Cherry blossom season in Japan is beautiful. It is no wonder then that you are planning to travel to said country during this special time. While you might have seen pictures of cherry blossoms in Japan, seeing it in real life is a short-lived experience.
Because of this, you will want to be prepared. Before you take the plunge of booking flights, make sure that the dates you have chosen correspond with cherry blossom season. If they do not, then you may miss the event altogether.
To learn more about cherry blossom season, read on. You will find the below tourist guide for visiting Japan during cherry blossom season very helpful.
Why Do People Enjoy Cherry Blossom Season In Japan?
When cherry blossoms begin to bloom, it signifies the start of warmer weather. The arrival of spring is here, as well as the beautiful pink hues that make up many landscapes.
The popularity of picnicking within the gardens and parks during this time is all down to hanami (cherry blossoming viewing). This long-lived Japanese tradition stems from decades of symbolism when it comes to cherry blossoms – also known as sakura.
While cherry blossoms are the national flower of Japan, they also hold a lot of weight spiritually. They are said to represent optimism and opportunity for the year ahead.
They also relate to the fact our life comes to an end – something which happens to everyone. Hanami itself is heavily linked with Buddhism – so it makes sense that these above themes are celebrated in Japan during this time.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Japan For Cherry Blossom Viewing?
If you are traveling to Japan specifically for cherry blossoms, then you need to plan in advance. You could easily miss the cherry blossoms bloom by being a week early or late.
More often than not, the cherry trees bloom during the end of March and the beginning of April. To check when the cherry blossoms may bloom, you will want to keep your eye on a dedicated forecast.
This Japanese forecast will help you to book your holiday in time to see the sakura. However, also take note of locations. Some locations may bloom later or earlier than others. You will then have around two weeks to see the cherry trees in full bloom.
Things To Consider When Traveling To Japan During Cherry Blossom Season
One of the most popular times to go to Japan is during cherry blossom season. For this reason, you will want to plan ahead.
Not only will certain tourist spots be extra busy, but you may find hotels may be more expensive too. Here are some things to consider when traveling to Japan during cherry blossom season.
Check The Sakura Forecast
Always make sure you thoroughly plan ahead if you are specifically vacationing in Japan due to the sakura. It can often be a once in a lifetime opportunity, so you will want to plan the trip well.
Checking a dedicated forecast will help you to know when the cherry blossoms may bloom in a particular location. It is often done using historical data that has been collected over time. It is a fantastic way to plan your cherry blossom trip to Japan.
Book In Advance
While you will not know the exact dates for the blooming of the sakura yet, you will have a rough idea. If you plan to view the cherry blossom in a heavily populated tourist area, then you will need to book a hotel months in advance.
For example, somewhere like Kyoto is highly popular to see the cherry blossoms. You may need to book a hotel as early as 6 months in advance. However, you can travel to these places without staying in them – but even this means traveling on busy public transport.
Be Flexible With Booking
Sometimes Mother Nature can get in the way of when the sakura actually blooms. This can be a huge disappointment. For this reason, you will want to make sure you spend a good two weeks in Japan to ensure you see the cherry blossoms.
However, while you might be ready to see the cherry blossoms, heavy rain may dampen the day. Be prepared to cancel any plans and bookings, and have a Japan Rail Pass to see you through your day.
Just for extra precautions, make a note of other cherry blossom viewing spots and how to get there.
Expect Some Prices To Go Up
When cherry blossom season comes around, some tourist places may raise their prices. You may notice this when it comes to something like a hotel, for example.
While this cannot be helped, it just means that your hotel room may cost more than the last time you stayed there. If this is an issue for you, look at other places which may be cheaper and better priced.
Expect Larger Crowds Than Usual
Due to the popularity of the season, lots more people will gather at certain locations. While somewhere like Yoyogi Park always attracts visitors, there will be large crowds trying to see the same thing. This will also impact popular travel routes too.
The Shinkansen often runs between Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima. There are many cherry blossom viewing spots in these locations. For this reason, expect them to fill up quickly.
If you have ever been in Tokyo during rush hour, then you will be well aware how long it can take just to board a train.
Make The Most Of It
While it may seem very stressful to plan a trip to Japan during the cherry blossom season, it is also one of the most tranquil experiences you will have.
Once you see the pink and white colors of the blossom, make the most of it. Take note of how beautiful the landscape looks. Think about your life, and the life of your loved ones.
Also, make this a time to think about the positive things moving forward. Lastly, take pictures – and plenty of them. You will want to have this memory just in case you never get to experience it again.
You may also want to drink sweet sakura tea, and buy some sakura themed items from the local convenience store. And if possible, take part in local hanami celebrations.
Final Thoughts
Cherry blossom season is one of the most popular reasons why tourists visit Japan. It is not surprising either. Not only do they look beautiful when they are in full bloom, but they can really change a landscape.
The pink hues make a wonderful backdrop for a photo too. Plus, it is a great time to reflect on your own life and mortality.
Whatever you do, just make the most of cherry blossom viewing – take lots of pictures, eat sakura themed food, and spend it with loved ones.
Planning a trip to Japan to see the cherry blossoms does not have to be stressful either. So long as you stay flexible with plans, you can enjoy your trip.
You should also keep an eye on the sakura forecast too. It can help you to book your flights in time for the sakura, rather than missing it.
Hi, I’m Jason Patrick, and for as long as I have been alive, I have been obsessed with Japanese culture. From the sights and sounds of Japan’s many cities to its culinary delights that have become famous worldwide, I simply cannot get enough of this wonderful nation!
I hope that, by exploring this website, you all will develop a much deeper appreciation for Japan, and that it may even influence you to pay it a visit yourself eventually! It is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and whether you experience it firsthand, or through my own website, I’m sure you will become just as passionate as I always have been!
