Best Tours to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan
There is no doubt that the Cherry Blossom Season is one of the most magical times in Japan. Heralding the long awaited Spring, the blossoms of pink and white burst into life and cover Japan’s cities, parks, and mountains in a beautiful tapestry of floral color. For locals, this means it is time to head outside, spread out a picnic blanket, and enjoy the scenery accompanied by friends, family, and good food. If you find yourself in Japan during this season, it would be a waste to not go out yourself and enjoy the cherry blossoms, known as ‘Sakura’ in Japanese. However, the blossoms do not bloom at the same time in all regions, nor do they bloom at the same time in any given region each year. To make sure you don’t miss out, joining a tour and relying on the expertise and local knowledge of a guide is a great option.
— The Best Tours to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan
— Cherry Blossom Varieties and How They Bloom
— The Importance of ‘Sakura’ and ‘Hanami’ in Japanese Culture
Continue reading below to learn about when the blossoms will bloom, the best tours during which to see them, and the historical and cultural legacy of these spectacular flowers.
THE CHERRY BLOSSOM FORECAST
Due to their cultural importance, numerous official forecasts are released every year hoping to predict the best time to see the blossoms. Like a weather report, these forecasts are of course not always accurate but they are based on historical patterns and are unlikely to be off by a large margin. As each region is different, it is extremely important to pay attention to the area you are in – in the south the blossoms may bloom in march or even earlier, but in the north you will have to wait until May. Fore more information, please see our cherry blossom forecast page, which is updated every year before the new season. Forecasts will start a few months before the expected bloom, so checking in around mid-winter is the best way to get an early start on your plans.
THE BEST TOURS TO SEE CHERRY BLOSSOMS IN JAPAN
With tours operating around Japan, its likely that we will have something that piques your interest. Many of our tours run year round, and offer a chance to view blossoms if taken during the sakura season. Some are designed specifically around seeing cherry blossoms, and guarantee that we will do our utmost to bring you to where the best views are at that point in time. Whichever option you choose, you cannot go wrong – the sight of endless pink flowers will make any day great, and having one of our friendly guides with you will only make it better. We have compiled a list of the best tours to join if you want to see cherry blossoms, which we have published below.
— Takayama Cherry Blossom Tours
— Kanazawa Cherry Blossom Tours
— Kansai (Kyoto, Osaka, etc…) Cherry Blossom Tours
The list is organized by area, and you may skip directly to a specific area by clicking the links above. We will make a note of the most likely time to see the blossoms at their peak, but please do remember that this a natural phenomena and we cannot guarantee anything to an exact degree.
NAGANO CHERRY BLOSSOM TOURS
Nagano enjoys a colder climate than most of Japan’s major cities and more southernly regions, due to its high altitude and distance from the ocean. As a result of this, the blossoms bloom on the later side, with areas like Nagano City and Matsumoto seeing the peak around mid-April, and mountainous area even later. Tokyo and Nagoya, the two largest cities to Nagano, both bloom sometime around the end of March, meaning you can extend the season out by as much as two weeks if you are traveling to Nagano from either of those locations. Nagano has another blessing – its snow capped mountains provide a great backdrop to the Sakura trees and bring everything to the next level.
Cherry Blossom and Snow Monkey Tour / Peak Bloom: Early April – Mid April
1 Day Tour
| [Spring Only] 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Cherry Blossoms in Nagano | |
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| Period | April |
| Time | 09:35 – 17:30/18:30 |
| Meeting Place | Hotel Kokusai 21 Nagano Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
Operating by necessity only in April, this tour brings you to the Snow Monkey Park as well as to see the blooming cherry blossoms. Using our local knowledge, we change the cherry blossom viewing area as necessary each day to ensure our guests get to see the blossoms at as close to their best as is possible. Rather than searching on your own, why not leave it up to us? With a visit to the Monkey Park included this is a great way to enjoy the spring season, and is even possible to do as a day trip from Tokyo if you use the Shinkansen to reach Nagano. As the blossoms in Nagano bloom later than Tokyo, this is a great way to get to see them even if you missed the season in Tokyo.
Pick Up Locations: Nagano Station, Hotel Kokusai 21
Private Takato Castle Cherry Blossom Tour / Peak Bloom: Early April – Mid April
Private Tour
| (Spring Only) Private 1-Day Tour: Cherry Blossoms of Takato Castle Park | |
| Period | April |
| Time | 11:00-20:00 / 12:00-18:30 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station / Matsumoto Station |
| Price | ¥188,100 ~ / group |
Operating as a private tour, this fun day trip will see you first visiting the ruins of Takato Castle, considered one of the best places in Japan to see cherry blossoms. With numerous booths selling food and drink set up around the park, there are plenty of options for refreshment and entertainment, giving you the full ‘Hanami’ experience. The day doesn’t end there, however; the next stop will be at Matsumoto Castle, one of the best preserved castles in Japan and home to countless cherry blossom trees on its expansive grounds. At night, these trees are beautifully lit and as the tour will be heading to Matsumoto Castle in the evening you will have a chance to see the beauty of nighttime sakura, known as ‘Yozakura’ in Japanese.
Pick Up Locations: Nagano Station, Other locations available upon request
1-Day Tour of the Ashikaga Flower Park and Local History / Late March – Early April
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Nagano and Karuizawa: Colors of the Season at Ashikaga Flower Park | |
| Period | March – October |
| Time | 07:50 – 19:00 / 09:30 – 17:30 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station / Karuizawa Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥29,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥17,900 |
Japan is famous for its gardens, and the Ashikaga Flower Park demands a spot amongst the best. Although not traditionally Japanese, it is home to a huge variety of flowering plants and speaks to the love many in this nation hold for gardening. Developed in such a way that something is always blooming from Spring through Autumn, the park is most busy during the wisteria season in late April. Huge and very old, the wisteria here is on another level and is likely above anything most people have ever seen. For guests looking for cherry blossoms, a visit a little earlier in late March through early April would be ideal. After a stroll in the garden, a trip to the nearby Ashikaga Gakko, Japan’s oldest school, and the Orihime Shrine which boasts a beautiful view over the city below is included.
Pick Up Locations: Nagano Station and Karuizawa Station
Matsumoto Castle and Kamikochi Alpine Valley Tour / Peak Bloom: Early April – Mid April (up to Early May in Kamikochi)
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle | |
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| Period | April to November |
| Time | 08:15 – 18:30 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station Matsumoto Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥23,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,900 |
Nagano is best known for it’s mountains – in summer hiking enthusiasts flock to the high peaks, and in winter ski enthusiasts come from around the world to enjoy fresh powder slow on Nagano’s slopes. Amongst all of the alpine areas in Nagano, the Kamikochi valley is considered to be one of the most beautiful, with crystal clear water flowing in its rivers and snowy peaks towering over the hiking trails. Sitting at the base of these mountains is the charming city of Matsumoto, Nagano’s cultural capital and home to Matsumoto Castle. Standing as one of Japan’s only original castles, it is a must-see for anyone interested in Japanese history or just the beauty of Japanese building design.
In this tour, you can visit both – a difficult feat using only public transport but made extremely easy on our tour. With your guide close at hand, your time in Matsumoto will teach you a lot about Japanese culture while your time in the mountains will take your breath away with the beauty of nature. If you are visiting to enjoy the cherry blossoms, we recommend coming between early and mid April as the blossoms around Matsumoto Castle will be at their best then. However, in Kamikochi various kinds of wild sakura will also be blooming even into May, and so you will have a wide window to see some varieties of cherry blossom.
Pick Up Locations: Nagano Station, Matsumoto Station
TOKYO CHERRY BLOSSOM TOURS
As Japan’s capital and largest city, Tokyo has a lot to do. Not surprisingly, it also has a lot of cherry blossom trees! Planted in parks, neighborhoods, and historical sites throughout the city, you won’t have to look far to find some. Although popular areas may be as crowded as you would expect in a big city, there are also a number of more local and hidden areas that offer all the beauty with less of the crowds. By taking one of our Tokyo tours in spring, you will be able to visit the cities best attractions while also enjoying the view of the flowers.
Kamakura and Enoshima tour from Tokyo / Peak Bloom: Late March – Early April
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Trip to Kamakura and Enoshima : Shrines, Seaside, Temples and Tea | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 08:00 – 19:10 |
| Meeting Place | Outside of Shinjuku Station South Gate Baskin Robbins |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
The seaside towns of Kamakura and Enoshima, both located around 60 minutes from Tokyo by train, are among the most popular weekend getaways for residents of the capital. Kamakura was once the capital of Japan for a short time 1,000 years ago, and still maintains a number of historical sites from that time to this day. Enoshima, on the other hand, is a center of surf culture in Japan, as well as an always popular date spot for the youth and the young at heart. Luckily, you can also find cherry blossoms here, and in particular Kamakura stands out for its blossoms planted right next to the ancient Giant Buddha statue. First crafted in the time when the Minamoto Shoguns ruled Japan from Kamakura, building it was an impressive feat, and it stands unchanged as generation after generation of blossoms have showered it with petals.
Pick Up Location: Shinjuku Station
Walking Tour in Shinjuku and Shibuya / Peak Bloom: Late March – Early April
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Walking Tour in Shinjuku and Shibuya : The Best of Both | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:30 – 17:30 |
| Meeting Place | Inside Yotsuya-Sanchome Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
This tour will give you the opportunity to experience both traditional culture and pop culture in Tokyo, combining two of the cities most famous and popular areas, Shinjuku and Shibuya. If you’re low on time, and want to experience two of Tokyo’s hot spots, this is the perfect tour for you. Particularly relevant for the Sakura season is the visit to the Shinjuku Gyoen, a massive park in Shinjuku with beautiful blossoms and a number of gardens. Many of the streets in the area are also lined with beautiful cherry blossom trees, which will be reaching their spectacular peak from late March to Early April.
Pick Up Location: Yotsuya Sanchome Station
NAGOYA CHERRY BLOSSOM TOURS
Japan’s often overlooked 3rd major city, Nagoya has a lot more to offer than is typically believed. With less tourists than Tokyo and Osaka, it can be a good way to enjoy the big city while still not feeling too packed in at each destination. Of course, it also has a lot of good places to see cherry blossoms, both inside the city and in its surrounding areas. On one of our tours in the area, you will be treated to a great day out with a local guide who can help point you to the best blossoms around.
Castles and Canals in Hikone and Omi Hachiman Tour / Peak Bloom: Early April – Mid April
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 |
On the shores of Japan’s biggest lake, Lake Biwa, lies Omi Hachiman, a quaint town best known for its scenic canals lined with beautiful traditional architecture. Although not exactly as big as Venice, it is a bit like a Japanese version with its historic scenery and canal rides on wooden gondolas. Growing along this canal are, you guessed it, a number of cherry blossom trees that elevate the scenery to the next level when in full bloom. This tour also includes a stop at Hikone, home to an original castle which has its own cherry blossoms planted throughout its grounds and offers stunning scenery that seems to have come straight out of a guidebook.
Pick Up Locations: Nagoya Station, Hikone Station
Garden Walk through Nagoya / Peak Bloom: Late March – Early April
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 |
The castle city of Nagoya attracted samurai and craftsmen alike and, later, wealthy merchants and innovative leaders of industry. Today, Nagoya has cemented itself as Japan’s center of industry and is home to manufacturing giants such as Toyota, Brother, Noritake, Ibanez, Buffalo, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
This tour will take you into several historical estates and private gardens of these titans of industry. Marvel at the gilded artwork and golden screens in Honmaru Palace and sip tea while gazing at a garden designed for a daimyo as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide through Nagoya on this full-day tour.
Pick Up Location: Nagoya Station
TAKAYAMA CHERRY BLOSSOM TOURS
Nestled deep in the mountains of the Hida region, Takayama is a traditional city with wooden building lined streets and delicious food everywhere you turn. Nearby is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go, famous for its thatched roof houses designed to withstand the heavy snow that blankets the region in winter. Although it may seem a world away, Takayama is easily accessible from Nagoya and Kanazawa, making it a perfect escape from the city.
Takayama and Shirakawa-go Tour / Early April – Mid April
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Takayama: Explore Scenic Old Japan in Takayama and Shirakawa-go | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:00 – 18:30 |
| Meeting Place | Takayama Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥20,800 / 22,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥12,000 / 14,000 |
Hidden away in the middle of the mountains of Central Japan, but also an easy 2 hour trip from Kanazawa, Nagoya, Toyama and Matsumoto, Takayama is a popular destination for its traditional old town and surrounding natural beauty. The tour starts from Takayama Station and we head to the Takayama Jinya, the former headquarters of the Shogun’s government in the city. It was made from the materials of the castle that used to exist on a mountain nearby. After learning more about the history of the city and region, we will walk down the historical merchant street lined with traditional Japanese buildings. You can eat and shop here in the atmosphere of a 200 year old market district. The morning market is also nearby and there are lots of local handicrafts, fruits and other foods. Following lunch in the area, we will get on the bus and head to Shirakawa-go, the historical village with the traditional thatched-roof houses. You will be able to see stunning views of the town from above, go inside one of the homes and learn about village life and have time to enjoy the town by yourselves.
Pick Up Location: Takayama Station
GUJO HACHIMAN – HISTORY, TRADITIONS, AND CRAFTS / Peak Bloom: Early April – Mid April
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Takayama: Gujo Hachiman -History, Traditions and Crafts | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:00 – 18:30 |
| Meeting Place | Takayama Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥24,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
Embark on a cultural odyssey with our 1-Day Tour from Takayama to Gujo Hachiman, where history, tradition, and artistry beautifully converge. Enjoy the sight of Gujo Hachiman Castle, a beacon of the town’s rich past, and surrounded by cherry blossoms in Spring. Dive deeper into local heritage at a museum, where the town’s lore and traditions are meticulously preserved, providing a window into the soul of Gujo Hachiman. Here you will have the opportunity to engage in the town’s celebrated craft of making lifelike food replicas, a unique artistic expression that offers a hands-on connection to Japanese culture. Meander through quaint streets and alleys, each turn revealing layers of Gujo Hachiman’s enduring charm and beauty. Immerse yourself in the scenic and cultural wonders of Gujo Hachiman. Reserve your place now to explore, learn, and be inspired by a town where history is alive and creativity flourishes.
Pick Up Location: Takayama Station
KANAZAWA CHERRY BLOSSOM TOURS
Kanazawa is among the most important cities on the Sea of Japan coast, both today and in the past. Formerly the capital of the Kaga Domain, it had the highest tax revenue of all domains and was famed for its wealth throughout Japan. Kanagawa has another glittery secret up its sleeve – it is the largest producer of gold leaf in Japan, by a large margin. As gold leaf is edible, you can try all manner of snacks and sweets coated in gold leaf while here, the perfect way to feel like a feudal lord while viewing the cherry blossoms.
Kanazawa Main Sights Tour / Peak Bloom: Late March – Early April
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Kanazawa: Samurai, Matcha, Gardens and Geisha | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:00 – 17:30 |
| Meeting Place | Kanazawa Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
This tour has you walk in the same streets as those from times past. Walk the streets the samurai of the Kaga clan and see a warriors house from the Edo period. Relax and enjoy maccha in a tea house overlooking a beautiful garden next to the impressive castle walls. Stroll through the Kenroku-en garden like the daimyos of the Edo period and admire the artistry of the landscaping of not just the land but of the trees as well. Finally, walk through Higashi Chayamachi, the old geisha district, where you can shop, snack and take a tour of a former tea house that was used by actual geisha in the past. And along the way, marvel at the cherry blossoms lining the streets of this wonderful city!
Pick Up Location: Kanazawa Station
Eiheiji and Fukui City from Kanazawa / Peak Bloom: Late March – Early April
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Eiheiji Temple and Fukui City Castle Town | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 08:30 – 18:00 |
| Meeting Place | Kanazawa Station Fukui Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥25,300 / 17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥14,500 / 11,000 |
As one of the head temples of the world famous Japanese Zen Buddhist sect, Eiheiji Temple is a place where you can feel the mystery and beauty of traditional architecture hidden in a natural paradise. On this tour you can choose start from either Kanazawa Station or Fukui Station. After grouping up at Fukui Station, we will take a tour of the city in the morning, seeing the castle walls, the “rainbow” shrine, and views of the city from the Atagozaka Slope. We will eat in the city before heading out on a direct bus to Eiheiji Temple. The ride into the mountains is about 30 minutes and we will arrive near the temple grounds. This area has had groupings of temples for over 500 hundred years and at its peak had thousands of monks living in the area. We will walk through the temple and learn about the history as we climb up deeper into the temple. There are many excellent photo spots to discover, too. The are so many interesting angles that catch the intertwining of nature and architecture all over the complex. Try to find the one that touches you the most!
Pick Up Locations: Kanazawa Station, Fukui Station
KANSAI CHERRY BLOSSOM TOURS
The beating cultural heart of Japan, Kansai contains Kyoto, Japan’s thousand year capital, Osaka, the second largest city in the country, and a whole lot more just waiting to be discovered. As befits a region of such high pedigree, there are a lot of spots to see cherry blossoms. It was here in the gardens of Kyoto that ancient poets wrote melancholic songs comparing life to a flower, and where medieval merchants in Osaka frolicked under the blossoms in Spring. And it is here where you too will learn just how beautiful springtime in Japan can be.
Traversing Kyoto’s Scenic West – Arashiyama to Kinkakuji / Peak Bloom: Late March – Early April
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Walking Tour : Traversing Kyoto’s Scenic West – Arashiyama to Kinkakuji | |
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| Period | All year round |
| Time | 09:00-17:00 |
| Meeting Place | JR Kyoto Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
Experience the enchanting beauty of Kyoto with a tour to Arashiyama and Kinkakuji. Begin your journey in Arashiyama, where you can stroll through the famous Bamboo Grove, visit the serene Tenryuji Temple, and enjoy the scenic views from the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge. After immersing yourself in the natural splendor of Arashiyama, continue to Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion. Marvel at the pavilion’s stunning reflection in the surrounding pond and explore the meticulously maintained gardens. This tour offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and architectural beauty, providing a memorable glimpse into Kyoto’s cultural heritage. For cherry blossom enthusiasts, you will find a large number of blossoms in Arashiyama, including in the nearby mountains.
Pick Up Location: JR Kyoto Station
Discover Daruma Magic and the Beauty of Minoh Falls / Peak Bloom: Late March – Early April
1 Day Tour
| Osaka’s Secret Adventures: Discover Daruma Magic and the Beauty of Minoh Falls | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:20 – 16:00 |
| Meeting Place | Osaka Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
If you want to experience a different side of Osaka with a more natural touch, this is the tour for you. Begin your journey at the serene Daruma Temple, known for its peaceful ambiance and unique history. Here, you can explore the tranquil grounds and learn about the temple’s cultural significance. After soaking in the calm atmosphere of the temple, we will take you to a nearby waterfall, a hidden gem that offers a refreshing escape from the urban hustle. The sound of cascading water and the lush greenery provide a perfect backdrop for relaxation and reflection. This tour offers a tranquil and scenic journey, allowing you to experience the natural charm of Osaka in a new and relaxing way, showcasing the city’s lesser-known natural beauty.
CHERRY BLOSSOM VARIETIES AND HOW THEY BLOOM
Cherry blossoms come in a number of varieties, each with its own color, flower shape, and time of blooming. Some are very common, while others are unusual to see, so it pays to learn about the types before you visit and enjoy figuring out which are which! If that sounds like fun to you, have a look at our page detailing each variety, as well as the process of blooming. You will come away a little bit more ready to make the most of this Spring!
THE IMPORTANCE OF ‘SAKURA’ AND ‘HANAMI’ IN JAPAN
Sakura, or cherry blossoms, run deep in Japanese culture. Famed for centuries due to their ephemeral beauty, they represent some of Japanese cultures strongest ideals. Samurai were even compared to Cherry Blossoms in the saying “As is the cherry blossom amongst flowers, so is the Samurai amongst men”. In other words, the Samurai would blossom beautifully but fall just as soon, cut down in battle. For more information on the importance Japanese have long placed on this pink petaled flower, please see our page on the topic here.
