Cherry Blossom Day Trip from Tokyo: 8 Places in Eastern Japan

Cherry Blossoms in Eastern Japan

Map created based on he Cherry Blossom Forecast released by the Japan Meteorological Corporation

For Japanese people and visitors alike, the cherry blossom season is the ultimate highlight of spring.

Beyond Tokyo’s popular parks lie even more breathtaking views, including riverside blossoms at onsen resorts and historic landscapes in ancient towns.

We’ll introduce eight spots in eastern Japan (the Kanto region) where you can experience a unique side of cherry blossom season away from the Tokyo crowds.

8 Famous Cherry Blossom Locations in Eastern Japan

1. Sankeien Garden: Cherry Blossom and Traditional Architecture in Yokohama
2. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine: Spring Scenery in Kamakura
3. Sakuranoyama Park in Narita: Cherry Blossoms and Airplanes
4. Odawara Castle: Cherry Blossoms at a Historic Site
5. Lake Kawaguchiko: Spring Views of Mount Fuji
6. Kawazu: Early Cherry Blossoms in Izu
7. Hitachi Fudoki Hill: A Magnificent Cherry Blossom Tunnel in Ibaraki
8. Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi: A Paradise of Pink and Yellow

2026 Cherry Blossom Forecast for Eastern Japan

The bloom dates and full-bloom dates for cherry blossoms in cities around eastern Japan for 2026 are as follows.

*The above information is based on the Sakura Navi 2026 by Japan Meteorological Corporation.

1. Sankeien Garden: Cherry Blossom and Traditional Architecture in Yokohama

Photo by Pixta

Sankeien, a sprawling Japanese garden in Yokohama, boasts a magnificent 175,000-square-meter landscape. Historically a sanctuary for the arts, it is the birthplace of many masterpieces of modern Japanese painting.

Each spring, the garden is transformed by approximately 300 cherry trees. The blossoms pair perfectly with the garden's historically significant structures—relocated from Kyoto and Kamakura—offering visitors a traditional Kyoto-style atmosphere just a short trip from Tokyo.

For a sweet finale, visit Sankeien Saryo on the grounds. In the spring, their sakura ice cream is a must-try; infused with ground cherry leaves, it offers the classic, salty-sweet flavor of traditional sakura mochi.

Sankeien Garden

231-0824 58-1 Honmoku Sannotani, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefectur...

This is a nationally designated Japanese garden located in Yokohama City. You can enjoy a different look each season, with cherry blossoms in spring, deep blue flowers in early summer, water lilies in summer, and colored leaves in autumn. The building has been designated as a national cultural property and is a tourist spot where you can enjoy a variety of scenery.

2. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine: Spring Scenery in Kamakura

Photo by Pixta

Just an hour from Tokyo, the ancient capital of Kamakura offers a stunning natural escape. At Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, the spring cherry blossoms create a spectacular contrast against the historic backdrop.

With the shrine’s main hall set against a backdrop of mountains and blossoms, it is one of the most picturesque scenes in the region. After enjoying a quiet walk through the shrine’s vast grounds, you can explore the many shops and cafes nearby.

Located 10 minutes from Kamakura Station, this spot is easily accessible and ideal for a full day of sightseeing and sakura-viewing.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

2-1-31 Yukinoshita, Kamakura City, 248-8588 Prefecture

3. Sakuranoyama Park in Narita: Cherry Blossoms and Airplanes

Photo by Charlie Furusho

Located on the north side of Narita Airport’s Runway A and not far from the Marroad International Hotel Narita, Sakura-no-Yama Park is the most popular cherry-blossom spot in the Narita area.

When spring reaches its peak, about 500 cherry trees covering the hillside and the vivid rapeseed flowers blooming at your feet create a breathtaking contrast.

This place is also a one-of-a-kind shooting spot for photographers aiming to capture the dramatic sight of massive aircraft taking off and landing, weaving between the cherry trees.

Photo by Charlie Furusho

At the Sora no Eki Sakura-kan visitors' center in the park, local fresh vegetables, specialty products, and light snacks are sold, so why not take a relaxing break while enjoying the regional flavors?

Please remember this is a place loved by local residents—be considerate of the surroundings and fully enjoy the overwhelming scenery of sky and blossoms.

Sakuranoyama Park in Narita
Location: Google Map
Official site: https://www.visitchiba.jp/spot/sakura-no-yama-park/

4. Odawara Castle: Cherry Blossoms at a Historic Site

Photo by Pixta

Odawara Castle, one of the most accessible castles in Eastern Japan, is a mere 35-minute Shinkansen ride from Tokyo.

In spring, the grounds come alive with approximately 320 Yoshino cherry trees. The sight of the blossoms framing the castle’s majestic main tower is truly iconic.

As evening falls, the park takes on a magical glow, with the trees and castle illuminated by traditional bonbori (paper lanterns). If you plan on staying for the night view, be sure to bring a jacket, as the air can get quite chilly after sunset.

For even more floral beauty, head to the adjacent Shiroyama Park, another fantastic sakura-viewing spot. If you happen to visit earlier in the year—from February to early March—you can also experience the fragrant plum blossoms during the annual Odawara Plum Festival (Ume Matsuri).

Odawara Castle

Jonai, Odawara City, 250-0014 Prefecture

5. Lake Kawaguchiko: Spring Views of Mount Fuji

Photo by Pixta

Just two hours from Tokyo, Lake Kawaguchiko offers one of the most iconic sights in Japan: the majestic Mt. Fuji rising behind a curtain of cherry blossoms.

If you arrived in Japan a little late for the Tokyo bloom, don't worry! Due to the cooler mountain air, sakura here bloom in mid-April, giving you a second window to enjoy the season.

Nagasaki Park is the premier spot for a front-row seat to this spectacular view. Between the towering peak of Fuji, the shimmering lake, and the vibrant rows of cherry trees, the scenery is truly unforgettable. It’s a peaceful, soul-stirring landscape that captures the very best of a Japanese spring.

6. Kawazu: Early Cherry Blossoms in Izu

Photo by Pixta

Want to see cherry blossoms early? Head to Izu in Shizuoka Prefecture! This famous hot spring destination is only about two hours from Tokyo and hosts the stunning Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival every year from early February to early March.

This area is unique for its Kawazu-zakura trees, which bloom much earlier than those in Tokyo. While exploring the festival, you can take advantage of three free footbaths (ashiyu) to rest your feet.

To make your trip even more memorable, stay at a hot spring hotel that features sakura-viewing baths, allowing you to experience Japan’s two best traditions—hot springs and cherry blossoms—at the same time.

Photo by Pixta

Don’t miss the nighttime illumination at the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival! The riverside trees, glowing against the dark sky, create a spectacular scene that is worth the wait. Comparing the blossoms under the bright sun versus the evening lights is a highlight of any trip to Izu.

Because the festival takes place in February and March, the weather is still quite brisk. After you’ve had your fill of the stunning views, you can retreat to the area’s famous hot springs to warm up and continue your cherry blossom viewing from the comfort of a heated bath.

7. Hitachi Fudoki Hill: A Magnificent Cherry Blossom Tunnel in Ibaraki

Picture courtesy of Hill Hitachi Fudoki

Hitachi Fudoki no Oka is a renowned cherry blossom destination in Ibaraki Prefecture, located northeast of Tokyo.

The park offers an extended viewing season thanks to three varieties of trees that bloom in succession: Yoshino cherry blossoms in early April, elegant Shidare-zakura (weeping cherry blossoms) in mid-April, and lush Yaezakura (double-layered blossoms) in late April.

The spectacular "weeping cherry tunnel" is an absolute must-see.

Beyond the flowers, the park is home to the largest shishigashira (lion head) in Japan. As you explore the grounds, you’ll also discover reconstructions of traditional ancient houses, offering a fascinating glimpse into Japan's distant past.

*1 Shishigashira: A wooden mask representing a mythical lion-like creature, used in traditional Japanese "Shishimai" (lion dances) during festivals.

8. Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi: A Paradise of Pink and Yellow

Picture courtesy of Kumagaya Tourist Association

Along the banks of the Arakawa River at Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi in Saitama, cherry blossom enthusiasts can marvel at a magnificent 2-kilometer-long row of 500 cherry trees.

This location has been a celebrated hanami destination since the Edo Period and is officially recognized as one of the "100 Best Sakura Spots in Japan."

The highlight here is the stunning natural contrast between the soft pink cherry blossoms and the bright yellow rapeseed flowers (nanohana) blooming at their feet.

During the Cherry Blossom Festival in early April, the area buzzes with energy. It’s the perfect time to grab some delicious local snacks from the festival stalls and enjoy a picnic under the canopy of flowers.

Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi

2-chome, Kawara-cho, Kumagaya-shi, Saitama 360-0035

Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi is a famous cherry blossom spot in Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture. More than 500 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees bloom along the approximately 2km-long bank, creating a stunning contrast with the rape blossoms. When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the Kumagaya Sakura Festival is held, and you can enjoy the illuminated cherry blossoms at night. Picture courtesy of AC

See Magnificent Cherry Blossoms near Tokyo!

From ancient temples to steaming hot springs and views of Mt. Fuji, the spots we’ve introduced show just how diverse the cherry blossom season can be. No two views are exactly alike!

Whether they are framed by a city skyline or a mountain range, or viewed under the midday sun or evening lanterns, cherry blossoms never fail to captivate.

We hope you’ll step beyond the Tokyo city limits on your next trip to enjoy the stunning scenery and fresh air that these unique locations have to offer.

Main image by Pixta