2024 Honshu Cherry Blossom Forecast & Must-See Locations
The cherry blossoms in Japan's Honshu region are expected to reach peak bloom in late March 2024. At that time, the entire country will be blanketed in pink, with occasional "cherry blossom showers." If you're planning to visit, here are some cities to consider:
- Chubu region: Niigata, Toyama, Kanazawa, Fukui (expected to bloom in early April)
- Kanto region: Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagano, Mito, Utsunomiya, Maebashi, Kumagaya, Choshi (expected to bloom in late March to mid-April)
- Kinki region: Osaka, Hikone, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, Wakayama (expected to bloom in late March)
- Tohoku region: Sendai, Aomori, Akita, Morioka, Yamagata, Fukushima (expected to bloom in early to mid-late April)
- Chugoku region: Hiroshima, Okayama, Matsue, Tottori (expected to bloom in late March)
In addition to these cities, Honshu has eight major cherry blossom spots worth visiting:
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (新宿御苑)
Located in the heart of Tokyo, this garden is one of Japan's most famous cherry blossom spots. It is home to over 200 different types of cherry trees, attracting large crowds every spring.
📍 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan
Philosopher's Path (哲学の道)
A popular cherry blossom destination in Kyoto, this path is lined with "Kansetsu-zakura" cherry trees. These trees create a tunnel of blossoms, perfect for photos and walks.
📍 Tetsugaku No Michi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8426, Japan
Expo 70 Commemorative Park (万博記念公園)
Located in Osaka, this park is home to over 5,500 cherry trees. When in full bloom, the park transforms into a sea of pink.
📍 Senribanpakukoen, Suita, Osaka 565-0826, Japan
Takato Joshi Park (高遠城址公園)
Situated in Nagano, this park boasts over 1,000 cherry trees, known as "Tenkaichi Sakura" (the best cherry blossoms in the world).
📍 810-1 Takatomachi Nishitakato, Ina, Nagano 396-0211, Japan
Mitsuike Park (三ツ池公園)
A beautiful park in Yokohama, once included in the top 100 cherry blossom spots in Japan. It features over 3,000 cherry trees, including the famous "Maihime" (dancing girl) cherry tree.
📍 1-1 Mitsuikekoen, Tsurumi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0013, Japan
Fujikawaguchiko machi (富士河口湖町)
A popular spot for photos of Mount Fuji, it also has a large area of cherry trees. It's one of the most representative spots in the area.
📍 1700 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko-mach Minimitsuru-gun, Yamanashi-ken 401-0392
Mount Yoshinoyama (吉野山)
This mountain is famous for its cherry blossoms, considered the best in Japan. During spring, pink blossoms spread from the foot of the mountain to the top, creating a spectacular sight.
📍 Yoshinoyama, Yoshino-cho, Yoshino-gun, Nara Prefecture 639-3115
Kyoto
Home to some of the best-preserved traditional Japanese architecture in the world. Its temples and shrines, such as Kiyomizu-dera, provide a perfect backdrop for cherry blossoms. At night, the illuminated buildings create a magical scene.
Whether you're looking for a city break or a more rural experience, Honshu offers something for everyone wanting to enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms. Start planning your trip today!