We are open today until 6:30 pm. Call 020 7590 0610
Mt. Fuji and Chureito Red Pagoda, Japan

Japan's Cherry Blossom Season

How best to see the blooms

Article content

24 July 2023 by Nikki James

Spring is a cherished time in Japan: the winter chill has said sayonara and parks across the country are awash with the colours of sakura – cherry blossom. Blossom-viewing celebrations (hanami) are a time-honoured custom, in which families gather on mountain slopes or in city parks to drink sake beneath the falling flowers.

Timing a trip to coincide with these fleeting pinks can be tricky, but the end of March and beginning of April should give you the best chance, as the blossoms move up the county in a wave. Blooming as early as February in Okinawa they slowly climb north, cresting in Tokyo and Kyoto in early April, finally rippling into northern Hokkaido in May. As it spreads, you’ll find that sakura cherry blossom products follow in its wake; there’s flavoured dumplings, crisps and even beer.

Explore our Japan holidays


Kyoto, Japan

But, where are the best places to see this natural spectacular? Mt Yoshino-yama in Nara, with over 30,000 cherry trees, is widely considered the premier spot , but there are dozens more our specialists can recommend.

Matsumae Park in Hokkaido boasts 10,000 cherry trees in 250 varieties, and its Cherry Blossom Festival is especially beautiful. Tokyo’s Ueno Park is another great spot, as are the grounds of the Daigo-ji Temple on Mt Daigo, Kyoto, where the pinks have bloomed among the temple structures for hundreds of years.

Mt Yoshinoyama, Nara, Japan

Just remember when planning your pilgrimage, accommodation gets booked up well in advance at greatly increased rates. It's therefore vital to book as far ahead as possible, with flights available 11 months in advance and accommodation available even earlier still. Give us a call to start planning your visit. 

Explore our Japan holidays

Related offers

Cherry Blossom, Mt Fuji

Japan's Blossom Season

11-day tailor-made rail holiday from £5,255 pp incl. flights

Between private, tailor-made tours, bullet-train trips and stays in historic hot-spring inns, see the best of Japan and its world-famous cherry blossom season.

Sensoji, Tokyo, Japan

Essential Japan

10-day tailor-made holiday from £4,235 pp incl. flights

Get a taste of all that this spectacular and multi-faceted country has to offer, with private tours of Tokyo, traditional ryokan stays, trips on Japan's 200mph bullet train and visits to world famous temples.

Mt Fuji, Japan

Best of Japan

14-day tailor-made holiday from £7,435 pp incl. flights

With a rail pass and a host of included tours and traditional ryokan stays, this is your chance to experience the best Japan has to offer as you explore the country's hi-tech cities, ancient temples and spectacular national parks.

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0610 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

Visit us in our London office

Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
  • Established for over 50 years
  • Tailor a holiday to your precise requirements
  • Personalised quotes and documentation

Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

  • Dedicated personal consultants
  • Free airport lounges on qualifying bookings
  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
  • Full financial security: ATOL & ABTOT protected