Sakura in Japan – Best places and festivals to enjoy the cherry blossom season

The cherry blossom, known in Japan as sakura (桜) is the flower produced in spring by ornamental cherry trees and is the national flower of Japan.

Every spring, all regions of Japan come alive with a vibrant display of pink and white petals that symbolize the renewal of life. The full blossoming of cherry trees is a brief period, usually lasting a week, making this short-lived spectacle even more fascinating. When the flowers start falling, it creates an equally spectacular scene of these white and pink petals carried by the wind, like confetti at a carnival. This is quickly followed by the generation of green leaves (葉桜 Hazakura), which paint the surroundings of parks, gardens, and streets a lush, almost jungle-like color.

Generally speaking, the season of sakura lasts from March to May, moving north throughout the country so full bloom will be experienced earlier in the south (in some cases much much earlier such as on the island of Okinawa where it occurs in January). It is closely monitored by the Japanese Meteorological Agency, which announces every year when the full bloom is expected in each part of Japan.

Japan is proud of its different seasons and the characteristics that they bring. Much like summer and fall, the sakura time in spring brings with it numerous festivals held all around the country. The Sakura Matsuri (“Sakura festival”) brings music, waves of people, exhibitions, street artists, and tons of street food that can be enjoyed at the locations where cherry trees are most prevalent.

Sakura is an important moment in Japanese culture, and residents will flock to the streets and take pictures of the wonderful flowers, as well as enjoy hanami (花見, literally meaning “flower viewing”). People sit beneath the trees to enjoy the transient beauty of the scenery. Picnics are often held, with children playing and families sharing food, but it can also be a solo practice of a person reading a book in a tranquil atmosphere. When this practice is done at night, when often the trees are lit up, adding a somewhat fluorescent hue, it is called Yozakura  (夜桜 – “night sakura”).

Visiting Japan in the spring during the weeks when the cherry trees are in full bloom is a sight to behold and is one of, if not the most popular time for foreign tourists to visit the country. But foreigners aren’t the only ones captivated by the sight of the streets and parks filled with pink and white colors.

Here you will find a list of some of the most popular cherry blossom destinations in central Japan, with the top sakura viewing spots and festivals for each.

• Contents
•    Kantō Region
•     Tokyo
•     Kawaguchi
•     Nikkō
•    Kansai Region
•     Yoshino
•     Kyoto
•     Himeji
•     Osaka
•     Nara
•    Chūbu Region
•     Kanazawa
•     Takayama
•     Matsumoto
•     Nagoya
•    Chūgoku Region
•     Hiroshima
•     Itsukushima island
•     Iwakuni
•    Kyūshū Region
•     Fukuoka
•     Kumamoto
•    Tōhoku Region
•     Hirosaki
•    Hokkaidō Region
•     Hakodate

Kantō Region

Not only is Tokyo a vibrant city bustling with life and culture, but it is also packed with great places to see the Sakura trees. Many locals and visitors alike flock to Tokyo every year during the cherry blossom season. The landscape of Tokyo transforms into a pink-and-white wonderland as millions of cherry blossom trees bloom and line the streets and parks. During this time, visitors are able to take part in traditional festivities, sample treats, and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the cherry blossoms in bloom. Tokyo is the perfect place to be for anyone looking to witness the beauty of nature in a vibrant and historic city.

Tokyo has many parks and gardens and each one holds hundreds of Sakura trees. Arguably the most famous hanami spot is Meguro River, in that it is different from many other spots as the line of trees coasting the river create their reflections effectively doubling their numbers. At night when they are lit up it is even more fascinating. Other popular spots are Sumida Park, Ueno Park, and the Gardens of the Imperial City.

Be sure to check out this article on my visit to Tokyo for more information

Best hanami spots and sakura festivals in Tokyo

• Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: This traditional Hanami festival is held in one of Tokyo’s most popular parks, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. In March and April, more than 1,000 cherry trees bloom in the park, and visitors are able to enjoy the beautiful flowers and festivities.
• Yoyogi Park: Similarly to the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Sakura Festival the Yoyogi Park Sakura Matsuri is extremely popular and features traditional ceremonies, performances, and green tea ceremonies.
• Meguro River: The Megurogawa River is arguably the most popular Hanami destination in central Tokyo. Thousands of visitors come here during the peak season to enjoy the stunning sights of the cherry blossoms in full bloom alongside the river.
• Sumida Park: Located on the banks of the Sumida River, this park is the perfect place to go to capture stunning views of Tokyo’s famous cherry blossoms. Sumida Park has the most diverse range of cherry blossom trees of any park in Tokyo. The Sumida Park Sakura Matsuri is held here and is one of Tokyo’s biggest firework events, with grand displays of pyrotechnics and sakura blooming on the banks of the river.
• Ueno Park: This park in the heart of Tokyo has one of the longest-running and most famous Hanami festivals – the Ueno Sakurajima Matsuri. Each year, hordes of visitors flock to Ueno Park, along with food and drink vendors, to enjoy the pink colors of the cherry blossoms and the energy of the picnickers.
• Tokyo Midtown Hibiya – Tokyo Midtown Hibiya is relatively new to the Hanami scene, but this festival is quickly becoming a must-see. Visitors can take part in all the traditional picnic festivities with a contemporary twist. From craft beer drinking sessions to live music and seating areas set up under the trees, there’s something for everyone here.
• Shinjuku Chuo Park Sakura Matsuri: Located in the heart of Tokyo just off Shinjuku Station, this park hosts an annual cherry blossom festival complete with street performances, food stalls, and a lantern parade.
• Harajuku Omotesando Genki Matsuri: Shops, restaurants, and bars in this area of Tokyo come together for this annual festival to host live music, street dancing, and a pink petal carpet walk.

Fujigoko, or ‘Fuji Five Lakes’, is an area in Japan situated around the base of Mount Fuji, renowned for its beautiful cherry blossoms. The five lakes that form the region are Lake Kawaguchiko, Lake Saiko, Lake Shoji, Lake Yamanakako, and Lake Motosu.

Sakura in the surroundings of Mount Fuji might be the “best” spot for enjoying this wonderful period. Seeing Mount Fuji is already a sort of mystical experience in itself, and if you couple that with cherry trees, you simply obtain the most picturesque scenery imaginable.

During cherry blossom season, Fujigoko explodes into life with visitors coming from all over Japan to marvel at the stunning sakura trees. With picturesque views of Mount Fuji and the lakes surrounded by dusty pink petals, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the natural beauty of the region. Boat cruises, mountain hikes, and historical sites are all popular ways for visitors to enjoy the Fujigoko region.

Be sure to check out this article on my visit to the Fuji Five Lakes for more information

The most popular destination around the Fuji Five Lakes is the town of Kawaguchi and Lake Kawaguchiko. Here, the view from the Chureito Pagoda, arguably the most photographed spot in the entire country, offers beautiful views of the mountain with the shrine pagoda and surrounding blossoming trees. It doesn’t get any more iconic than this. Other points of interest are the Oishi Park on the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi and in general the entire walk coasting the lake. The best way to enjoy this is to rent a bike and cycle around the lake perimeter, stopping beneath your favorite tree for a rest while admiring the perfect cone mountain.

Best hanami spots and sakura festivals in Fujigoko

• Kawaguchiko Hanami Festival: This festival takes place in April near beautiful Mount Fuji in Kawaguchiko. During the festival, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the mountain covered in blankets of pink and white sakura blossoms. There are also daily performances of traditional Japanese dances and theatrical performances.
• Fujisan Sakura Festival: Held in Fujikawaguchiko, this yearly festival marks the beginning of spring. Visitors can see the cherry blossoms in full bloom at the nearby Sengen Shrine and the main street of Fujikawaguchiko. Colorful Japanese lanterns are also lit up at night giving the festival a surreal atmosphere.
• Fujikawaguchiko Sengen Shrine Spring Festival: Held for 3 days in late April, this festival celebrates the 1000-year-old Sengen Shrine. Visitors can enjoy tea ceremonies as well as traditional Japanese games and performances. It is also a perfect time to savor the stunning Sakura views in the area.
• Fuji Okuyama Hanami Festival: This festival takes place in a forest surrounded by Sakura trees and is the perfect location for embracing the beauty of Fujigoko in spring. During the festival, visitors can partake in activities such as yukata dressing, playing hide and seek in the sakura forest, and making flower crowns using sakura petals.

Nikko, located in Tochigi Prefecture in Japan, is a city full of culture, stunning natural scenery, and historical significance. The stunning natural landscape of nearby mountains and lakes has attracted visitors from around the world and Nikko becomes especially popular in Fall and Spring.

During Sakura season the already beautiful countryside landscape of Nikko is transformed when thousands of ethereal cherry blossoms bloom in unison creating a breathtaking scenery of ethereal and otherworldly beauty.

Nikko is a dream for all those looking to experience an unforgettable springtime in Japan and is one of the best places to enjoy the scenery outside of major cities and be immersed in the countryside landscape

Be sure to check out this article on my visit to the Nikko for more information

Best hanami spots and sakura festivals in Nikkō

• Kegon Falls Hanami Festival: This is the most celebrated Hanami festival in Nikko. The Kegon Falls Hanami Festival features music, traditional Japanese dance performances, and food stalls with local specialties. Visitors can enjoy picturesque views of the Kegon Waterfall while admiring the cherry blossoms in full bloom.
• Kanezo Shrine Hanami Festival: This popular event takes place at Kanezo Shrine, which is located near the entrance of the World Heritage site Nikko National Park. Visitors can stroll through the shrine’s grounds while admiring the beautiful cherry blossoms and enjoying a variety of traditional Japanese performing arts.
• Temple and Museum Hanami Festival: This hanami event features a variety of activities including taiko drumming and folk-dance performances. Visitors can also explore a variety of museums and temples in the area, including the Nikko Toshogu Shrine and the Nikko Imperial Villa.
• Kawanaka Hanami Festival: This hanami festival is held on the grounds of the 17th-century Kawanaka Shrine in the area surrounding Nikko National Park. Visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese music and dance performances, traditional food stalls, and night-time illuminations that add to the mesmerizing atmosphere.
• Kodakara River Hanami Festival: This event is one of the liveliest Hanami celebrations in the Nikko area. The Kodakara River Hanami Festival features food stalls offering local delicacies, fireworks, and performances by traditional Eastern music bands. Visitors can also walk along the river and enjoy the colorful cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Kansai region

It is hard to find the “best” place, but Yoshino is often considered to be up there. Near the first imperial city of Nara, Yoshino is famous for its quantity. Thousands of cherry trees can be seen

Yoshino is a small town located in Nara Prefecture, Japan. It is most famous for its cherry blossom (sakura) trees. Every spring, the cherry blossoms fill the town with their vibrant, light pink petals and create a breathtakingly beautiful atmosphere. With hundreds of cherry blossom trees lining the streets, Yoshino has become a popular destination for hanami (flower viewing) and visitors from all over the world. There are multiple shops selling cherry blossom-themed souvenirs and treats, as well as several viewing points located around the town. Its mild climate and peaceful atmosphere also attract people to take relaxing breaks from the hustle of the city. With its stunning scenery, beautiful cherry blossoms, and peaceful atmosphere, Yoshino is a great destination to experience the magical world of Japanese springtime in all its glory.

Best hanami spots and sakura festivals in Yoshino

• Nakanochō Hanami: This event is held at the Yoshimizu shrine beneath the stunning banks of cherry trees, where travelers gather in groups to marvel at the blossoms and celebrate their full beauty. Participants can even join in the Omikoshi (portable shrine) procession around the shrine grounds.
• Mirror Pond Hanami: Spanning the town of Yoshino, Mirror Pond lies in the center of the cherry blossoms and is the perfect spot for hanami viewing. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy the lovely atmosphere by the waterside.
• Kannomine Hanami: A popular spot located in the western part of town as part of Yoshino’s World Heritage Site, Kannomine is often packed with people admiring the mountain backdrop and Yoshinoyama’s 267,000 cherry trees.
• Naka Senbon Hanami: This event takes place on the two sides of Senbon-dōri Street, which is lined with 1000 cherry trees, and visitors are greeted by many stalls, traditional performances, and entertainment to mark the occasion.
• Ōmine Okugake Hanami: Ōmine Okugake is a mountain path located in the mountains near Yoshino and is perfect for a short trek while admiring the surrounding beauty. It is recommended that those taking part should start their journey in the morning.

Located in the Kansai region of Japan, Kyoto is a city steeped in history and culture. It would be criminal to skip a visit to Kyoto, and even more so during sakura, when the city gets invaded by visitors, and rightfully so.

Home to over 1,600 temples and shrines, Kyoto’s breathtaking natural beauty is increased manyfold by the stunning displays of cherry blossoms, and the trees throughout the city’s vast gardens and parks come alive with vivid shades of pink flowers, attracting millions of visitors from around the world.

Kyoto is also one of the cities where you can see most people dressed in traditional kimonos, adding to the spectacle, especially in the areas surrounding the traditional Higashiyama, Arashiyama, the Zen gardens of Kitano Tenmangu shrine, and the Geisha district of Gion.

There is so much to see in Kyoto but even sticking to a small part of the city, sightseeing during this time of year is an unforgettable experience as the many temples and shrines are all joined by picturesque walking paths lined with the beauty of cherry blossoms.

Be sure to check out this article on my visit to Kyoto for more information

Best hanami spots and sakura festivals in Kyoto

Here the best place is arguably Arashiyama, which offers spectacular view both alongside the river, as well as from the hikes up the mountain which provide views of the valley below. The “geisha street” of Shimbashi-dori and also nearby Pontocho alley are also a must see, as well as walking towards Kiyomizu-Dera where you have great views of the city from the observation deck. The nearby Maruyama Park has hundreds of cherry trees and is a popular place for sakura festivals. Personally I was blown away by Hirano Jinja as this Shinto shrine, famous for its huge orange Torii gate, is completely immersed and surrounded by cherry trees.

• Nijō Castle Hanami: Held annually at Nijō Castle, this hanami event features a variety of activities, such as traditional dances, a potted plant market, food stalls, and a sakura light-up in the evening.
• Philosopher’s Path Hanami: This hanami event is held along the Philosopher’s Path near Nanzenji Temple, one of the most popular places to view the cherry blossom in Kyoto. During this event, visitors can enjoy the picturesque cherry trees while snacking on street foods.
• Maruyama Park Hanami: This hanami event is held at Maruyama Park and is one of the best places to view the cherry blossom in Kyoto. This park offers a great view of the mountains in the background and also has some traditional food stalls during the festival period.
• Kitano Rikyu Garden Hanami: Held in the Kitano Rikyu Garden, this hanami event is a great place to relax and enjoy the sakura while listening to traditional music performances.
• Nanzenji Hanami: This hanami event takes place at the Nanzenji Temple, which is famous for its sakura viewing and has been a popular spot since the Edo period. There are also many food stalls and activities during the event period.

Himeji is a special city in Japan located in the Kansai region. It is renowned for hosting one of the most beautiful castles in the country and its lush cherry blossoms in Spring when the city’s parks, riverbanks, and roads become filled with gorgeous shades of pink.

Much like Mount Fuji, it doesn’t get any better than Himeji during Sakura as the already spectacular white castle becomes one with the surroundings. The delicate white cherry trees add even more elegance to the castle making it an awe inspiring sight.

Not only is it cherished by tourists, the blooming of sakura in Himeji is also celebrated by the local population, making it a great way to experience the culture of this beloved city.

Be sure to check out this article on my visit to Himeji for more information

Best hanami spots and sakura festivals in Himeji

• Miroko-ji Temple Hanami Festival: This annual hanami celebration is held every year in the grounds of the Miroko-ji Temple in Himeji. It features a variety of traditional Japanese activities such as mochi making, hot-pot dishes, and kimonos wearing for guests attending the festival. There is also a firework display in the evening.
• Omotenashi Hanami Festival: Held every year in the nearby prefectures of Kyoto, Osaka, and Hyogo, the Omotenashi Hanami Festival celebrates the beauty of cherry blossoms while guests enjoy a variety of traditional events such as taiko drum performances, bonfires, and food stalls.
• Shibunmi Garden Hanami Festival: This festival is held at Shibunmi Garden in Himeji, known for its remarkable cherry blossoms. Guests can enjoy drinks and food while listening to traditional Japanese music in the garden amongst the beautiful pink flowers.
• Yakedake Mountain Festival: Held at Yakedake Mountain each year, this festival celebrates the beauty of the cherry blossoms. Attendees can enjoy traditional Japanese food such as sushi and sashimi, as well as live entertainment such as taiko drumming and bonfires held in the evening.

The thriving metropolis of Osaka is also for its stunning cherry blossom spots and the city, renowned for its lively atmosphere and popular attractions, becomes a prime spot for sakura festivals.

Best hanami spots and sakura festivals in Osaka

• Tennoji Park: This park is located on the south side of Osaka and is one of the best spots for viewing the cherry blossoms in the city. The 5,000 Sakura trees in the park create a beautiful canopy of pink and make it an ideal setting for a hanami picnic.
• Utsubo Park: This park is located in the heart of Osaka and is known for its cherry blossom tunnel. This tunnel is lined with approximately 3,000 trees and creates a stunning photo backdrop. Throughout the season, the park hosts special events, such as musical performances, and a Yozakura (night blossom viewing).
• Osaka Castle Park: This park is home to the iconic Osaka Castle, as well as 4,000 cherry blossom trees. Its expansive moat makes for a beautiful reflection of the cherry trees and makes it a must-visit sakura destination.
• Sumiyoshi Park: This park is situated in the south of Osaka and is home to over 2,000 sakura trees. During the cherry blossom season, the park is packed with visitors wanting to admire the blooms and join in on the hanami festivities.
• Horikawa-koji Street: This street is located in the south of Osaka and is known for its beautiful cherry blossoms. In the evening, the street is lit up with hundreds of pink and white lanterns, creating a wonderful ambiance for hanami picnics and celebrations.

Just when you thought that the scenery could not get any better, Nara comes along saying “hold my beer” and presents you with its Deer Park. Here the already beautiful large park, with its Shinto Shrines and Buddhist Temples, with little ponds filled with carp and the ever-present cherry blossoms, are accompanied by the innumerable domesticated deer that approach you while you wander around. Nara’s sakura display is awe-inspiring an and I’m not sure if “peacefulness overload” is a thing but if it is, it can be found in Nara.

Best hanami spots and sakura festivals in Nara

• Mt. Yoshino Hanami: Every year, around the end of March and throughout April, visitors flock to Nara’s Mt. Yoshino to watch the cherry blossoms in bloom and to partake in hanami celebrations. The mountain is home to some 30,000 cherry trees, and the spectacle of pink flowers framing the valleys is said to be breathtaking.
• Kofukuji Hanami: Located within Nara Park, Kofukuji Temple is one of Nara’s most ornate sites. On a clear day, the gorgeous view from the temple grounds of the blooming cherry trees and the Western Hall (a five-story pagoda) can be seen from afar. Visitors can relax around the temple grounds, and take in the stunning view.
• Nara Park Flower Festival: As the cherry blossom season approaches, Nara Park hosts its epic annual Flower Festival to commemorate the Sakura blooms. This is an excellent opportunity to not only view the stunning cherry blossom petals but also to take part in traditional Japanese rituals, like lantern writing competitions and traditional Japanese arts and crafts.
• Yamatokoriyama Sakura Festival: Set on Mt. Iworthyama overlooking the Inokuchi River, this small mountain town provides the perfect backdrop for a hanami celebration. Visitors come to take part in the annual Yamatokoriyama Sakura Festival during which the branches of cherry blossom trees are lit up in the evenings.
• Kasuga Taisha Hanami: Held in February or early March, the annual hanami at Kasuga Taisha draws visitors from far and wide. There are gorgeous pathways lined with lanterns and cherry tree canopies overhead for visitors to wander through and take in the beauty of the blooms.

Chūbu Region

Takayama, located in the Gifu Prefecture, in the Hida region known also as the Japanese Alps, is a picturesque mountain city home to several stunning flowering sakura trees. The city boasts several parks and gardens adorned with thousands of Sakura trees, making Takayama a breathtaking destination for anyone who wishes to admire the beauty of the region. May is generally the best time to witness the full blossoming of cherry trees throughout the city, though late March to mid-April tends to have the most flourishing trees as well.

Best hanami spots and sakura festivals in Takayama

• Yatai-Matsuri (Float Festival): An annual event stretching over two days, this Takayama festival is marked by elaborate floats carried through the narrow streets of the city, accompanied by traditional music and chanting. The floats, known as Yatai, are up to three stories tall and made of wood, paper, and silk. Thousands of visitors flock to the city to witness the vibrant parade, while locals gather on balconies to enjoy the sights and sounds.
• Karakuri Puppet Show at Hie Shrine: A part of the Takayama Festival, this event features large mechanical puppets put on a show with traditional music. These puppets, known as Karakuri, are independently operated and simulate human actions, making them a popular attraction for both adults and children alike.
• Sanja Matsuri (Spring Garden Festival): A massive celebration that takes place right in the heart of Takayama, this festival is a three-day event jam-packed with performers, traditional dances, and colorful floats. It often marks the peak of cherry blossom season, with cherry blossoms adorning the colorful floats and streets of Takayama.
• Takayama Festival Fireworks Display: An incredible display of hundreds of fireworks set off over the valley of Takayama, this is an event you don’t want to miss. The fireworks are set off during the night sky of hanami season and offer fantastic views for miles around.
• Hanami Street Walk: For those wishing to take part in the spring celebrations, the Hanami Street Walk is the perfect way to spend an evening. Locals gather in a single street to admire the blooming cherry blossoms, while street vendors offer beverages and food to travelers. The walk is a great way to appreciate the beauty of nature while appreciating Takayama’s culture.

Kanazawa is a city located on the Sea of Japan in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. The area is renowned for its rich history and its serene beauty. Every spring season, thousands of people flock to see the breathtakingly beautiful displays of cherry trees that line the streets and parks of the city and neighboring mountains.

The city of Kanazawa is home to Kenroku-en Garden, which is considered to be the most beautiful garden in Japan, meaning it might be among the most beautiful in the world. When these already wonderful gardens are coupled with the pink and white blossoms, the scenery becomes almost magical.

Best hanami spots and sakura festivals in Kanazawa

• Yanagi no Hana no Sekku: held at the historic Kenroku-en Garden, a traditional Japanese garden, this festival features the surrounding area’s diverse and abundant cherry trees, presenting a pleasant, picturesque view. There are various stalls selling traditional Japanese food and drinks, plus other activities and performances.
• Shiroyama Park Sakura Matsuri: This festival celebrates the blossoms located at the foot of the city’s iconic mountain, Shiroyama Park. Visitors can enjoy the sights of the delicate petals, accompanied by food stalls, cultural performances, and Yosakoi dances amongst the lovely landscape.
• Naga-machi Sakura Matsuri: this popular event is held in the old samurai district and draws thousands of visitors every year to its illuminated cherry blossom trees at night. Visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese festival attractions adapted to the theme of cherry blossoms, such as mochi-pounding, Yatai food stalls, and taiko drum performances.
• Hashiba-machi Sakura Festival: each year, the streets of the Old Samurai District of Kanazawa are transformed with a cherry blossom-themed street fair. An enormous koi carp lantern is lit up to make a magnificent display of the blossoms in the evening and several different types of cherry blossoms bloom here during different times of the season.
• Cherry Blossom Festival at Gyokusen-en Garden: The Gyokusen-en Garden was built as the private residence of a lord in the Edo period (1603-1868). During the cherry blossom season, visitors can stroll through its grounds while listening to traditional Japanese instruments such as tsuzumi and shamisen players.

Matsumoto is a city located in central Japan, known for its breathtaking natural beauty. Its old town, with over 400 years of history and many well-preserved historical buildings, is the jewel of the city. With its beautiful streets and traditional wooden houses, Matsumoto during Sakura season is a sight to behold. The city is located near the Azusa River in the heart of Nagano prefecture, and each spring, the banks of the river are blanketed in pinks and whites as the cherry blossoms bloom in the breeze. The city’s unique Natural History Museum and Matsumoto Castle, which is also known as ‘Crow Castle’ due to its black stonework, make Matsumoto an ideal destination in Japan for people looking to get off the beaten track. Both are incredibly popular with visitors and will take your breath away. Matsumoto is a great place to experience the beauty of the Japanese countryside, and the cherry blossom season is the perfect time to do so.

Be sure to check out this article on my visit to Matsumoto for more information

Best hanami spots and sakura festivals in Matsumoto

• Nakamachi Yayoi Matsuri: Held annually on March 17th, this ancient style of spring festival takes place in Nakamachi Street, a popular tourist area in Matsumoto, and features a parade of floats with unique traditional figures.
• Matsumoto Hana Matsuri: Also known as the Cherry Blossom Festival, held annually in April, this festival includes a cherry blossom display, nighttime illumination, and other live entertainment.
• Matsumoto Hina Matsuri: Held annually in mid-March, this festival features hina dolls, some over 100 years old, on elegant floats.
• Matsumoto Sanroku Shizumareson: This festival is held at the Sanroku Temple, which is located at the foot of Mt. Utsukushi, and features traditional Japanese paper lantern-lit floats and a procession of people carrying long bamboo poles hung with paper lanterns.
• Matsumoto Nioh Matsuri: This festival celebrates the formation of the city of Matsumoto. It includes Nioh, samurai parades, and beautiful floats adorned with cherry blossoms.

content is being updated with my latest visit in 2024

Chūgoku Region

content is being updated with my latest visit in 2024

Itsukushima, known also as Miyajima because of the ultra famous and iconic Tori gate on the water, is one of the most visited destinations in Japan.

Kyūshū Region

content is being updated with my latest visit in 2024

Tōhoku Region

content is being updated with my latest visit in 2024

Hirosaki is a beautiful small town south of Aomori. The central castle garden with views of Mt. Iwaki would be enough to make it a must-visit destination, but during Sakura season, the castle gardens become convered in pink hues.

Hokkaidō Region

content is being updated with my latest visit in 2024

Hakodate was the last city I visited in 2024 and won’t soon be forgotten. The show stealer is Goryokaku, a star shaped park in the center of the city, with the eponymous fort and tower. But what is truly breathtaking is the sheer number of cherry trees that are found everywhere. Each spot is a mesmerizing beauty, from the entrance where it is common to find many people enjoying hanami in style, sith camping gear, grills, music, dogs and children playing, and everything that represents a happy weekend day with family or friends. Walking around there are paths that follow the entire star perimeter, on two levels.

Since it is Hokkaido, Sakura arrives later than the “classic” end of March and early April that can be found on the main island of Honshu. However if you plan to visit in late April, or early May, you MUST