Hanami

cherry blossom viewing — is an extremely popular activity in Japan that both locals and tourists enjoy during cherry blossom season every year. For a short week or two every year, sakura trees blossom and Japan is transformed into a visually arresting sea of pink. You can be a part of this wonderful activity in one of Japan’s many parks. A stroll in the parks, or a picnic under one of the many sakura trees promises a wonderful time. It is worth the travel to Japan just to experience this annual event. Here is the Cherry Blossom Forecast for 2018 and where you can view them at a few of the most popular cities and spots in Japan.

KANAZAWA

Best known for their arts and heritage with many art museums and regional handicrafts all around, Kanazawa is the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, on Japan’s central Honshu Island.

Best places in Kanazawa to view cherry blossom:

1. Kenrokuen Garden – This garden is a must-visit spot if you are ever in Kanazawa. This landscape garden is popular with both tourists and locals due to the abundance of sakura trees.

2. Kanazawa Castle – When in Kanazawa, you have to see the amazing Kanazawa Castle. During cherry blossom season, the area “springs” to life.

FUKUSHIMA

Fukushima might not be the top destination choice for travellers when they visit Japan but Fukushima is more stunning than you know. Hot springs, volcanic landscapes, and hiking trails are aplenty.

Best places in Fukushima to view cherry blossom:

1. Hanamiyama Park – There is probably only one spot in Fukushima worth visiting during cherry blossom and it is Hanamiyama Park. Rated as one of the best Hanami destinations in Japan, be greeted by a stunning display of trees with different hues of pale and dark pinks.

Spring in Japan can only mean one thing: Cherry blossom

Come Spring, the Cherry Blossom or the Sakura (considered Japan's unofficial national flower) season sweeps along the length and breadth of Japan every year. It is regarded as a symbol of renewal, vitality, and beauty. At this time of the year, all the parks are packed with tourist from across the globe who attend cherry blossom festivals or simply enjoy Hanami, the tradition of viewing and enjoying the beauty of the cherry blossom. Japan truly turns Pink at this time of the year.

Dates

The cherry blossom usually begins to bloom in Okinawa in around January/February, passes through the middle of Japan in March and April, and finishes with a late bloom in northern Hokkaido in May. In areas of high altitude, the blossom also arrives rather later than in low-altitude regions.

Tokyo usually sees its first blossoms in the dying days of March, with full bloom falling around April 5. Kyoto follows a day or two later, while the mountainous areas around Takayama and Matsumoto bloom about two weeks later - beginning in mid-April.

HOKKAIDO

As one of Japan’s most popular islands, Hokkaido sits on the north with a cooler climate. Hokkaido is famed for the ski resorts, onsen and exceptionally fresh seafood.

Best places in Hokkaido to view cherry blossom:

1. Maruyama Park/Hokkaido Shrine – The park is filled with endless cherry blossom trees. However, the path towards the Hokkaido Shrine in the park is probably the most scenic spot for photography and hanami for many trees line the walkway.

2. Moerenuma Park – This is not just any other park. Moerenuma Park was designed by the artist Isamu Noguchi and it is a masterpiece in its own rights. Cherry blossom trees bloom all around the park.

FUKUOKA

One of Japan’s most populated cities and a popular tourist destination, Fukuoka sits on one of the most scenic islands of Japan, Kyushu. Every year, Hanami greets Fukuoka with beautiful pink blossoms.

Best places in Fukuoka to view cherry blossom:

1. Fukuoka Castle/Maizuru Park – Over a thousand trees line the ruins of Fukuokoa castle. This is the ideal place to go for a romantic stroll while viewing these gorgeous blossoms.

2. Uminonakamichi Seaside Park – An estimated two thousand cherry blossom trees are planted at the Uminonakamichi Seaside Park.

3. Atago Shrine – Hanami with a view. The shrine sits atop a hill overlooking Hakata Bay.

HIROSHIMA

Hiroshima is one of the most-visited cities in all of Japan.

Best places in Hiroshima to view cherry blossom:

1. Hiroshima Peace Park – Built in memoriam of those who passed on during the atomic bombing in the war, Hiroshima Peace Park is probably the most visited park in the prefecture. Cherry blossom trees are aplenty and they are scattered all around the park.

2. Hiroshima Castle – Japan is known for their historical castles. The castles are at their most beautiful during Hanami as the cherry blossom trees surround it.