Japan is famous for its cherry blossoms, known as “sakura.”
Here are some of the best parks in Japan to see cherry blossoms:
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (Tokyo)
This expansive park in the heart of Tokyo offers a variety of cherry blossom varieties, making it a popular spot for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) during the spring.
Maruyama Park (Kyoto)
Located in Kyoto, Maruyama Park is famous for its large weeping cherry tree, which is illuminated at night during the cherry blossom season. The park offers a beautiful setting for hanami and is within walking distance of the historic Gion district.
Photo by: Koyo Wu
Philosopher’s Path (Kyoto)
This serene walking trail in Kyoto is lined with hundreds of cherry trees, which create a picturesque tunnel of blossoms during the spring.
Photo by: Youko Ishikawa
Himeji Castle Park (Hyogo)
The grounds of Himeji Castle are adorned with cherry trees, making it a stunning backdrop for cherry blossom viewing. The combination of the castle’s white walls and the pink blossoms is particularly striking.
Hirosaki Park (Aomori)
Hirosaki Park is home to over 2,500 cherry trees, including somei yoshino and weeping cherry varieties. The park hosts the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival annually, featuring illuminations and boat rides on the park’s moat.
Kenrokuen Garden (Kanazawa)
One of Japan’s most beautiful landscape gardens, Kenrokuen features cherry blossoms along with other seasonal flowers and trees. The contrast of the cherry blossoms against the garden’s meticulously landscaped grounds is breathtaking.
Miyajima Island (Hiroshima)
Miyajima Island is renowned for its cherry blossoms, particularly around the iconic Itsukushima Shrine. Visitors can enjoy the blossoms against the backdrop of the shrine and the island’s natural beauty.
These are just a few of the many parks and gardens in Japan where you can experience the beauty of cherry blossoms during their peak season in spring. Keep in mind that cherry blossom season varies depending on the region and climate conditions, typically occurring between late March and early April.