Spring Delight: Explore Japan Through These Stunning Cherry Blossom Festivals

Japan’s cherry blossom trees bloom in late March, propelling Sakura Matsuri, which are festivals dedicated to cherishing the beauty of the sakura

Japan’s cherry blossom trees bloom in late March, propelling Sakura Matsuri, which are festivals dedicated to cherishing the beauty of the sakura. One of the best ways to enjoy this festive season is attending one of Japan’s many cherry blossom festivals. These celebrations are driven by a lovely concept called ‘hanami,’ a Japanese custom that dates back centuries and consists of visiting parks and other outdoor locations to appreciate the blossoming of cherry trees (sakura) and sometimes plum trees (ume). They are one of those golden opportunities to learn about Japanese customs, try tasty treats, and gaze in awe at the cherry blossoms. 

Cherry blossom trees represent hope, new life and beauty and can be best enjoyed at these festivals. 

Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival 

The Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the favourites of tourists and locals, besides being one of the busiest, thanks to the park’s 1,200 beautiful cherry blossom trees and the picnic areas in the grass.

A celebration occurs throughout the region when the sakura is in full bloom. In the nation’s capital city Tokyo, Ueno Park, which has been hosting the festival for over seven decades, offers visitors a chance to explore the cherry blossoms surrounded by lanterns, food booths, and traditional music and dance. 

Best time to visit: Late March – early April

Takada Castle Cherry Blossom Festival 

The Takada Castle Cherry Blossom Festival, which is in its 98th edition, is the main springtime festival in Joetsu City, and its grounds feature more than 4,000 cherry blossom trees. The three thousand lanterns, lit between six and ten o’clock at night, add to the scene’s beauty. It is followed by seasonal events such as traditional dance performances, calligraphy demonstrations and workshops, and the exhilarating and hypnotic Japanese taiko drumming.

Best time to visit: March 29 – April 12, 2023 

Odawara Cherry Blossom Festival 

The city of Odawara is scenic on its own; surrounded by the Hakone Mountains to the north and west, Sagami Bay to the south, and the Sakawa River to the east, making it the epicentre of cultural and natural delights. More than 300 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees are set up around Odawara Castle Park during the festival. This creates a beautiful, peaceful atmosphere that makes people feel like they are in another time and place.

There is a museum in Odawara Castle Park that details the history of the castle and the land around it, among other things to see and do there. The castle grounds are open to visitors, who can wander around the peaceful ponds and gardens.

Best time to visit: Late March – early April

Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival

The Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival is unparalleled thanks to the fantastic 4km stretch of 800 trees that flank the Meguro River in the Nakameguro district in Tokyo. 

A pinkish tunnel of sakura trees surrounds the canal. Typically, large crowds are present, especially in the evening when lanterns illuminate the cherry blossoms. COVID-19 restrictions forced the event’s cancellation for the past three years, but it is being held this year.

Best time to visit: March 18 – April 9, 2023

Hirosaki Castle Park Cherry Blossom Festival

The Hirosaki Castle Park Cherry Blossom Festival attracts over a million people annually, who marvel at the 400-year-old structure and the 2,600 cherry trees that blossom in the park surrounding it. The grounds are carpeted in falling petals, and visitors can paddle a small boat out onto the moat to witness the reflection of the blossoms.

Street cuisine (bento boxes), craft shops offering unique items, and traditional Japanese music and dance surround the castle day and night. Because it’s common to admire the fallen petals on the castle moat after they’ve fallen from the trees, this festival lasts longer than most.

Best time to visit: April 21 – May 5, 2023