For about two weeks each spring, Japan's cherry trees bloom, and the whole country goes outside to look at them. It's beautiful, it's short, and it's impossible to date exactly in advance — which is the whole art of planning a trip around it.
When to go in 2027#
| Region | Usual bloom |
|---|---|
| Okinawa | January – February |
| Kyushu (Fukuoka) | Late March |
| Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka | Late March – early April |
| Northern Honshu (Hirosaki) | Late April |
| Hokkaido (Sapporo) | Early May |
Full bloom in a city lasts roughly a week, and the whole bloom about two. Rain and wind can end it early. Official forecasts are published from early in the year and updated weekly as spring approaches: check them before you book, and choose flexible bookings.
Where to see them#
Tokyo
- Ueno Park — the classic, crowded, lively hanami spot.
- Shinjuku Gyoen — a large garden with many varieties, calmer (no alcohol).
- Chidorigafuchi — the moat by the Imperial Palace, best from a rowing boat.
- Meguro River — a tunnel of blossoms over the canal, lit at night.
Kyoto
- The Philosopher's Path — a canal-side walk lined with trees.
- Maruyama Park — the famous weeping cherry, lit up at night.
- Arashiyama — blossoms on the hills over the river.
Further away
- Hirosaki Castle — moats full of petals in late April.
- Mount Yoshino, near Nara — thousands of trees up a mountainside.
How to do hanami#
- Arrive early to claim a spot; people lay out blue tarps hours before.
- Bring food and drinks, or buy them from the stalls and convenience stores nearby.
- Night hanami (yozakura) under lanterns is magical.
- Take your rubbish home — bins are scarce and it's expected.
Plan ahead#
It's one of Japan's busiest seasons. Book flights and hotels early, especially Kyoto. A week or more gives you the best chance of catching full bloom somewhere.
With someone who lives there#
Every neighbourhood has its own quiet spot that isn't in the guidebook. Local Friends in Tokyo are locals you message directly on Roavi. More on Japan: renting a friend in Japan as a foreigner. All the big dates: the world events calendar.
Find the quiet hanami spot with a local.
Meet Local Friends in TokyoComing in autumn instead? See when Japan's autumn leaves peak in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do cherry blossoms bloom in Tokyo in 2027?
Usually from late March to early April, with full bloom about a week after the first flowers. The exact dates depend on the weather; official forecasts are published from early in the year and updated as the season approaches.Where are the best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan?
In Tokyo: Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, Chidorigafuchi and the Meguro River. In Kyoto: the Philosopher's Path, Maruyama Park and Arashiyama. Further afield, Hirosaki Castle in the north and Mount Yoshino near Nara are famous.What is hanami?
Flower viewing: a picnic with friends, family or colleagues under the cherry trees, in the day or at night under lanterns. People arrive early to claim a spot with a blue tarp.Is cherry blossom season expensive?
It's one of Japan's busiest travel seasons, so hotels fill and prices rise, especially in Kyoto. Book as early as you can, and choose flexible bookings in case the bloom comes early or late.
