Sakura (cherry blossoms) 2017

Held beside Lake Motosuko, the foot of Mount Fuji, about 800,000 shibazakura (moss phlox) covers vast fields to give colors and stunning contrast of pink ground with the majestic Mount Fuji. The festival is the largest shibazakura festival in Japan and annually held from mid-April to early June. As there are other various attraction, such as panoramic café, foot bath and local food stalls, you can even enjoy the event for a whole day. The breathtaking view will be unforgettable and worth visiting from Tokyo, even you are not a flower lover.
[Access]
30-minute with shuttle from Kawaguchiko Station
[Open Hours]
From 8:00am to 5:00pm
[Address]
212 Motosu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru, Yamanashi » Google Map

Odawara, the gateway to Hakone area, is well-deserved tourist destination, especially in spring. Considered as cherry blossom viewing spots, 320 Yoshino cherry trees amazingly reach full bloom in early April. Picturesque combination of cherry blossom and traditional Japanese castle is perfect for picnic and “hanami”, Japanese-style flower viewing. Also, the trees will be lit up at night and beautifully reflected on the moat.
[Access]
10-minute walk from Odawara Station
[Open Hours]
From 9:00am to 5:00pm (Entry until 4:30pm)
[Address]
6-1 Jonai, Odawara-shi, Kanagawa » Google Map

No. 1 Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku Gyoen has approximately 1,100 cherry trees of more than 65 different varieties. The park has numerous early and late blooming cherry trees which provide an extended cherry blossom viewing season (about 1 month) for those who miss the main season.
Alcohol drinks are prohibited in the park. However, non-alcohol drinks and food are allowed to bring in to eat inside the park while viewing cherry blossoms.
[Access]
10-minute walk from the New South Exit of JR Shinjuku station
[Open Hours]
From 9:00am to 4:00pm
[Address]
11 aito-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo » Google Map

No. 2 Ueno Onshi Park

Ueno Onshi Park has approximately 800 cherry trees. It is one of the most famous viewing spots in Tokyo, where more than 2 millions of people visit to view beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom during the season every year.
They are lit up in the evening, which is another way to enjoy viewing cherry blossoms.
There will be a variety of food stands lined up by the pond in the park only during the viewing season, so you can buy food and drinks from those stores.
[Access]
2 minute walk from JR Ueno Station
[Open Hours]
From 5:00 am to 11:00 pm
[Address]
3 Ikenohata / Uenokoen, Taito-ku, Tokyo » Google Map

No. 3 Chidorigafuchi Ryokudo Walkway

Chidorigafuchi-ryokudo is a 700-meter-long lush green walkway along the moat of the Imperial Palace, and one of the best spots in Tokyo for viewing cherry blossoms. There are approximately 260 cherry trees, which cover the walkway from the above, so that it makes you feel like you are walking through a tunnel of cherry blossoms. You can also enjoy viewing cherry blossoms on a boat.
They are lit up in the evening, which is another way to enjoy viewing cherry blossoms.
There will be a variety of food stands lined up by the pond in the park only during the viewing season, so you can buy food and drinks from those stores.
[Access]
5-minute walk from Kudanshita station on Tokyo Metro Tozai Line
[Open Hours]
Open for 24 hours
» Google Map

No. 1 Yoshino in Nara Prefecture

Mount Yoshino (Yoshinoyama), in Nara Prefecture, has been Japan's most famous cherry blossom viewing spot for many years. The mountain is covered by approximately 30,000 cherry trees of many different varieties, especially of the Yamazakura variety.
[How to get around]
During the cherry blossom season from late March to early May (March 26 to May 8, 2016), shuttle buses operate between Yoshino Station and the Naka Senbon area near Chikurin-in Temple. The buses run 2-4 times per hour (fee: 360 yen one way). From the Naka Senbon area near Chikurin-in Temple, mini buses operate 1-2 buses per hour to the Oku Senbon area of Yoshinoyama (fee: 400 yen one way, travel time: 15 minutes).
[Access from Tokyo]
2 hours and 15 minutes by Nozomi Shinkansen to Kyoto Station and 1 hour and 15 minutes from Kyoto to Yoshino Station via the Kintetsu Line » Google Map

No. 2 Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture

Hirosaki Park is one of Japan's best cherry blossom spots located in Aomori Prefecture. Its abundance of over 2500 trees including many varieties of cherry trees turns the whole park into pink color. A cherry blossom festival is held annually from April 23 to May 5, when the blossoms are usually in bloom. (This festival schedule may change depending on the blossom conditions.)
Hirosaki Park is illuminated after sunset to 10:00pm during the cherry-blossom festival.
It is just stunning how the moats are covered with cherry petals.
[Hours]
[Honmaru/Kita no Kuruwa Area] 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (April 1st - November 23rd) [Botanical Garden] 9:00 am - 6:00 pm (Tickets are sold until 5:30 pm)
*During the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival the paid hours are extended.
[Admission Fee]
Honmaru/Kita no Kuruwa Area: Adult 310 yen / Child 100 yen
Botanical Garden: Adult 310 yen / Child 100 yen
[Address]
1 Shimoshirogane-cho, Hirosaki-shi, Aomori 036-8356
[How to get around]
A 15-minute bus ride from the west of JR Hirosaki Station by the Dotemachi Loop Bus. Get off at Shiyakusho-mae bus stop. » Google Map

No. 3 Takato Castle Site in Nagano Prefecture

Takato Castle Park is known as one of the three greatest cherry blossom sites in Japan. The castle is full of 1,500 Kohiganzakura cherry trees, which are called the greatest cherry blossoms in the world, and has been designated as a natural monument by the prefecture.
It is visited by many tourists from all over Japan.
[Hours]
8:00 am - 5:00 pm (During cherry blossom season, basically April)
6:00 am to 10:00 pm (Peak cherry blossom period in April)
[Closed Days]
open all year long
[Admission Fee]
500 yen (adults), 250 yen (children under 15)
[Address]
Higashi Takato, Takato-machi, Ina City, Nagano
[Access from Tokyo]
[by Train] 2h 30 min from Shinjuku (Tokyo) to Okaya Station by JR Chuo Line (limited express Azusa), and 45 min from Okaya to Ina-shi Station by JR Iida Line. » Google Map