Japan Spring is like stepping into a living watercolor painting. Cherry blossom season, or sakura, attracts millions of visitors to view the brief but breathtaking sight of pink and white flowers. If you’re dreaming of getting there in 2025, here’s a quick list of five incredible places to see this natural wonder. Book your tickets now to get discounted airfare!

kawazu

Located in Shizuoka Prefecture, Kawazu is where the cherry blossoms arrive early – sometimes as early as mid-February. Famous for its Kawazu-zakura, the city offers a unique view of the riverbank lined with thousands of sakura trees. Visit this tranquil spot during the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival, held from early February to early March every year. It’s cool, colorful, and a perfect teaser for cherry blossom season.

Mount Yoshino

Nara Prefecture’s Mount Yoshino is a classic cherry blossom destination. With over 30,000 sakura trees (believed to have been planted 1300 years ago) blooming in layers across the mountain, it feels like walking down a dreamy pink staircase to heaven. The slope is divided into four distinct sections: Shimo Senbon (Lower Thousand Trees) at the base, Naka Senbon (Middle Thousand Trees), Kami Senbon (Upper Thousand Trees), and Oku Senbon (Inner Thousand Trees) at the summit. For the best view, go to the top or ride the scenic cable car.

Hirosaki Castle

Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture offers more than just cherry blossoms; Consider a historic three-story castle surrounded by moats and over 2,500 sakura trees. During peak season, the moat is filled with fallen petals, creating a magical “flower raft” effect. It also hosts a very popular cherry blossom festival in April each year.

Maruyama Park and Gion

Kyoto has a timeless charm, and Maruyama Park is its cherry blossom crown jewel. The park’s famous weeping cherry tree (Shidarezakura) attracts crowds for its stunning beauty. Combine this with a tour of the Gion district, and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a historical drama. Don’t forget to add a visit to traditional tea houses where the possibility of seeing geisha brings alive the charm of Kyoto.

Kawaguchi Lake

The Fuji Five Lakes region, specifically Lake Kawaguchi, is where the cherry blossoms meet Japan’s most iconic mountain. Photographers come here to capture Mount Fuji perfectly decorated with sakura blossoms. For the best view, head to Chureito Pagoda – it’s like stepping into a postcard.

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