotemba Premium Outlets
• 7. OSAKA 1-DAY TOUR
  • 7.1 Hop On Hop Off Bus by Osaka Wonder Loop Bus
  • 7.2 Kyoto Day Tour from Osaka
  • 7.3 Amanohashidate, Ine no Funaya, and Miyama Village Day Trip in Northern Kyoto (tour starts in Osaka)
  • 7.4 Arashiyama and Nara Park Day Tour from Osaka
• 8. KYOTO 1-DAY TOUR
  • 8.1 Kyoto Sagano Romantic Train, Arashiyama, Kiyomizudera &Fushimi Inari-taisha Day Tour
  • 8.2 Nara Kimono and Deer Experience Day Trip from Kyoto (with One Way Transfer)
  • 8.3 Gion Kimono Experience
  • 8.4 Seaside Day Tour from Osaka and Kyoto: Amanohashidate, Ine no Funaya & Miyama Kayabuki-no-Sato
• 9. CHEAT SHEET OF CHERRY BLOSSOM VIEWING SPOTS IN TOKYO, KYOTO AND OSAKA
• 10. TOKYO CHERRY BLOSSOM VIEWING SPOTS
  • 10.1 Tokyo Institute of Technology - Ookayama Campus
  • 10.2 Sumida River - Hanami while kayaking
  • 10.3 Tsuruma Park
• 11. YOKOHAMA CHERRY BLOSSOM VIEWING SPOTS
  • 11.1 Kamonyama Park
  • 11.2 Near the Nippon Maru Memorial Park
  • 11.3 Shinko Park
  • 11.4 Minato-mirai 21 area
  • 11.5 Tokyo Institute of Technology - Suzukakedai Campus
  • 11.6 Onda River
• 12. KYOTO CHERRY BLOSSOM VIEWING SPOTS
  • 12.1 Gion District
  • 12.2 Tenryuji
  • 12.3 Kiyomizudera
  • 12.4 Byodoin
• 13. NARA PREFECTURE CHERRY BLOSSOM VIEWING SPOTS
  • 13.1 Kasuga-Taisha - Kōfuku-ji - Todai-ji temple - Nigatsu-do Hall - Sangatsu-do
  • 13.2 Hōryū-ji
  • 13.3 Himuro shrine and Yakushi-ji Temple

1. QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ABOUT JAPAN'S CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON

1.1 When is Japan's cherry blossom season?

Japan's cherry blossom season happen from January when the Taiwan cherry blossoms in Okinawa starts to blossom, and ends in May when the last batch of petals appear in Hokkaido.

Because Japan's archipelago is stretched along the Pacific Ocean, the sakura trees are spread throughout the country, giving the chance for local and international tourists to see and enjoy their beauty for a longer time. The topography of the Japanese islands, as well as the different kinds of sakura, affects the blossoming time of the flowers. Mountainous areas like Mt. Fuji will blossom a little late, compared to cherry blossom trees found in big cities like Tokyo. The islands of Okinawa open their cherry blossom season as the same time with Taiwan in January. The northern island of Hokkaido will be the last place to see sakura in Japan in May, as the weather their shifts from a cold winter to a warm spring.

1.2 When is the best time to see cherry blossoms in Japan?

The answer depends on your itinerary. If you're going to visit Tokyo, then you should come in late March. If you want to see Kyoto, then go there in early April to see the sakura.

If it's not your first time time in Japan and you have seen the cherry blossoms in the big cities, then you should try visiting Hokkaido during May. Another alternative is to visit during mid-March to late March, to appreciate the the Shuzenji and Kakegawa sakura in Shizuoka. Or why not try hiking Mt. Yoshino in early April and be suprised by the pink scenery that you would see on the mountains.

If you already booked your flight to Japan, and you got news that the blossoming times have become advanced or delayed, don't worry because the luomujie blog is here for you. To monitor the sakura season of Japan, just go to the Latest Update section to know the lastest flowering condition of the popular sakura viewing spots.

2. 2022 FORECAST FOR JAPAN'S CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON

Check the dynamic forecast table below the know the 2022 forecast for Japan's cherry blossom season. Colored boxes represent a region or a city in Japan. Try to hover your mouse or your finger and click the box, and information will appear telling the best time to see the sakura on that place (ex. Tokyo). Because the flowering of the cherry blossoms depends on the weather conditions, blossoming can become delayed or earlier than expected, so the table is dynamic. The boxes will shift right or left or even lengthen or shorten to better represent the latest information about Japan's festive sakura season.

2022 Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast
©luomujie.blogspot.com

3. LATEST UPDATE

To help you monitor the latest flowering conditions on the different sakura viewing spots in Japan, I have listed the Top 10 places to see cherry blossoms for Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. This list will expand to include all the sakura spots in the Land of the Rising Sun.

The flowering rates are quantified via the percentages of blossoming. Once you see a flower icon, it means the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

Current flowering situation of different cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka

City/County	Cherry blossom viewing spot	Best time to see the cherry blossoms	Current rate of flowering/Notes
Tokyo	Shinjuku Gyoen	late March	See you in 2022
	Ueno Park	late March	See you in 2022
	Chidorigafuchi	late March	See you in 2022
	Sumida Park	late March	See you in 2022
	Yoyogi Park	late March	See you in 2022
	Asukayama Park	late March	See you in 2022
	Meguro River	late March	See you in 2022
	Inokashira Park	late March	See you in 2022
	Koishikawa Korakuen	late March	See you in 2022
	Rikugien Gardens	late March	See you in 2022
Kyoto	Philosophers' Path	early April	See you in 2022
	Okazaki Canal	early April	See you in 2022
	Maruyama Park	early April	See you in 2022
	Ninnaji Temple	early April	See you in 2022
	Kiyomizu-dera Temple	early April	See you in 2022
	Kamo River	early April	See you in 2022
	Arashiyama	early April	See you in 2022
	Hirano Shrine	early April	See you in 2022
	Nijo Castle	early April	See you in 2022
	Kyoto Botanical Garden	early April	See you in 2022
Osaka	Osaka Castle	early April	See you in 2022
	Okawa River	early April	See you in 2022
	Expo '70 Commemorative Park	early April	See you in 2022
	Japan Mint	early April	See you in 2022
	Daisen Park	early April	See you in 2022
	Mt. Hiryu Meioji Temple	early April	See you in 2022
	Satsukiyama Ryokuchi	early April	See you in 2022
	Yamanakadani Valley	early April	See you in 2022
	Kishiwada Castle	early April	See you in 2022
	Katsuo-ji Temple	early April	See you in 2022
Mt. Fuji	Northern Shores of Kawaguchiko	early April	See you in 2022
	Chureito Pagoda	early April	See you in 2022
	Oshino Hakkai	early April	See you in 2022
Nara	Mt. Yoshino	early April	See you in 2022
	Nara Park	early April	See you in 2022
	Himuro Shrine	early April	See you in 2022
	Hasedera Temple	early April	See you in 2022
	Butsuryu-ji	early April	See you in 2022

4. SUGGESTED ITINERARY

4.1 APRIL 1, 2022 to APRIL 7, 2022: [KYOTO] Cherry Blossoms, Sagano Romantic Train, Fufu no Yu Onsen, and Yasaka Shrine Day Tour

4.2 APRIL 1, 2022 to APRIL 10, 2022: [TOKYO] Mt. Fuji Cherry Blossom Day Trip from Tokyo: Shinjuku Center Building -> Shinarakura Sengen Shrine -> Lake Kawaguchiko -> Kachi-kachi ropeway -> Kawaguchiko Northern Bank Park or Oshino Village Sakura -> Mt. Fuji 5th Station or 4th Station or Oshino Hakkai -> back to Shinjuku Station West Exit

4.3 APRIL 1, 2022 to APRIL 10, 2022: [TOKYO] Cherry Blossom Half-day Tour with Optional Kimono or Rickshaw Experience: Shinjuku Prince Hotel -> Chidorigafuchi -> Ueno Park -> Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Commercial Street -> optional kimono/rickshaw experience

4.4 APRIL 1, 2022 to APRIL 10, 2022: [TOKYO] Gunma Cherry Blossom Tour from Tokyo: Shinjuku Center Building -> Takatsudokyo Gorge -> Mizunuma Station Onsen Center -> ride train to Kobe Station -> Ashikaga Orchard strawberry picking -> Ashikaga Flower Park -> Hanyu Service Area -> back to Shinjuku

4.5 APRIL 1, 2022 to APRIL 10, 2022: [TOKYO] Mt. Fuji Cherry Blomsson Tour from Tokyo: Shinjuku Washington Hotel -> Sengen Park -> Misaka -> Shingen Yakata -> Erin-ji Temple -> Yamanashi strawberry picking -> Chateau Katsunuma -> back to Shinjuku

4.6 APRIL 1, 2022 to APRIL 10, 2022: [KYOTO] Hirano Shrine and Philosopher's Path Tour with Cherry Blossom Viewing: JR Kyoto Station Karasumaguchi Terminal -> Hirano Shine -> Philosopher's Path

4.7 APRIL 1, 2022 to APRIL 10, 2022: [KYOTO] Cherry Blossom tour in Kyoto: JR Kyoto Station Kyoto Sightseeing Bus Karasumaguchi Terminal -> Shogunzuka Seiryuden -> Maruyama Park -> Kodaiji Temple -> Keage Incline -> Nanzenji Temple

4.8 APRIL 1, 2022 to APRIL 10, 2022: [KYOTO] Temple and Botanical Garden Tour with Cherry Blossom Viewing: Kyoto Karasumaguchi Terminal -> Ninnaji Temple -> Shozan Resort -> Kamigamo Shrine -> Nagaraki Path -> Kyoto Botanical Garden

4.9 APRIL 1, 2022 to APRIL 17, 2022: [OSAKA] Mount Yoshino and Nara Park Cherry Blossom Tour: Osaka -> Mt. Yoshino -> Nara Park -> Kasuga Taisha Shrine -> optional Night Illumination

5. JAPAN TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

5.1 Tokyo must-haves

5.2 Osaka must-haves

5.3 Kyoto must-haves

6. TOKYO 1-DAY TOUR

6.1 Mt. Fuji Classic Route Day Tour from Tokyo with Matcha Experience

6.2 Mt. Fuji & Hakone Day Tour: Lake Ashi & Ropeway Day Trip from Tokyo

6.3 Mt. Fuji and Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo: 5th Station, Hakone Pirate Ship & Ropeway, and Gotemba Premium Outlets

7. OSAKA 1-DAY TOUR

7.1 Hop On Hop Off Bus by Osaka Wonder Loop Bus

7.2 Kyoto Day Tour from Osaka

7.3 Amanohashidate, Ine no Funaya, and Miyama Village Day Trip in Northern Kyoto (tour starts in Osaka)

7.4 Arashiyama and Nara Park Day Tour from Osaka

8. KYOTO 1-DAY TOUR

8.1 Kyoto Sagano Romantic Train, Arashiyama, Kiyomizudera &Fushimi Inari-taisha Day Tour

8.2 Nara Kimono and Deer Experience Day Trip from Kyoto (with One Way Transfer)

8.3 Gion Kimono Experience

8.4 Seaside Day Tour from Osaka and Kyoto: Amanohashidate, Ine no Funaya & Miyama Kayabuki-no-Sato

9. CHEAT SHEET OF CHERRY BLOSSOM VIEWING SPOTS IN TOKYO, KYOTO AND OSAKA

To make you life easier when travelling in Japan for sakura hunting, I made this cheat sheet for Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. Most of the places are accessible via Japan's vast railway network. Because the rail network in Japan is so extensive that it becomes confusing, I have also written the specific line which the train station belongs. This will be helpful if you're planning to buy 1-Day passes.

I have colored the places or regions of the leftmost column for easy reading. Red for Tokyo, blue for Kyoto and yellow for Osaka

Cheat Sheet of cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka

-	Name of cherry blossom viewing spot	Nearest train station/how to go
TOKYO
TOKYO	Hibiya Park	Kasumigaseki Station [Chiyoda Line][Hibiya Line][Marunouchi Line][Romancecar] Exit B2
	Yasukuni Shrine	Kudanshita Station [Hanzomon Line][Shinjuku Line][Tozai Line] Exit 1 -> walk 500 meters OR Hanzomon Station [Hanzomon Line] Exit 2 -> walk 450 meters
	Chidorigafuchi Park	Hanzomon Station [Hanzomon Line] -> walk 300 meters
	Hamarikyu Garden	Shiodome Station [Oedo Line][Yurikamome] Exit 10 -> walk 450 meters
	Shiba Park	Shibakoen Station [Mita Line] Exit A4
	Former Shiba Rikyu Garden	Hamamatsucho Station [Keihin-Tohoku][Tokyo Monorail][Yamanote Line] JR North Exit -> walk
	ARK Hills Cherry	Roppongi-Itchome Station [Namboku Line] Exit 3 -> walk 160 meters
	Tokyo Midtown	Roponggi Station [Hibiya Line][Oedo Line]
	Meiji Jingu Gaien	Kokuritsu-Kyogijo Station [Oedo Line] Exit A1 -> walk 50 meters
	Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden	Sendagaya Station [Chuo-Sobu Line (Local)][Chuo Line] OR Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station [Marunouchi Line] Exit 1 OR Shinjuku-sanchome Station [Marunouchi Line][Fukutoshin Line][Shinjuku Line] Exit C5
	Toyama Park	Nishi-Washeda Station [Fukutoshin Line] Exit 3 ->
	Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens	Korakuen Station [Marunouchi Line][Namboku Line] Exit 2
	Rikugien Gardens	Komagome Station [Yamanote Line][Namboku Line] Exit 2
	Ueno Onshi Park	Keisei Ueno Station [Keisei Line][Skyliner][Keisei Narita Skyaccess]
	Sumida Park	Tokyo Skytree Station [Nikko-Kinugawa][Tobu Skytree Line][Ryomo][Shimotsuke-Kirifuri] East Exit -> walk 600 meters OR Honjo-Azumabashi Station [Asakusa Line] Exit A3 -> walk 350 meters
	Mukojima-Hyakkaen Gardens	Higashi-Mukojima Station [Tobu Skytree Line] Exit 1 -> walk 500 meters
	Kiyosumi Garden	Kiyosumi-shirakawa Station [Hanzomon Line][Oedo Line] Exit A3 -> walk 350 meters
	Meguro River Cherry Blossoms Promenade	Meguro Station [Meguro Line][Mita Line][Namboku Line][Yamanote Line] West Exit -> transfer to Bus 9 at Meguro Eki mae bus stop -> get off at Dendo Shogakko Iriguchi bus stop -> walk 400 meters OR Naka-meguro Station [Hibiya Line][Toyoko Line] East Exit 1-> walk for less than 900 meters to reach the riverside
	Ikegami Honmonji Temple	Nishi-magome Station [Asakusa Line] South Ticket Gate -> Transfer to Bus 01 at Nishi Magome Eki mae bus stop -> get off at Hommonji Ura -> walk 550 meters OR Ikegami Station [Ikegami Line] -> transfer to Bus 06 at Ikegami Eki mae bus stop -> get off at Daibo mae -> walk 400 meters OR walk 1 km from the mentioned train stations
	Tamagawadai Park	Tamagawa Station [Meguro Line][Tokyu Tamagawa Line][Toyoko Line] -> walk 130 meters
	Senzokuike Park	Senzoku-ike Station [Ikegami Line] -> walk 240 meters
	Komazawa Olympic Park	Komazawa-daigaku Station [Den-en-toshi Line] Komazawa Park exit -> walk 500 meters
	Yoyogi Park	Yamanote Line [Harajuku Station] Exit 2 -> walk 210 meters OR Meiji-jingumae 'Harajuku' Station [Fukutoshin Line][Chiyoda Line] Exit 2 -> walk 230 meters
	Zenpukuji River Green Space Central Plaza	Ogikubo Station[Chuo Line][Chuo-Subo Line][Marunouchi Line] South Exit b -> Ride Bus 53 then walk 250 meters OR Kichijoji Station [Inokashira Line][Chuo Line][Chuo-Sobu Line][Narita Express] -> Ride Bus 36 and then walk 180 meters
	Wadabori Park	Shin-koenji Station [Marunouchi Line] Exit 1-> transfer to Bus 45 at Shin Koenji Eki bus stop -> get off at Toritsu Wadabori Koen bus stop -> walk 1 minute
	Homyo-ji Temple	Toden-Zoshigaya Station [Toden-Arakawa Line] -> walk 350 meters OR Higashi-Ikebukuro Station [Yurakucho Line] Eixt 1 -> walk 400 meters OR Ikebukuro Station [Akagi Line][Fukutoshin Line][Ikebukuro Line][Marunouchi Line][Narita Express][JR Nikko-Kinugawa][JR Odoriko][Saikyo Line][Seibu Ikebukuro Line Limited Express][Shonan-Shinjuku Line][Tobu Tojo Line][Yamanote Line][Yurakucho Line] Exit 39 -> walk 550 meters
	Otonashi Water Park cherry blossom	Oji Station [Keihin-Tohoku Line][Namboku Line] North Ticket Gate -> walk 140 meters OR Ojiekimae Station [Toden-Arakawa Line] -> walk to North Ticket Gate then walk 140 meters
	Asukayama Park	Oji Station [Keihin-Tohoku Line][Namboku Line] South Ticket Gate -> walk 160 meters OR Ojiekimae Station [Toden-Arakawa Line] -> walk to South Ticket Gate then walk 160 meters
	Kyu-Furukawa Gardens	Kaminakazato Station [Keihin-Tohoku Line] -> walk 400 meters OR Nishigahara Station [Namboku Line] Exit 1 -> walk 400 meters
	Ukima Park	Ukimafunado Station [Saikyo Line] -> walk 110 meters
	Shakujii Park	Shakuji-koen Station [Ikebukuro Line] South Exit -> walk 450 meters
	Toshimaen Amusement Park	Toshimaen Station [Oedo Line][Toshima Line] -> walk 350 meters ->
	Tokyo Metropolitan Hikarigaoka Park	Hikarigaoka Station [Oedo Line] Exit A1,A2 or A3 -> walk 600 meters
	Nishiarai Daishi	Daishi-Mae Station [Tobu-Daishi Line] Exit 1 -> walk 150 meters
	Toneri Park	Toneri-Koen Station [Nippon-Toneri Liner] -> walk
	Mizumoto Park	Keisei Kanamichi Station [Keisei-Kanamichi Line] -> transfer to Bus 61 at Kanamichi Eki bus stop -> get off at Obagawa bus stop -> walk 40 meters OR Kanamichi Station [Joban Line (Local)] South Exit -> same directions from Keisei Kanamichi Station OR Yashio Station [Tsukuba Express] South Exit-> transfer to Bus 05 at Yashio Eki Minamiguchi bus stop -> get off at Togasaki Jujiro bus stop -> walk 800 meters
	Takiyama Natural Park	Hajima Station [Hachiko Line][Haijima Line][Itsukaichi Line][Ome Line] South Exit -> transfer to Bus 02 at Uchidehigashi bus stop -> get off at Taki bus stop -> walk 750 meters
	Fujimori Park	Yamada Station [Takao Line] -> walk 1.1 km
	Showa Memorial Park	Nishi-Tachikawa Station [Ome Line] Park Exit -> walk
	Inokashira Park	Kichijoji Station [Chuo Line][Chuo-Sobu Line][Inokashira Line][Narita Express] -> walk 500 meters
	Musashino Park	Shin-Koganei Station [Tamagawa Line] -> walk 1 km
	Tokyo Metropolitan Jindai Botanical Park	Chofu Station [] Central Exit -> transfer to Bus 34 at Chofu Eki Kitaguchi bus stop -> get off at Chofushi Sogo Taiikukan mae
	Koganei Park	Musashisakai Station [Chuo Line][Tamagawa Line] North Exit -> transfer to Bus 21 -> walk 550 meters
	Toritsu Sakuragaoka Park	Keio-nagayama Station [Sagamihara Line] or Odakyu Nagayama Station [Tama Line] -> transfer to Bus 06 at Nagayama Station bus stop -> get off at Sakuragaoka Koen Nishiguchi bus stop -> walk 70 meters
	Yomiuri Land	Keio-yomiuri-land Station [Sagamihara Line]
	Lake Okutama	Oku-Tama Station [Ome Line] -> transfer to Bus 10 at Okutamaeki bus stop -> get off at Atami bus stop -> walk 600 meters
	Fussa Cherry Blossom Festival	Fussa Station [Ome Line] OR Ushihama Station [] OR Kumagawa Station [Itsukaichi Line] OR Haijima Station [Hachiko Line][Haijima Line][Itsukaichi Line][Ome Line] -> walk -> the sakura trees planted along the river from Nagtashi Bridge to Mutsumibashi Bridge
KYOTO
KYOTO	Kamigamo Shrine	ride bus from Kitayama Station [Karasuma Line]
	Hirano Shrine	Ishiba Station[Ishiyama Sakamoto Line] then walk 5 minutes
	Philosopher's Path cherry blossoms	Imadegawa Station Exit 4[Karasuma Line]-> Bus 203-> Ginkakuji-michi stop stop -> walk 450 meters
	Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden	Kitayama Station[Karasuma Line]
	Along the cable car from Yase Hiei Yamaguchi Station	Yase-Heizanguchi Station[Eizan Main Line]
	ruins of Sanzen-in Temple	no bus stop found so far
	former Rikyu Nijo Castle (Seiryuen)	Nijojo-mae Station (Nijo-jo Castle)[Tozai Line]
	Kiyomizu Temple	Kiyomizu-Gojo Station [Keihan Main Line] - ride Bus 82 from Gojo Keihan bus stop, get off at Ikedacho[Kokudo] bus stop -> walk 800 meters
	Kodaiji Temple	Gion-Shijo Station [Keihan Main Line] -> walk 1 km
	Jodo sect Sohonzan Chion-in	Higashiyama Station [Tozai Line] -> walk 600 meters
	Maruyama Park (Gion Night Cherry Blossoms)	Gion-Shijo Station [Keihan Main Line] Exit 7 or 8 -> walk 800 meters
	Umenomiya Shrine	Matsuo-Taisha Station [Hankyu-Arashiyama Line] East Gate -> walk 800 meters
	Jojakkoji Temple	Torokko-Arashiyama Station [Sagano Sight-Seeing Train] -> walk 280 meters
	Nison-in	Torokko-Arashiyama Station [Sagano Sight-Seeing Train] -> walk 550 meters or from Jojakkoji Temple walk 350 meters
	Daigoji cherry blossoms/world heritage of Hideyoshi loved flowers	Daigo Station [Tozai Line] -> walk 850 meters
	Jonangu Shrine	Takenda Station [Karasuma Line][Kintetsu-Kyoto Line] Exit 6 -> walk 1.1 km
	Lake Biwa Canal Yamashina area	Yamashina Station [JR-Kosei Line][JR-Tokkaido Sanyo Line][JR-Kosei Line][Tozai Line][JR-Haruka] JR Exit or Exit 1 -> walk 700 meters
	Arashiyama	Arashiyama Station [Hankyu-Arashiyama Line][Randen] -> walk 1 km
	Yamashiro General Sports Park	Okubo Station [Kintetsu-Kyoto Line] East Exit -> transfer to Bus 220 then get off at at Taiyogaoka bus stop -> walk 350 meters
	Uji Botanical Park	Okubo Station [Kintetsu-Kyoto Line] East Exit -> transfer to Bus 250A -> get-off at Uji Tomogaoka stop -> walk 150 meters OR Shinden Station [JR Nara Line] East Exit -> transfer to Bus 240A from Okubu Shogakko bus stop -> get off at Uji Tomogaoka bus stop -> walk 150 meters
	Byodo-in	Uji Station [Uji Line] -> walk 550 meters OR Uji Station [JR Nara Line] -> walk 650 meters
	Kasamatsu Park	Iwatakiguchi Station [Tantetsu Miyamai-Miyatoyo Line] -> ride bus from Iwatakiguchieki bus stop -> get off at Amanohashahidate Cable Ka bus stop -> transfer to cable car at Fushu Station [Amanohashidate Cable Car] -> get off at Kasamatsu Station [Amanohashidate Cable Car]
	Muko Shrine	Nishi-Muko Station [Hankyu-Kyoto Line] West Exit -> walk 1.2 km
	Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine	Nagaokatenjin Station [Hankyu-Kyoto Line] West Exit -> walk 400 meters
	Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine	Iwashimizu-Hachimangu Station [Keihan Main Line] -> transfer to Otokayama Cable Line -> From Hiranoyama, walk/climb to the temple
	Sewaritei, Yodogawa River Park	Iwashimizu-Hachimangu Station [Keihan Main Line] -> walk 1.6 km
	Jizo Zen-in Temple	Kami-katsura Station [Hankyu-Arashiyama Line] West Gate-> walk 850 meters OR Matsuo-Taisha Station [Hankyu-Arashiyama Line] West Gate -> transfer to Bus 73 at Matsuo Taisha mae bus stop -> get-off at Kokedera Suzumusidera bus stop -> walk 150 meters
OSAKA
OSAKA	Sohonyama Shitennoji Temple	Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station [Tanimachi Line] Exit 4 -> walk 200 meters
	Osaka Castle Park	Tanimachiyonchome Station [Chuo Line][Tanimachi Line] -> Exit 5 -> walk to Otemon Gate then go to Nishinomaru Garden
	Daisen Park	Mozu Station [JR Hanwa Line] -> walk 300 meters
	Kishiwada Castle	Takojizo Station [Nankai Line] -> walk 550 meters
	Hirakata Park	Hirakata-Koen Station [Keihan Main Line] East Exit -> walk 450 meters
	Ebuno Izumi no Mori Hall	Izumisano Station [Nankai Line][Nankai-Limited Express] -> walk/ride a taxi
	Kurodoriyama Park	Izumi-Fuchu Station [] -> transfer to Bus 35 at Izumifuchu Ekimae bus stop -> get off at Ashibe bus stop -> walk to Kurodoriyama Park OR ride taxi
	Katsuoji Temple	Kita-Senri Station[Hankyu-Senri Line] -> transfer to Bus 29 at Kitasenri bus stop -> get off at Katsuouji bus stop -> walk OR Senri-Chuo Station [Kita-Osaka Kyuko] -> exit via South Side of the Central Wicket (Gate) -> transfer to Bus 29 at Senri Chuo bus stop -> get off at Katsuouji bus stop -> walk OR ride taxi
	Hoshida Myoken Shrine (Myoumigawara)	Hoshida Station [JR Touzai-Gakkentoshi Line] -> transfer to Bus 51 at Hoshida Eki bus stop -> get off at Hoshinomori bus stop -> walk 1.6 km OR ride taxi
	Sayamaike Park	Osakasayamashi Station [Nankai-Koya Line] -> walk
	Yamanakadani Valley	Yamanakadani Station [Hanwa Line]-> walk

10. TOKYO CHERRY BLOSSOM VIEWING SPOTS

10.1 Tokyo Institute of Technology - Ookayama Campus

The best cherry blossoms you will ever see. Very old sakura trees near the main building with extended branches forming a roof of cherry blossoms.

How to get here: From Shibuya (渋谷駅), take the Tokyu-Toyoko Line (東急東横線) and transfer to another line at Jiyugaoka station (自由が丘駅). Take the Tokyu-Oimachi line (東急大井町線) to Ookayama station (大岡山), which is just 2 stations away from Jiyuagaoka station.

10.2 Sumida River - Hanami while kayaking

How to get here: Contact Tokyo Great Kayaking Tour; Tour price: 7000 yen per person. The place is near  Nihonbashi (日本橋) in Tokyo

10.3 Tsuruma Park

A place where you can enjoy watching the sakura trees without being concerned of the place becoming crowded. 

How to get here:  From Shibuya (渋谷駅), take the Den-entoshi line (田園都市線) and alight at Minami-machida station (南町田駅). The park is just a 6-minute walk from the station heading the Sakai River (堺河川).

11. YOKOHAMA CHERRY BLOSSOM VIEWING SPOTS

11.1 Kamonyama Park

Also a perfect place to have hanami with friends and family. You can see a lot of sakura trees beautifully scattered around the place. The place is also located in a high altitude which offers an overlooking view.

How to get here: The nearest station is also Sakuragicho station (桜木町駅) of the JR Keihin Tohoku Negishi Line (京浜東北線). It’s a 10-minute walk from the station. The park is next to the city hall.

11.2 Near the Nippon Maru Memorial Park

The great spot to have a picture of the Sakura trees with the big Ferris wheel and cruise ship at the background.

How to get here: At the Sakuragicho station  (桜木町駅), find the exit near the Starbucks. From there you’ll see the flyover. You can easily find the spot where you can take photos of the Sakura trees together with the Ferris wheel and cruise ship.

11.3 Shinko Park

A few people stay here to have hanami. This place is great for people who loves spending time by the bay. Also the place is very close to an onsen - Manyo Club Onsen.

How to get here: The nearest station is Sakuragicho station (桜木町駅) of the JR Keihin Tohoku Negishi Line (京浜東北線). The park is right across the Yokohama Cosmoworld, where the famous Ferris wheel of Yokohama is located.

11.4 Minato-mirai 21 area

A great place to have hanami while enjoying the fine architectural design of the buildings nearby. 

How to get here: The closest station is the Sakuragicho station (桜木町駅) of the JR Keihin Tohoku Negishi (京浜東北線) Line. The place is called “Kishamichi Promenade” and is very near the station.

11.5 Tokyo Institute of Technology - Suzukakedai Campus

A campus full of cherry blossoms scattered all over the place. Also a great place for hanami with a school/campus ambiance.

How to get here: From Shibuya (渋谷駅), take the Den en toshi line (田園都市線) and alight at the Suzukakedai station (すずかけ台). The campus is very near the station. Once you exit the station, you can immediately find the sign directing to the Tokyo Institute of Technology. The best place for sightseeing is near the cafeteria of the campus.

11.6 Onda River

This river stretches from Machida City(町田市), Tokyo to Yokohama City, Kanagawa (横浜市加奈川県). 

How to get here: From Shibuya (渋谷駅), Take the Den En Toshi line (田園都市線) and transfer to the JR Yokohama line (横浜線) at Nagatsuta station (長津田駅). Alight at Naruse station (成瀬駅) or Tokaichiba station (十日市場駅). From Naruse station, just walk straight the highway until you reach the river. This is about a 10-minute walk. From Tokaichiba station, you can also just follow the highway heading north until you reach the river. This is around 8 minutes of walking.

12. KYOTO CHERRY BLOSSOM VIEWING SPOTS

12.1 Gion District

How to get here: Board Bus 100 or 206 from Kyoto station.  Get off the bus at Gion stop (祇園バス停).  Travel time is 20 minutes for a ticket price of 230 yen.  . Nearest train station is Gion Shijo Station (祇園四条駅) on the Keihan Line (京阪本線).

GPS: 35.003806, 135.775085

Kamo river

Shinbashi-Dori walk

12.2 Tenryuji

How to get here: Tenryuji is 450 m from Arashiyama Station (嵐山駅) and 950 m from from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station (嵯峨嵐山駅), which is connected with Kyoto station by train.

GPS: 35.015845, 135.673792

Opening hours: 8:30 to 17:30 (until 17:00 from late October to late March)

Entry fees: 500 yen (an extra 300 yen for entrance into the temple buildings)

12.3 Kiyomizudera

How to get here: Board Bus 100 or 206 from Kyoto station.  Tickets cost 230 yen for the 15 minute trip.  Get off the bus at Kiyomizu-michi (清水町バス停) stop and walk 900 m uphill walk to the temple. Kiyomizudera is about 1.7 km from Kiyomizu-Gojo Station (清水五条駅) along the Keihan line (京阪本線).

GPS: 34.994839, 135.785045

Opening hours: 6:00 to 18:00 (until 18:30 on weekends and holidays from mid April through July and everyday in August and September)

Entry fees: 400 yen

12.4 Byodoin

How to get here: Byodoin is 1km from JR Uji Station (宇治駅).

GPS: 34.889295, 135.807694

Opening hours: 8:30 to 17:30 (entry until 17:15)
              Treasure house from 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:45)

Entry fees: 600 yen (additional 300 yen for a tour of the Phoenix Hall)

13. NARA PREFECTURE CHERRY BLOSSOM VIEWING SPOTS

13.1 Kasuga-Taisha - Kōfuku-ji - Todai-ji temple - Nigatsu-do Hall - Sangatsu-do

How to get here: Nara Park  (奈良公園) is about 400 m from Kintetsu Nara Station (近鉄奈良駅) or about 1.4 km from JR Nara Station (奈良駅).

GPS: 34.685016, 135.843015

Opening hours: Always open

Entry fees: Free

Nara Park is famous for its deers.

Kasuga-Taisha (春日大社)

plum blossom in Kasuga-Taisha

How to get here: Kasuga-Taisha (春日大社) is about 2.3 km from Kintetsu Nara Station, or 2.9 km from JR Nara Station. Kasuga-Taisha is located in the east of Nara park.

GPS: 34.681424, 135.848358

Opening hours: 6:00 to 18:00 (April to September)

6:30 to 17:00 (October to March)

Inner area: 8:30 to 16:00

Entry fees: Free (outer area), 500 yen (inner area)

Kōfuku-ji (興福寺)

Todai-ji temple (東大寺)

How to get here: Todai-ji is about 1.5 km from Kintetsu Nara Station, or about 2.5 km from JR Nara Station.  The temple is located in the northern part of Nara park.

GPS: 34.688997, 135.839817

Opening hours: 8:00 to 16:30 (November to February)
8:00 to 17:00 (March)
7:30 to 17:30 (April to September)
7:30 to 17:00 (October)

Entry fees: 500 yen

 Daibutsuden

Nigatsu-do Hall (二月堂)

How to get here: From Todai-ji, walk along the east wall of the Daibutsu-den and then go up the path that turns up to the right just past the small pond to reach Nigatsu-do hall.

GPS: 34.689266, 135.844285

Opening hours: Always open

Entry fees: Free

cherry blossom tree at Sangatsu-do

13.2 Hōryū-ji

How to get there: From JR Nara Station, take Yamatoji Line (大和路線) to Horyuji station (法隆寺駅). From there it is a 20-minute walk (1.6km) or short bus ride by bus number 72 to Horyu-ji temple (190 yen one way, departures every 20 minutes). Get off at the Horyujimon-mae bus stop (法隆寺前バス停). Last bus to Horyuji Station departs at 17:05.

GPS: 34.614112, 135.735648

Opening hours: 8:00 to 17:00 (until 16:30 from early November to late February)

Entry fees: 1500 yen

13.3 Himuro shrine and Yakushi-ji Temple

How to get here: From Nara park, Use the underground crossings to get to the northeast corner of the Nobori-oji/Route 169. There are directions for Isui-en garden and Todai-ji temple. Walk towards Isui-en garden, Himuro shrine is on the way.

GPS: 34.684399, 135.838086

Opening hours: 11:00 to 15:00

Entrance fee: free

weeping cherry blossom

magnolia flowers

Yakushi-ji temple (薬師寺)

How to get here: From Kintetsu Nara station take train towards Nara and get down at Yamato-Saidaji station (大和西大寺駅) to change the line to Kintetsu-Kashihara line (近鉄-橿原線). Ride 4 stops and get down at Nishinokyo station (西ノ京駅). From Nishinokyo station Yakushi-ji is 200 m away. Bus number 70, 72 and 97 run about three times an hour to Yakushiji-higashiguchi bus stop (薬師寺東口バス停) from JR Nara Station (15 minutes, 260 yen) and Kintetsu Nara Station (20 minutes, 260 yen).

GPS 34.668647, 135.784569

Opening hours: 8:30 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)

Entry fees: 1100 yen

TAIWAN CHERRY BLOSSOM VIEWING SPOTS