Banzai! It’s that magical time of the year for Japan, when its national flower, the Sakura (or cherry blossoms), bloom in its fullest glory and pepper the trees with hues of pinks and whites – almost quite literally. I mean, just look at this aerial shot of Hokkaido during springtime!
Image credit: Meng Cheong
We’ve shortlisted optimal spots in each of the ten prefectures across the country where you can best bask yourself in all the floral madness, with forecasted dates for each prefecture. The cherry blossom-viewing season has already begun for some of the southern regions including Okinawa, and will be moving upwards towards prefectures in Japan’s higher elevation like Aomori and Hokkaido in the upcoming months.
If you’re planning a trip to Japan this year, then be sure to coincide your trip with these dates! And if you’re not thinking of having a Japan vacation anytime soon, then let’s see if these photos can convince you.
Okinawa: mid January to mid February
Image credit: U.S. Army Garrison Japan
Best cherry blossom-viewing spots: Nago Chuo Park, Nakijin Castle, Yogi Park
Fukuoka: 25 March to 10 April
Image credit: Zooka Yung
Best cherry blossom-viewing spots: San Hou Park, Fukuoka Castle, Atago Shrine, Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, Nishi Park
Osaka: 29 March to 12 April
Image credit: m-louis
Best cherry blossom-viewing spots: Osaka Castle Park, Kema Sakuranomiya, Osaka Mint Bureau
Nara: 28 March to 11 April
Image credit: Yukiko Matsuoka
Best cherry blossom-viewing spots: Mount Yoshino, Heijo Palace, Nara Park
Hiroshima: 29 March to 12 April
Image credit: overseb
Best cherry blossom-viewing spots: Peace Park, Hiroshima Castle, Shukkein Garden
Kyoto: early to mid April
Image credit: rurinoshima
Best cherry blossom-viewing spots: Philosopher’s Path, Kyoto Gosho, Shirakawa, Maruyama, Heian Shrine
Tokyo: 26 March to 11 April
Image credit: OiMax
Image credit: Yoshikazu TakadaBest cherry blossom-viewing spots: Shinjuku Garden, Ueno Park, Sumida Park, Meguro Park, Yoyogi Park
Fukushima: mid to late April
Image credit: かがみ～
Best cherry blossom-viewing spots: Hanamiyama Park, Shinobuyama Park
Aomori: 22 April to 4 May
Image credit: つんつん
Best cherry blossom-viewing spots: Hirosaki Castle, Ashino Park
Hokkaido: 29 April to 5 May
Image credit: Hales Suen
Best cherry blossom-viewing spots: Hakodate’s Goryokaku, Matsumae Castle, Odori Park
Now that you’ve got your dates figured out, get the trip planning started!
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