Japan’s Cherry Blossom Season
As we step into 2025, it’s time to prepare for one of Japan’s most iconic events—the cherry blossom season! While many may think that cherry blossoms bloom for only a brief two weeks, the reality is that the season lasts much longer, spanning two to three months across different regions and varieties of sakura (cherry blossoms). With a little knowledge about the various sakura species, their blooming periods, and the best spots to see them, you can maximize your chance of witnessing Japan’s stunning cherry blossoms at their peak.
Types of Cherry Blossoms in Japan & Their Blooming Periods
While Japan’s iconic Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms often steal the spotlight, the country’s sakura season is enriched by diverse varieties that bloom at different times and locations. Understanding these varieties will help you plan the perfect cherry blossom experience. Below are some of the most popular sakura types that you can find across the country, followed by a comparison table to help you easily track their blooming periods.
1. Kawazuzakura (河津桜)
Kawazu-zakura is one of the earliest blooming varieties of cherry blossoms, usually starting to bloom as early as mid-February. This sakura has vibrant pink flowers and is often found in areas like the Izu Peninsula. The blooming season for Kawazu-zakura lasts a bit longer than other types, typically lasting until early March.
Kawazuzakura
2. Shidarezakura (垂柳桜 | Weeping Cherry)
Known for its weeping branches and soft pink blooms, Shidarezakura typically blooms in mid to late April. These cherry trees are often found in traditional gardens, temples, and shrines, making them ideal for those seeking a more tranquil cherry blossom experience.
3. Somei Yoshino (染井吉野 | Yoshino Cherry)
Somei Yoshino is the most iconic and widely recognized cherry blossom variety in Japan. These trees have pale pink flowers that bloom in early spring, usually around the first week of April. They are a common sight in urban parks and along streets in major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto.
4. Yaezakura (八重桜 | Double-Layered Cherry)
Yaezakura is a double-flowered sakura variety, meaning it has more petals than most others, creating a fuller, more luxurious bloom. Yaezakura typically blooms a bit later in the season, from mid-April to early May, depending on the region. It has a deeper pink hue and is often seen in both traditional and modern settings.
Yaezakura
5. Shibazakura (芝桜 | Moss Phlox)
While not a true "cherry blossom," Shiba-zakura refers to moss phlox, which blooms around the same time as sakura in spring. These flowers create beautiful pink, white, and purple carpets on the ground and can be seen at many parks and flower festivals, including the famous Shiba-zakura Festival near Mount Fuji.
Comparison Table: Blooming Periods of Popular Sakura Varieties
| Variety | Bloom Period | Color | Key Features | Best Viewing Spots |
| Kawazuzakura | Early Feb–Mar | Bright pink | Early bloomer, large petals | Kawazu Town (Shizuoka), Sumida River |
| Shidarezakura | Late Mar–Mid-Apr | Pink/White | Weeping branches, dramatic visuals | Miharu Takizakura (Fukushima), Kyoto |
| Somei Yoshino | Late Mar–Early Apr | Pale pink/White | Iconic "sakura tunnels," short-lived | Ueno Park (Tokyo), Osaka Castle |
| Yaezakura | Mid-Apr–Late Apr | Deep pink/White | Multi-petaled, long-lasting blooms | Daigo-ji Temple (Kyoto), Hirosaki Park |
| Shibazakura | Mid-Apr–May | Pink/White/Purple | Ground cover, floral carpets | Fuji Motosu Lake, Hitsujiyama Park |
Top Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Tokyo and Nearby Areas
Kawazu-zakura Viewing Spots
1. Kyu-Nakagawa (旧中川)
You can find the beautiful Kawazu-zakura trees along the old Nakagawa River in Tokyo. With a stunning row of cherry blossoms and a clear view of the Tokyo Skytree in the background, this location is perfect for capturing the perfect sakura-photo. Kawazu-zakura blooms in February, while the famous Somei Yoshino starts blooming in March, creating a beautiful extended cherry blossom season along the river.
- Location: Edogawa-ku, Hirai and Higashi Sumida, Tokyo
- Access: A 10-minute walk from JR "Hirai" Station or 15 minutes from Toei Subway "Higashi-Oshima" Station
- 2025 Blooming Period: Early February to early April
2. Yoyogi Park
Yoyogi Park is a popular spot for picnics, and it's an ideal location to enjoy the early blooming Kawazu-zakura. In addition to these early blooms, the park also hosts a variety of other cherry blossoms, including the iconic Somei Yoshino. If you're looking to picnic under the early sakura blossoms and enjoy the spring breeze, this park is a must-visit.
- Location: 2-1 Yoyogi Kamizono-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 3-minute walk from JR "Harajuku" Station or Toei Subway "Yoyogi-Koen" Station
- 2025 Blooming Period: Late March to early April (for Somei Yoshino)
3. Kawazu-zakura Festival (河津桜祭り) - Izu Kawazu
The Kawazu-zakura Festival, held in Izu Kawazu Town, is one of the largest and most celebrated cherry blossom festivals in Japan. With over a month of blooming, it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors. The festival not only offers a chance to enjoy the blossoms but also features food stalls and local goods, creating a lively, springtime atmosphere.
- Location: Kawazu Town, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture
- Access: Take the "Odoriko" Express from Tokyo to "Kawazu" Station (Approx. 2 hrs 40 mins)
- 2025 Blooming Period: Early February to early March
- 2025 Festival Dates: February 1 to February 28, 2025
- Nighttime Illumination: 18:00 to 21:00
Shidare-zakura (Weeping Cherry Blossom) Viewing Spots
1. Rikugien Garden
Known for its traditional Japanese landscape, Rikugien Garden is one of Tokyo's most famous gardens and a designated Special Place of Scenic Beauty. In addition to Somei Yoshino, you can also enjoy Shidare-zakura, or weeping cherry blossoms, which bloom in late March to early April. At night, the trees are illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.
- Location: 6-16-3 Hon-komagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 7-minute walk from JR "Komagome" Station
- 2025 Blooming Period: Mid March to early April
- Admission Fee: ¥900 (online booking); ¥1,100 (on-site)
2. Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
Another beautiful garden in Tokyo, Koishikawa Korakuen, also features several weeping cherry trees. The most famous of them is located near the entrance and is a perfect example of Japanese garden aesthetics. The park is located near the charming Kagurazaka area, so it’s great to combine your visit with a walk through this traditional neighborhood.
- Location: 1-6-6 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 5-minute walk from JR "Suidobashi" Station or 3-minute walk from Metro Marunouchi Line "Korakuen" Station
- 2025 Blooming Period: Mid March to early April
Yaezakura (Double-Flowered Cherry Blossom) Viewing Spots
1. Hama-rikyu Gardens
Hama-rikyu Gardens, an elegant historical garden once owned by the Tokugawa Shogunate, is an excellent spot for seeing Yaezakura, with its multiple layers of petals. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo Tower from the garden’s elevated points. Additionally, Hama-rikyu has a unique water bus service that connects to Asakusa, offering a scenic alternative to the Tokyo Metro.
- Location: 1-1 Hamarikyu-teien, Chūō-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 7-minute walk from Toei Subway "Shiodome" Station
- 2025 Blooming Period: Mid March to mid April
2. Shimo-Suizenji Cherry Blossom Festival
In Ibaraki Prefecture, the Shimo-Suizenji Cherry Blossom Festival is a major event that celebrates the bloom of over 2,000 Yaezakura trees. The festival, held in mid-April, features folk performances and music concerts. It's an excellent choice for those who want to combine cherry blossom viewing with cultural experiences.
- Location: 1720-1 Shizume, Naka City, Ibaraki Prefecture
- Access: 30-minute walk from JR "Shizume" Station
- 2025 Blooming Period: Mid April to late April
Shiba-zakura (Moss Phlox) Viewing Spots
1. Fuji Shiba-zakura Festival
Located at the base of Mount Fuji, the Fuji Shiba-zakura Festival is one of the largest and most beautiful moss phlox festivals in Japan. With over 800,000 plants blooming in a stunning array of pink, purple, and white, this festival offers a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji in the background. It’s perfect for those who want to experience the beauty of spring while enjoying scenic views of Japan’s iconic peak.
- Location: 212 Motosu, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Access: 50-minute bus ride from "Kawaguchiko" Station
- 2025 Blooming Period: Mid April to late May
2. Hitsujiyama Park
In Saitama Prefecture, Hitsujiyama Park is known for its stunning carpets of pink moss phlox, stretching across the hills like a sea of pink flowers. This park also offers panoramic views of the Chichibu cityscape, making it a great place to enjoy both flowers and local scenery.
Sakura in Hitsujiyama Park
- Location: 6267 Omiya, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture
- Access: 20-minute walk from "Ohanabatake" Station on the Chichibu Railway
- 2025 Blooming Period: Mid April to early May
