7 Must-See Locations for Cherry Blossoms in Nagoya
Every spring Japan transforms into a breathtaking canvas painted in the delicate shades of pink and white cherry blossoms. For the curious traveler eager to delve into the beauty of this ephemeral season, Nagoya and its surroundings offer a treasure trove of cherry blossom sights.
What are the best places to see cherry blossoms in Nagoya?
Nagoya Castle – peak blooms: late March to early April
The iconic Nagoya Castle and Honmaru Palace, not only showcase remarkable architecture but also host over 9000 cherry trees that bloom in unison during peak season—typically from late March to early April. There are 10 unique cherry blossom varieties on the castle grounds including the iconic Yoshino blossoms as well as weeping varieties.
Strolling through the castle grounds, you’ll find the pink petals creating a stunning contrast against the historical backdrop.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour: Eat Like a Local in Nagoya | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 8:00-16:30 |
| Meeting Place | JR Nagoya Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
Tokugawa Garden – peak blooms: late March to early April
The tranquil Tokugawa Garden, designed to reflect the beauty of nature through various seasons, bursts into life with cherry blossoms around the same time as Nagoya Castle. The garden’s gentle streams, koi-filled ponds, and meticulously manicured trees create an inviting backdrop for contemplation and appreciation of nature.
On our 1-Day tour of Nagoya Castle, Tokugawa Garden, and the Nagoya Culture Path, you’ll have the chance to spend some time in a teahouse, where you can savor green tea while surrounded by nature’s beauty. The peaceful atmosphere invites you to immerse yourself fully in the present, making this an ideal spot for relaxation and reflection.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Guided Garden Walk through Nagoya’s Castle, Gardens, and Historic Estates | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 9:00 – 17:00 |
| Meeting Place | JR Nagoya Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
Shirotori Garden – peak blooms: late March to early April
Nestled in the heart of Nagoya, Shirotori Garden boasts an impressive array of cherry trees that come alive in late March to early April. Though one of the lesser known gardens, it is surprisingly one of the largest in the Tokai region and symbolically portrays the local geography including Mt. Ontake, the Kiso River, and Ise Bay.
What makes Shirotori particularly special is its blend of traditional Japanese garden aesthetics and modern design elements. The charming pathways lead you around serene ponds and over quaint bridges, all under the watchful eyes of cherry blossoms. So be sure not to forget your camera! The reflections of the blossoms in the water create a mesmerizing sight that is perfect for photography enthusiasts. As you wander, you might even spot local artists sketching the beauty around them, capturing the spirit of spring in their works.
Inuyama Castle – peak blooms: late March to early April
Just outside of Nagoya lies Inuyama Castle, Japan’s oldest surviving castle. Here, the cherry blossoms bloom during the same peak period, but what sets Inuyama apart is its panoramic view of the Kiso River and the surrounding landscape from the top of the castle.
Climbing the steep steps of the castle, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the cherry trees cascading down the slopes below. The contrast of the historic castle against a sea of pink blossoms is a sight to behold. Spend some time exploring the quaint streets of Inuyama, where traditional wooden buildings and local shops offer a glimpse into the town’s rich history.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Samurai Swords and Japan’s Oldest Castle | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 9:00-16:30 |
| Meeting Place | JR Nagoya Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥21,900 ~ |
| Child Rate | ¥14,000 ~ |
Yoro Park – peak blooms: late March to early April
In nearby Gifu Prefecture sits Yoro Park—famed for its natural beauty and variety of cherry trees. Around 3,000 cherry trees line the 2 kilometer walk from Yoro Station to Yoro Falls.
As you walk through the park, you’ll encounter rolling hills and serene streams, creating an ideal setting for a leisurely stroll among the blossoms. Local food stalls often pop up during cherry blossom season, offering delicious treats like takoyaki and yakisoba.
Omi Hachiman Canal – peak blooms: early April to mid-April
For those willing to venture a bit further, the Omi Hachiman Canal offers a truly enchanting blend of nature and historical charm. Part of our 1-Day tour from Nagoya, this picturesque area features canals lined with cherry trees that create a stunning visual when in full bloom.
Take a leisurely boat ride along the canals, where the blossoms seem to dip down to greet the water. After your boat ride, you’ll have a chance to stroll through the town, where you can discover traditional merchant houses, artisan shops, and local cuisine.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Castles and Canals in Hikone and Omi Hachiman | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 9:00-18:00 |
| Meeting Place | JR Nagoya Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥28,900 |
| Child Rate | ¥24,000 |
Shirakawa-go – peak blooms: mid-April to early May
Visiting Shirakawa-go during cherry blossom season is like stepping into a fairy tale. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its gassho-zukuri (thatched roof) farmhouses. The contrast of the historic rooftops with delicate pink blossoms creates an unforgettable scene.
The cherry blossoms bloom a bit later here, from mid-April to early May, allowing a perfect opportunity for travelers who may have missed peak bloom in some of the warmer locations.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hida Takayama and World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 8:30-18:30 |
| Meeting Place | JR Nagoya Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥24,900 |
| Child Rate | ¥12,900 |
How can I find guided tours for cherry blossoms in Nagoya?
We offer guided tours of most of the locations on the list above. However, if there is a location you wish to visit that is not listed on one of our tours, please do not hesitate to contact us about creating a custom tour or charter.
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In addition to providing transportation, we can also accommodate your tour needs by providing guides with the itinerary of your choice. If there are tours that you want us to conduct or if you want to adjust our current tours to your needs, feel free to contact us. There are a number of private tours already on our website that allow you to enjoy our tours without the stress of having to worry about other guests, so check those out, too. Click on the button below to make an inquiry.
WHERE TO STAY WHEN VISITING NAGOYA
As one of Japan’s largest cities, Nagoya has a variety of accommodations to suit every traveler’s preferences and budget.
The area immediately around Nagoya Station has many large hotels—ranging from high-end to budget—including some inside the station itself.
Located a short subway ride away from Nagoya station, the Sakae area of Nagoya is the city’s main shopping and entertainment district. As such the area has many great options for travelers looking to enjoy the city’s fine dining or nightlife.
For travelers looking for a more traditional stay, Nagoya and the surrounding areas also have many traditional “ryokan” to choose from.
Most hotels are located in and around Nagoya Station and nearby Sakae Station while travelers with early or late flights out of Chubu Centrair might consider staying around the airport. Our ‘Best Places to Stay in Nagoya’ page provides information about each of those areas including links to accommodation listings.
