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Top 5 Best Cities in Japan to View Cherry Blossoms

It's time for cherry blossoms!

Japan is well-known for its stunning cherry blossoms in the spring. They even have a "Sakura Forecast" which predicts the dates when cherry blossoms will start to bloom and reach full bloom in different regions of Japan. The forecast is released annually by the Japan Meteorological Corporation in February.

Feeling tempted? We would like to recommend five cities in Japan to witness these beautiful cherry blossoms. Each city offers unique spots to view the cherry blossoms and is known for its festive atmosphere during the cherry blossom season.

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By the River

1. Sapporo 札幌

Sapporo is the capital city of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost prefecture. It is one of the first cities in Japan to experience cherry blossom season. The cooler temperatures in the area also mean that the cherry blossoms in Sapporo tend to bloom for longer than in other cities!

2. Tokyo 東京

Tokyo is known for its bustling streets and bright lights, but it also has some great spots to view cherry blossoms. Shinjuku Gyoen is home to over 1,000 cherry blossom trees of different varieties, making it a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing. It is also known for its beautiful gardens and traditional tea houses.

Image by Atul Vinayak
Image by Xianyu hao

3. Kyoto 京都

Kyoto is a historic city in Japan known for its temples and shrines. It also offers great locations for cherry blossom viewing. The most popular spot in Kyoto for cherry blossom parties is Maruyama Park, which features a large weeping cherry tree that is illuminated in the evenings.

4. Osaka 大阪

Osaka is known for its delicious food and lively atmosphere, but it also has some beautiful cherry blossoms. Osaka Castle Park is the most popular destination for cherry blossom viewing in Osaka, with over 4,000 cherry blossom trees!

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Image by JCS Chen

5. Fukuoka 福岡

Fukuoka is known for its early blooming cherry blossoms. One of the best places to view cherry blossoms in Fukuoka is Nishi Park, which features over 2,000 cherry blossom trees. The park also offers beautiful views of the city and is a popular spot for cherry blossom parties.

Here are two more spots that are also famous for cherry blossom viewing:

Fuji Five Lakes 富士五湖

The Fuji Five Lakes area is a great spot to view cherry blossoms because of the stunning view of Mount Fuji in the background. There are also over 1,000 cherry blossom trees in the area, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

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Nakano 長野

Nakano offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the hustle and bustle of larger cities like Tokyo and Osaka. The cherry blossoms can be viewed from the Nakano Castle ruins, which is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

These are just a few of the many spots in Japan that offer stunning views of cherry blossoms during the spring season. Be sure to visit one of these cities during your next trip to Japan to experience the beauty of these delicate flowers!

Bonus!

The most recommended spot in Korea and in China to view cherry blossoms!

Jinhae Gunhangje Festival 진해군항제 

One of the largest cherry blossom festivals in Korea, the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival usually takes place in early April. The festival features over 350,000 cherry blossom trees in full bloom and attracts visitors from all over the world. The festival is held in Jinhae, which is located in the southern part of the country. Visitors can enjoy cherry blossom viewing at Yeojwacheon Stream and the nearby Gyeonghwa Station, which is known for its picturesque cherry blossom tunnel.

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Yuyuantan Park 玉渊潭公园

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Yuyuantan Park in Beijing is known for its beautiful cherry blossoms, which bloom from late March to early April. In addition to the cherry blossoms, the park offers a variety of activities and events during the cherry blossom season, making it a great spot to enjoy the beauty of the blossoms and the park's atmosphere.

Learn some Japanese/Korean/Mandarin before your trip!

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