With sakura set to bloom at its full capacity by late March in Japan, many of you must be already planning your trip right now. There are numerous places in Japan where you can view sakura in full bloom, and many of these places have their own sakura festivals. If you too wish to attend one of these festivals, you’re at the right place.
Sakura Festival Japan 2025: All The Information You Need To Know
Significance Of Sakura
Sakura holds immense significance in Japanese culture, as the Japanese believe that these flowers hold kami (sacred spiritual forces). The ephemeral blooms also represent the transient nature of life, as they are only in bloom for a few weeks.
During these few weeks, the Japanese celebrate sakura by organizing hanami parties and visiting local temples and shrines. Sakura in general finds significance in Japanese art, philosophy, and literature, and it has evolved to be an important cultural symbol in the country.
A Brief Overview Of Hanami
The tradition of Hanami initially began as a tradition exclusive to the Japanese Imperial Court. However, the tradition is an integral part of Japanese culture today.
Cherry blossom season in Japan is heavily based around hanami parties. Think of it as a tradition of viewing sakura blossoms.
It is usually about gathering with your friends and family under sakura trees and celebrating with food and drinks, however, it is more than just that. Hanami is also a way to appreciate nature and the fleeting nature of its beauty.
Sakura Festival Japan: When And Where?
Sakura blooms throughout the country, with some places being more popular among tourists than others. However, the only setback is that there is no fixed time of a particular sakura festival in Japan.
The Japan Meteorological Corporation releases its cherry blossom forecast each year, approximately predicting the dates of cherry blooms in Japan. This year, the corporation has predicted that Fukuoka will experience the first bloom by 22nd March.
The southernmost end of Japan experiences the earliest cherry blossom while the northern end of the country witnesses the latest cherry blossom.
Here are some notable festival locations:
Hirosaki Park
Hirosaki Park is one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Sites. The festival celebrated here is called Hirosaki Sakura-Matsuri, where the word ‘Matsuri’ translates to ‘festival’. Being home to about 2,600 trees with over 50 different types of cherry.
Here you try your hand at boating, view stunning displays, make your way through the Sakura Tunnel, and even stroll through the illuminated park at night! The park is so famous that during Hirosaki Sakura-Matsuri, it witnesses more than 20 lakh tourists!
Peak sakura season: Late April to early May
Shinjuku Gyo-En National Garden
This 144-acre national park in Shinjuku is home to about 1,500 cherry trees that produce some of the most beautiful blooms in the country.
The national park is composed of unique gardens made in traditional Japanese, English, and French styles. People from all over the country flock to Shinjuku Gyo-en to celebrate hanami parties, so you can imagine how popular this place is.
Peak sakura season: Late March to early April
Meguro River
The cherry blossom season transforms the Meguro River into a breathtaking Sakura Japan festival location. This 8-kilometer long river in Tokyo has a stretch of about 800 meters to 1 kilometer that is lined by cherry blossom trees.
Decorated with paper lanterns and colorful lights, the trees look absolutely stunning at night as well. During the peak blooming season, the promenade is also famous for hosting its Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival.
Moreover, there are plenty of restaurants and museums along this route where you can stop by. Just grab some delicious Japanese food and enjoy it with a spectacular view of the sakura!
Peak sakura season: Mid March to early April
Ueno Park
Many claim that Ueno Park is Japan’s most popular city park. Having said that, it is natural that the park attracts thousands of locals and tourists alike.
With a stunning variety of cherry blossom trees scattered throughout the park’s premises, you can certainly hangout here with your friends and family.
Ueno Park is also a popular hanami destination in the sakura season, so you can consider putting it at the top of your ‘hanami destination list’!
Peak sakura season: Late March to early April
Summing Up
Sakura Festival Japan is not just a celebration, it is a tradition celebrating human bonding and the beauty of nature. There are plenty of locations in Japan where you can experience breathtaking views of pale pink and white sakura.
To celebrate the blooming of these delicate flowers, many places in Japan hold their own cherry blossom festivals. So, which one are you planning to attend?
FAQs
Is Meguro River Free?
Yes, walking around Meguro River is absolutely free. However, if you are visiting any cafe or restaurant here, you must obviously pay to avail their services.
Is April Too Late For Cherry Blossoms In Japan?
No, in fact April is ideal for viewing cherry blossoms in Japan. This is because there are many spots in Japan, especially in the areas of Tokyo and Kyoto where sakura blooms in April.
What Is Cherry Blossom A Festival Of?
Cherry blossom is a festival celebrating the transient nature of beauty in nature itself. These blooms only exist for a few weeks, which symbolizes how beauty in nature is never a permanent phenomenon. Besides, it is a festival where people come together to celebrate with their friends and family.
