10 Best Cherry Blossom Festivals in Japan 2024

Cherry blossom festivals (Sakura Matsuri) are held across the country during cherry blossom season. Visitors can enjoy an amazing view of cherry blossoms with delicious food and drinks as well as the light-up at night. If you are going to visit Japan in spring, you should definitely attend cherry blossom festivals and experience how Japanese celebrate the beautiful cherry blossom season.

In this article, I’d like to share my picks of 10 best cherry blossom festivals in 2024 Spring!

-Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival

Known as one of the most beautiful places to see cherry blossoms in Japan, Hirosaki City in Aomori Prefecture holds the annual cherry blossom festival Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival (弘前さくらまつり) at Hirosaki Park. Beautiful cherry blossoms can be viewed at the foot of glorious Hirosaki Castle at day and night with numbers of stalls selling delicious food and drinks. Hirosaki Park’s cherry blossoms can be enjoyed even after the peak blooming period as fallen pink petals cover the surface of the castle moats, creating an astonishing scenery.

More info: Hirosaki Charry Blossoms

-Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival

Ueno Park has been always Tokyoite’s favourite Hanami party spot over decades. The large park has about 800 cherry trees that can be enjoyed along with park’s attractions and special events. Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival (うえの桜まつり) is held at Ueno Park annually from mid March to early April, featuring delicious food, drinks, markets and music events.

More info: Ueno Park Cherry Blossoms

-Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival

Meguro River is voted for the best cherry blossom viewing spot in Japan several times, and it’s one of the most crowded cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo. About 800 cherry trees line for 4km along the river and display the spectacular view. Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival (目黒川さくらまつり) features numbers of local food stalls, cafes, bars and restaurants are available at day and night. At night, cherry blossoms are illuminated by lanterns, creating magical scenery.

More info: Meguro River Cherry Blossoms

-Satte Cherry Blossom Festival

One of the best cherry blossom spots in Kanto Region, Satte Gongendo Park in Saitama Prefecture offers the charming collaboration of pink cherry blossoms and yellow rapeseed flowers during the season. Satte Sakura Matsuri (幸手桜まつり) is held every year from late March to early April featuring about 100 stalls, special events and light-up at night.

More info: Satta Gongendo Park Cherry Blossoms

-Takada Castle Cherry Blossom Festival

Takada Castle in Niigata Prefecture is considered as one of the three greatest places for cherry blossom night viewing. Takada Cherry Blossom Festival (高田城址公園観桜会) welcomes over 1 million visitors during the season. The impressive 4,000 cherry trees flourish around Takada Castle and they are lit up by 3,000 lanterns at night. Food stalls and special events are also available. The best viewing time at Takada Castle is usually until mid April, so it’s an ideal place to visit if you miss out the peak season in other cities in Japan.

More info: Takada Castle Cherry Blossoms

-Odawara Cherry Blossom Festival

Odawara City is the city in the southwest of Kanagawa Prefecture, which is often used as a stopover for Hakone City. The main attraction of the city is Odawara Castle which was built during Sengoku Period, and it’s a top spot for cherry blossom viewing. Odawara Cherry Blossom Festival (小田原桜まつり) is held at the foot of Odawara Castle, offering special events and numbers of stalls. At night, the cherry blossoms are lit by lanterns.

More info: Odawara Castle Cherry Blossoms

-Izu Highland Cherry Blossom Festival

Izu Highland is a popular cherry blossom viewing site known for the scenic 3 km long arch tunnel formed by pink cherry blossoms. Approx 600 cherry trees are planted both sides of the road, creating the stunning Sakura tunnel when flowers are blooming in full. During the blooming season, Izu Kogen Sakura Matsuri (伊豆高原桜まつり) is held from mid March to early April for 2 weeks, and it take place at several locations within Izu Highland area. The light-up of the cherry blossoms are also available.

More info: Sakura Tunnel at Izu Highland

-Fuji Kawaguchiko Cherry Blossom Festival

Fuji Five Lakes are popular travel destination during spring as the magnificent view of cherry blossoms and Mt Fuji can be captured. The Fuji Kawaguchiko Sakura Matsuri (富士・河口湖さくら祭り) is a popular cherry blossom event held at the north shore of Lake Kawaguchi. Enjoy the stunning scenery with delicious food and drinks at the foot of Mt Fuji. After sunset, light-up of cherry blossoms is also available.

More info: Fuji Kawaguchiko Cherry Blossom Festival

-Sewaritei Cherry Blossom Festival

One of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Western Japan, the Sewaritei District of Yodogawa Riverside Park is situated at the border between Osaka and Kyoto. The astonishing Sakura Tunnel stretches for about 1.4 km. Sewaritei Sakura Matsuri (背割堤さくらまつり) is held at the site with a lot of vendors selling food, drinks and local crafts.

More info: Yodogawa Riverside Park Cherry Blossoms

-Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle offers one of the best spring scenery in Japan with the stunning combination of the glorious white castle and pink cherry blossoms. There are about 1,000 cherry trees on the foot of the castle and there are several viewing spots surrounding area. Himeji Castle Night Cherry Blossom Viewing Festival (姫路城夜桜会) is held in early April, featuring a cherry tree illumination displayed for several days.

Related article: Himeji Castle: the UNESCO World Heritage Japanese Castle

Did you enjoy the list?? Which cherry blossom events would you like to visit this year?? Sakura Matsuri is the best way to enjoy beautiful scenery of cherry blossoms with delicious food and drinks in festive atmosphere!

For more information about cherry blossoms in Japan, here are some articles you may be interested in!

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