For select days between March 17 and April 30, experience the stunning cherry blossoms of Mount Yoshino, one of Japan’s most famous sakura spots, from the sky with a Helicopter Sightseeing Tour.

Departing from Yao Airport in Osaka, this approximately 40-minute flight offers a rare opportunity to witness the breathtaking pink landscape of Yoshino’s cherry blossoms in full bloom from above.

In addition to the sightseeing tour, a special helicopter service will operate between Yao Airport and Kirinuji Heliport in Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. This approximately 30-minute flight runs once per day in each direction, offering a convenient and scenic way to reach Yoshino.

Cherry blossoms on Mount Yoshino typically reach peak bloom in early April. According to the Japan Weather Association, cherry blossoms in Nara are expected to start blooming around April 1 and peak around April 8 (as of March 5, 2026).

Viewing the sakura from above offers a completely different perspective from the usual hanami on the ground—an unforgettable experience you won’t want to miss.

The Arashiyama and Sagano areas are home to stunning cherry blossom spots, including Tenryu-ji Temple, where around 200 Somei Yoshino and wild cherry trees bloom, and Osawa Pond, east of Daikaku-ji Temple, where vibrant Yaezakura (double-flowered cherry blossoms) create a breathtaking scene.

One of the best ways to take in the beauty of this area is aboard the Sagano Romantic Train. This nostalgic sightseeing train offers a leisurely ride through Kyoto’s picturesque spring landscapes, making it a must-try hanami experience.

Originally used as a small freight train for transporting goods, the Sagano Romantic Train was designed to run on tracks laid in areas inaccessible to trucks or regular trains. Today, it has been transformed into a sightseeing train, offering a slow-paced ride along the Hozu River, allowing passengers to fully immerse themselves in the seasonal beauty of the gorge.

Along the route, approximately 700 cherry trees line the tracks, blending beautifully with the wild mountain sakura along the Hozu River. The 25-minute journey showcases breathtaking sakura highlights, including the Sakura Tunnel near Torokko Kameoka Station and the mountain cherry blossoms visible from Torokko Hozukyo Station.

For a more immersive experience, Car No. 5, known as the Rich Car, features an open-air design with no windows and a glass-paneled ceiling, allowing passengers to enjoy the refreshing breeze and the natural sounds of the river and birds.

Cherry blossoms in Arashiyama typically bloom from mid-March to late April. Sakura in Kyoto’s Arashiyama area are expected to start blooming around March 26 and reach full bloom around April 2, 2026.

For a unique hanami experience, consider viewing Arashiyama’s cherry blossoms from the water. The Hozugawa River Boat Ride offers a breathtaking journey through Kyoto’s scenic gorge, surrounded by seasonal beauty.

This historic river route was originally developed by Kyoto merchant Suminokura Ryōi, who sought to connect Tanba and Kyoto by water transport, making it a vital trade route. Over time, it evolved into a popular sightseeing attraction, allowing visitors to enjoy the ever-changing beauty of Hozugawa throughout the seasons.

Cherry blossoms bloom in abundance along the Hozu River, creating a breathtaking scene as you glide downstream through the gorge. This scenic boat ride offers a truly immersive way to experience Kyoto’s spring beauty from a unique perspective.

Sakura along the river typically peak from late March to mid-April. The journey takes approximately 90 minutes, though duration may vary depending on water levels—ranging from about 60 minutes in high water conditions to 110 minutes in low water. In case of rain, the boats operate with protective canopies, but trips may be canceled due to flooding or severe weather.

Beyond Kyoto’s Hozugawa River Cruise, Osaka—known as the “City of Water”—also offers a unique cherry blossom viewing experience from the river. The Aqualiner, Osaka’s sightseeing water bus, runs a special limited-time Osaka Castle Hanami Cruise during sakura season, taking passengers on a 40-minute journey past famous waterfront landmarks like Osaka Castle and the Mint Bureau.

The Okawa River, which flows through central Osaka, is lined with stunning cherry trees, and the cruise passes beneath several bridges, offering dynamic views of the city in bloom. For an even more open-air experience, the Aqua Mini Osaka Castle Hanami Cruise offers a 25-minute scenic ride aboard an open-top boat for uninterrupted views of the blossoms.

According to the Japan Weather Association, cherry blossoms in Osaka are expected to start blooming around March 24 and peak around April 1, 2026.

Nijo Castle’s famed cherry blossom festival, which celebrates its 300 cherry blossom trees lighting up its grounds in wistful pink tones, returns for 2026. This time, it enlisted the help of creative group, Symunity. The group presents an immersive Sakura Nights program that involves projection mapping and a theater experience.

In addition to the 50 types of cherry trees, nighttime visitors can enjoy a theater show directed by Japan Academy Award-winning filmmaker, Junichi Yasuda. The show is set within the grounds of Nijo Castle, and harnesses the powers of projection mapping, live action by actors, surround sound and special lighting.

Hanami isn’t just for the daytime—Kyoto is home to many stunning nighttime sakura spots. Illuminated cherry blossoms take on a completely different charm, creating a dreamy and otherworldly atmosphere.

One of Kyoto’s most famous cherry blossom spots, Maruyama Park features a traditional strolling Japanese garden surrounded by historic teahouses and restaurants. At the heart of the park stands the iconic Shidare Zakura (weeping cherry tree), known as Gion no Yozakura (Gion’s Night Sakura). Bathed in soft lights, it transforms into a breathtaking spectacle after dark.

Illumination Period: Typically late March to mid-April

Kodaiji Temple was built by Nene, the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, to honor his memory. The temple is renowned for the Shidare Zakura (weeping cherry tree) in Hashin-tei Garden, which takes on a mesmerizing glow during seasonal nighttime illuminations held in spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

2026 Spring Nighttime Special Viewing
・Event Period: March 13 – May 6, 2026
・Illumination Hours: 5 PM – 10 PM (Last entry at 9:30 PM)
・Admission: Adults 600 yen / Junior high & high school students 250 yen

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Toji Temple is famous for its magnificent Fuji Zakura, a vibrant double-petaled weeping cherry tree. During the nighttime illumination, the temple’s towering Five-Story Pagoda—the tallest in Japan—along with the Kondo (Golden Hall) and Kodo (Lecture Hall), are beautifully lit, creating a breathtaking scene.

Nighttime Sakura Illumination & Special Evening Viewing of Kondo & Kodo
・Event Period: March 14 – April 12, 2026
・Illumination Hours: 6 PM – 9:30 PM (Last entry at 9 PM)
・Admission: Adults & high school students: 1,000 yen / Junior high school students & younger: 500 yen

At Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto’s third-floor kappo restaurant Ryozen, a limited-time Sakura Afternoon Tea will be available from March 4 to April 27, 2026.

The afternoon tea is served during café hours and features a selection of seasonal sweets and savory items inspired by sakura. Guests can enjoy the experience in the refined setting of Ryozen, which specializes in Japanese kappo cuisine centered on ingredients from Kyoto.

Event Details
・Venue: Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto, 3rd floor, Kappo Restaurant Ryozen
・Event Dates: March 4 – April 27, 2026
・Hours: Café, Noon – 4 PM (last order at 3 PM)
・Admission: 8,000 yen (including tax and service charge)

At Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto’s lounge, the Picnic Afternoon Tea Set featuring strawberry sweets will be available from March 1 to May 6, 2026.

Presented in a charming basket, the set is themed around a stylish picnic and includes a selection of strawberry sweets created by the hotel’s pastry chef. Savory items are also included, along with a welcome drink and free-flow beverages. Guests can also enjoy the original drink “Siestea,” a non-alcoholic cocktail made with black tea syrup infused with dried fruits.

Event Details
・Venue: Lounge (1F, inside All Day Dining Kazan), Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto
・Event Dates: March 1 – May 6, 2026
・Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM (last order at 5 PM)
・Admission: 6,325 yen (including tax and service charge)

In the Kansai region, there are many unique hanami experiences, such as cruising, riding the Sagano Romantic Train, or taking a helicopter tour to enjoy the cherry blossoms. You can also enjoy nighttime illuminations at temples and shrines or indulge in sakura-themed sweets and gourmet offerings at luxurious hotels. With so many diverse experiences and events to choose from, there's something for everyone. Keep in mind that Kyoto and Nara can get extremely crowded during the cherry blossom season, so be sure to plan ahead and leave extra time for travel!