Cherry blossom or sakura, as it is known locally, is Japan’s unofficial national flower. And why wouldn’t it be? Cherry blossom in Japan is a phenomenon that attracts not just locals but international travelers alike in large crowds. The country dons itself in mesmerizing hues of pink and white during the blooming season that starts in late March and ends by May.
Cherry blossom time in Japan is a season of renewal, joy, and celebration, where many families and friends come together and celebrate the sakura. If you too wish to witness these celebrations (and the sakura), here’s all that you must know about cherry blossom in Japan.
When Is It Cherry Blossom Time In Japan?
Before you step foot in Japan, you must be wondering what the cherry blossom season in Japan looks like. Well, the country’s first sakura blooms by late March and lasts up to late May. The southern end of Japan, i.e. the Kumamoto region experiences one of the first sakura blooms in Japan.
As you move north, towards Osaka, Nagoya, and Kyoto, they start experiencing cherry blossom season by early April. In Tokyo and Sendai, this phenomenon starts occurring by early to late April. The northernmost part of mainland Japan, Hokkaido, experiences the last cherry blossom of the year. Here, you can expect the blossoms to bloom by late April to early May.
The milder the climate, the sooner the blossoms will open. This explains why Hokkaido, the northernmost part of Japan with a colder climate, experiences the last cherry blossom bloom.
Japan Meteorological Corporation releases a forecast predicting the cherry blossom season every year. This year, they have stated in their forecasts that Fukuoka will experience the first bloom in the country by 22nd March.
Cherry Blossom In Japan: Best Places To Visit
Tokyo
You’d most likely land in Tokyo as your first destination in Japan, so why not begin with exploring the cherry blossom in this bustling city? Tokyo has plenty of parks, gardens, and riverfronts where you can delightfully view the pale pink cherry blossoms.
To begin with, you have Shinjuku Gyoen which has over 1,000 cherry blossom trees. The Yoyogi Park is also a famous spot for spotting cherry blossoms and organizing a hanami (cherry blossom viewing) party. Ueno Park, Sumida Park, Meguro River, Koganei Park, Mount Takao, and Chidorigafuchi are some of the most popular places to visit in Tokyo for cherry blossoms.
Kyoto
Kyoto is another popular prefecture (think of something like a ‘State’ in India) where you can experience some of the most pleasant sakura in Japan. Kyoto too has plenty of districts, parks, botanical gardens, and riverfronts that serve as an amazing backdrop for the sakura season.
You can explore the lively district of Arashiyama, as well as places like the Kyoto Botanical Garden, Nijo Castle, Daigoji Temple, Okazaki Canal, and the famous Philosopher’s Path while you’re in Kyoto!
Fukushima
Next on our list is the underrated prefecture and city of Fukushima that you can visit instead of the more crowded areas of Kyoto and Tokyo. While Fukushima doesn’t have plenty of good spots to enjoy cherry blossom in Japan, it certainly has a few that offer a unique experience.
The Hanamiyama Park is a great hanami spot for tourists and locals alike and also offers nature trails. Shinobuyama Park has plenty of cherry blossom trees on its hilltop and also boasts of an observation deck that you must not skip out on!
Mount Fuji
There’s no argument about the fact that Mount Fuji is Japan’s most iconic landmark! Thousands of tourists flock to get a glimpse of this active volcano in Japan. During the cherry blossom season, the summit looks even more breathtaking. Here are some places near this iconic Japanese landmark that can offer you stunning views of both Mount Fuji and the sakura!
Chureito Pagoda is a recently built pagoda that attracts thousands of tourists and photographers who flock to get the perfect picture of Mount Fuji from this place. The pagoda completely drowns in a sea of sakura during the peak blooming season and is a popular tourist attraction amongst locals and tourists alike.
Apart from Chureito Pagoda, Lake Kawaguchiko and the Iyoshi no Sato Village offer spectacular views of these blooms and Mount Fuji.
We also recommend checking out other cities and prefectures like Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo (Hokkaido), Yokohama, and Nagasaki that each offer a unique sakura experience in Japan.
Visa Requirements For Indians Visiting Japan
Now that you know about Japan’s cherry blossom season, it is time to plan your visit to the country. And, the first thing to take care of is your visa. Luckily, Japan has rolled out e-Visas for Indian tourists starting April 2024.
This means you can directly apply for a single-entry visa in an online application and get it issued in a span of a minimum of 10 days. It is also valid for 90 days, making it quite convenient for you if you decide to extend your stay in Japan for some time.
You can visit the Japan Visa Application Center’s official website run by VFS Global and simply apply for a tourist visa. Here’s a step-by-step guide for you:
- Visit the official website.
- Navigate to the part of the website where you can determine your visa type to visit Japan. In this case, it will be a temporary/tourist visa.
- Begin your application.
- Choose a visa application center and make an appointment.
- Pay your visa application fees.
- Attend the scheduled appointment at the visa application center.
- Track your application progress.
Application fee for temporary visitor visa: INR 500 for Indians
Tips For Indians Visiting Japan For The First Time
- First and foremost, learn a few basic Japanese words and phrases. You can also use apps like Google Translate to help you understand the language and translate something.
- While carrying credit cards is not a problem, we still recommend carrying cash, as some places might not accept cards. Plus, you wouldn’t want to search for a cash withdrawal system in a foreign country!
- Japan has a cooler climate than India in the months of March to May. So if you are visiting during the cherry blossom season, we recommend carrying winter clothes.
- Avoid wearing overly revealing clothes in public, especially when visiting temples and shrines. In other situations, you are free to dress up the way you want!
- Go for comfortable shoes, because when in Japan, you will walk a lot!
- The public transport system in Japan is one of the bests in the world, especially their rail networks. So instead of hopping into cabs (which are pricier in Japan), you should either use public transport or walk.
- Japan can get quite expensive during the peak cherry blossom season as many tourists flock to places like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hokkaido. This is why we recommend planning your trip a few months in advance. Also, book your hotel well in advance too.
Summing Up
The cherry blossom season in Japan is one of the most anticipated phenomena every year across the globe. After all, these delicate flowers are not just flowers here, they are a part of Japanese culture and heritage. These sakura flowers find their mention in abundant Japanese literature, culinary rituals, and art and philosophy. So it only makes sense why the Japanese (and some of us) are obsessed with sakura!
FAQs
What Is The Best Time To See Cherry Blossoms In Japan?
The best time to see cherry blossoms in Japan is between late March and mid-April. Though some regions like Hokkaido witness the first sakura bloom as late as April-end or early May.
Is Japan Expensive During Cherry Blossom Season?
Yes, Japan can get quite expensive during the cherry blossom season. Hotels get easily sold out during this time, especially the ones that are in the vicinity of famous cherry blossom locations.
Is It Cold In Japan During Cherry Blossoms?
It is not completely cold in Japan during cherry blossom season, as it marks the beginning of the spring season. During this time, the weather is quite mild and pleasant, making it a great season to go out and explore.
