Cherry Blossom is called Sakura in Japan. It has long been a beloved flower in Japan. In fact, there are many different types of cherry trees. In this article, I explain in detail cherry blossoms and the best places to view them in Japan.
Types of Cherry Blossom(Sakura)
The following are typical cherry blossoms that can be seen in Japan.
Somei yoshino | ソメイヨシノ
The Someiyoshino is the most famous cherry tree in Japan. It has five petals that are pale red at the beginning of blooming and turn almost white when in full bloom.
Edohiganzakura | エドヒガンザクラ
The Edohigan cherry is a common species in the mountains of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, with a height of 15 to 25 meters and oval-shaped leaves. It has five petals, changing color from light red to white.
Yamazakura | ヤマザクラ
The yamazakura is the most representative type of cherry tree in Japan. It has been popularly written about in poems and songs since ancient times. It grows wild in mountainous areas and is commonly found in the Kanto, Chubu, and southern regions of Japan.
Mamezakura | マメザクラ
Mamezakura, also known as “Fuji-sakura,” is a native species that bloom in the low mountains below 1,500 meters above sea level in Hakone, Izu, and Mt Fuji.
Best Cherry Blossom(Sakura) Spots in Japan
You can see beautiful cherry blossoms all over Japan. Below are some of the best places to view cherry blossoms in Tokyo and Osaka.
Cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo
Meguro river | 目黒川
It is one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo. About 800 cherry trees line the 3.8 km long Meguro River. The reflection of the cherry blossoms on the surface of the river is very beautiful. You can enjoy cherry blossom viewing while strolling along the river. The best season is from late March to early April.
Shinjuku Gyoen | 新宿御苑
There are many cherry trees planted in the vast 58-hectare area. And the garden is crowded with cherry blossom viewers every year during the cherry blossom season. The best time to view in Shinjuku Gyoen is usually from mid-February to late April.
Rikugien Gardens | 六義園
It is one of the most famous cherry blossoms in Tokyo, so it attracts a lot of visitors. It is not full of cherry blossoms, but the large weeping cherry trees in Rikugien are very beautiful with their light red flowering branches that flow like a waterfall.
Sumida Park | 隅田公園
Sumida Park is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing. It has been selected as one of the 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots. With a line of cherry trees stretching for about 1km along the Sumida River, where you can enjoy the collaboration with Tokyo Sky Tree. At night, the cherry trees in the park are lit up, creating a fantastic atmosphere.
Cherry blossom viewing spots in Osaka
Zouheikyoku Sakuranotoorinuke | 造幣局 桜の通り抜け
The “Cherry Blossom Street” is open to the public for one week only every year. About 340 cherry trees of 140 species bloom over 560 meters, attracting many visitors. Most of them are Yae-zakura, which bloom later than Someiyoshino. The cherry blossoms are also beautiful at night when they are illuminated by bonbori.
Osaka Castle Park | 大阪城公園
Osaka Castle Park is an oasis in the city, surrounded by Osaka Castle and close to the station. The Nishinomaru Garden, surrounded by important cultural properties. Here is known as a famous place for cherry blossoms with about 300 cherry trees, mainly Someiyoshino. And here is also popular for its plum blossom forest with about 1,270 plum trees in full bloom.
Expo ’70 Commemorative Park | 万博記念公園
Expo ’70 Commemorative Park is located on the former site of the Japan World Exposition. This is home to about 5,500 cherry trees of nine varieties. There are many cherry blossom viewing spots throughout the park, as well as large playground equipment, a museum, and a Japanese garden to enjoy.
Uchiagegawachisui Ryokuchi Park | 打上川治水緑地
In the Uchiagegawachisui Ryokuchi Park, there is a row of about 200 cherry trees stretching about 400 meters. The rows of cherry trees will be lit up. The daytime cherry blossoms are wonderful. But the illuminated cherry blossoms are a great way to enjoy a relaxing spring evening.
How was it? If you come to Japan, please go and see the cherry blossoms. Also, if you are interested in traditional Japanese cuisine, please check out the following pages!