Every year, throngs of people make their way to Japan in Spring just to participate in Hanami. It’s more commonly known as the Cherry Blossom viewing and it refers to the age-old Japanese custom of appreciating the delicate sakura blooms.
The cherry trees bloom all over Japan at different times. They are known to be at full glory after their first week of blossoming when they’re at their fullest. However, it’s a short time frame and the flowers are unpredictable.
To ensure you don’t miss the 2017 cherry blossoms in Japan, here’s a look at the cherry blossom schedule:
Tokyo
Home of the famed Tsukiji Fish market, Disneyland and sea, Tokyo offers a mix of the modern and traditional.
You can take part in the peaceful Hanami tradition, and slip right back into the bustle of city life without missing a beat.
2017 cherry blossoms in Japan: Tokyo
Estimated Opening: March 26
Estimated Best Viewing: April 2 – 10
Best Viewing Spots:
Shinjuku Gyoen (10 minute walk from Shinjuku Station)
Ueno Park (a few steps from Ueno Station)
Sumida Park (a few steps from Asakusa Station)
Kyoto
Previously the ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto has much to show from its beautiful past.
Here, you will be able to experience one of Japan’s few still-operational geisha districts, as well as visit a collection of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Not forgetting the most well-known site, the Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine with its impressive views and photo-worthy captures.
2017 cherry blossoms in Japan: Kyoto
Estimated Opening: March 29
Estimated Best Viewing: April 4 – 12
Best Viewing Spots:
Philosopher’s Path (between Ginkakuji and Nanzenji Temples)
Maruyama Park (next to Yasaka Shrine)
Arashiyama (northwest of central Kyoto)
Osaka
Japan’s second most populous city, only after Tokyo, is a unique blend of cosmopolitan style and country charm.
There’s something for everyone – kids can enjoy a fun day out at Universal Studios Japan and the Osaka Aquarium, while adults can enjoy the friendly vibes and night scenes at Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori.
2017 cherry blossoms in Japan: Osaka
Estimated Opening: March 29
Estimated Best Viewing: April 4 – 12
Best Viewing Spots:
Kema Sakuranomiya Park (Sakuranomiya Station – JR Loop Line)
Osaka Castle (Osaka Castle Park)
Osaka Mint Bureau (10 minute walk from Temmabashi Station)
Nagoya
One of the lesser known cities, Nagoya is a spacious and well-planned urban centre that has much to offer visitors.
For the culturally inquisitive – there is the Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Jingu Shrine and the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology to visit.
For shopping and people-watching, the Sakae and Meieki areas are your places to visit. Located in central Japan, Nagoya is also an ideal base for exploring the historic towns and onsens of nearby Gifu, Mie, Shizuoka and Nagano Prefectures.
2017 cherry blossoms in Japan: Nagoya
Estimated Opening: March 26
Estimated Best Viewing: April 2 – 10
Best Viewing Spots:
Yamazakigawa Riverside (10 minute walk from Mizuho-Undojo-Higashi Station)
Nagoya Castle (short walk from Shiyakusho-mae Station)
Tsuruma Park (Tsurumai Subway Station)
Fukuoka
A port city on Japan’s Kyushu island, Fukuoka has seen a steady rise in its food paradise reputation since Michelin published a guide to Fukuoka restaurants in 2014.
Being right by the Genkai sea, the seafood here is fresh and abundant. They also boast a Fukuoka-style ramen that you can find at the city’s famous yatai (outdoor stalls). These are best experienced while walking the banks of the Naka river, particularly the strip between Canal City and the bridge to Nishi Nakasu.
2017 cherry blossoms in Japan: Fukuoka
Estimated Opening: March 25
Estimated Best Viewing: April 2 – 10
Best Viewing Spots:
Fukuoka Castle, Maizuru Park (5-10 minute walk south of Ohori Koen Station)
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park (JR Uminonakamichi Station)
Nishi Park (10-15 minute walk north of Ohori Koen Station)
Hiroshima
Despite its past, Hiroshima has become a modern hub for peace activists.
The Atomic Bomb Dome structure and Peace Memorial Park are located a short walk from each other.
Further down, you can pay tribute at the Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims. Other historical places like Hiroshima Castle and Machiya Street showcase a sense of nostalgia and has preserved the memories of the old city.
2017 cherry blossoms in Japan: Hiroshima
Estimated Opening: March 28
Estimated Best Viewing: April 3 – 11
Best Viewing Spots:
Hiroshima Peace Park (next to Genbaku Domu Mae tram stop)
Shukkeien Garden (15 minute walk from Hiroshima Station)
Hiroshima Castle (10 minute walk from Kamiyacho-nishi or Kamiyacho-higashi tram stop)
Essential information for 2017 cherry blossoms in Japan
Although there are no direct flights to Kyoto and Hiroshima, these places are easily accessible by train or connecting flights.
Prices are most inexpensive for direct flights to Tokyo during the first week of April, with Osaka, Fukuoka and Nagoya being comparable.
We hope that you’ve enjoyed this small glimpse into what you could witness in real life yourself. While we’ve covered Japan’s most beautiful 2017 cherry blossom viewing spots, there are still other locations to be discovered.
So have fun planning your trip to Japan and be sure to enjoy these transient beauties, as well as the many historical and culinary delights from the Land of the Rising Sun!
Also, read Forget Tokyo, Niigata Is The Next Top Japan Travel Destination!
