See the Cherry Blossoms in Japan with a Rail Pass

One of the main reasons tourists flock to Japan every spring is to take part in a beautiful tradition which the Japanese refer to as “Hanami”, meaning cherry blossom viewing. The various species of “Sakura” (cherry trees) bloom in succession as the warmer spring temperatures arrive in different parts of Japan. The milder the climate, the earlier the blossoms open so you can follow the cherry blossom trail from south to north. With a Japan Rail Pass you can travel across the country while experiencing this amazing natural phenomenon in the same way that the Japanese do - by eating, drinking, and barbecuing underneath the cherry blossoms.

Deer in Nara during Japan's cherry blossom season

How to follow the cherry blossom trail by rail 

The cherry blossom season begins in late March and usually ends in mid-April but sometimes continues until early May. The stunning pink, white and red flowers and Hanami festivals can be witnessed in several major cities including Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Sapporo and Nara.

The easiest and most cost-effective way to visit all locations and see the cherry blossoms in all their glory is to travel by rail, and the best way to follow the blossoms by rail is with a Japan Rail pass. The Japan Rail pass is exclusive to those travelling to Japan. You can’t purchase the pass once you arrive in the country. The JR Pass offers unlimited train travel in Japan for 7, 14 or 21 days’ consecutive travel.

You can plan your cherry blossom trail by checking the Sakura season dates which are listed on the Japan Weather Association website. One way of translating the page is to use Google Chrome and then either accept the translate option if your browser offers it or add a translator app extension such as Google Translate and then translate the text into English that way. You can also use the English cherry blossom forecast found on Japan Travel Advice.

Cherry Blossom Hotspots 

Tokyo 

Cherry trees start blooming in early April in places all over Tokyo. Some of the popular locations to view the Sakura in Japan’s capital include:

• Asukayama Park
This hilltop public park is one of Tokyo’s most famous Hanami spots. The park is a short walk from Oji Station.

 • Ueno Park
This is one of the most popular spots for cherry blossom celebrations. The park boasts over 1,000 cherry trees and is just a few steps from Ueno Station.

• Kitanomaru Park (Edo Castle)
The western castle moat surrounding the park is famous for its beautiful Sakura trees and Hanami parties in springtime. The park is next to Tokyo Imperial Palace East gardens in the centre of the city.

 • Koishikawa Botanical Garden
You can see many weeping cherry trees close to the garden’s entrance gate in spring. The garden is a 10-15 minute walk from either Myogadani Station or Hakusan Station.

Nara 

It takes around 35 – 45 minutes to reach Nara by train from Kyoto. Nara’s cherry trees normally bloom in late March and favoured viewing spots include:

 • Mount Yoshinoyama in Yoshino Town
This is the most famous Hanami spot in Japan. There are over 30,000 cherry trees around the slopes of the mountain.

• Todai-ji temple in Nara Park
Todai-ji temple is located in Nara Park which contains a large lawn surrounded by cherry blossom trees. The park is also home to around 500 deer.

Kyoto 

You can usually see the cherry blossom flowers from late March till mid-April in Kyoto. Some of the best locations to view the Sakura include:

• The Path of Philosophy
The whole path is lined with cherry trees which become a spectacular sight when they are in bloom. It is magical at night when the trees are lit up and the crowds have diminished.

• Shimbashi
This is a beautiful section of Gion on the banks of the Shirakawa Canal which becomes very crowded during Hanami season. It is a truly enchanting spot when the trees are flowering.

Hiroshima 

You can reach Hiroshima by taking the JR Tokaido or Sanyo Shinkansen (bullet train). Fabulous spots to enjoy Hanami parties include:

• Peace Memorial Park
You can use the Gangi Water Taxi service to enjoy the breathtaking blossoms on a lovely riverside cruise.

• Hijiyama Park
This is one of the most popular places in the city for Hanami festivities with 1,300 cherry trees.

Osaka 

The best time to see the Sakura in Osaka is generally late March to early April. The most important cherry blossom viewing locations include:

 • Nishinomaru Garden, Osaka Castle Park This is an extremely popular Hanami spot located within the castle grounds which contains around 600 cherry trees.

• Kema Sakuranomiya Park
This park is on the banks of the Okawa River and incorporates the Osaka Mint building which marks a much-loved cherry blossom viewing spot.



You can get your hands on a great-value-for-money Japan Rail Pass (from just $389 AUD for a 7 day, standard class adult pass) by heading to the Rail Plus website to make the most of this spectacular natural event in Japan’s calendar.

Best Spots for Cherry Blossoms in Gifu / Aichi

We are lucky here in the Gifu and Aichi area of Japan to have many great spots for viewing the beautiful cherry blossoms. This year they are expected to start blooming earlier than usual and the estimated start date of the bloom is around March 21 in both Gifu and Nagoya. The peak is estimated for around March 29-30.

Below are some of my favourite spots for cherry blossom viewing in the area.

Nagoya-jo Castle – featuring 10 different types and 1600 cherry trees around the park and along the moat of the castle. This is one of the best places for cherry blossom viewing in Japan. Best from late March to early April.

Tsuruma Koen – located in Tsurumai, Nagoya, it features 1000 cherry trees. It is a popular hanami spot with many food stands and plenty of space for hanami parties under the trees. Best from late March to early April.

Inuyama-jo Castle – located in Inuyama City, just outside of Nagoya, it features 400 cherry trees set around the grounds of the famous castle. Best from late March to early April.

Sunomata-jo Castle – located just outside of Ogaki City, Gifu on the banks of the Sai and Nagara Rivers, it features 1000 cherry trees. The castle is a replica of the famous original, which is said to have been built in one night. The area around the castle is illuminated at night and is very spectacular. Best from late March to early April.

Gifu Koen – featuring 480 cherry trees in the area around Gifu park from the foot of Mount Kinka to the Japan-China Friendship Garden, it is one of the best spots for cherry blossom viewing in Gifu. This spot can be enjoyed during both the daytime and the evening/night. Best from late March to early April.

Shinsakai River - located in Kagamigahara City near the Shimin Koen Park this is one of the best spots in Gifu and features in Japan's top 100 best sakura locations. The banks of the river have around 1200 cherry trees and there are many food vendors making this a fantastic hanami location. Best from late March to early April.

Usuzumi Sakura – located in Motosu City, Gifu, it is one of the oldest cherry trees in Japan and considered one of Japan's Three Great Sakura. This unique cherry blossom initially sprouts pale pink flowers, which become white in full bloom. Usuzumi Park features around 50 cherry trees. Best from early April to late April.

Take a look at the Cherry Blossom Forecast 2013 from Japan Travel Advice

Where are you planning to see the Cherry Blossoms this year?