What are the best places to see 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.
Nagoya Castle
Best Time: Late March to Early April
Number of Sakura Trees: Approximately 1,000
The iconic Nagoya Castle and Honmaru Palace, one of the most famous landmarks in the city, transforms into a sakura paradise in spring. Around 1,000 cherry trees, including the beloved Yoshino and Shidare varieties, bloom on the castle grounds. The sight of the pink blossoms set against the grand, golden-shachikoko on the roof of the castle is nothing short of magical.
The cherry blossoms at Nagoya Castle are celebrated during the annual Spring Festival, which takes place annually from late March to early April. During this time, the castle extends its hours until 8 p.m., allowing visitors to witness the sakura illuminated at night. The light-up event creates a dramatic and serene atmosphere, with the pink blossoms glowing softly under the lights, and the majestic silhouette of the castle towering in the background.
Visitors can also enjoy the festival’s various attractions, including local food stalls offering Nagoya-style delicacies, as well as traditional Japanese games that are perfect for families. Nagoya Castle is undoubtedly one of the top destinations to experience both history and the fleeting beauty of sakura.
Nabana no Sato
Best Time: End of February to End of March (Cherry Blossom Light-up Event)
Number of Sakura Trees: Approximately 300
Located within the Nagashima Resort, Nabana no Sato is renowned for its seasonal flower displays, and the cherry blossoms here are a highlight. This botanical garden is home to about 300 Yoshino cherry trees, creating a picturesque sakura tunnel. The surrounding area, with its meticulous landscaping, offers a tranquil environment to enjoy the blooms.
What sets Nabana no Sato apart is its cherry blossom light-up event. From late February to late March, the park illuminates its blooming plum and cherry trees, casting a dreamlike glow over the landscape. The park is also famous for its diverse flower displays, ranging from plum blossoms in early spring to tulips and roses later in the year. Visitors can enjoy floral ice creams inspired by the garden's seasonal blooms, such as cherry blossom, wisteria, and rose flavors. This is a perfect spot for those seeking a blend of natural beauty and artistic illuminations.
Tokugawa Garden
Best Time: 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.
Shirotori Garden
Best Time: 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
Best Time: Late March to Early April
Number of Sakura Trees: Approximately 400
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.
Yoro Park
Best Time: Late March to Early April
Number of Sakura Trees: Approximately 3,000
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
Best Time: Early April
Number of Sakura Trees: Approximately 500
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.
Shirakawa-go
Best Time: 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 from Nagoya: Hida Takayama and World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go
- Spots:
- TakayamaNagoyaShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Nagoya
- Drop-off:
- Nagoya
Nakasendo Trail
Best Time: April
Number of Sakura Trees: Varies
For those who enjoy hiking, the Nakasendo Trail offers a fantastic opportunity to see cherry blossoms in a more natural setting. This ancient samurai route, which connects Tsumago-juku and Magome-juku, is dotted with the iconic Yaebeni Shidare weeping cherry blossoms. These trees bloom later than more low-lying areas, often peaking a few weeks after the blooms have finished in Tokyo, making this a great option for those who miss the blooms in other areas.
The Nakasendo Trail offers a peaceful and immersive way to experience sakura, with the weeping cherry trees set against the rural countryside. Hiking through the scenic trail, you’ll also pass by traditional post towns, old inns, and beautiful landscapes.
Ise Shrine
Best Time: Late March to Early April
Number of Sakura Trees: Approximately 600
Ise Shrine, one of Japan’s most sacred Shinto sites, offers a serene setting for cherry blossom viewing. The cherry trees, including the renowned Somei Yoshino variety, bloom along the Isuzu River, creating a picturesque scene as they contrast with the lush greenery of the sacred grounds. The combination of spirituality, history, and natural beauty makes Ise Shrine an unforgettable destination for sakura enthusiasts.
Nagoya and its surrounding areas offer a rich variety of locations to experience the beauty of cherry blossoms. Whether you’re seeking a grand historic setting like Nagoya Castle or a serene natural landscape like the Nakasendo Trail, the sakura season provides an unparalleled opportunity to view the beauty of nature and understand Japan’s deep connection with the season.
How can I find guided tours to see 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.
PRIVATE CHARTERS
If you are looking for transportation to/from major destinations in Central Japan, our company is happy to help! Our buses and vehicles are suitable for single travelers, couples, families and groups of up to 45 people. Click the button below to browse some of our popular charters and to inquire directly.
PRIVATE TOURS
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.
