Cherry Blossom season in Japan is magical but is it worth the crowds and high prices? Discover the pros and cons of visiting at this time of year and decide if it right for you.
When I started planning my trip to Japan all the way back in 2019 I wasn’t too fussed about what time of year I went. I had a rough idea of the places I wanted to visit and the things I wanted to see but wasn’t fixed on a particular time of year.
As I was travelling solo I decided to do a group tour. After searching around various companies I eventually found an itinerary that was a close match to the destinations I wanted to visit and offered the experiences I wanted to do.
It just so happened that this trip was only run during the cherry blossom season. I thought it would be a nice experience to be there during this time but wasn’t counting on it as it is hard to predict an exact date when it will start.
I was originally supposed to go in March 2020 but we all know what happened there. The trip was rolled over each year and I finally made it to Japan in 2023.
In a stroke of luck (for me), 2023 saw one of the earliest cherry blossom seasons ever recorded.
It coincided exactly with my trip. I arrived in Tokyo the day after the first bloom was confirmed and arrived back in Tokyo, after my tour, towards the end of the full bloom. I was also lucky to see Kanazawa, Kyoto and Himeji in full bloom.
So, from expecting to perhaps catch the start of the cherry blossom if I was lucky, I ended up seeing cherry blossoms almost everywhere.
Since returning, I’ve had a few people ask if the cherry blossom season is a good time to visit Japan so I’ve put together this post with some pros and cons of travelling to Japan at this time of year.
A little bit about Cherry Blossom season in Japan
Cherry blossoms (known as sakura in Japan) have been celebrated for their beauty and symbolism in Japan for many centuries.
They are seen as a symbol of renewal, optimism and hope. That they only last for a week or two epitomizes the fleeting nature of life and is a reminder that all things will pass.
The arrival of the blossoms is celebrated across Japan.
Many Japanese people head to local parks and sit under the trees for a picnic, catching up with friends and family while enjoying the cherry blossoms. These gatherings are known as Hanami which translates as flower viewing.
There are also cherry blossom festivals and many limited edition sakura-flavoured drinks and snacks are released
There is even an official cherry blossom forecast. The Japan Meteorological Agency monitors a select number of trees to predict when they may bloom. In the lead-up to spring, they release regular updates predicting the first bloom and full bloom.
First bloom is when a few flowers on the observation tree bloom while the full bloom is when 80% of the flowers have bloomed.
When is Cherry Blossom Season in Japan?
The best time for cherry blossoms in Japan is towards the end of March and the beginning of April. This is when they reach their peak across a large part of the country.
However, there are different varieties of trees and some bloom earlier and some bloom later. You’ll find early bloomers in Okinawa in January and later bloomers in Hokkaido in early May.
However, for the main pink season, you’ll want to stick to the end of March and early April.
Unfortunately, it is hard to predict the exact dates. So if you are planning a trip, you might want to think about two or three weeks to cover all bases.
Reasons to Visit Japan during the Cherry Blossom Season
Here are some pros to visiting Japan while the cherry blossom trees are blooming.
The cherry blossom is beautiful to see
It’s hard to put into words how beautiful the cherry blossoms in Japan are.
It is a truly amazing sight.
And that is coming from someone who wasn’t that fussed about seeing them when I originally booked my trip.
Whether it is a single tree or numerous trees, the effect is spectacular.
Cherry blossoms are pretty when in first bloom but in full bloom they are even more gorgeous.
The weight of the flowers and petals seem to weigh the branches down giving a cascading waterfall effect.
If you are fortunate with the weather and have a sunny day, the contrast of the pink blooms against the blue sky is glorious.
You can enjoy a cherry blossom viewing picnic
The traditional custom of enjoying the cherry blossom is known as ‘Hanami’. This is when people gather beneath the sakura with their family and friends and enjoy the cherry blossoms.
So if you are in Japan at this time, grab some snacks and drinks and head to the nearest park.
You can take part in the many festivals and events across the country
Another way to enjoy the cherry blossom is by attending one of the many festivals and events that Japan hosts at this time.
One event I attended in Tokyo was the Naked Sakura Night Garden at Shinjuku Gyoen.
Once darkness fell, the cherry blossom trees were illuminated. It was stunning to see the trees lit up. There was food stands dotted around so you could grab a snack and sit under the trees.
It was a unique experience.
You’ll find photo opportunities everywhere
Japan is a beautiful country all year round but cherry blossom season is one of the best times to take photos. It makes everywhere look even more beautiful. If that is possible!
The soft pink bloom against a cornflower blue sky or in front of a castle, temple or shrine is a sight to see.
The blooms add an extra dimension to your photos. Even the most amateur of photographers (like me!) can get great photos .
You can attend a Geisha spring dance
It is not often you get a chance to see a real-life Geisha but the spring dance festivals give you an opportunity to see them in all their splendour.
In a spring tradition, the main Geisha districts in Kyoto put on dance performances. These are…
- Kitano Odori
- Miyako Odori
- Kyo Odori
- Kamogawa Odori
I was lucky enough to see the Kitano Odori while in Kyoto and it was truly spectacular.
A real pinch-yourself moment. The last scene with all the Geisha and Maiko (an apprentice geisha) on stage will stay with me for a lifetime.
If you visit during this time of year then make sure one of these spring dances is on your list of things to do.
You won’t regret it.
It is a great time of year to explore Japan
The cherry blossom season marks the start of spring. The coldness of winter is beginning to fade and the days are warming up.
The milder weather makes it more comfortable to travel around. You don’t have to worry too much about big coats and winter gear. That said, it still can be a bit chilly, particularly towards the end of the day and evening.
So if you are planning to travel at this time, make sure you take some layers. That way you can layer up and down depending on the temperature.
You can eat and drink all the limited-edition snacks, treats and drinks.
Japan goes all out during cherry blossom season and you’ll find plenty of limited Sakura-flavored snacks and drinks to try.
You can do some Sakura-themed shopping
Yes, really. It’s not just snacks that get a Sakura makeover. You’ll also find all sorts of Sakura-themed items.
These may make a memorable gift for your family and friends at home or a souvenir for you. I picked up several Sakura-themed Hello Kitty items as a memento of my visit.
You can see more than just the cherry blossom.
Cherry Blossoms might be the star of the show but there are plenty of supporting players at this time of year.
Depending on when and where you travel, you may also be able to see plum blossoms, peach blossoms, canola blossoms and wisteria.
It is a truly memorable experience
I don’t like to say things are once-in-a-lifetime experiences as often they are not however, this comes pretty close.
To be able to see the beautiful blossoms and witness all the culture and traditions that surround them is a real privilege. Visiting Japan during the Sakura season is certainly a holiday to remember.
Why you shouldn’t visit Japan during cherry blossom time
You can’t predict exactly when the cherry blossom will bloom
The transient nature of the cherry blossom means there is no certainty as to when they will bloom.
Many factors come into play including how harsh the preceding winter is & how warm the temperature leading up to spring is. Historically, the best chance to see them was at the end of March and the beginning of April.
However, they are increasingly blooming early. In the last couple of years, this has happened three times. This year, the first bloom was almost two weeks earlier than usual.
So, you’ll need a bit of luck on your side to hit the cherry blossom jackpot. Or be able to spend a few weeks in Japan to give yourself the best chance to be there at the right time.
You also can’t predict how long they will last
Cherry blossom trees usually bloom for a week or two. There are a few species that may bloom a little longer but the majority last for around 14 days
This can also be a bit dependent on the weather. If it is windy or rainy, the petals may fall off sooner.
It is insanely busy
As you might expect, cherry blossoms draw out locals and tourists alike so you can expect crowds pretty much everywhere.
Popular viewing areas and tourist sites are very very busy. Like busier than you’ve probably experienced anywhere before. I know I’ll never be complaining about how busy London is again!
If you are looking to get that perfect Instagram shot then be prepared to queue. The hot spots often have a long wait. I’ve seen reports of people queuing for up to an hour or two for the most popular ones.
In Hakone, I saw this for myself with a long queue of people waiting to take a photo of the torii gate in Lake Ashinoko.
I also spotted a much shorter queue to the right and within 5-10 minutes had my photos. Maybe not as instaworthy but a nice memory of my visit all the same.
You may find it hard to find accommodation or book transport
Another thing to keep in mind is that it is a popular time for tourists to visit. So, you might find accommodation and trains more difficult to book than usual.
Accommodation is likely to fill up quickly and there may not be availability on the transport you wish to take.
Prices may be higher than at other times of the year
With such high demand for flights, accommodation and transport prices can rise. Don’t be surprised to find higher prices than you might expect.
It’s obviously a popular time to travel so if you are thinking about visiting start looking for deals early.
You may find things you want to do are fully booked
As it is such a popular time to visit you may find that things you would like to do book up quickly. This includes any landmarks or attractions that need a ticket to visit and experiences that should be booked in advance.
If there is something you really want to do – and if not doing it will make or break your trip – then it’s best to be organised and book as soon as you can. That way you won’t miss out.
There may be limited access to some sites and attractions.
Due to crowds, some places may limit capacity at busy times.
When I was at Himeji Castle there were repeated messages about the number of people being limited inside for safety reasons. To be honest it didn’t really feel like that as it was still pretty busy inside but is an example of where things might be restricted.
The Last Word
Visiting Japan during the Cherry Blossom season is a wonderful experience. While you need a bit of luck to be there at the right time, it is worth taking a chance.
If you time it right, you certainly won’t regret it.
While the reasons listed above for not visiting at this time may make it sound like it is something to avoid, the pros outweigh the cons in my opinion.
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I love the pro’s and cons of visiting Japan during the blossom season. So helpful! Good to hear that you think the pro’s ultimately outweigh the cons too.
Hi Anna, thanks for you comment. Yes, the pro’s definitely have the edge! Emma