Cherry Blossom Season 2026: How to Plan Your Japan Adventure

Every spring, Japan comes alive in shades of pink and white cherry blossoms, or Sakura. For locals and travelers alike, this season is one of the most exciting and magical times to explore the country. Cherry blossom season only lasts a few short weeks in each region and can shift slightly every year due to weather, which is why it is vital to plan ahead for your 2026 trip.

In this guide, we will outline the best places in Japan to see the blossoms as well as alternative destinations to visit that allow you to still see the cherry blossom blooms as well as other historical and cultural highlights.

The Best Time To Visit Japan For Cherry Blossoms

Cherry blossom season in Japan typically runs from late March to late April or early May, depending on the region. The south sees the cherry blossoms in full bloom earlier and moves further north as the season progresses. The full bloom, or mankai, typically lasts around a week, but it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact time early out. However, even when the blossoms are not in full bloom, the sight is still truly magical and spectacular.

While the 2026 forecast still has not been released, it is best to start booking your flights and hotels at least 9-12 months in advance in order to get the best rates and accommodation options available. Additionally, allowing a bit of flexibility within your schedule or visiting multiple locations throughout the country will give you the best chance of catching the full blooms at some point in your vacation.

The Best Places To See Cherry Blossoms In Japan

Japan consists of four major islands along with 14,121 smaller islands, making it a diverse country to see the annual cherry blossoms. A few notable and popular locations include:

Tokyo

As Japan’s capital and largest city, Tokyo has no shortage of cherry blossom locations. As a major international hub, Tokyo is the ideal city to fly into from abroad and offers visitors a multitude of things to do. Peak cherry blossom season is around the end of March to early April. The Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Festival features over 800 trees lining the canal along with food stalls and shops selling wares to visitors strolling along the streets. This is only one of many festivals all across Tokyo during the peak blossom season.

Ueno Park with over 1,000 cherry blossoms lining the pathway and the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a more peaceful option with a variety of cherry blossom trees, are also fantastic spots to spend the day looking at nature’s beauty.

Osaka

Known as one of the major financial centers of Japan, Osaka is a lively city that is perfect for visitors looking for a mix of a vibrant lifestyle with traditional culture. The blossoms usually are at their peak around the last week of March to the first week of April. Some popular locations to view the blossoms include Osaka Castle Park with over 3,000 trees around the historic castle and Kema Sakuranomiya Park with almost 5,000 trees along the Okawa River.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a perfect blend of nature’s beauty with historic and traditional charm. The cherry blossoms typically reach peak bloom in early April with dozens of parks and city districts to see the blossoms. Philosopher’s Path is lined with hundreds of cherry trees and Maruyama Park, next to the Yasaka Shrine, is the most popular park to view the cherry blossoms, including a large weeping cherry tree that is illuminated in the evening. Visit the Kyoto Botanical Garden to have a picnic under the cherry trees and other flowers that bloom in the spring.

One of the most popular attractions, the Hirano Shrine, is known for its variety of cherry trees and lights up the blossoms in the evenings for visitors to enjoy.

Hokkaido

If you plan to visit Japan a little later in the season, Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s four main islands, has a later peak blossoming. Blooming from late April to early May, this island is the final location for viewing the blossoms in the country. The two most popular locations on the island to view the cherry blossoms are Sapporo’s Maruyama Park which features a nice blend of cherry trees and historic landmarks, and Hakodate’s Goryokaku Park, with a star-shaped fort and observation tower features over 1,500 trees. Both locations are perfect places to see the cherry blossoms up close and can be a slightly less busy and crowded cherry blossom experience versus locations to the south.

Other Japanese Experiences To Enjoy During Sakura Season

While the cherry blossom blooms may be the ultimate highlight of your trip to Japan, there are other cultural and fun ways to enjoy your vacation. Some ideas include:

Participate in a Tea Ceremony

A traditional tea ceremony is one of the top cultural experiences to take part in while in Japan. Kyoto and Kanazawa host these ceremonies where you can learn more about the heritage while enjoying tea, sweets, and matcha.

Visit Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is one of the most iconic views in Japan and seeing the famous volcanic mountain is necessary while in the country. Seeing the site during the cherry blossom season is an extra highlight.

Day Trips Throughout Japan

Japan’s extensive bullet train network makes it easy to visit different locations all in a single day. Take the train from Tokyo in the morning to view the gardens in Kyoto in the afternoon. Or take the train to Osaka and eat to your heart’s content, sampling dishes in the different districts around the city.

The Best Alternative Cherry Blossom Destinations

If flying to Japan is not in the cards for you in 2026, but you still want to see the full cherry blossom blooms, there are some popular options.

Washington, D.C, USA

A springtime visit to the U.S. Capital is a must-do for every traveler. Washington D.C. received its first cherry blossoms in 1912 from the people of Japan as a gift of friendship. The blossoms are lined around the Tidal Basin and throughout the area of the National Mall. Every March and April, the National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the gift from Japan and has various shows, performances, and other interactive experiences for locals and visitors to enjoy.

For runners, the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile and 5K run is held every year around the festival time and is a great way to see the blossoms while taking in the sites of the area.

Macon, Georgia, USA

Dubbed the “Cherry Blossom Capital of the World,” Macon is a true southern town with charm and beauty. The annual International Cherry Blossom Festival (being held from March 20-29, 2026), features a week of rides, events, shows, and concerts for visitors to enjoy. The city has more than 350,000 cherry trees blanketing the city in a sea of pink, perfect for memories for the entire family.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia, Vancouver comes alive every spring with cherry blossoms dotting the city. The city holds the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival every March and April and is a treat for all who attend. The city has over 40,000 cherry trees where you can enjoy guided walks, performances, and other activities, all with the background of the pink cherry blossoms.

Copenhagen, Denmark

If you are looking to head over to Europe in the spring, Copenhagen is a beautiful city that is newer to the cherry blossom season. In 2005, the city planted 200 Sakura trees to mark 200 years since the birth of Hans Christian Andersen. Langelinie Park and the Bispebjerg Cemetery are filled with the pink and white blooms. The city also celebrates the Copenhagen Sakura Festival each April (in 2026, the festival will be held April 18th and 19th) with events celebrating the culture of Japan.

Campos do Jordão, Brazil

South America may not be the first place you think of for cherry blossoms, but tucked away in the mountains of Brazil, Campos do Jordão is a treat for visitors. Unlike locations in the Northern Hemisphere which experience blossoms in the March or April, the trees in Brazil bloom in August, making it a perfect getaway for those looking to escape the summer heat north of the equator. The annual cherry blossom festival is held at Parque de Cerejeira with traditional music, dance, and other performances for guests to enjoy.

Final Travel Tips For Cherry Blossom Season

In order to make the best plan for your cherry blossom vacation, be sure to book your flights, hotels, and tours early as prices increase closer to your travel date. Additionally, be sure to stay flexible (if your schedule allows) and visit places beyond the major tourist hotspots. When packing, pack for a variety of weather conditions as it may be warm during the day but chilly in the evenings.

Traveling to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom is one of the most magical vacations you may take. Whether you have your eyes set on strolling the streets in Japan, exploring along the Tidal Basin in our Nation’s Capital, or wandering to a newer cherry blossom highlight in Europe, you will be captivated by the culture, tradition, and beauty of this season.

If you are ready to begin planning your vacation to see the cherry blossoms in Japan or somewhere closer to home, contact our travel advisors at Avondale Travel today!