This cherry blossom season, take a chance on adventure and set out to see the sites of a region dismissed by the masses. Despite being easily accessible from Tokyo and having gorgeous sights, Aomori Prefecture is much less visited by foreign tourists than Kyoto, Osaka, and other iconic sightseeing destinations.

Aomori has everything from delicious foods, deep historic cultural ties, and stunning nature, making it the perfect travel destination during the spring sakura rush! For a more immersive cherry blossom experience, take a chance on Aomori.

In Japan, cherry blossoms bloom from south to north, resulting in a later bloom date for Aomori compared to Kyoto or Tokyo.

Cherry blossoms in Aomori are predicted to begin blooming around April 21 in 2025, with full bloom expected around April 25.

The cherry blossom season typically lasts about two weeks, but in cooler regions like the mountains, blossoms may still be in bloom into late April or even early May, offering a chance to catch them if you miss the peak.

Aomori is often associated with being cold, snowy and full of winter fun. However, as the snow melts, pink comes to play and gorgeous blossoms peek out from their buds as if to say “spring has sprung!” Aomori has an incredibly diverse array of places to see the cherry blossoms, from booming downtowns, to quaint local parks. Why not give the Aomori a chance and see the cherry blossoms up north for a change?

While it is true that comparatively few people will travel all the way to Aomori to do their annual “hanami” (flower watching), the one exception is Hirosaki Park in Hirosaki City, famous for its annual cherry blossom festival. The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival brings in over 2,000,000 visitors every year during the duration of the festival held between April and May. The festival is held in Hirosaki Park, home to Hirosaki Castle, one of the twelve remaining original castles in Japan and boasts 2,600 cherry blossom trees of over 50 varieties. Festival-goers enjoy picnicking, riding rowboats, and taking pictures of the famous “Hirosaki Sakura Heart” that end up colonizing social media pages for weeks to come. If you do plan on visiting Hirosaki during this time, it is highly recommended to book accommodation far in advance as it will book out!

Kanchogai-dori Street, also known as Koma Kaido Road, has been selected as one of the 100 Best Roads in Japan, and as one of the 100 Most Beautiful Japanese Historical Landscapes. Located in Towada City, the road stretches for 1.1 km, and is garnished with 165 pine trees and 156 cherry blossom trees. While one would expect to visit the street during the peak bloom, it's worth holding out a day or two until the cherry blossoms are just starting to drop, carpeting the street with petals, creating a truly unique effect not seen elsewhere.

At the southern base of Mt. Iwaki, a 20-kilometer stretch of approximately 6,500 Oyamazakura cherry trees flourish, earning the title of the “World’s longest Cherry Blossom Tree Row.” Planted over the course of a decade beginning in 1985, a walking path from the Komoriyama-iriguchi bus stop to Dake Hot Spring Village provides scenic views, with a free hot spring footbath available at Iwaki Sanpokan near the path. Adjacent to the Komoriyama-iriguchi bus stop is Sakurabayashi Park, home to around 1,000 Somei Yoshino cherry trees that create a stunning sakura tunnel when in full bloom. Since the area is located so far north, it is not uncommon to be able to enjoy both views of snow with the sakura, contrasting the transformation from winter to spring.

Ashino Park, famously known as a childhood playground for the celebrated Japanese novelist Osamu Dazai, is one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots. Spanning 800,000 square meters, the park boasts around 1,500 cherry trees that bloom in spectacular fashion each spring. Renowned as one of the finest cherry blossom viewing locations on the Tsugaru Peninsula, the iconic feature of Ashino Park is the local train that passes through a tunnel of cherry blossoms. When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the sight of the train traveling through this floral tunnel is a picture-perfect moment that is hard to forget. In addition to its natural beauty, the park offers a children's zoo and a campsite, making it a beloved retreat for local residents and visitors alike.

Hachinohe Park commands 37 hectares of Hachinohe City, and is so large that it is divided into nine distinct zones, each offering attractions for all ages. The botanical garden and greenery zone showcase a variety of plant species, while the amusement zone features a small theme park complete with a mini-roller coaster and Ferris wheel. The park is also a premier destination for cherry blossom viewing, with around 2,000 cherry trees creating a breathtaking display each spring. From late April to early May, the park comes alive as crowds gather to relax and enjoy the sight of pink blossoms drifting through the air.

Sakura and the beach, what’s there not to love? Gappo Park is home to the 670 cherry blossom trees, with some unique varieties such as somei yoshino, shidarezakura, satozakura and oyamazakura. The white sand beach gives access to the Mutsu Bay, and the annual spring festival is a highlight for many. Nearby are many shops, a shrine, and the Aomori City Baseball Stadium, making it a great place to explore and spend the day. The park itself is centered around a 400 year old black pine tree and it was originally part of the Oshu Kaido, the historic road that connected northern Japan with the capital of Edo.

In spring, Saruka Park in Hirakawa City is known for one thing in particular. Any guesses? With 330 cherry blossom trees lining the two ponds, Saruka Park puts on a splendid display of cherry blossoms each year, with grand illuminations at night. You can enjoy both pedal boats and row boats on Miharugaike Pond, and after you’ve strolled through the park, soak your feet in the free foot bath. During the cherry blossom season, in order to encourage tourism, the town holds mystery solving activities (in Japanese only) where participants must solve a series of five puzzles that take them all over the park with the promise of a prize.

Nejo Castle, located in Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture, Japan, was originally built in 1334 by the Nanbu clan. It served as the clan's main stronghold during the Nanbu clan's control over the region. Unlike traditional Japanese castles with stone walls and large keeps, Nejo Castle was a flatland fortification made primarily of wood and earthworks, reflecting its role as a regional administrative center rather than a military fortress.

Today, Nejo Castle is recognized as one of Japan’s 100 famous castles and features reconstructed buildings within a historical park, which is home to 155 sakura trees that typically bloom in mid-April. It’s a great spot to visit if you’re looking for a peaceful escape with fewer tourists, offering a touch of everyday charm with a sprinkle of magic.

Atago Park is the residence of over 700 Somei Yoshino cherry blossom trees, encouraging people to come from all over to see the park during the peak bloom season. One majestic tree in particular is of the Edohigan variant and is believed to be over 300 years old. This ancient tree, standing 18 meters tall with a trunk circumference of about 5.3 meters, is celebrated as the northernmost sakura on Honshu and is recognized as a city-designated Natural Monument. During the Noheji Spring Festival, the park comes alive with a road relay race, singing performances, and enchanting night illuminations by garden lanterns.

Kunishisekisannohejoato Joyama Park, a name so long that by the time you say it, the sun will have already set! A historic site in Sannohe, the well-preserved grounds of the park are hemmed with cherry blossoms, enhancing the historic charm of the ruins of Sanohe Castle. Established by the Nanbu Clan, the castle was allowed to fall into ruin in 1634, but then restored partially in 1967 in order to serve as a local history museum, as well as offer the public a green space to dote on the history of their great city. The Park has over 1,600 cherry blossom trees and deer can often find their way into the park blending nature and history.

Aomori Prefecture is located in the northern Tohoku region of Japan and is easily accessible from many major cities.

For those visiting the prefectural capital, Aomori City, the city is pleasantly walkable and has a network of local buses that can take you to most tourist attractions. Local buses and trains run from city to city; however, depending on the area, they may come at infrequent intervals. The most reliable way to get around Aomori, however, is by renting a car, offering the flexibility and freedom to explore Aomori at your own pace.