Izzati HaronWitnessing the cherry blossoms isn’t just about the flowers. It’s a deep dive into Japanese culture: hanami, the tradition of enjoying the blossoms, which is also a cherished social activity. You’ll see people from all walks of life gathering under the trees, picnicking, and appreciating the fleeting beauty.
From iconic parks to tranquil riversides, Japan offers the most breathtaking sights of the pink wonderland, especially through its enchanting festivals. Read on to find the best cherry blossom festival in Japan 2024 that you can crash into on your next trip!
Also read: Japan Cherry Blossom 2024 Forecast: When & Where to See Sakura
Pick the best cherry blossom festival in Japan for your 2024 wishlist!
1. Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival
Image credit (L-R): Trevor Paxton | Unsplash; Redd F | Unsplash
Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival in Tokyo is one of the biggest cherry blossom festivals in the country. This festival lets you witness Ueno Park turn into a sea of pink blossoms from late March to early April, with over 1,000 cherry trees lining its main street. For those looking forward to the music and parades, you can come between 22 and 31 Mar 2024. As for the park’s spectacular nighttime views, the dazzling illumination shall commence from 16 Mar to 7 Apr 2024.
TripZilla Tip: Bring some food and a mat for a much-needed picnic under the cherry blossom trees! Also, warm clothes are also recommended for when the sun goes down.
Event period: 16 Mar to 7 Apr 2024
Address: Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo
2. Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival
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The Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival is one iconic cherry blossom celebration in Japan you shouldn’t miss. Imagine walking along the scenic Meguro River lined with cherry trees while admiring the beautiful tunnel effect along the four-kilometre stretch! FYI, food stalls and performances will be set up at Dendō Square Park and Fureai Bridge, while the illumination will take place from Ikejiri-Ōhashi Station to Meguro Station on 30 and 31 Mar 2024.
P.S. — The beautiful Meguro River flows through the trendy Nakameguro neighbourhood, so you can easily explore the stylish shops, cafes, and restaurants during your visit!
Event period: 19 to 31 Mar 2024
Address: The river from Ikejiri-Ōhashi Station to Meguro Station, Tokyo
3. Chiyoda City Sakura Festival
Image credit: Visit Chiyoda | Official Website
Chiyoda City Sakura Festival in Chidorigafuchi Park is another sight to behold come spring. Want something more than just admiring the pink views on foot? Rowing a boat across the stunning Chidorigafuchi Moat surrounded by lovely pink petals sounds like a good plan! In fact, if you opt for the evening ride (before 8.30pm), you’ll be able to witness the cherry trees glowing majestically in the dark. The illumination will last from 22 Mar to 2 Apr. So, do add this magnificent cherry blossom festival in Japan to your 2024 bucket list!
TripZilla Tip: There will be no food stalls around the moat this year, but you can always grab something tasty near Tokyo Station and Tokyo Torch Park.
Event period: 22 Mar to 2 Apr 2024
Address: 〒100-0001 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Kojimachi, 1 Chome−２
4. Bokutei Sumida Park Cherry Blossom Festival
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Bask in the beauty of pink delights with a touch of cityscape when you visit Bokutei Sumida Park Cherry Blossom Festival. You can enjoy a breezy walk along a scenic kilometre-long promenade dotted with blooming cherry trees. All this while admiring the unobstructed views of boats cruising against the grand Tokyo Skytree from afar — phenomenal!
At night, witness as the promenade glimmers with dazzling lanterns strung along the pathway with lively food stalls lining the scene. Definitely a must-see Japan festival during cherry blossom season that’s worth the visit!
TripZilla Tip: Try coming either between 22 and 24 Mar or 29 Mar and 31 Mar for a chance to spot geisha at the Mukojima Geisha Chaya tea event!
Event period: 16 Mar to 7 Apr 2024
Address: 1 Chome Hanakawado, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0033
5. Fuji-Kawaguchiko Cherry Blossom Festival
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Fuji-Kawaguchiko Cherry Blossom Festival is the event to see if you wish to admire the grand Mount Fuji framed by delicate pink petals! This top Japan festival during cherry blossom season is held annually around the pristine Lake Kawaguchiko. However, the main event space will be between the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum and the Maple Corridor.
If you’re coming for the illuminations, the luminaries will kick off from sunset until 9pm daily during the event period. Psst, you might want to bring an extra penny as a craft market will be set up along the lakeside!
Event period: 30 Mar to 14 Apr 2024
Address: 3077-20 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0304
6. Takada Castle Ruins Park Cherry Blossom Festival Japan 2024
Image credit: Joen City | Official Website
If a backdrop of a peak is not enough, Takada Castle Ruins Park Cherry Blossom Festival will entice you with palace ruins as its central landscape! FYI, this Japan festival during cherry blossom season dates back to 1926 when the local veterans planted over 2,200 cherry trees around the castle ruins. Today, you can enjoy sampling local cuisines from the food stalls and strolling under the pinkish-white canopies of the “Sakura Road” Tree Avenue in your rented kimono during the celebration.
Also, its nighttime view is easily among the top three in Japan when it comes to cherry blossom illumination vistas. Did we mention you can even enjoy a spectacular fireworks display in the evening? All the more reason to visit this enchanting sakura blossom festival in Japan this year!
Event period: Late Mar to mid-April 2024
Address: 〒943-0835 Niigata, Joetsu, Motoshirocho, ４４−1
7. Himeji Castle Cherry Blossom Viewing Festival
Image credit: Himejijo Event | Official Instagram Page
See Himeji Castle in a new light at the Himeji Castle Cherry Blossom Viewing Festival in Hyogo Prefecture! FYI, this grand Japan Sakura festival will take place in Himeji Castle Sannomaru Square on 30 Mar 2024. What’s more, you can look forward to various traditional Japanese performances, such as koto (a Japanese stringed instrument) and Japanese drums played by professionals.
Afterwards, enjoy traditional Japanese food and drink, such as tea ceremony, local sake, Himeji oden, and deep-fried kamaboko (fish cakes) while marvelling at the sights of the pink blossoms against the white castle. For those wishing to witness its splendid nighttime views, you can come between 29 Mar to 7 Apr when the Himeji Castle Night Cherry Blossom Viewing Party takes centre stage!
Event period: 30 Mar 2024
Address: 68 Honmachi, Himeji, Hyogo 670-0012
8. Goryokaku Cherry Blossom Festival
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Be amazed at the enthralling sights of the Goryokaku Cherry Blossom Festival in Hakodate, Hokkaido! This is your chance to take a phenomenal shot of the Goryokaku Park’s star-shaped fort bathed in neon pink lights among 1,500 blooming cherry trees.
To fully appreciate the magical beauty, we recommend heading to the neighbouring Goryokaku Tower’s observation deck for unobstructed panoramic vistas of the star-shaped park with its glimmering pink seas (you’re welcome)! All these equal a solid reason to add this magnificent cherry blossom festival in Japan to your 2024 bucket list.
Event period: Late Apr to mid-May 2024
Address: 44-2 Goryokakucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0001
9. Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival Japan 2024
Image credit (L-R): Hirosaki Tourist Information | Official Website; TheWorks via Canva Pro
This year, from 19 Apr to 5 May, the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival will take place in Hirosaki Park of Aomori Prefecture. Here, you can witness the park’s mighty castle surrounded by old pine trees, and blooming cherry blossoms come together as a picturesque landscape. FYI, Hirosaki Park hosts different kinds of cherry trees, of which the more-than-a-century-old Somei Yoshino tree is part.
Some of the unmissable activities you should try here include watching the nighttime illuminations by Shunyo Bridge, rowing a boat across the park’s scenic west moat, and sampling the tastiest delicacies from the food vendors around the park! So, be sure to add this Japan festival during cherry blossom season to your next spring vacation.
Event period: 19 Apr to 5 May 2024
Address: 〒036-8356 Aomori, Hirosaki, Shimoshiroganecho, １Area: 49 ha
10. Kitakami Tenshochi Cherry Blossom Festival
Image credit (L-R): Kitakami Tenshochi | Official Website; Shawn.ccf via Canva Pro
For a unique and less crowded hanami experience, the Kitakami Tenshochi Cherry Blossom Festival in Iwate Prefecture is the perfect choice. You should definitely have a stroll or take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage along the Kitakami Tenshochi Park’s two-kilometre path lined with over 150 varieties of cherry trees on both sides, forming a delightful canopy over your head.
BTW, don’t forget to hop on a riverboat cruise across the Kitakami River where you get to pass under 300 colourful carp streamers! And if you have extra time on your plate, you can have a look at the tranquil Michinoku Folklore Village within walking distance from the park. Undoubtedly a Japan festival during cherry blossom season you can’t possibly miss!
Event period: Mid to late Apr 2024
Address: 10 Chiwari Tachibana, Kitakami, Iwate 024-0043
Also read: 10 Beautiful Airbnbs for Cherry Blossom Views
And that concludes our top picks for the best cherry blossom festivals to add to your 2024 wishlist! Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a culture buff, or simply seeking a unique travel experience, cherry blossom festivals in Japan offer an adventure you won’t soon forget. Remember, the bloom dates can vary from year to year depending on the weather. It’s always a good idea to check the latest forecast before you go. Happy hanami!
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