Cherry blossoms in Japan: 11 lesser-known spots to see sakura

While the masses descend on Hirosaki, the discerning traveller heads to Kakunodate, often called the "Little Kyoto of Tohoku." The specific draw here is the Bukeyashiki (Samurai District), where the wide, preserved streets are lined with weeping cherry trees (shidare-zakura). Unlike the common Yoshino variety, these deep-pink blossoms cascade over black-tarred wooden walls of authentic 17th-century samurai manors. It is a monochromatic, high-contrast aesthetic that feels more like a private film set than a public park.

For an experience that prioritises historical drama, Matsumoto offers a more intellectual alternative to the crowded parks of Tokyo. Known as the "Crow Castle" for its rare black exterior, Matsumoto Castle is one of the "Original Twelve" keeps. During the season, the 300-strong cherry trees surrounding the moat create a stark, noirish reflection against the black timber and the white-capped Japan Alps. The Night Cherry Blossom Corridor here is an exercise in restraint—subtle lighting that emphasizes the castle’s silhouette rather than the neon-heavy displays found elsewhere.

During the Edo period, the eighth Tokugawa shogun, Tokugawa Yoshimune, planted 600 cherry blossom trees around the area. The park was also made public during the period for cherry blossom viewing. Today, the park is loved by locals—especially when these trees bloom in the spring. Head to the hilltop as it’s one of the oldest spots in Tokyo to enjoy these blooms.

Visit Kanda River and you’ll find rows of beautiful sakura trees adorning the riverside. One of Tokyo’s main traditional waterways, this river stretches 25 kilometres from Inokashira Park to Sumida River but if you’re looking for the perfect spot for cherry blossom viewing, head to Omokage Bridge and find beautiful views of the pink blooms.

Head to the outskirts of Tokyo and find this quaint river stretching two-and-a-half kilometres long. It’s lined with over 100 sakura trees that blossom each spring. The area also holds the annual Sakura Matsuri Festival where lanterns are hung and illuminated. 

If you are looking to catch the early bloom in March, the best place to visit is Kawazu. Located on the east coast of Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka prefecture, this quaint town celebrates the flowering of the kawazu cherry trees as early as February. Take a stroll along the Kawazu River and admire the seemingly never-ending rows of beautifully pink cherry trees.   

Looking to catch the last glimpse of the cherry blossom season? Head further up north to Lake Toya in Niseko, Hokkaido. Located in the Shikotsu Toya National Park, this lake is surrounded by Yoshino cherry trees that bloom from early to mid May. At the Shikotsu Toya National Park Silo observation deck, you will find a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the lake which has been beautifully lined with pale cherry blossoms.

This park, located near the Hirosaki castle is home to over 2,500 cherry trees that bloom from late April to early May. It’s also home to Japan’s oldest cherry tree, which had been planted in 1882. Take a walk along the western moat, also known as the Sakura Tunnel and find Sakura trees along both sides of the path and a pink Sakura ‘carpet’ formed by fallen blossoms that will make you feel like you are walking in a cherry blossom haven.

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Get away from the bustling city and immerse yourself in nature at Nogawa Park, located 30 minutes away from Shinjuku. Find over 500 cherry blossoms that bloom alongside yellow nanohana (canola flowers), resulting in a gorgeous blend of pink and yellow petals.

In Tokyo, Sakura flowers bloom in late March, so visit during early April to catch the flowers in all their beautiful glory.

Skip the tourist hotspots in Nagoya and head to Shirotori Garden for a tranquil cherry blossom gazing experience. Located away from the city, this garden offers a variety of blossoms ranging from shidarezakura (weeping cherry) and mountain cherry trees that bloom from late March to early April. Try its kimono photo service too, where you will get to pose under the garden’s blossoms while donning a traditional Japanese kimono.

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