Osaka blossoms into a pink paradise by late March, heralding the start of cherry blossom season in Japan. Walk through Kema Sakuranomiya Park, where nearly 5,000 cherry trees line the Okawa River – you can hop on a boat to soak up the views from the water. Downriver, the grandeur of the Osaka Castle and its surrounding 4,000 cherry trees is nothing short of breathtaking. Make sure to stop in at the Ogimachi Cherry Blossom Festival, promising lively performances and delicious street food.

Kyoto transforms into a wonderland of cherry blossom trees around the end of March. Maruyama Park is the heart of hanami celebrations, where picnickers gather under majestic cherry trees, which are also stunningly illuminated at night. Be sure to also explore Nijo Castle, famous for its cherry blossom festival. On the outskirts of Kyoto, Arashiyama boasts plenty of cherry blossoms at the foot of its mountains and along the riverside. Visit the historic Shinbashi-dori district for what is undoubtedly its most picturesque month as the streets come alive with blooming cherry blossoms.  

Travel to Hakuba Valley, where the snowy peaks of the Japanese Alps meet the blooming cherry blossoms – a must-visit when the trees bud in early April. Next, make your way to Takato Castle Park, another top cherry blossom tree viewing spot, and indulge in the local grilled miso soba noodle soup while you’re there. In Garyu Koen, you can spot up to 14 varieties of cherry trees, as well as sample takoyaki and other Japanese delicacies at one of the many festival stalls.

Come April, Tokyo bursts into a dreamscape of pink and white blossoms, making it a prime mid-season destination to view the Japanese cherry blossoms. Make your way from Haneda Airport towards Sakurazaka in Ota City, made famous in a pop song for its cherry blossom lane. Or, explore hidden gems like Soremenade Haneda Ryokuchi and Haneda Nihonbashi Bridge. Then, head through to Shinjuku Gyoen, where you’ll find 1,000 cherry blossom trees in full bloom. For a true fairytale moment, take a boat ride along the Chidorigafuchi moat around the Imperial Palace, framed by the beautiful cherry blossom trees.

Towards the East of Tokyo and just minutes from Narita International Airport lies Naritasan Park. Here you’ll find a variety of cherry blossom trees, a serene pond, and the historic 10th century Naritisan Shinshoji Temple – complete with a three-story pagoda. Then, make your way to Chiba, where your options include beautiful cherry blossom hotspots such as Mobara Park, Hondoji Temple, Izumi Nature Park and Shimizu Park — all known for their blossoms come April.