A cherished symbol of Japan and admired for their fleeting beauty, cherry blossoms have strong cultural significance. In Kanazawa and Fukui, these pink trees transform historic sites, gardens, and riversides into breathtaking springtime landscapes. Kanazawa, home to the famed Kenrokuen Garden, offers one of the most stunning cherry blossom displays in the country, while Fukui’s castles and tranquil parks provide equally enchanting views. Due to their location along the Sea of Japan, these regions experience a slightly later bloom, making them ideal destinations for those seeking to enjoy sakura season beyond its peak in other parts of Japan.
The timing of cherry blossoms varies each year, making the blossom forecast essential for planning visits and events at peak bloom. As the sakura reach their full splendor, hanami (flower viewing) becomes a beloved tradition across Japan. Couples, colleagues, friends, and families gather in parks and scenic spots to enjoy food, drinks, and conversation while admiring the fleeting beauty of these iconic blossoms.
2025 Cherry Blossom Season Predictions
It can often be difficult to predict exactly when the cherry blossoms are going to bloom and this year is no exception. The typical opening of the buds starts around April 1st with the trees reaching full bloom around April 6th. This year, due to the cold February temperatures, the forecast has been pushed back a bit for the entire Hokuriku Region (Ishikawa, Fukui and Toyama). See below for the expected dates for some of the famous locations around the region.
| Place | Start | Full Bloom |
| Kanazawa | April 6th | April 11th |
| Fukui | April 6th | April 11th |
| Toyama | April 7th | April 11th |
| Shirakawago | April 15th | April 19th |
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THE BEST SPOTS TO SEE CHERRY BLOSSOMS AROUND KANAZAWA
Kanazawa and its surroundings offer stunning cherry blossom spots, blending history and natural beauty. Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s top three gardens, features over 400 cherry trees and magical nighttime illuminations. Nearby, Kanazawa Castle Park provides a striking contrast between pink blossoms and its white castle walls. For a peaceful riverside experience, Kumasaka Riverside in Nakanoto offers a serene cherry blossom tunnel, while Noto Sakura Station transforms into a picturesque scene with cherry trees lining the railway tracks. The Saigawa and Asano Rivers also provide scenic hanami spots with beautiful riverbank views. Early to mid-April is the best time to enjoy these breathtaking locations.
KANAZAWA CITY / best viewing time early to mid April
Kanazawa is a fantastic destination for cherry blossom viewing, offering a mix of historic sites, serene gardens, and picturesque riverside spots. One of the most famous locations is Kenrokuen Garden, considered one of Japan’s top three gardens. With around 420 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino and Yamazakura varieties, it becomes a breathtaking sea of pink during peak bloom. Evening illuminations add an enchanting touch, making it a must-visit. Right next to it, Kanazawa Castle Park provides another stunning setting, where the contrast of cherry blossoms against the white walls of the castle creates a postcard-worthy view. The area around Ishikawa Gate and Gyokusen’inmaru Garden is especially beautiful.
For those who enjoy riverside strolls, the Asano River offers a peaceful cherry blossom experience with a traditional atmosphere, as it is near the historic Higashi Chaya District. Meanwhile, the Saigawa River is a favorite among locals for hanami picnics, with long stretches of cherry trees lining its banks. The views from Saigawa Ohashi Bridge and Sakura Bridge are particularly impressive. If you’re looking for a higher vantage point, Utatsuyama Park and Mt. Utatsu provide breathtaking panoramic views of Kanazawa covered in cherry blossoms. The gentle hike up is worth it for the scenery and the quieter atmosphere.
For a more refined and historical experience, Seisonkaku Villa, located near Kenrokuen, features a beautiful Japanese garden where cherry blossoms bloom in a tranquil setting. Even Kanazawa Station, while not a traditional hanami spot, has some cherry trees near the striking Tsuzumi-mon Gate, offering a unique blend of modern architecture and natural beauty.
NOTO SAKURA STATION / best viewing time early to mid April
Noto Sakura Station (能登さくら駅) is a picturesque railway station on the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, famous for its stunning cherry blossoms. During early to mid-April, the tracks are lined with vibrant sakura trees, creating a breathtaking tunnel of pink petals. This hidden gem offers a peaceful and photogenic setting, especially when trains pass through, blending nature with nostalgia. It’s a perfect spot for a quiet hanami experience away from crowds, making it a must-visit for cherry blossom lovers exploring the Noto Peninsula.
KUMASAKA RIVERSIDE / best viewing time early to mid April
The Kumasaka Riverside Cherry Blossoms (熊坂川河畔の桜) are located in Kaga City, Ishikawa, where the riverbanks are transformed into a beautiful tunnel of pink sakura during early to mid-April. Historically, Kaga City has long been known for its rich cultural heritage, including its association with Kaga-yuzen (a traditional style of silk dyeing) and its centuries-old hot spring resorts in the Kaga Onsen area. The Kumasaka River has been a beloved hanami spot for locals for many years. The cherry trees along the river reflect beautifully in the water, making it a peaceful and scenic place for walks, photography, or a quiet picnic. Compared to more crowded sakura spots, Kumasaka Riverside offers a serene, immersive experience in nature.
THE BEST SPOTS TO SEE CHERRY BLOSSOMS AROUND FUKUI
Fukui Prefecture offers several picturesque cherry blossom spots, each providing a unique experience. Fukui Castle Ruins, located in the heart of Fukui City, is surrounded by cherry trees that bloom beautifully in spring, offering a stunning contrast between the sakura and the castle's historic remains. The nearby Asuwa River also features cherry trees lining its banks, creating a tranquil riverside walk where the blossoms reflect in the water, perfect for hanami. Kanegasakigu Shrine in Tsuruga, known for its peaceful atmosphere, is another popular cherry blossom spot, with sakura trees surrounding the shrine’s grounds. Finally, Myoyuji Temple in Obama is located in the picturesque countryside and offers a more secluded cherry blossom experience. The traditional temple structures framed by vibrant sakura in full bloom makes for a serene and beautiful sight. These spots combine natural beauty with historical and cultural significance, making Fukui a wonderful destination for cherry blossom enthusiasts.
FUKUI CITY / best viewing time early to mid April
Fukui City offers several fantastic cherry blossom spots, including the Fukui Castle Ruins and Asuwa River. The Fukui Castle Ruins, remnants of a feudal-era castle, are surrounded by cherry trees, which bloom beautifully in early April, offering a striking contrast of history and nature. Nearby, the Asuwa River features cherry trees along its banks, with blossoms reflecting in the water, creating a peaceful setting for a scenic walk. Both spots provide tranquil places to enjoy hanami (flower viewing) in the heart of the city. Below is the weeping cherry blossom of Asuwa Shrine!
Another must-see historical site in Fukui is the Ichijodani Asakura Ruins, the remains of a 16th-century castle town that once thrived under the Asakura clan. Located just outside the city center, this site features scenic walking trails surrounded by cherry blossoms, offering visitors a unique blend of nature and history. The ruins are especially stunning during sakura season, as the vibrant pink blossoms frame the remnants of the old town, creating a picturesque and evocative atmosphere. The combination of cherry blossoms with the historical backdrop of Ichijodani makes it a perfect spot for those seeking both beauty and history.
THE BEST SPOTS TO SEE CHERRY BLOSSOMS AROUND TOYAMA
Toyama Prefecture is known for its beautiful cherry blossoms, with several scenic spots offering a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. In Toyama City, the Fugan Unga Park and its surrounding areas are home to many sakura trees, creating a stunning springtime display along the waterfront. The Gando Riverbanks, also in Toyama, are lined with cherry trees that bloom in early April, offering a peaceful riverside stroll with blossoms reflecting in the water. Additionally, the Asahi Spring Quartet in the Asahi region is a unique cherry blossom spot, where several sites, including Asahi Spring Park, are known for their breathtaking views of sakura and the surrounding mountains. Historically, Toyama has long been an important area for trade and culture, with its rich heritage adding to the charm of its sakura season. These spots, with their serene natural beauty and historical context, make Toyama a wonderful destination for cherry blossom viewing.
TOYAMA CITY / best viewing time early to mid April
Toyama City offers several picturesque cherry blossom spots, perfect for enjoying the beauty of spring. Fugan Unga Park, located along the waterfront, is one of the city's most popular sakura viewing locations, with rows of cherry trees lining the canals, creating stunning reflections of the blossoms in the water. The park provides a peaceful environment for visitors to relax and enjoy hanami (flower viewing). Another charming spot is the area around Toyama Castle, where cherry trees bloom in the castle grounds, offering a beautiful contrast between the sakura and the historic castle walls.
Additionally, the Matsubagawa River Cruise provides a unique way to enjoy cherry blossoms from the water, as you cruise along the river surrounded by sakura in full bloom, offering a tranquil and scenic perspective of the city. These spots in Toyama City provide peaceful and beautiful environments to enjoy the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms each spring.
GANDO RIVERBANKS / best viewing time early to mid April
The Gando Riverbanks in Takaoka are a beautiful cherry blossom spot, particularly popular in early April when the sakura trees along the river bloom in full glory. The peaceful riverside setting provides a perfect atmosphere for hanami (flower viewing), with cherry blossoms reflecting in the water. Historically, Takaoka was a thriving port city during the Edo period, known for its production of copperware and as a key center of trade. The Gando Riverbanks, with their serene beauty, offer a glimpse into the region's natural charm and historical significance.
SPRING QUARTET / best viewing time early to mid April
The Asahi Spring Quartet in Asahi, Toyama, is a cherry blossom spot that offers stunning views of sakura against the backdrop of the surrounding mountains. The area is known for its peaceful atmosphere and scenic landscapes. The Asahi Spring Park is particularly popular for its large clusters of cherry trees that create a breathtaking spectacle when they start blooming in early April. The combination of the mountains, rapeseed flowers, tulips and sakura trees makes the Asahi Spring Quartet a perfect destination for those looking to experience cherry blossoms in a tranquil, natural setting.
OTHER SPOTS TO SEE CHERRY BLOSSOMS NEARBY
SHIRAKAWAGO / best viewing time early to mid April
Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Gifu Prefecture, is a picturesque village famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, characterized by steep thatched roofs. In spring, Shirakawa-go transforms into a beautiful landscape framed by cherry blossoms. The sakura trees bloom in mid April, with their delicate pink flowers contrasting beautifully against the village's rustic wooden houses and the surrounding mountains. Shirakawa-go’s cherry blossoms are often best viewed at the Shirakawago Observatory Deck, which offers a panoramic view of the village with the mountains in the background, creating a stunning and peaceful scene. The village’s combination of traditional architecture and natural beauty makes it a perfect destination for cherry blossom viewing in a more rural, tranquil setting
TAKAYAMA / best viewing time early to mid April
Takayama, located in the mountainous region of Gifu Prefecture, is a charming city known for its well-preserved Edo-period streets and rich cultural heritage. In spring, Takayama comes alive with cherry blossoms, particularly around the Takayama Jinya, a historical government building, and the Shiroyama Park, which is one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in the city. Shiroyama Park is situated on a hill and offers a stunning panoramic view of Takayama, with over 1,500 cherry trees in bloom, creating a beautiful sea of pink. Additionally, the Karakuri Festival, held in April, coincides with the cherry blossom season, making it a perfect time to visit. The city’s combination of sakura, traditional streetscapes, and cultural events makes it an ideal spot for those seeking a charming and picturesque cherry blossom experience.
PRIVATE TOURS AND CHARTERS TO SEE THE BLOSSOMS
PRIVATE CHARTERS
If you prefer to explore Kanazawa’s cherry blossoms at your own pace, our private charter service offers a flexible and comfortable option. With friendly, certified drivers and clean, spacious vehicles, we will pick you up directly from your accommodation or another convenient location and take you to the best blossom spots in the region. Whether you already have specific places in mind or need recommendations, we’re happy to assist. Our local knowledge ensures you'll experience the best of the season.
PRIVATE TOURS
For a more immersive and guided experience, consider one of our private tours. Let our experienced guides lead you to the most beautiful cherry blossom locations while sharing insights into the history and culture of Takayama and the surrounding areas. Whether you're looking for an in-depth tour or a more relaxed experience, we can customize the itinerary to match your preferences. Enjoy a private and personalized journey to make the most of your springtime visit.