When spring comes, let's go to Japan to see the cherry blossoms! Introducing famous cherry blossom spots across Japan
Cherry blossoms, a seasonal feature of spring in Japan, can be seen in various places throughout Japan. Each of Japan's famous cherry blossom viewing spots has its own charm depending on the location, but we will introduce a selection of recommended spots.
" Capture My Japan " is a photography service for tourists visiting Japan from overseas by Lovegraph Co., Ltd, which operates one of Japan's largest on- location photography session businesses.
If you use the coupon code " MCM-18106 " when applying, you can get 5% off and experience professional photography!
Please read the article below to learn more about shooting with "Capture My Japan."
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Table of Contents
- Hokkaido area
- Tohoku area
- Kanto area
- Tokai area
- Kansai area
- Chugoku/Shikoku area
- Kyushu/Okinawa area
- Best time to see cherry blossoms
Hokkaido area
Goryokaku Park (Hakodate City)
Goryokaku, a tourist attraction in Hakodate City, is home to approximately 1,500 cherry blossom trees, mainly Someiyoshino cherry trees, and is the best cherry blossom viewing spot in Hokkaido.
After enjoying the cherry blossoms on the ground, be sure to go to the observation deck of Goryokaku Tower. The sight of Goryokaku's star shape framed by the pink color of cherry blossoms is a must-see.
Also, if you visit towards the end of the cherry blossom season, you can see a spectacular view of the water surface of the moat filled with fallen cherry blossom petals.
Thousand cherry blossoms in Kiyokawa (Hokuto City)
Along Route 96 heading towards the Matsumae Domain Hekirichi Jinya ruins in Hokuto City, there is a tree-lined road lined with 1,000 cherry blossom trees planted by local residents.
Not only can you drive through the dancing cherry blossoms, but there is also a sidewalk on the side, so you can walk through the spectacular scenery.
Tohoku area
Hirosaki Park (Aomori Prefecture)
Hirosaki Park is home to 2,600 cherry blossom trees of about 50 varieties, including Somei Yoshino.
There are over 300 Somei Yoshino trees that are over 100 years old, and about 1,200 trees that are over 60 years old, and along with the historic buildings in the park, you can enjoy the scenery that gives you a sense of Japan from the distant past.
If you climb the castle tower, you can see a spectacular view of a sea of cherry blossom clouds spreading out below you.
Shiroishi River Bank Hitome Senbonzakura (Miyagi Prefecture)
The beautiful row of cherry blossom trees in Miyagi Prefecture, consisting of 1,200 cherry trees, mainly Somei Yoshino, stretching for about 8 km, is called ``Shiraishi River Bank Hitome Senbonzakura.''
The view of the Shiroishi River, cherry blossoms, and the snow-capped Zao Mountain Range all at the same time is a spectacular view that can only be seen here during this time.
The beautiful illumination at night during the cherry blossom festival is also a must-see.
Kanto area
Meguro River (Tokyo)
There is a popular spot where about 800 cherry blossom trees spread out for about 4km along the Meguro River from near Ikejiri Ohashi Station.
During the cherry blossom festival, the area is crowded with many cherry blossom viewing visitors. There are various shops nearby, so you can enjoy things other than cherry blossom viewing during the day, and don't miss the illuminations at night.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (Tokyo)
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, located in Shinjuku, a city lined with buildings, is an oasis within the metropolis. It's close to the station, so you can easily enjoy cherry blossom viewing.
There are about 70 types of cherry blossoms, and it is also a place where you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing for more than two months, from mid-February to late April.
The shop inside the park sells spring-only cherry blossom sweets and goods, so be sure to stop by on your way home.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a park where commercial photography is not permitted. Even if you are taking photos as a hobby, you will need to notify Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in advance if you are taking photos using a reflector or wearing special clothing such as a wedding dress.
Ueno Park (Tokyo)
Ueno Onshi Park has been known as a cherry blossom viewing spot since the Edo period, and about 800 cherry blossom trees decorate the park.
If you walk through the rows of cherry blossom trees, you will be able to blend into the beautiful scenery of falling cherry blossom petals.
During the cherry blossom festival season, there are many stalls, so you can enjoy viewing the cherry blossoms while enjoying the Japanese festival atmosphere.
Sumida River (Tokyo)
The banks of the Sumida River have long been known as a famous spot for cherry blossom viewing, and even today, around 1,000 cherry blossom trees line both banks, and the area is crowded with many cherry blossom viewing visitors every year.
Among them, the area from Asakusa to Sakurabashi is the most famous, and this area is popular because you can see the collaboration of the Sky Tree and cherry blossoms. Also, many boats dock in this area, so if you take a boat from here, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms from the river.
Showa Kinen Park (Tokyo)
Showa Kinen Park has approximately 1,500 cherry blossom trees. Some of the branches have branches hanging down to the eye level of the person sitting, making it a spectacular spot to enjoy viewing the cherry blossoms from a seated position.
In the area called ``Sakura no Orchard,'' you can enjoy viewing the cherry blossoms on a leisure sheet, so please come and enjoy Japanese-style cherry blossom viewing.
You can enjoy rape blossoms, tulips, and Shirley poppies in this park, where you can enjoy a world surrounded by many flowers.
Tokai area
Nagoya Castle (Aichi Prefecture)
There are approximately 1,000 cherry blossom trees around Nagoya Castle, and you can see the typical Japanese scenery of a castle and cherry blossoms.
On the roof of Nagoya Castle, an imaginary animal called "Shachihoko" with the head of a tiger and the body of a fish is displayed.The golden statue, the blue of the sky, and the pink of the cherry blossoms are very photogenic.
Next to Nagoya Castle is Meijo Park, which is also a popular cherry blossom viewing spot.
Lake Kawaguchi (Yamanashi Prefecture)
If you want to take photos of Mt. Fuji and cherry blossoms, Lake Kawaguchi is recommended.
From the north shore of Lake Kawaguchi, you can enjoy a walk while viewing Mt. Fuji, the lake, and cherry blossoms spreading out in front of you. There is a walking trail along the lakeside that stretches for about 1km and has about 200 Yoshino cherry trees in bloom, making it a popular cherry blossom viewing course.
Arakurayama Sengen Park (Yamanashi Prefecture)
Arakurayama Sengen Park is a particularly popular cherry blossom spot among foreign visitors to Japan. In addition to cherry blossoms, it is a popular tourist destination where you can see Mt. Fuji and a five-storied pagoda, symbols of Japan, all at once.
The spot where you often see cherry blossoms, Mt. Fuji, and a five-storied pagoda at the same time, which you often see in advertisements, was taken from a location near Chureito Pagoda, but you have to climb about 400 steps from the parking lot. It's a bit of a difficult journey, but the spectacular view that awaits you will wipe away all your fatigue.
Kansai area
Osaka Castle (Osaka Prefecture)
Osaka Castle, a popular tourist destination in Osaka, is also a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. In spring, approximately 3,000 cherry blossom trees bloom in the vast Osaka Castle Park.
Although there is a fee, the Nishinomaru garden inside the park is especially recommended. This lawn garden offers a beautiful view of the castle tower along with the cherry blossoms, and is one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Osaka Castle Park.
Himeji Castle (Hyogo Prefecture)
Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most representative castles, is also a popular cherry blossom viewing spot.
In 2015, Himeji Castle completed its ``Heisei Major Repairs'' that lasted approximately six years, and the castle as a whole now stands out in white. This makes the collaboration with cherry blossoms even more beautiful.
There is also a Japanese garden on the premises, where you can enjoy the elegant and beautiful scenery of cherry blossoms.
Yoshinoyama (Nara Prefecture)
Yoshinoyama is famous for its overwhelming number of cherry blossoms. A whopping 30,000 cherry blossoms, including the white mountain cherry, bloom all over the mountain.
Yoshinoyama cherry blossoms have a history of 1300 years. While many cherry blossoms in Japan are managed for viewing purposes, the cherry blossoms here at Mt. Yoshino are unique in that they have been worshiped and protected as ``sacred trees.''
Kiyomizu Temple (Kyoto Prefecture)
Kiyomizu-dera, a world heritage site and a tourist attraction representing Kyoto, is also a famous cherry blossom viewing spot.
There are several cherry blossom spots within the premises, such as a collaboration between the three-storied pagoda and the cherry blossoms, and the cherry blossoms overlooking the main hall, so it's a fun place to take a stroll in search of a spectacular view.
At night, the cherry blossoms are illuminated in a magical way, so you can enjoy the cherry blossoms all day long.
Chugoku/Shikoku area
Kintai Bridge (Yamaguchi Prefecture)
Kintaikyo Bridge, one of Japan's most famous wooden bridges, is also a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing.
You can also enjoy the Nishiki River, which has a beautiful bridge, on a sightseeing boat. The view of the cherry blossoms from the river is also wonderful, so I highly recommend it.
Ritsurin Park (Kagawa Prefecture)
Ritsurin Park, a Japanese garden in Kagawa Prefecture, is a popular tourist destination where you can enjoy the Japanese atmosphere and natural scenery. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom, creating a beautiful scenery.
During the cherry blossom season, light-up events are held at night, allowing you to enjoy a different view of the cherry blossoms than during the day.
Kyushu/Okinawa area
Kokura Castle (Fukuoka Prefecture)
Kokura Castle has beautiful cherry blossoms surrounding the castle, and it is said that cherry trees have been planted there since the 1600s. During this period, when castles were used as military defense facilities, cherry blossoms were rarely planted around castles, and there are records that the castle was a rare ``cherry blossom castle'' in Japan.
The cherry blossoms are beautiful during the day, but at night, the castle and cherry blossoms are illuminated, which is also worth seeing.
Nakijin Castle Ruins (Okinawa)
Nakijin Castle Ruins, which is registered as a World Heritage Site along with Shuri Castle Ruins and is characterized by its curved stone walls and beautifully detailed castle walls, is one of Okinawa's most famous castles, and the best time to see the Kanhi cherry blossoms is from late January to mid-February every year. It is also a famous cherry blossom viewing spot.
On the way back from the castle, you can see the deep pink cherry blossoms and the blue ocean of Okinawa at the same time, which is gaining popularity.
Best time to see cherry blossoms
Cherry blossoms, which are a spring tradition in Japan, have a very short period of time when they are at their best, so timing is very important.
The best time to see the cherry blossoms varies greatly depending on the type and location of the cherry blossoms, starting with the Kanhi cherry blossoms in January in Okinawa Prefecture and ending with the Daisen cherry blossoms in May in Hokkaido.
Many representative varieties, such as Somei Yoshino, flower from late March to early April, so if you are unsure, choose this time of year.
For those who want to time their visit precisely, we recommend checking the official websites of famous cherry blossom viewing spots, as they often have blooming information posted before visiting.
"Capture My Japan" allows you to take photos of cherry blossoms at your favorite locations across Japan. It's okay if you're confused about where to take photos. Photographers who can speak English, Chinese, Korean, etc. will support you while communicating closely with you, so don't worry if you are not confident in Japanese.
"Capture My Japan" prices start from 49,500 yen per hour (including 50 edited photos). Currently, if you enter the coupon code " MCM-18106 " when applying, you can enjoy a 5% discount on your photoshoot experience. If you are considering requesting Capture My Japan, please make use of it!
Official website: https://capturemy.jp/
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"Capture My Japan " is a photography service for tourists visiting Japan from overseas by Lovegraph Co., Ltd, which operates one of Japan's largest on- location photography session businesses. Would you like to capture yourself along with the beautiful scenery of Japan with a professional photographer? You can experience shooting at your favorite travel destinations such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Capture My Japan's photographers have bases all over the country and can handle shooting in a wide range of areas. We have photographers who have passed a strict screening process, so you can leave your shooting to us with confidence! Japanese photographers who have a good understanding of each region will take care of your needs. Why not leave your memories of your trip to Japan together in a wonderful way?
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