The Most Gorgeous and Best Spots to View Cherry Blossoms in Japan

When planning to visit Japan, plan your trip during the Cherry Blossom Season in Japan so you get to witness one of the most spectacular flowering phenomena in the world. The flowering cherry trees of Japan are world famous, so you must visit the best Cherry Blossom spot in Japan to see them at their best.

Here, we have listed some of the best spots to view Cherry Blossoms in Japan. When it comes to funds, you can finance your trip with a Personal Loan for Travel at attractive interest rates from Hero FinCorp.

List of 10 Best Spots to View Cherry Blossoms in Japan

Here is the list of some of the best spots to view Japan's Cherry Blossom with their city, highlights, and budget per person: 

Note: Prices are approximate and may vary based on the travel agency and inclusions.

Top 10 Spots to View Cherry Blossoms in Japan

Below, we have rounded up the top ten spots to see Cherry Blossoms in Japan:

1. Hirosaki Castle Park

The Hirosaki Castle Park houses more than 2,500 blossoming cherry trees. Over one million visitors flock to this place every spring season to see the blossoms during the Cherry Blossom Tree Season in Japan. This 400-year-old castle has a unique location. Rent a boat and float in the moat through the fallen blossoms.

• Attractions: 400-year-old castle, 2,600 cherry trees

• Best Season: Late April to early May

• How to Reach: Short bus ride from JR Lines Hirosaki Station

• Budget: Rs 15,000

• Time Required: 3 Hours

• Entry Fee: 320 yen (castle only); 520 yen (castle, botanical garden and Fujita Memorial Garden)

2. Shinjuku Gyoen

The park has lush lawns and houses over a thousand cherry trees. You can witness both early and late blooming trees at the Sakura-Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival Japan. Located in the main city, the place provides views of the best Cherry Blossom in Tokyo, Japan amidst high-rise buildings of the city.

• Attractions: Striking contrasts of high-rise buildings and Cherry Blossoms

• Best Season: Late March to early April

• How to Reach: Ten-minute walk from Shinjuku Station

• Budget: Rs 12,000

• Time Required: 1 Hour

• Entry Fee: 500 yen

3. Mitsuike Koen

Mitsuike Park is the only spot in Yokohama to witness Cherry Blossoms. It features more than a thousand cherry trees and three ponds. Moreover, it is one of the very few spots that offer free admission.

• Attractions: 1000 trees, 3 ponds

• Best Season: Late March to early April

• How to Reach: Reach the Mitsuike Koen Kitamon bus stop from Shin-Yokohama or Tsurumi Stations

• Budget: Rs 12,000

• Time Required: 1 Hour

• Entry Fee: Free

4. Chureito Pagoda

The Chureito Pagoda is a five-storied pagoda. Here, you can see not only the Cherry Blossoms but also Fujiyoshida City and Mount Fuji in the distance. A part of the Arakura Sengen Shrine, it was built in 1963, and you must climb around 400 steps to reach the main building. Hundreds of cherry trees bloom in mid-April, making it one of the most photographed places in Japan.

• Attractions: Views of Mount Fuji, 5-storied pagoda, hundreds of cherry trees

• Best Season: Mid-April

• How to Reach: Ten-minute walk from Shimo-Yoshida Station

• Budget: Rs 17,000

• Time Required: 2-3 Hours

• Entry Fee: Free

5. Expo 70 Commemorative Park

The park houses over 5,000 cherry trees, one of the highest numbers in Japan. It is a large public park that served as the site of the 1970 World Exposition. Today, it is a popular destination for museums, sports, nature, and Japan's Cherry Blossom.

• Attractions: Site of the 1970 World Expo, over 5,000 cherry trees

• Best Season: Mid-April 

• How to Reach: Take the Osaka Monorail to Banpaku Kinen Koen Station

• Budget: Rs 14,000

• Time Required: 3-4 Hours

• Entry Fee: 260 yen for adults, 80 yen for children (7-15 years), free for children under 7 years

6. Miharu Takizakura

Miharu Takizakura is the single most beautiful cherry tree in Japan. It literally means a "waterfall cherry tree," befitting this 12-meter-tall tree with wide drooping branches that appear like a cascading waterfall. This tree is over 1,000 years old and has a trunk girth of around 9.5 metres.

• Attractions: Single tree with a waterfall-like appearance

• Best Season: Mid to late April

• How to Reach: Reach via the JR Banetsu-to Line from Koriyama Station; temporary bus service from Miharu Station to Miharu Takizakura during the peak Cherry Blossom time in Japan

• Budget: Rs 18,000

• Time Required: 1-2 Hours

• Entry Fee: 500 yen

7. Takato Castle Park

Takato Castle Park is one of the best locations to view Cherry Blossoms in Japan. Located on a hill in the Ina City of Nagano Prefecture, it is around 60 km south of Matsumoto and offers views of the Hirosaki Castle and Yoshinoyama. The park houses around 1,500 cherry trees, offering great views during the best time to go to Japan for Cherry Blossoms. The pinkish Kohigan cherry trees were planted in the park in around 1875, the first time it was opened to the public.

• Attractions: 1,500 cherry trees, castle ruins, stone monuments

• Best Season: Mid to late April

• How to Reach: Limited express train from Tokyo's Shinjuku Station to Chino Station

• Budget: Rs 16,000

• Time Required: 3-4 Hours

• Entry Fee: 600 yen

8. Mount Yoshino

Mount Yoshino is believed to have the first trees planted along its slopes around 1300 years ago. Today, the mountain has around 30,000 cherry trees of different varieties. Ascend the mountain to view cherry trees and enjoy several shrines, temples, parks, and viewpoints on the way. Naka Senbon Park lies on the top of the Naka Senbon area, one of the most popular picnic spots under the trees. The upper Kami Senbon area remains less crowded, giving panoramic views of Yoshinoyama from the Hanayagura View Point.

• Attractions: Oldest cherry trees, scenic views, several attractions on the way

• Best Season: Early to mid-April

• How to Reach: Shuttle buses Yoshino Station and the Naka Senbon area near Chikurin-in Temple 

• Budget: Rs 18,000

• Time Required: 1-2 Hours

• Entry Fee: Free

9. Okayama Korakuen Garden

Korakuen features around 300 cherry trees in the orchard spread across the gardens, and the neighbouring Okayama castle grounds house 200 more trees. Besides these, there are numerous cherry trees along the river flowing northeast around Korakuen. Okayama Castle is located on the Asahi River, earlier used as a moat across the Korakuen Garden. The park also has a pottery studio where you can craft local Okayama Prefecture pottery.

• Attractions: 6-storied castle, 500 cherry trees, river views 

• Best Season: Early April

• How to Reach: 30-minute walk east of Okayama Station

• Budget: Rs 15,000

• Time Required: 2-3 Hours

• Entry Fee: 640 yen

10. Philosopher’s Path

The Philosopher's Path is a lovely stone path passing through Kyoto's Higashiyama district. It follows the Lake Biwa Canal, lined by colourful cherry trees. The path is around 2 km long, beginning from Ginkakuji to Nanzenji. You can find several boutiques, cafes, restaurants, temples, and shrines along the path. 

• Attractions: Walking trail popular for cherry blossoms

• Best Season: Early April

• How to Reach: Between Ginkakuji and Nanzenji, a 5-10 minute walk north of Nanzenji's main temple buildings

• Budget: Rs 14,000

• Time Required: 1 Hour

• Entry Fee: Free 

When Do the Cherry Blossom Festivals Begin?

The first Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan, the Motobu Yaedake Cherry Blossom Festival in Okinawa, is held around mid-January and early February. Other festivals take place between March and May. While predicting the exact time is hard, you can take a look at their occurrences in the past five years. It will help you choose the best time to visit Japan for Cherry Blossoms. This would be a great time to enjoy picnics, barbecues, live music, tea ceremonies, and food and craft stalls under the trees.

Importance of Cherry Blossom Season in Japan

The Cherry Blossom Tree Season in Japan is important for the following reasons:

• It is a nationwide adoration since 794-1185, the Heian Period.

• The Meteorological Corporation issues official forecasts for the season and its reports make national news in the country. 

• It signifies life, death, and renewal.

• You will find several references in Japanese art, literature, and poetry.

• Japanese has a special word devoted to viewing the Cherry Blossoms – hanami.

How a Personal Loan Can Help You Visit Best Spots to View Cherry Blossoms in Japan?

Here is how a Personal Loan for Travel can help you plan your trip during the Cherry Blossom Tree Season in Japan: 

• Lets you keep your savings intact

• An ample amount of up to Rs 5 Lakh to cover various travel-related costs 

• Distributes the trip’s cost into easy instalments 

• Attractive interest rates, starting from 1.58% per month, to keep the EMIs affordable

• Flexible repayment tenures of up to 36 months 

How to Apply for a Personal Loan for Travel at Hero FinCorp?

Do you want to finance your Japan trip with a Personal Loan for Travel? Here is how to apply for one at Hero FinCorp:

• Visit the Hero FinCorp website or install the instant personal loan app

• Go to the Personal Loan page and click ‘Apply Now’

• Enter your mobile number and verify with the OTP received 

• Choose the loan amount you need

• Verify your KYC details to check income eligibility

• Click ‘Submit’ to complete your application

Conclusion

No matter the spot you choose, Japan will surely delight you with its spectacular display of sakura blossoms. If you plan to visit Japan during the Cherry Blossom Tree Season, prepare for these spots to witness their peak beauty. If you are concerned about funds, finance the trip's cost with a Personal Loan from Hero FinCorp and repay the loan in easily affordable EMIs. Here, you can borrow Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 Lakh according to your requirements and repayment capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is Cherry Blossom Season in Japan?

The prime Cherry Blossom time in Japan ranges from March to April.

2. What is the best time to go to Japan for Cherry Blossoms?

April is the best time to visit Japan for Cherry Blossoms.

3. What month is best to see Cherry Blossoms in Japan?

April is the best time to go to Japan for Cherry Blossoms.

4. How long do Cherry Blossoms last in Japan?

The Cherry Blossoms Season in Japan typically last 10 to 14 days. However, you may also go for early or late blooms in late March or early May. The duration depends on the location, weather, and the variety of trees.

5. Which city in Japan has the best Cherry Blossoms?

Yoshino is the best Cherry Blossom spot in Japan. Other popular places include Osaka Castle, Hirosaki Park, and the Philosopher's Path.

6. Is Japan more expensive during Cherry Blossom?

Since it is the peak tourist season in Japan, things get a little expensive during the Cherry Blossom Tree Season in Japan.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is intended for informational purposes only. The content is based on research and opinions available at the time of writing. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we do not claim to be exhaustive or definitive. Readers are advised to independently verify any details mentioned here, such as specifications, features, and availability, before making any decisions. Hero FinCorp does not take responsibility for any discrepancies, inaccuracies, or changes that may occur after the publication of this blog. The choice to rely on the information presented herein is at the reader's discretion, and we recommend consulting official sources and experts for the most up-to-date and accurate information about the featured products.