
2025 Japan Cherry Blossom Report: Tokyo & Osaka Past Peak Bloom
- Written by: LIVE JAPAN's editorial team
Our 2025 Japan Cherry Blossom Report offers regular updates on sakura in the Greater Tokyo and Kansai regions. Stay informed on the best spots to experience spring’s vibrant colors, from city parks to scenic temples and mountain landscapes. Check back often as the season progresses to catch the peak of Japan’s gorgeous blossoms, and help decide where to visit next.
Tokyo
Tokyo (March 24: Official start to Tokyo's sakura season)
When will the sakura bloom in Tokyo? Cherry blossom season is determined by the bloom of Somei Yoshino cherry trees, the most common variety in Japan. Tokyo's bloom officially begins when five or more blossoms open on the "reference tree" located at Yasukuni Shrine. During our visit at 6:45 in the morning, we saw several buds that might pop open by the afternoon! In fact, the start of the 2025 season was officially announced at 2 PM that day.
If you're in Tokyo this week, don't miss the cherry blossoms along Chidorigafuchi Moat near the Imperial Palace—one of the city's top viewing spots. The Somei Yoshino variety here is especially beautiful in the evening. Learn more about this area here.
-
-
Address
3-1-1, Kudankita, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-8246
View Map -
Nearest Station
Kudanshita Station (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line / Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line / Toei Shinjuku Line)
5 minutes on foot
- Phone Number 03-3261-8326
-
Address
3-1-1, Kudankita, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-8246
Tokyo (March 28: Near full bloom)
Hibiya Park, located about a 10-minute walk southwest of Tokyo Station, opened in 1903 as the country's first Western-style park. In spring, it comes alive with small clusters of gorgeous cherry trees, plus rapeseed flowers, tulips, and nemophila ('baby blue eyes'). Despite its central location, Hibiya Park was not particularly crowded during our visit in the late afternoon, and many folks were relaxing on the park benches while gazing out at the beautiful scenery.
-
-
Address
1-6, Hibiyakouen, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0012
View Map -
Nearest Station
Hibiya Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line / Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line / Toei Mita Line)
3 minutes on foot
- Phone Number 03-3501-6428
-
Address
1-6, Hibiyakouen, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0012
Tokyo (March 28: Near full bloom)
Many areas around the city - including this 'sakura tunnel' between the Bank of Japan and Nihombashi Mitsukoshi - are still in glorious bloom.
But with rain forecast for much of this week, the delicate petals will likely remain for only a few days more in the greater Tokyo area.
Meanwhile, areas in northern Japan will start seeing their own blooms over the next two weeks.
-
-
Address
2-1-1, Nihonbashihongokucho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103-0021
View Map -
Nearest Station
Mitsukoshimae Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line)
1 minute on foot
- Phone Number 03-3279-1111
-
Address
2-1-1, Nihonbashihongokucho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103-0021
Odawara Castle (April 8: A few days past peak bloom)
In Tokyo, the cherry blossoms reached full bloom on March 30, but due to swift changes in weather and temperature, they are still holding on a week into April.
We took a day trip to Odawara Castle in coastal Kanagawa Prefecture—just an hour from Tokyo by local train or 33 minutes by shinkansen. We arrived a few days after the cherry blossoms had peaked, but the trees were still beautifully pink and made for a stunning sight. It was a quiet Tuesday, just after the new school year had started in Japan, so the castle grounds felt surprisingly uncrowded. Exploring the Main Keep and the Samurai Museum made the visit all the more memorable!
Over the next few days, the petals will begin to fall—a breathtaking phase of the sakura season when it looks like pink snow is drifting through the air. If you're hoping to catch the last of the blossoms, there are still a couple of days before the trees shift fully to green.
-
-
Address
6-1, Jonai, Odawara-shi, Kanagawa, 250-0014
View Map -
Nearest Station
Odawara Station (Tokaido Shinkansen Line / JR Tokaido Main Line / JR Shonan Shinjuku Line / JR Ueno Tokyo Line / Odakyu Odawara Line / Hakone Tozan Railway / Izuhakone Railway Daiyuzan Line)
10 minutes on foot
- Phone Number 0465-23-1373
-
Address
6-1, Jonai, Odawara-shi, Kanagawa, 250-0014
Tokyo's cherry blossoms officially peaked on March 30, a day earlier than average.
Osaka
Osaka (April 4: Near full bloom)
One of the most popular spots for cherry blossoms in Japan’s stunning Midwest, Osaka Castle is home to around 3,000 cherry trees spanning several species. When we strolled through the grounds, it felt like everyone visiting the Osaka area had gathered in the park at once!
If you plan to enter the castle or join one of the popular boat tours, be sure to book your tickets in advance.
Between 5:30 and 6 PM, the blossoms are especially breathtaking in the glow of the setting sun. And from 6 PM to 9 PM, a collaboration of light and flowers unique to this location unfolds, as the illuminated castle tower rises beautifully from the sea of cherry blossoms—a must-see.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, Osaka reached peak bloom on April 4, 2025—right in line with the annual average. While the blossoms typically last about two weeks, rain is forecast for this coming weekend, which may cause the petals to fall. So if you’re in the Kansai region over the next few days, don’t miss your chance to visit Osaka Castle!
-
-
Address
Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, 540-0002
View Map -
Nearest Station
Osakajokoen Station (JR Osaka Loop Line)
- Phone Number 06-6755-4146
-
Address
Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, 540-0002
Have you enjoyed any nice blossom spots so far? Where do you recommend we go next?
We love hearing from our community! Please share your comments on our socials:
・Facebook
・Instagram
LIVE JAPAN's editorial team is a multicultural mix of native editors who have lived in Japan for over five years, alongside Japanese editors with a deep passion for travel. We're devoted to sharing the wonders of Japan. From cultural insights and history to events, practical travel tips and coupons, we're here to help make your journey unforgettable!
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Recommended places for you
-
Kanzenkoshitsuyakinikutabehodai Gyugyu Paradise Sannomiya
Yakiniku
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
Goods
Yoshida Gennojo-Roho Kyoto Buddhist Altars
Gift Shops
Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace
-
ISHIDAYA Hanare
Yakiniku
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
Jukuseiniku-to Namamottsuarera Nikubaru Italian Nikutaria Sannomiya
Izakaya
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
Kambei Sannomiyahonten
Yakiniku
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
Appealing
Rukku and Uohei
Izakaya
Sapporo / Chitose
-
Odakyu Hotel Century Southern Tower: A Perfect Stay Near Shinjuku Station with Stunning Views
by: Satochin
-
Ad
Stay Connected in Japan: All About eSIMs for Beginners
-
Nagano Travel Guide: Hot Springs, Skiing, Hiking & Best Times to Visit
by: Mizue Ito
-
Best Things to Do and See in Tokyo in May 2025: Area Events and Festivals
by: Kaori Kimura
-
Spring Flowers and Colorful Events Around Tokyo in 2025 – Perfect for Your April and May Itinerary
-
April 13: EXPO 2025 Osaka-Kansai Opens Its Doors to the World's Brightest Minds
-
Koiwai Farm Guide: Explore, Dine, and Play at Iwate's Top Agritourism Spot
-
Nara Cherry Blossom Guide: 10 Spots for Sakura Viewing and 2025 Festival Dates
by: Guest Contributor
-
Looking to Visit Kyoto in Spring? Here's Your Ultimate Guide to Kyoto Weather and Packing Essentials
by: WESTPLAN
-
Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium: Inside Northeast Japan's Largest Aqua Attraction
-
Visiting the Ueno Restaurant Lounge – Best of What To Do in Tokyo (March 2019)
by: David McElhinney
-
Visiting Kyoto During Cherry Blossom Season in 2025: Complete Guide & Viewing Tips
by: Cassandra Ling
- #best sushi japan
- #what to do in odaiba
- #what to bring to japan
- #new years in tokyo
- #best ramen japan
- #what to buy in ameyoko
- #japanese nail trends
- #things to do japan
- #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
- #daiso
- #best coffee japan
- #best japanese soft drinks
- #best yakiniku japan
- #japanese fashion culture
- #japanese convenience store snacks