![Where to Stay In Japan For Cherry Blossom Season](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/05/a0005169/img/basic/a0005169_main.jpg?20220926140300&q=80)
Japan's cherry blossom season, which goes from late March to early April, is one of the most popular times to visit the country. This period is so popular that in 2019, around 5.7 million people visited from abroad, according to data from the Japan National Tourism Organization.
Needless to say, when traveling to Japan to enjoy the blossoms, it's essential to plan ahead and make hotel reservations at least 4-5 months in advance for popular areas. Here are some suggestions on where and when to stay in Japan for cherry blossom season.
Main image: PIXTA
When is cherry blossom season in Japan?
![When is cherry blossom season in Japan?](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/05/a0005169/img/en/a0005169_parts_63c4cdd3eadbb.png?20220926140300&q=80)
Japan's cherry blossoms bloom from west to east in what's come to be known as the Cherry Blossom Front. Cherry blossom season starts from around mid-March to the end of April. Areas in higher elevations and toward the north see later blooms. Be sure to check out our Cherry Blossom Forecast for this year's latest bloom times.
- Western Japan (Kyushu - Fukuoka)
- ・Flowering: Around March 23
・Full bloom: Around April 1
- Mid-Western Japan (Kansai - Kyoto/Osaka)
- ・Flowering: Around March 27
・Full bloom: Around April 5
- Central Japan
- ・Flowering: Around March 25
・Full bloom: Around April 4
- Greater Tokyo Area
- ・Flowering: Around March 22
・Full bloom: Around March 30
- Northeastern Japan (Tohoku - Sendai)
- ・Flowering: Around April 8
・Full bloom: Around April 13
- Northern Japan (Hokkaido - Sapporo)
- ・Flowering: Around May 2
・Full bloom: Around May 5
Where should I go for cherry blossoms in Japan?
Cherry blossom hotspots can be found in over 1,000 locations across Japan, so choosing just one best place is tough.
To help you whittle down your selection, we've made a list around Japan's most popular areas around major cities. From west to northeast, these include Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo, Fukushima, Aomori, and Sapporo.
Each of these recommended places to stay has a rating of 8+ on Booking.com.
1. Recommended places to stay in Osaka for cherry blossom season
![Cherry blossoms blooming around Osaka Castle.](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/05/a0005169/img/en/a0005169_parts_631ea27f2ab88.jpg?20220926140300&q=80)
Osaka has a delightful mix of cherry blossom viewing locations that offer a representative slice of midwestern Japan with historical sites, modern neighborhoods, and mountainous surroundings.
- Area
- Famous cherry blossom places
- Chuo Ward
- Osaka Castle Park
- Miyakojima Ward
- Kema Sakuranomiya Park
- Tennoji Ward
- Waso Sohonzan Shitenno-ji Temple
Recommended hotels near the cherry blossoms in Osaka
-
Karaksa Hotel Osaka Namba
-
Hotel Noum OSAKA
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HOTEL THE FLAG Shinsaibashi
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Sotetsu Fresa Inn Osaka Shinsaibashi
2. Recommended places to stay in Kyoto for cherry blossom season
![Cherry blossoms blooming along the Keage Incline in Kyoto City. (Credit: Travelpixs / Shutterstock.com)](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/05/a0005169/img/en/a0005169_parts_631ea2b961472.jpg?20220926140300&q=80)
One of the prettiest places for seeing cherry blossoms is Kyoto! Many of the famous blossom spots have weeping cherry trees and double-flowered cherry trees, making for breathtaking photos. Tourists are treated to the city's unique, luxurious annual blossom viewing when the trees reach full bloom in early April.
- Area
- Famous cherry blossom places
- Arashiyama Area
- Togetsukyo Bridge, Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama, along the Katsura River
- Higashiyama Area
- Kiyomizu Temple, Keage Incline
- Sakyo Ward
- Philosopher's Path
Recommended hotels near famous cherry blossom places in Kyoto
-
Nagi Kyoto Arashiyama
-
The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu
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GOOD NATURE HOTEL KYOTO
-
HOTEL MASTAY jingumichi
3. Recommended places to stay in Tokyo for cherry blossom season
![Cherry blossoms blooming along the Meguro River in Tokyo.](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/05/a0005169/img/en/a0005169_parts_631ea326be992.jpg?20220926140300&q=80)
Every spring, Tokyo is packed with visitors during the cherry blossom season. Between the end of March and the beginning of April, Tokyo's cherry trees are in bloom, transforming Tokyo into a pink-petaled wonderland.
While you can enjoy Tokyo's cherry blossoms in a number of different parks and neighborhoods, some of the most famous areas can be found on Tokyo's east side in Taito City; the west side, in Meguro City; and around the Imperial Palace near Tokyo Station in Chiyoda City.
- Area
- Famous cherry blossom places
- Meguro City
- Meguro River
- Chiyoda City
- Chidorigafuchi Moat
Recommended hotels near famous cherry blossom places in Kyoto
-
MIMARU TOKYO UENO EAST
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Mitsui Garden Hotel Ueno
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Odakyu Hotel Century Southern Tower
-
Hotel Gracery Asakusa
4. Recommended places to stay in Fukushima Prefecture for cherry blossom season
![Cherry blossoms framing Tsuruga Castle in Fukushima's Aizu-Wakamatsu City.](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/05/a0005169/img/en/a0005169_parts_631ea374c86fe.jpg?20220926140300&q=80)
Japan's northeastern region, known as Tohoku, is comprised of six prefectures: Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata, and Fukushima. Although each prefecture has incredible sights in spring (such as Kakunodate Samurai Residences in Kakunodate, Akita, and Hirosaki Castle Park in Aomori), Fukushima Prefecture is home to Miharu Takizakura, one of the Five Great Sakura Trees of Japan, and a host of other pretty blossom spots worth checking out.
- Area
- Famous cherry blossom areas
- Miharu
- Miharu Takizakura
- Kitakata
- Nicchu Line Memorial Walkway
- Aizu-Wakamatsu
- Tsuruga Castle
Recommended hotels near famous cherry blossom places in Fukushima
-
Irorinoyado Ashina
-
Kutsurogijuku Chiyotaki
-
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Koriyama Ekimae
-
Onyado Toho
5. Recommended places to stay in Aomori for cherry blossom season
![5. Recommended places to stay in Aomori for cherry blossom season](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/05/a0005169/img/en/a0005169_parts_632118c4d34ac.jpg?20220926140300&q=80)
Aomori is the northernmost prefecture on the main island of Japan, and the cherry blossoms bloom in mid-late April.
You may have heard of Hirosaki Park’s cherry blossom festival before, which is considered one of the best places for cherry blossoms in Aomori and among Japan's Top 100 famous blossom spots. If you are planning a visit to Aomori in spring, be sure to add this area to your list.
- Area
- Famous cherry blossom places
- Towada City
- Kanchogai-dori cherry blossoms
Recommended hotels near the cherry blossoms in Aomori
-
Art Hotel Hirosaki City
-
Dormy Inn Hirosaki
-
Kobori Ryokan
6. Recommended places to stay in Akita for cherry blossom season
![Credit: PIXTA](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/05/a0005169/img/en/a0005169_parts_63213d6446853.jpg?20220926140300&q=80)
Akita Prefecture is situated among the mountains of northern Honshu in the Tohoku region. Given its location, cherry blossom season comes somewhat later, from mid to late April.
Akita has a scattering of famous cherry blossom places. One of the most highly recommended areas is the samurai avenue in Kakunodate, called Bukeyashiki-dori. The Kakunodate-cho Sakura Festival (held from late April to early May), is worth checking out, with the classic samurai residences and pink cherry blossoms combine to create a beautiful Japanese atmosphere.
- Area
- Famous cherry blossom places
- Semboku City
- Kakunodate Bukeyashiki-dori, Hinokinai Riverbank
Recommended hotels near the cherry blossoms in Akita
-
Resort Hotel New Sky
-
Wanoi Kakunodate
-
Hotel Folkloro Kakunodate
-
Nishiki Onsen Kurion
7. Recommended places to stay in Hokkaido for cherry blossom season
![Cherry blossoms ringing Goryokaku Park in Hakodate City.](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/05/a0005169/img/en/a0005169_parts_631ea3d17f10f.jpg?20220926140300&q=80)
As mentioned previously, Japanese cherry blossoms bloom from south to north, so the country's northern island of Hokkaido sees blooms just as the main island is approaching early summer.
Enduring the long and harsh winter, Hokkaido sakura creates a simple scenery of spring emanating a rustic beauty. While there are many beautiful places for seeing cherry blossoms in Hokkaido, the cities of Sapporo and Hakodate have a number of beautiful places to enjoy them, making them great bases for your visit.
- Area
- Famous cherry blossom spots
Recommended hotels near famous cherry blossom places in Hokkaido
-
Randor Hotel Sapporo Suites
-
Sapporo View Hotel Oodori Kouen
-
Randor Residence Susukino Suites
-
La'gent Stay Hakodate Ekimae
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
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