Cherry blossom season, one of the most magical times to visit Japan, is just around the corner. The country comes alive with delicate pink and white blooms, and locals celebrate with "hanami" — festive cherry blossom viewing parties. While the blossoms usually grace us from late March to early April, this year they're expected to arrive over a week earlier in many areas.
In Tokyo, the first blossoms are set to open around March 23rd, with the peak viewing period about a week after. But if your trip falls in late April, don’t worry — head further north, and you’ll still find plenty of breathtaking spots to enjoy the blossoms. Here are some of the most beautiful places to catch them!
Sapporo (Hokkaido)
Sapporo, the northern capital of Japan, is full of exciting things to do, including some stunning spots to enjoy cherry blossoms. One of the best places to experience the bloom is Moerenuma Park, a spacious park in the city’s northeast, home to nearly 2,000 cherry trees. Since Hokkaido is one of the last regions where the blossoms bloom, you can usually catch the peak as late as mid-May. This year, the blossoms are expected to be at their best in the first week of May.
Hirosaki (Aomori)
Hirosaki Castle is often considered the most beautiful cherry blossom spot in northern Japan, and it's easy to see why. The castle is surrounded by a stunning array of sakura trees, creating a breathtaking scene, especially with the iconic red bridge perfectly contrasting the pink blooms. It’s a picture-perfect location and one of the most photographed cherry blossom spots in the country.
The blossoms here usually start to bloom around April 22nd, just before those in southern Hokkaido, with peak viewing expected from late April to early May.
Natsui Senbonzakura (Fukushima)
The Thousand Cherry Trees of Natsui, lining the banks of the Natsui River, offer a breathtaking sakura viewing experience, framed by the scenic mountains of Fukushima Prefecture. While there are "only" a thousand cherry trees here, their close clustering along the riverbank creates an even more stunning display. Getting to this picturesque spot is a breeze, with the journey taking just over two hours by the Tohoku Shinkansen and JR Ban-Etsuto Line.
Kakunodate (Akita)
Often called the "Little Kyoto of Tohoku," the charming castle town of Kakunodate is beautiful year-round, but it truly shines during cherry blossom season. The town’s well-preserved samurai residences look even more enchanting when surrounded by the delicate sakura trees. Similar to Hirosaki, the blossoms in Kakunodate are expected to reach their peak by the end of April this year, making it an ideal time to visit.
Eboshiyama Park (Yamagata)
Most of the year, Eboshiyama Park may not catch your eye, but in spring, it turns into a cherry blossom wonderland. With over 20 varieties of cherry trees, you'll be treated to a mix of blooms, each bursting into color at different times. It’s also super easy to get there — just take the Yamagata Shinkansen from Tokyo and hop off at Akayu Station. After soaking in the blossoms, don’t miss out on Akayu Onsen, a cozy hot spring town nearby that’s perfect for unwinding and recharging.
Conclusion: Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in North Japan
Cherry blossom forecasts can give you a helpful guideline, but keep in mind that some trees might bloom a little earlier or later than expected. If you’re still planning your trip, try to time it for about a week after the predicted start of the blooms. This way, you’ll arrive just in time to see the trees at their peak, with all their beautiful buds open before the petals begin to fall. It’s the perfect moment to soak in the stunning sights!