In March, it’s the perfect time to admire cherry blossoms in Japan! According to the recent forecast by the Japan Meteorological Corporation, the blooming period in Nagoya and Fukuoka is expected to be on March 20th and 21st respectively, followed by Tokyo and Kyoto on the 23rd of the same month. Osaka and Sendai are predicted to bloom on March 25th and April 3rd, while Sapporo’s blooming period is expected to be the latest, around May 1st.
There are many places throughout Japan where you can view cherry blossoms, including a series of popular must-visit spots, as well as many hidden and unique cherry blossom viewing locations. If you are planning to visit Japan, now is the time to learn more!
1. Tokyo Shibuya Meguro River
If you want to enjoy a boat cruise to see cherry blossoms, you can take the Tokyo Shibuya Meguro River cherry blossom viewing cruise to admire the pink cherry blossoms! Approximately 800 cherry blossom trees bloom brilliantly on both sides of the riverbank, resembling a cherry blossom avenue on the river, as beautiful as a painting! You can board the boat at Tennozu Isle Pier, pass through the Kurokawa Water Gate, Gotanda, and finally return at the Garden Terrace Hotel. The small bridge near Naka-Meguro Station is a stunning photo spot, and if you want to take more beautiful photos with denser cherry blossoms, you can choose a narrower location along the middle or upper stream of the river for a more picturesque scene!
Address: 1-17 Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
2. Tokyo Metropolitan Shiokaze Park
Not far from Asakusa, located in Minami-Senju, Tokyo, Shioiri Park is peaceful, with open views and relatively few tourists. Along the Sumida River in the park, there are various cherry blossom varieties such as Somei Yoshino, Oukan, and Kawazu-zakura in full bloom. Here, you can take photos and capture the landmark Tokyo Skytree at the same time!
Address: 8-13-1 Minamisenju, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo
3. Yomiuri Land near Tokyo
If you want to find a more secluded cherry blossom viewing spot near Tokyo, consider Yomiuriland. There is a 180-meter long cherry blossom avenue for leisurely strolls, and you can also take the Sky Shuttle to the park to overlook a beautiful pink cherry blossom scenery from high above. Even when enjoying the amusement park rides, you will feel surrounded by cherry blossoms!
In addition, Yomiuri Land will hold the “Night Sakura Jewellumination” night cherry blossom light event from March 19 to April 7. At that time, there will be a jewel light show designed by designer Mikiko Ishii, and various amusement facilities, the Tower of Light, Sakura Avenue, etc. will be decorated with sparkling lights, and you can also enjoy fountain performances!
Address: 4015-1 Yanokuchi, Inagi City, Tokyo
4. Sankeien Garden in Yokohama
Yokohama Sankeien Garden, designated as a scenic spot by the Japanese government, is spacious and features 17 traditional Japanese buildings, ponds, and in the distance, you can see a three-story pagoda, offering beautiful views! The garden has around 300 cherry blossom trees, including varieties such as Yaezakura and Shidarezakura, with their beauty reflected on the surface of the pond, creating a picturesque scene! Additionally, you can visit the tea house in Sankeien Garden, where you can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms while savoring exquisite desserts!
Address: 58-1 Motomachi Sannoyama, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
5. Nijo Castle in Kyoto
In addition to viewing cherry blossoms during the day, why not experience the beauty of night cherry blossoms in a different way! Visiting the World Heritage Site “Nijo Castle” in Kyoto to admire the flowers is a good choice. This year’s “NAKED Cherry Blossom Festival” will be held from now until April 7th, featuring around 300 cherry blossom trees, ancient castle walls, and courtyards combined with specially created light projection art. You can immerse yourself in taking dreamy and beautiful photos here! Apart from taking photos, you can also visit the dining area to taste traditional Japanese cuisine. This year, the event has added a Premium Cherry Blossom Viewing Area, allowing ticket holders to enjoy the beautiful scenery from a special seating area!
Address: 541 Nijojocho, Nishinotoin Nijo-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
6. Kyoto Shojun-in
You can enjoy cherry blossoms indoors too! Kyoto’s Shōren-in Temple, with a history of about 800 years, is known as the “Temple of Wind Chimes.” You can admire the beautiful cherry blossoms in the Japanese garden inside the temple, which is quite charming! The elegant temple features a variety of colorful and patterned ceiling and wall paintings. Noteworthy are the heart-shaped “pig-eye windows,” which, set against the backdrop of cherry blossoms, look like pink hearts. Couples come here together to take photos and feel especially romantic!
Address: 149 Okuyamadagawaue, Ujitawara-cho, Tsuzuki-gun, Kyoto
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Further reading:
- Ghibli Park Witch Valley opens this month! Enter the classic scenes of Kiki’s Delivery Service/16-meter-tall Howl’s Moving Castle
- Family Travel Destination! Japan’s Yokohama Pure White Uniqlo Park offers rock climbing, game area, and a view of Tokyo Bay!
- A must-visit in Thailand! Bangkok’s 78th floor Sky Beach rooftop bar, enjoy beautiful night views and take photos!
