Miyako Odori

The Miyako Odori is an exceptional dance show performed by maiko (apprentice geisha) and geisha (courtesans). From April 1 to 30, visitors will have the opportunity to appreciate the cherry blossom dance that is annually held during those dates. Enjoyed by both Japanese people and foreigners, shows are quickly sold out due to its popularity. Miyako Odori can be seen at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theatre in Kyoto, where many seating options are available. If the Miyako Odori is unavailable for any reason, we will observe similiar shows in Kyoto, such as the Kitano Odori, the Kyo Odori, or at the Gion Corner.

Takayama Spring Festival

Experience one of the top three most beautiful festivals in Japan, the Takayama Spring Festival, held annually on April 14th and 15th. Twelve antique floats (yatai) are the centerpiece of the festival and showcase the craftsmanship of Takayama dating back hundreds of years ago. Enjoy the cherry blossom atmosphere as the lavishly decorated floats are pulled through the streets of Old Town. The evening festival (yomatsuri) is considered the most popular highlight by visitors.

1 Matsumae Park (Matsumae)

Take delight in viewing over 10,000 cherry trees in bloom at the Matsumae Park Cherry Blossom Festival. Held from the end of April to late May, there are over 250 varieties of the sakura flower you can admire, allowing a month long blooming period. Here you can visit the local cherry blossom museum, where you can learn about the flower's development and all of its specimens planted in the park. Enjoy local food specialties plus more during your visit to Matsumae Park.

2 Hakodate (Hokkaido)

Hakodate is known for its scenic views seen from Mount Hakodate and its star-shaped park known as Fort Goryokaku. Previously a military citadel, Fort Goryokaku now serves as a public park. It is regarded as the best spot in Hokkaido for viewing cherry blossoms. Over a thousand cherry trees are planted along its moats, and the peak blooming period usually takes place around early May. You can enjoy a bird's eye view from the observation deck at Goryokaku Tower.

3 Ueno Park (Tokyo)

Ueno Park is a renowned cherry blossom viewing spot in Tokyo with over 1,000 cherry trees planted along the central pathway. The park is one of the most popular and crowded sites, where many people reserve spots for a hanami (flower viewing) picnic. Enjoy the illumination of over a thousand paper lanterns hung from cherry trees during the beautiful night festival. Ueno Park also features many museums, such as the Tokyo National Museum, the National Science Museum, and more.

4 Kenrokuen Garden (Kanazawa)

Kenrokuen Garden is one of the top three landscape gardens in Japan. Around mid-April you can view cherry blossom trees planted alongside streams through the northeastern side of the garden. Discover teahouses, bridges, ponds, hidden nooks, the famous Kotojitoro Lantern, and Japan's oldest fountain. Stroll through the lovely pedestrian way just outside of the garden, another cherry blossom spot lined with cherry trees, shops, and restaurants.

5 Miho Museum (Koka)

The Miho Museum was designed by the famed I.M. Pei, which houses the extensive art collection of the Shumei Family. Visitors can saunter through the museum's underground tunnel. When you reach the end of it, you will be greeted by a road lined with 80 cherry blossom trees. This makes an excellent spot to enjoy the blooming season. The museum itself is renowned for its impressive architecture beautifully incorporated into the surrounding nature.

6 Kiyomizu Temple (Kyoto)

Experience cherry blossom viewing from one of Japan's most celebrated temples, the Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto. The temple is famous for its large wooden stage built 13 meters above a scenic hillside. From here, overlookers can view numerous cherry blossom trees down below, along with views of Kyoto in the distance. The main hall features an eleven-faced statue of Kannon, the temple's primary object of worship. Visitors can also check out the Jishu Shrine and the Otowa Waterfall.

7 Maruyama Park (Kyoto)

Maruyama Park is a popular hanami (flower viewing) spot during the cherry blossom season. It is a public park that centers around a 70 year old weeping cherry blossom tree (shidarezakura). At night, the shidarezakura is illuminated for everyone to enjoy during the sakura period. Patrons enjoy their hanami parties with beer, sake, and food underneath the illuminated petals. The park's layout features walkways, bridges, ponds, and more throughout the area.

8 Himeji Castle (Himeji)

Himeji Castle, also known as the White Heron Castle, stands as one of the twelve original castles in Japan. The castle is renowned for its enormous size and well-preserved elegance. Comprised of 83 buildings, it is one of the best examples of 17th century Japanese architecture. Cherry blossoms can be found in the third bailey area also known as Sannomaru. The Sannomaru features a large lawn lined with cherry trees, a popular spot for photographs and cherry blossom viewing.

9 Miyajima Island (Hiroshima)

Miyajima Island is home to the famous Itsukushima Shrine, known for its unique "floating" torii gate built over water. The gate is ranked as one of Japan's three best scenic views. This small island outside of Hiroshima has concentrations of cherry blossom trees found around the shrine, walking paths, and near the Tahoto Pagoda. Miyajima Island possesses a romantic atmoshphere, offering many rewarding sights to see and things to do.

10 Mifuneyama Rakuen (Kyushu)

Mifuneyama Rakuen is a park that highlights its 5,000 cherry blossom trees and 50,000 azalea bushes. The park spans over 150,000 square meters, which is equal to about 10 Tokyo Domes. Built as part of Nabeshima Shigeyoshi’s holiday home, it was styled to enjoy a stroll through the artistic arrangement of flowers. You can enjoy a scene of vibrant hues of pink, white, purple, and red during the spring time. At night, Mifuneyama Rakuen is beautifully illuminated, a sight to behold.