Top 10 Places to Enjoy Sakura in Japan

Japan’s spring is well known for its beautiful view of cherry blossom or sakura blooming throughout the country, sakura flavored foods and drinks would appear everywhere and people would go out for hanami. In Japan, hanami or Cherry blossom viewing is very popular during the spring season, people would gather and have picnics while admiring the view of beautiful sakura around them. While you can see sakura blooming everywhere you go in Japan, some places like the Ninna-Ji temple with the special variety of dwarf cherry trees or Hirosaki castle with thousands of sakura trees and the magnificent view of the castle makes it some of the best destinations for spring hanami. Here is a list of the best places to enjoy your sakura-viewing experience in Japan.

Ueno Park

Ueno Park is a park full of culture and art. Popular art presentations and other famous exhibitions are held here. You enjoy the turning of the seasons with the cherry blossoms and the autumn foliage. And you can also tour some important historical buildings.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

The word “gyoen” means a garden for the Imperial family. It’s only a 10 minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station (South Exit). So, this quiet and lush garden is loved by many people who go there to take a break from the city and relax.

Nara Park

There are numerous World Heritage sites in this park at the base of the lush green mountains. Some examples are Todaiji, Kofukiji, and Kasuga-taisha. The friendly deer, said to be messengers from the gods, will come to greet you.

Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle was built by Toyotomi Hidetoshi in 1583. However, it was destroyed in a fire at the same time as his death. It was rebuilt before being destroyed by fire again in 1665. The modern Osaka Castle was rebuilt using contributions from local citizens, after an appeal was made by the mayor of Osaka at that time.

Himeji Castle

A valuable castle that has survived since the early Edo Era. Himeji Castle is admired as the most beautiful castle in Japan. It is famous as one of the three great castles in the nation.

Sankei-en Garden

Sankei-en Garden was built in 1906 in Yokohama, under the direction of a businessman, Sankei Hara. There is a beautiful harmony between nature and the 13 examples of Japanese architecture intentionally positioned on the huge grounds.

Ninna-ji Temple

This temple was built in the year 888 by Emperor Uda. Ninna-ji, built in the style of Heian Era nobility residences, was recognized as a National Treasure and has also been registered as a World Heritage site. It is also a famous place to enjoy the cherry blossoms.

Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park is a famous place for sakura or the cherry blossoms. It is a popular spot to take a stroll in the beautiful Japanese garden, free of admission fee. There are also teahouses and a ryotei restaurant recommended for good food.

Mt. Yoshino

Mt. Yoshino which is a World Heritage site enshrining its cherry trees has a superb April scenery when it is covered in cherry blossoms. You can enjoy some elegant trekking while viewing the mountain, flowers and old temples.

Hirosaki Castle

This is the main castle of the Tsugaru clan who unified the Tsugaru district. It has now become a park and the castle’s keep is a historical museum. Hirosaki Castle is well known as one of the most famous places to see the cherry blossoms in Japan. Approximately 2600 trees go into bloom at the beginning of May.

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Top 10 Places to Enjoy Sakura in Japan

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