{"id":1958,"date":"2026-10-18T07:27:13","date_gmt":"2026-10-18T07:27:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/?p=1958"},"modified":"2026-10-19T13:34:56","modified_gmt":"2026-10-19T13:34:56","slug":"japan-cherry-blossom-forecast-2027","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast-2027\/","title":{"rendered":"Cherry Blossom Forecast 2027: Expected Dates for 43 Best Sakura Spots"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The cherry blossom forecast 2027 will not be official until the forecasters publish it this winter, but the pattern is predictable: Tokyo and Kyoto should open around 22\u201325 March 2027 and reach full bloom around 30 March to 3 April. Okinawa starts in mid-January, Hokkaido finishes in early May, and everything else falls in between.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>This guide covers 43 sakura spots in every region, January to May 2027.<\/strong> Because no 2027 forecast exists yet, each date is an <em>expected<\/em> window that we built from the Japan Meteorological Agency&#8217;s 1991\u20132020 normals and the actual 2025 and 2026 bloom dates (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.data.jma.go.jp\/sakura\/data\/sakura003_07.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">JMA first-bloom data<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.data.jma.go.jp\/sakura\/data\/sakura004_07.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">JMA full-bloom data<\/a>). Every card is labelled &#8216;Expected dates&#8217;, and we will replace them with the real forecasts when they are published. Last checked 18 October 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"jpj jpj-block jpj-facts\"><div class=\"wrap\"><div class=\"facts\"><div class=\"fact\"><p class=\"value\">22 Mar<\/p><p class=\"label\">Expected first bloom, Tokyo<\/p><\/div><div class=\"fact\"><p class=\"value\">43<\/p><p class=\"label\">Spots on the calendar<\/p><\/div><div class=\"fact\"><p class=\"value\">Jan \u2013 May<\/p><p class=\"label\">Season, Okinawa to Hokkaido<\/p><\/div><div class=\"fact\"><p class=\"value\">8 Jan<\/p><p class=\"label\">Weathernews&#039; first forecast came out in 2026<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"jpj jpj-block jpj-calendar\">    <section class=\"section\" id=\"calendar\">\n      <div class=\"wrap\">\n        <div class=\"section-head\">\n          <div>\n            <h2>Cherry blossom calendar 2027: expected bloom by spot<\/h2>\n            <p>Open a month for its spots. Each window runs from the expected first bloom to about a week after expected full bloom, based on JMA normals and the 2025\u20132026 bloom dates. These are expected dates, and we will update them when the official forecasts come out.<\/p>          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"months\">\n                                          <details class=\"month\" data-month=\"1\" open>\n              <summary>\n                <span class=\"name\">January<\/span>\n                <span class=\"events\">1 event<\/span>\n                <span class=\"note\">Okinawa<\/span>\n                <span class=\"chev\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"m6 9 6 6 6-6\"\/><\/svg><\/span>\n              <\/summary>\n                <div class=\"table-scroll\">\n                  <table class=\"schedule\">\n                    <thead>\n                      <tr><th>Date<\/th><th>Event<\/th><th>City<\/th><th>Start<\/th><th>Shells<\/th><th>Station<\/th><th>Seat from<\/th><th><span class=\"visually-hidden\">Book<\/span><\/th><\/tr>\n                    <\/thead>\n                    <tbody>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Wed 13 Jan \u2013 Thu 11 Feb<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1831\">Nago Castle Park (Nago Sakura Festival)<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Nago (Okinawa), Okinawa<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">No railway in northern Okinawa: drive or take a bus from Naha to central Nago<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1831\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                          <\/tbody>\n                  <\/table>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/details>\n                      <details class=\"month\" data-month=\"2\">\n              <summary>\n                <span class=\"name\">February<\/span>\n                <span class=\"events\">1 event<\/span>\n                <span class=\"note\">Okinawa and early kawazu-zakura<\/span>\n                <span class=\"chev\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"m6 9 6 6 6-6\"\/><\/svg><\/span>\n              <\/summary>\n                <div class=\"table-scroll\">\n                  <table class=\"schedule\">\n                    <thead>\n                      <tr><th>Date<\/th><th>Event<\/th><th>City<\/th><th>Start<\/th><th>Shells<\/th><th>Station<\/th><th>Seat from<\/th><th><span class=\"visually-hidden\">Book<\/span><\/th><\/tr>\n                    <\/thead>\n                    <tbody>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Mon 1 Feb \u2013 Sun 7 Mar<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1833\">Kawazu-zakura along the Kawazu River<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Kawazu (Chubu), Shizuoka<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Kawazu (Izu Kyuko Line) \u00b7 the trees start right by the station<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1833\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                          <\/tbody>\n                  <\/table>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/details>\n                      <details class=\"month\" data-month=\"3\">\n              <summary>\n                <span class=\"name\">March<\/span>\n                <span class=\"events\">27 events<\/span>\n                <span class=\"note\">Kyushu to Tokyo: the main bloom<\/span>\n                <span class=\"chev\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"m6 9 6 6 6-6\"\/><\/svg><\/span>\n              <\/summary>\n                <div class=\"table-scroll\">\n                  <table class=\"schedule\">\n                    <thead>\n                      <tr><th>Date<\/th><th>Event<\/th><th>City<\/th><th>Start<\/th><th>Shells<\/th><th>Station<\/th><th>Seat from<\/th><th><span class=\"visually-hidden\">Book<\/span><\/th><\/tr>\n                    <\/thead>\n                    <tbody>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Fri 19 Mar \u2013 Sat 3 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1908\">Rikugien Garden<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Tokyo (Kanto), Tokyo<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Komagome (JR Yamanote \/ Tokyo Metro Namboku) \u00b7 walk 7 min<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1908\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Sat 20 Mar \u2013 Tue 6 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1851\">Kochi Castle<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Kochi (Shikoku), K\u014dchi<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Kochijo-mae (Tosaden tram, Ino Line) \u00b7 walk 5 min<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1851\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Mon 22 Mar \u2013 Tue 6 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1898\">Chidorigafuchi<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Tokyo (Kanto), Tokyo<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Kudanshita or Hanzomon (Tokyo Metro) \u00b7 walk 5 min<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1898\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Mon 22 Mar \u2013 Tue 6 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1906\">Inokashira Park<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Kichijoji (Kanto), Tokyo<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Kichijoji (JR Chuo \/ Keio Inokashira) \u00b7 walk 5 min; Inokashira-koen \u00b7 walk 1 min<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1906\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Mon 22 Mar \u2013 Tue 6 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1900\">Meguro River (Nakameguro)<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Tokyo (Kanto), Tokyo<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Naka-Meguro (Tokyu Toyoko \/ Tokyo Metro Hibiya) \u00b7 walk 2 min; Ikejiri-Ohashi \u00b7 walk 2 min<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1900\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Mon 22 Mar \u2013 Tue 6 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1902\">Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Tokyo (Kanto), Tokyo<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Shinjuku-gyoemmae (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi) \u00b7 walk 5 min; Shinjuku \u00b7 walk 10 min<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1902\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Mon 22 Mar \u2013 Tue 6 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1904\">Sumida Park<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Tokyo (Kanto), Tokyo<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/best-things-to-do-in-asakusa-tokyo\/\">Asakusa<\/a> (Tokyo Metro \/ Toei \/ Tobu) \u00b7 short walk<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1904\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Mon 22 Mar \u2013 Tue 6 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1896\">Ueno Park<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Tokyo (Kanto), Tokyo<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Ueno (JR \/ Tokyo Metro) \u00b7 walk 2 min; Keisei Ueno \u00b7 walk 1 min<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1896\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Mon 22 Mar \u2013 Fri 9 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1884\">Yamazaki River (Nagoya)<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Nagoya (Chubu), Aichi<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Mizuho Kuyakusho (Nagoya subway Sakura-dori Line) \u00b7 walk 13 min<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1884\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Tue 23 Mar \u2013 Thu 8 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1854\">Kintaikyo Bridge and Kikko Park<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Iwakuni (Chugoku), Ch\u016bgoku<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Iwakuni (JR Sanyo Line) \u00b7 Iwakuni bus 20 min to Kintaikyo<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1854\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Tue 23 Mar \u2013 Wed 7 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1838\">Kumamoto Castle<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Kumamoto (Kyushu), Kumamoto<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Kumamotojo-Shiyakusho-mae (Kumamoto City Tram) \u00b7 walk 10 min<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1838\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Tue 23 Mar \u2013 Thu 8 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1860\">Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Hiroshima (Chugoku), Hiroshima<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Genbaku Dome-mae (Hiroden tram) \u00b7 walk 5 min; 16 min by tram from Hiroshima Station<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1860\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Wed 24 Mar \u2013 Wed 7 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1836\">Maizuru Park (Fukuoka Castle ruins)<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Fukuoka (Kyushu), Fukuoka<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Akasaka or Ohori-koen (Fukuoka subway Kuko Line) \u00b7 walk 8 min<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1836\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Wed 24 Mar \u2013 Fri 9 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1846\">Matsuyama Castle (Shiroyama Park)<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Matsuyama (Shikoku), Ehime<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Minami-Horibata (Iyotetsu tram, 6 min from JR Matsuyama) \u00b7 walk 5 min<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1846\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Wed 24 Mar \u2013 Fri 9 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1843\">Saitobaru Burial Mounds<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Saito (Kyushu), Miyazaki<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Miyazaki (JR) \u00b7 Miyakotsu bus about 50 min to Saito Bus Center, then taxi 5 min<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1843\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Thu 25 Mar \u2013 Sat 10 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1869\">Arashiyama<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Kyoto (Kansai), Kyoto<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Arashiyama (Hankyu Arashiyama Line) \u00b7 walk 5 min<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1869\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Thu 25 Mar \u2013 Sat 10 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1867\">Daigo-ji Temple<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Kyoto (Kansai), Kyoto<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Daigo (Kyoto subway Tozai Line) \u00b7 walk 10 min<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1867\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Thu 25 Mar \u2013 Sat 10 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1862\">Maruyama Park<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Kyoto (Kansai), Kyoto<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Gion bus stop (Kyoto City Bus 206 from Kyoto Station, 20 min) \u00b7 walk 3 min<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1862\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Thu 25 Mar \u2013 Fri 9 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1841\">Omura Park<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Omura (Kyushu), Nagasaki<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Omura (JR Omura Line) \u00b7 bus 10 min to Koen-iriguchi<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1841\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Thu 25 Mar \u2013 Sat 10 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1865\">Philosopher&#8217;s Path<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Kyoto (Kansai), Kyoto<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Ginkakuji-mae bus stop (Kyoto City Bus 100 from Kyoto Station, about 37 min)<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1865\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Fri 26 Mar \u2013 Sun 11 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1910\">Kumagaya Sakura-zutsumi<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Kumagaya (Kanto), Saitama<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Kumagaya (JR Takasaki Line \/ Joetsu Shinkansen) \u00b7 walk 5 min<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1910\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Fri 26 Mar \u2013 Sat 10 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1848\">Mount Shiude (Shiudeyama)<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Mitoyo (Shikoku), Kagawa<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">No direct rail access: about 20 km by car from Sanuki-Toyonaka IC; traffic controls in sakura season<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1848\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Sat 27 Mar \u2013 Mon 12 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1880\">Himeji Castle<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Himeji (Kansai), Hy\u014dgo<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Himeji (JR \/ Sanyo Shinkansen) \u00b7 walk 20 min<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1880\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Sat 27 Mar \u2013 Sat 10 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1874\">Nara Park<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Nara (Kansai), Nara<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Kintetsu Nara \u00b7 walk 5 min<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1874\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Sat 27 Mar \u2013 Sun 11 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1876\">Osaka Castle Park<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Osaka (Kansai), Osaka<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Osakajokoen (JR Osaka Loop Line) \u00b7 short walk; Tanimachi 4-chome (subway) \u00b7 walk 10 min<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1876\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Sun 28 Mar \u2013 Fri 9 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1857\">Matsue Castle<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Matsue (Chugoku), Shimane<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Matsue (JR) \u00b7 Lake Line bus 10 min to Matsue-jo (Otemae), walk 7 min<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1857\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Wed 31 Mar \u2013 Tue 13 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1892\">Kenrokuen Garden<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Kanazawa (Chubu), Ishikawa<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Kanazawa (JR \/ Hokuriku Shinkansen) \u00b7 Hokutetsu bus 20 min to Kenrokuen-shita<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1892\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                          <\/tbody>\n                  <\/table>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/details>\n                      <details class=\"month\" data-month=\"4\">\n              <summary>\n                <span class=\"name\">April<\/span>\n                <span class=\"events\">14 events<\/span>\n                <span class=\"note\">Tohoku, the Alps and late double cherries<\/span>\n                <span class=\"chev\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"m6 9 6 6 6-6\"\/><\/svg><\/span>\n              <\/summary>\n                <div class=\"table-scroll\">\n                  <table class=\"schedule\">\n                    <thead>\n                      <tr><th>Date<\/th><th>Event<\/th><th>City<\/th><th>Start<\/th><th>Shells<\/th><th>Station<\/th><th>Seat from<\/th><th><span class=\"visually-hidden\">Book<\/span><\/th><\/tr>\n                    <\/thead>\n                    <tbody>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Thu 1 Apr \u2013 Tue 13 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1882\">Kaizu Osaki (Lake Biwa)<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Takashima (Kansai), Shiga<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Makino (JR Kosei Line) \u00b7 community bus 6 min to Kaizu 1-ku<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1882\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Fri 2 Apr \u2013 Sun 18 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1886\">Chureito Pagoda (Arakurayama Sengen Park)<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Fujiyoshida (Chubu), Yamanashi<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Shimo-Yoshida (Fujikyu Line) \u00b7 walk about 25 min including the climb<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1886\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Fri 2 Apr \u2013 Sun 18 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1894\">Takada Castle Ruins Park<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Joetsu (Chubu), Niigata<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Takada (Echigo Tokimeki Railway) \u00b7 walk 15 min; Joetsumyoko (Hokuriku Shinkansen) is the nearest bullet-train stop<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1894\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Sat 3 Apr \u2013 Wed 14 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1914\">Miharu Takizakura<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Miharu (Tohoku), Fukushima<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Miharu (JR Ban-etsu East Line) \u00b7 seasonal &#039;Takizakura-go&#039; bus or taxi 15 min<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1914\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Sat 3 Apr \u2013 Sun 25 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1872\">Mount Yoshino (Yoshinoyama)<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Yoshino (Kansai), Nara<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Yoshino (Kintetsu Yoshino Line) \u00b7 Yoshinoyama Ropeway 3 min to Shimo-Senbon, or seasonal bus 20 min to Naka-Senbon<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1872\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Sun 4 Apr \u2013 Fri 16 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1912\">Hitome Senbonzakura (Shiroishi River)<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Ogawara (Tohoku), Miyagi<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Ogawara (JR Tohoku Line) \u00b7 walk 3 min<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1912\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Mon 5 Apr \u2013 Sun 18 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1878\">Japan Mint &#8216;Sakura no Torinuke&#8217;<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Osaka (Kansai), Osaka<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Temmabashi (Keihan \/ Osaka Metro) \u00b7 walk 15 min<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1878\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Tue 6 Apr \u2013 Mon 19 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1890\">Matsumoto Castle<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Matsumoto (Chubu), Nagano<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Matsumoto (JR Shinonoi Line) \u00b7 walk 20 min<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1890\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Tue 6 Apr \u2013 Mon 19 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1888\">Takato Castle Ruins Park<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Ina (Chubu), Nagano<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Ina-Kita (JR Iida Line) or Ina Bus Terminal \u00b7 JR bus 25 min to Takato, walk 20 min<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1888\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Sun 11 Apr \u2013 Thu 22 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1918\">Kitakami Tenshochi<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Kitakami (Tohoku), Iwate<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Kitakami (Tohoku Shinkansen) \u00b7 walk 20 min<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1918\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Tue 13 Apr \u2013 Fri 23 Apr<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1916\">Kakunodate Samurai District<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Semboku (Tohoku), Akita<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Kakunodate (Akita Shinkansen) \u00b7 walk 20 min<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1916\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Wed 14 Apr \u2013 Sun 2 May<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1920\">Hirosaki Park<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Hirosaki (Tohoku), Aomori<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Hirosaki (JR Ou Line) \u00b7 bus 15 min to Shiyakusho-mae Koen-iriguchi<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1920\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Fri 23 Apr \u2013 Tue 4 May<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1924\">Goryokaku Park<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Hakodate (Hokkaido), Hokkaido<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Goryokaku-koen-mae (Hakodate City Tram) \u00b7 walk 15 min<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1924\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                              <tr>\n                                                    <td class=\"date sc-date\">Fri 23 Apr \u2013 Wed 12 May<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-name\"><a href=\"#event-1922\">Matsumae Park<\/a><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-city\">Matsumae (Hokkaido), Hokkaido<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-start\" data-label=\"Start\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-shells\" data-label=\"Shells\"><\/td>\n                          <td class=\"sc-station\">Kikonai (Hokkaido Shinkansen) \u00b7 Hakodate Bus 1 hr 30 min to Matsushiro, walk 3 min<\/td>\n                          <td class=\"num sc-seat\" data-label=\"Seat from\">Free<\/td>\n                                                    <td class=\"sc-action\"><a class=\"book\" href=\"#event-1922\">Details<\/a><\/td>\n                        <\/tr>\n                                          <\/tbody>\n                  <\/table>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/details>\n                  <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n    <section class=\"section\">\n      <div class=\"wrap\">\n        <div class=\"mapcard\">\n          <div class=\"mapcard-head\">\n            <h2>Where these events are<\/h2>\n            <a class=\"btn btn-light\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/hanabi%20festival%20japan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Open in Google Maps \u2197<\/a>\n          <\/div>\n          <div class=\"mapcard-body\" data-jpj-map role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Map of the selected month\u2019s events\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n    <section class=\"section\">\n      <div class=\"wrap\">\n        <div class=\"month-head\">\n          <h2 data-head-name>January 2027<\/h2>\n          <span class=\"badge\" data-head-count>1 event<\/span>\n          <a class=\"change\" href=\"#calendar\">Change month \u2191<\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        <p class=\"month-intro\" data-head-intro>Japan&#039;s season starts in Okinawa, where deep-pink kanhizakura flower in late January. The Nago Sakura Festival is already confirmed for 30\u201331 January 2027.<\/p>\n\n                  <div class=\"entries\" data-month-entries=\"1\" data-name=\"January 2027\" data-count=\"1 event\" data-note=\"Japan&#039;s season starts in Okinawa, where deep-pink kanhizakura flower in late January. The Nago Sakura Festival is already confirmed for 30\u201331 January 2027.\">\n                <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1831\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Nago Castle Park (Nago Sakura Festival)<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>Japan&#039;s first big hanami of the year happens in January, under deep-pink kanhizakura (Taiwan cherry) rather than pale somei-yoshino. Nago Castle Park on the hill above town is the main viewing area, and the Nago Tourism Association says the trees peak from late January to mid-February. The 64th Nago Sakura Festival is already confirmed for Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 January 2027, with parades through central Nago and a pedestrian zone from 11:00 to 20:30. Viewing is free.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Wednesday 13 January \u2013 Thursday 11 February<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Nago (Okinawa), Okinawa \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=26.5917%2C127.9886\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>No railway in northern Okinawa: drive or take a bus from Naha to central Nago<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Churaumi Aquarium and Nakijin Castle are on the Motobu Peninsula, north-west of Nago.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>Festival weekend is the busiest time on the hill; go on a weekday in early February for the same blossoms with far fewer people.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-nago-castle-park-nago-sakura-festival-1-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Nago Castle Park in cherry blossom season\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-nago-castle-park-nago-sakura-festival-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-nago-castle-park-nago-sakura-festival-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-nago-castle-park-nago-sakura-festival-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-nago-castle-park-nago-sakura-festival-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-nago-castle-park-nago-sakura-festival-1-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-nago-castle-park-nago-sakura-festival-1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/nagomun.or.jp\/recommend\/18205\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n              <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"entries\" data-month-entries=\"2\" data-name=\"February 2027\" data-count=\"1 event\" data-note=\"February is for early varieties. Okinawa is still in bloom at the start of the month, and Kawazu on the Izu Peninsula fills its riverbanks with deep-pink kawazu-zakura from early February.\" hidden>\n                <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1833\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Kawazu-zakura along the Kawazu River<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>Kawazu-zakura is an early, deep-pink hybrid that flowers a full month or more before somei-yoshino. The small Izu town has about 8,000 trees, about 850 of them along the river, according to Jorudan&#039;s 2026 listing. The 2026 Kawazu Sakura Matsuri ran from 7 February to 8 March, with the riverside lit from 18:00 to 21:00. Walking the river is free; parking costs from \u00a51,000, and \u00a52,000 at peak.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Monday 1 February \u2013 Sunday 7 March<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Kawazu (Chubu), Shizuoka \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=34.7556%2C138.9906\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Kawazu (Izu Kyuko Line) \u00b7 the trees start right by the station<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Atami (another early-sakura town) and Shimoda are on the same Izu coast line.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>Weekends during the festival are packed and the coast road jams, so come by train on a weekday. The original tree (gen-boku) opens first: Jorudan&#039;s 2026 listing expected it from about 18 January.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kawazu-zakura-along-the-kawazu-river-1024x768.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Kawazu-zakura in bloom in Kawazu, Shizuoka (cherry blossom season)\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kawazu-zakura-along-the-kawazu-river-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kawazu-zakura-along-the-kawazu-river-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kawazu-zakura-along-the-kawazu-river-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kawazu-zakura-along-the-kawazu-river-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kawazu-zakura-along-the-kawazu-river-16x12.jpg 16w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kawazu-zakura-along-the-kawazu-river.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/kawazuzakura.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n              <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"entries\" data-month-entries=\"3\" data-name=\"March 2027\" data-count=\"27 events\" data-note=\"Late March is peak season for most of Japan. Kochi, Fukuoka, Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka are all expected to open between about 20 and 27 March, with full bloom from about 30 March.\" hidden>\n                <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1908\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Rikugien Garden<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>An Edo-period strolling garden whose weeping cherry, just inside the inner gate, flowers at the end of March, usually a few days ahead of Tokyo&#039;s somei-yoshino. Entry is \u00a5300 for adults and \u00a5150 for over-65s. Day tickets can be bought online, valid on the day of purchase.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Friday 19 March \u2013 Saturday 3 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Tokyo (Kanto), Tokyo \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=35.733%2C139.7466\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Komagome (JR Yamanote \/ Tokyo Metro Namboku) \u00b7 walk 7 min<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Kyu-Furukawa Gardens, with its rose garden and Western-style mansion, is nearby.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>The weeping cherry is the whole show here, so come a few days before Tokyo&#039;s forecast full bloom. Morning visits avoid the queue at the gate.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-rikugien-garden-682x1024.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Rikugien Garden, Tokyo (cherry blossom season)\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-rikugien-garden-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-rikugien-garden-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-rikugien-garden-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-rikugien-garden-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-rikugien-garden-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-rikugien-garden-8x12.jpg 8w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-rikugien-garden.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tokyo-park.or.jp\/park\/rikugien\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1851\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Kochi Castle<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>Kochi Park around the castle has about 180 cherry trees, mostly somei-yoshino. Kochi is one of the first cities in Japan to flower each year: in 2026 the JMA sample tree opened on 16 March. The castle keep is lit at night. The park is free to walk.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Saturday 20 March \u2013 Tuesday 6 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Kochi (Shikoku), K\u014dchi \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=33.5607%2C133.5313\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Kochijo-mae (Tosaden tram, Ino Line) \u00b7 walk 5 min<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Hirome Market, Kochi&#039;s food hall, is a short walk away.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>Because Kochi blooms early, it is a good way to start a western Japan trip before Kyoto peaks. Pair it with the Sunday Market on Otesuji, just outside the castle gate.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kochi-castle-1-1024x768.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Kochi Castle in cherry blossom season\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kochi-castle-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kochi-castle-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kochi-castle-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kochi-castle-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kochi-castle-1-16x12.jpg 16w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kochi-castle-1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/kochipark.jp\/kochijyo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1898\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Chidorigafuchi<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>About 230 cherry trees, mostly somei-yoshino, lean over the Imperial Palace moat along the Chidorigafuchi greenway. The 2026 Chiyoda Sakura Festival ran from 5 March to 22 April, with the moat lit from 26 March to 6 April and boat hours extended into the evening. Rowing boats are booked through the &#039;smart ticket&#039; system. Picnics (banquets) and smoking are banned on the greenway.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Monday 22 March \u2013 Tuesday 6 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Tokyo (Kanto), Tokyo \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=35.6908%2C139.7458\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Kudanshita or Hanzomon (Tokyo Metro) \u00b7 walk 5 min<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Yasukuni Shrine and Kitanomaru Park (Nippon Budokan) are next door.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>Boats are the best way to see it, and weekends are the busiest: use the smart ticket and go on a weekday. Come back after dark during the light-up.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-chidorigafuchi-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Rowing boats under cherry blossoms on the Chidorigafuchi moat in Tokyo\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-chidorigafuchi-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-chidorigafuchi-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-chidorigafuchi-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-chidorigafuchi-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-chidorigafuchi-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-chidorigafuchi.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/visit-chiyoda.tokyo\/sakura\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1906\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Inokashira Park<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>About 400 cherry trees, about 200 of them around the pond, many hanging low over the water. Rowing and swan boats run from the boathouse, so you can see them from below. Entry is free. Parties must end by 22:00, open fires are banned and rubbish goes home with you.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Monday 22 March \u2013 Tuesday 6 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Kichijoji (Kanto), Tokyo \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=35.6997%2C139.573\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Kichijoji (JR Chuo \/ Keio Inokashira) \u00b7 walk 5 min; Inokashira-koen \u00b7 walk 1 min<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Ghibli Museum is on the park&#039;s west side.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>Boat queues are long at weekend lunchtimes; go at opening on a weekday. Kichijoji&#039;s Harmonica Yokocho is the place to eat afterwards.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-inokashira-park-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Inokashira Park pond, Kichijoji (cherry blossom season)\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-inokashira-park-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-inokashira-park-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-inokashira-park-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-inokashira-park-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-inokashira-park-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-inokashira-park.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kensetsu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp\/jimusho\/seibuk\/inokashira\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1900\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Meguro River (Nakameguro)<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>About 800 somei-yoshino arch over the Meguro River from Ohashi (Ikejiri-Ohashi) down to Shimo-Meguro, with the busiest stretch through Nakameguro. The 2026 Nakameguro Sakura Matsuri was on 28\u201329 March, and the trees were lit from 17:00 to 20:00. It is free, but there is nowhere to sit: this is a walk, not a picnic.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Monday 22 March \u2013 Tuesday 6 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Tokyo (Kanto), Tokyo \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=35.644%2C139.699\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Naka-Meguro (Tokyu Toyoko \/ Tokyo Metro Hibiya) \u00b7 walk 2 min; Ikejiri-Ohashi \u00b7 walk 2 min<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Daikanyama&#039;s shops are a 6-minute walk from the river.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>The Nakameguro stretch is the most crowded at the weekend festival. Walk downstream towards Meguro, where it thins out; there is no parking, and about 10 temporary toilets were planned along the river in 2026.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-meguro-river-nakameguro-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Cherry blossoms lining the Meguro River in Tokyo\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-meguro-river-nakameguro-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-meguro-river-nakameguro-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-meguro-river-nakameguro-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-meguro-river-nakameguro-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-meguro-river-nakameguro-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-meguro-river-nakameguro.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.city.meguro.tokyo.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1902\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>About 900 cherry trees of about 70 varieties, including about 300 somei-yoshino and about 170 late double cherries (ichiyo and kanzan), so something is in bloom from January to late April. Entry is \u00a5500 for adults, and the garden stays open on Mondays from 25 March to 24 April. Alcohol is banned. In 2026, timed advance booking was required from 10:00 to 16:00 on 28 and 29 March and 5 April.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Monday 22 March \u2013 Tuesday 6 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Tokyo (Kanto), Tokyo \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=35.6852%2C139.7101\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Shinjuku-gyoemmae (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi) \u00b7 walk 5 min; Shinjuku \u00b7 walk 10 min<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Shinjuku&#039;s department stores and Omoide Yokocho are a 10-minute walk.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>Watch the garden&#039;s site in early March for any booking days. Without a booking you can still enter from 9:00 to 10:00 or 16:00 to 17:30. Come back mid-April for the kanzan double cherries.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-shinjuku-gyoen-national-garden-683x1024.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Shinjuku Gyoen in spring (cherry blossom season)\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-shinjuku-gyoen-national-garden-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-shinjuku-gyoen-national-garden-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-shinjuku-gyoen-national-garden-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-shinjuku-gyoen-national-garden-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-shinjuku-gyoen-national-garden-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-shinjuku-gyoen-national-garden-8x12.jpg 8w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-shinjuku-gyoen-national-garden.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/policies.env.go.jp\/national-garden\/shinjukugyoen\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1904\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Sumida Park<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>About 400 cherry trees (somei-yoshino and sato-zakura) line the Taito side of the Sumida River, with Tokyo Skytree across the water. The trees are lit from sunset to 21:00. It is free, but picnic areas with food and drink are limited to set zones.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Monday 22 March \u2013 Tuesday 6 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Tokyo (Kanto), Tokyo \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=35.713%2C139.8018\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Asakusa (Tokyo Metro \/ Toei \/ Tobu) \u00b7 short walk<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Senso-ji is 5 minutes&#039; walk; river cruises leave from Asakusa pier.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>Cross Sakura-bashi, the X-shaped footbridge, for the view back to Skytree. A Sumida River cruise is a good way to see both banks.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-sumida-park-683x1024.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Cherry blossoms and Tokyo Skytree by the Sumida River (cherry blossom season)\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-sumida-park-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-sumida-park-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-sumida-park-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-sumida-park-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-sumida-park-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-sumida-park-8x12.jpg 8w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-sumida-park.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/t-navi.city.taito.lg.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1896\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Ueno Park<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>Tokyo&#039;s most famous party park has about 800 cherry trees of about 50 varieties, most of them along Sakura-dori, the central avenue. The 77th Ueno Sakura Matsuri ran from 14 March to 5 April 2026, and about 800 paper lanterns were lit from 20 March to 19 April, from dusk to about 20:00. Entry is free. The park closes to visitors from 23:00 to 5:00 and open fires are banned.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Monday 22 March \u2013 Tuesday 6 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Tokyo (Kanto), Tokyo \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=35.7148%2C139.7731\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Ueno (JR \/ Tokyo Metro) \u00b7 walk 2 min; Keisei Ueno \u00b7 walk 1 min<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Tokyo National Museum, Ueno Zoo and Ameyoko market are all at the park.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>Sakura-dori is a slow shuffle by midday at weekends. Go before 8:00, or see the lanterns on a weekday night. Shinobazu Pond&#039;s south side is less crowded.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-ueno-park-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Cherry blossoms in Ueno, Tokyo (cherry blossom season)\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-ueno-park-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-ueno-park-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-ueno-park-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-ueno-park-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-ueno-park-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-ueno-park.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kensetsu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp\/jimusho\/toubuk\/ueno\/index_top.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1884\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Yamazaki River (Nagoya)<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>About 550 trees, mostly somei-yoshino, arch over about 2.5 km of the Yamazaki River through a quiet residential area. A 120 m stretch by Kanae Bridge is lit in bloom season. It is free.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Monday 22 March \u2013 Friday 9 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Nagoya (Chubu), Aichi \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=35.1336%2C136.9367\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Mizuho Kuyakusho (Nagoya subway Sakura-dori Line) \u00b7 walk 13 min<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Nagoya Castle and Tsuruma Park are Nagoya&#039;s other big sakura spots.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>There are no toilets or parking along the river, and it runs through a residential area, so keep noise down. Nagoya often blooms early: in 2026 it opened on 17 March.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-yamazaki-river-nagoya-1024x768.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Cherry blossoms in Nagoya (cherry blossom season)\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-yamazaki-river-nagoya-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-yamazaki-river-nagoya-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-yamazaki-river-nagoya-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-yamazaki-river-nagoya-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-yamazaki-river-nagoya-16x12.jpg 16w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-yamazaki-river-nagoya.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.city.nagoya.jp\/mizuho\/miryoku\/1021905.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1854\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Kintaikyo Bridge and Kikko Park<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>About 1,500 somei-yoshino line the Nishiki River and Kikko Park around the five-arched wooden Kintaikyo Bridge. Lanterns and lights run from sunset to 22:00 while the trees are in bloom. Crossing the bridge costs \u00a5500 return for adults (official toll); you can pay at the night box outside staffed hours.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Tuesday 23 March \u2013 Thursday 8 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Iwakuni (Chugoku), Ch\u016bgoku \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=34.1679%2C132.1784\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Iwakuni (JR Sanyo Line) \u00b7 Iwakuni bus 20 min to Kintaikyo<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Iwakuni Castle sits above the park, reached by ropeway.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>The best view of bridge and blossoms together is from the riverbank downstream. Combine with Miyajima, which is on the same JR line.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kintaikyo-bridge-and-kikko-park-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Kintaikyo Bridge in Iwakuni (cherry blossom season)\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kintaikyo-bridge-and-kikko-park-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kintaikyo-bridge-and-kikko-park-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kintaikyo-bridge-and-kikko-park-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kintaikyo-bridge-and-kikko-park-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kintaikyo-bridge-and-kikko-park-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kintaikyo-bridge-and-kikko-park.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/kankou.iwakuni-city.net\/kintaikyo.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1838\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Kumamoto Castle<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>About 550 cherry trees of around 16 varieties, including somei-yoshino, yamazakura and chihara-zakura, ring the rebuilt keep and the massive stone walls. Admission to the castle grounds is \u00a5800 for adults and \u00a5300 for children.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Tuesday 23 March \u2013 Wednesday 7 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Kumamoto (Kyushu), Kumamoto \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=32.8063%2C130.7058\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Kumamotojo-Shiyakusho-mae (Kumamoto City Tram) \u00b7 walk 10 min<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Sakura-no-baba Josaien food court sits at the foot of the castle.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>Tickets can be bought online in advance from the castle website, which saves the queue at the gate on spring weekends. Morning light on the main keep is best from the Ninomaru side.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kumamoto-castle-683x1024.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Kumamoto Castle in cherry blossom season (cherry blossom season)\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kumamoto-castle-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kumamoto-castle-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kumamoto-castle-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kumamoto-castle-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kumamoto-castle-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kumamoto-castle-8x12.jpg 8w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kumamoto-castle.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/castle.kumamoto-guide.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1860\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>About 300 cherry trees, mostly somei-yoshino, line the riverbanks of the Peace Memorial Park and the area opposite the Atomic Bomb Dome. Entry is free. Open fires are banned and you must take your rubbish home.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Tuesday 23 March \u2013 Thursday 8 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Hiroshima (Chugoku), Hiroshima \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=34.3925%2C132.4525\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Genbaku Dome-mae (Hiroden tram) \u00b7 walk 5 min; 16 min by tram from Hiroshima Station<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Shukkeien garden are both within walking distance.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>The riverbank opposite the Atomic Bomb Dome fills with picnic groups at weekends. Remember this is a memorial site, so keep noise down.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n                          <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/dive-hiroshima.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1836\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Maizuru Park (Fukuoka Castle ruins)<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>The stone walls of Fukuoka Castle are wrapped in about 1,000 cherry trees of some 20 varieties, mostly somei-yoshino and weeping cherries. The Fukuoka Castle Sakura Matsuri ran from late March to early April in 2026, with the walls and trees lit from 18:00 to 22:00. Entry to the park is free; a few areas are paid during the festival.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Wednesday 24 March \u2013 Wednesday 7 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Fukuoka (Kyushu), Fukuoka \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=33.5847%2C130.3833\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Akasaka or Ohori-koen (Fukuoka subway Kuko Line) \u00b7 walk 8 min<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Ohori Park&#039;s lake is next door, and Tenjin is two subway stops away.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>The paid night zones are the most photogenic but queue after dark at weekends. Go at 18:00 when the lights come on, then walk to Ohori Park for quieter views.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-maizuru-park-fukuoka-castle-ruins-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Cherry blossoms in Fukuoka (cherry blossom season)\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-maizuru-park-fukuoka-castle-ruins-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-maizuru-park-fukuoka-castle-ruins-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-maizuru-park-fukuoka-castle-ruins-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-maizuru-park-fukuoka-castle-ruins-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-maizuru-park-fukuoka-castle-ruins-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-maizuru-park-fukuoka-castle-ruins.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.midorimachi.jp\/maiduru\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1846\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Matsuyama Castle (Shiroyama Park)<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>About 200 cherry trees, mostly somei-yoshino, cover the hilltop around one of Japan&#039;s 12 original castle keeps. The cherries are lit from sunset to 20:50 in bloom season, and the Matsuyama Haru Matsuri (castle festival) was held on the Honmaru plaza in early April 2026. The hilltop plaza is free; the keep costs \u00a5520 for adults, and the ropeway or chairlift is \u00a5520 return.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Wednesday 24 March \u2013 Friday 9 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Matsuyama (Shikoku), Ehime \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=33.8456%2C132.7656\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Minami-Horibata (Iyotetsu tram, 6 min from JR Matsuyama) \u00b7 walk 5 min<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Dogo Onsen is a short tram ride away.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>Ride the open chairlift up for blossoms at eye level. The ropeway runs 8:30\u201317:30 and the lift 8:30\u201317:00, so walk up for the evening light-up.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-matsuyama-castle-shiroyama-park-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Matsuyama Castle, Ehime (cherry blossom season)\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-matsuyama-castle-shiroyama-park-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-matsuyama-castle-shiroyama-park-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-matsuyama-castle-shiroyama-park-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-matsuyama-castle-shiroyama-park-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-matsuyama-castle-shiroyama-park-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-matsuyama-castle-shiroyama-park.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.matsuyamajo.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1843\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Saitobaru Burial Mounds<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>About 2,000 cherry trees (yamazakura, somei-yoshino and yaezakura) line the paths between ancient burial mounds, with about 300,000 rapeseed plants flowering on an 8 ha field below. The rapeseed usually peaks from mid-March to early April, so both are often out together. The Saito Hana Matsuri was planned for late March to early April 2026. Entry is free.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Wednesday 24 March \u2013 Friday 9 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Saito (Kyushu), Miyazaki \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=32.1219%2C131.387\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Miyazaki (JR) \u00b7 Miyakotsu bus about 50 min to Saito Bus Center, then taxi 5 min<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Saitobaru Archaeological Museum is on the same plateau.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>Public transport is thin; rent a car in Miyazaki if you can. Weekday mornings have the clearest views of yellow and pink without crowds.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-saitobaru-burial-mounds-1024x768.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Saitobaru Burial Mounds in cherry blossom season\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-saitobaru-burial-mounds-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-saitobaru-burial-mounds-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-saitobaru-burial-mounds-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-saitobaru-burial-mounds-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-saitobaru-burial-mounds-16x12.jpg 16w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-saitobaru-burial-mounds.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saito-kanko.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1869\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Arashiyama<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>About 1,500 trees (somei-yoshino, yamazakura, yaezakura and weeping cherries) cover the hills and riverbanks around Togetsukyo Bridge, with famous individual trees at Tenryu-ji and Nison-in. Arashiyama Park and the riverbanks are free. A light-up on Nagatsuji-dori by the bridge was planned for 2026.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Thursday 25 March \u2013 Saturday 10 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Kyoto (Kansai), Kyoto \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=35.0127%2C135.6778\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Arashiyama (Hankyu Arashiyama Line) \u00b7 walk 5 min<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Tenryu-ji, the bamboo grove and the Sagano Scenic Railway are all within 15 minutes&#039; walk.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>Rowing boats for hire on the river by Togetsukyo give you the blossoms without the crowd. Leave by Hankyu rather than JR Saga-Arashiyama, which is a 15-minute walk.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-arashiyama-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Arashiyama in cherry blossom season\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-arashiyama-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-arashiyama-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-arashiyama-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-arashiyama-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-arashiyama-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-arashiyama.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"http:\/\/arashiyamahoshokai.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1867\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Daigo-ji Temple<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>Toyotomi Hideyoshi held his famous cherry-viewing party here in spring 1598 after planting 700 trees. Today about 700 trees (weeping cherries, somei-yoshino, yamazakura, yaezakura and early kawazu-zakura) flower in turn across the World Heritage temple. The spring season runs from 20 March to the third Sunday of April, when a ticket for Sanbo-in, the Garan and the Reihokan costs \u00a51,800 for adults. The Hotaiko Hanami Gyoretsu costume parade is normally held on the second Sunday of April but was cancelled in 2026.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Thursday 25 March \u2013 Saturday 10 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Kyoto (Kansai), Kyoto \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=34.951%2C135.8196\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Daigo (Kyoto subway Tozai Line) \u00b7 walk 10 min<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Kami-Daigo, the mountain part of the temple, is a steep hike above the Garan.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>The big weeping cherries at the Reihokan open before the somei-yoshino, so Daigo-ji is worth visiting a few days before Kyoto&#039;s forecast full bloom. Hours change in spring: check the temple site.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-daigo-ji-temple-1-1024x680.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Daigo-ji Temple in cherry blossom season\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-daigo-ji-temple-1-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-daigo-ji-temple-1-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-daigo-ji-temple-1-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-daigo-ji-temple-1-1536x1020.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-daigo-ji-temple-1-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-daigo-ji-temple-1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.daigoji.or.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1862\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Maruyama Park<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>Kyoto&#039;s main party park has about 680 cherry trees, including weeping cherries, somei-yoshino, yamazakura and double weeping cherries. Its centrepiece is the Gion shidarezakura, the giant weeping cherry that is lit up at night in bloom season. Entry is free.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Thursday 25 March \u2013 Saturday 10 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Kyoto (Kansai), Kyoto \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=35.0036%2C135.7808\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Gion bus stop (Kyoto City Bus 206 from Kyoto Station, 20 min) \u00b7 walk 3 min<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Yasaka Shrine is at the park entrance; Kodai-ji and Ninenzaka are a short walk south.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>The lawns fill with tarps by the afternoon. For the weeping cherry without the party, go before 8:00 or after 21:00.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-maruyama-park-1024x576.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Yasaka Shrine&#039;s west gate, at the entrance to Maruyama Park (cherry blossom season)\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-maruyama-park-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-maruyama-park-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-maruyama-park-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-maruyama-park-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-maruyama-park-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-maruyama-park.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/kyoto-maruyama-park.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1841\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Omura Park<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>Omura Park, on the old Kushima Castle site, has about 2,000 cherry trees: about 1,500 somei-yoshino, about 200 yaezakura and about 300 Omura-zakura. Omura-zakura is a national natural monument with double flowers of 60 to 200 petals, and it blooms after the somei-yoshino. The trees are lit from sunset to 22:00. Entry is free.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Thursday 25 March \u2013 Friday 9 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Omura (Kyushu), Nagasaki \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=32.8961%2C129.9686\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Omura (JR Omura Line) \u00b7 bus 10 min to Koen-iriguchi<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Nagasaki Airport is in Omura too, which makes this an easy first or last stop.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>The Omura-zakura open after the somei-yoshino, so a visit in early to mid-April catches the national-monument trees that most visitors miss.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-omura-park-1-1024x768.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Omura Park in cherry blossom season\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-omura-park-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-omura-park-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-omura-park-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-omura-park-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-omura-park-1-16x12.jpg 16w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-omura-park-1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.e-oomura.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1865\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Philosopher&#8217;s Path<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>A canal-side path of about 2 km from Nyakuoji Bridge to Jodoji Bridge, lined with about 400 cherry trees, mostly somei-yoshino. When the petals fall they cover the canal in pink rafts (hanaikada). There is no fee and no official light-up.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Thursday 25 March \u2013 Saturday 10 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Kyoto (Kansai), Kyoto \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=35.0233%2C135.7944\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Ginkakuji-mae bus stop (Kyoto City Bus 100 from Kyoto Station, about 37 min)<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Ginkaku-ji is at the north end; Nanzen-ji and Eikan-do are near the south end.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>Walk it north to south starting at Ginkaku-ji at 7:00 and you will have it almost to yourself. There is no parking.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-philosopher-s-path-1-683x1024.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Philosopher&#039;s Path in cherry blossom season\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-philosopher-s-path-1-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-philosopher-s-path-1-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-philosopher-s-path-1-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-philosopher-s-path-1-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-philosopher-s-path-1-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-philosopher-s-path-1-8x12.jpg 8w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-philosopher-s-path-1-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/tetsugakunomichi.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1910\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Kumagaya Sakura-zutsumi<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>About 500 somei-yoshino line about 2 km of the Arakawa River embankment. The Kumagaya Sakura Matsuri runs from late March to early April, when the trees are lit from 18:00 to 21:00. It is free.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Friday 26 March \u2013 Sunday 11 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Kumagaya (Kanto), Saitama \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=36.1386%2C139.385\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Kumagaya (JR Takasaki Line \/ Joetsu Shinkansen) \u00b7 walk 5 min<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Menuma Shodenzan, a richly carved temple, is a short bus ride away.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>Five minutes from a Shinkansen station, this is the easiest big-tunnel sakura day trip from Tokyo. Weekday mornings are calm; take your rubbish home.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kumagaya-sakura-zutsumi-1-1024x768.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Kumagaya Sakura-zutsumi in cherry blossom season\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kumagaya-sakura-zutsumi-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kumagaya-sakura-zutsumi-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kumagaya-sakura-zutsumi-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kumagaya-sakura-zutsumi-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kumagaya-sakura-zutsumi-1-16x12.jpg 16w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kumagaya-sakura-zutsumi-1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oideyo-kumagaya.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1848\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Mount Shiude (Shiudeyama)<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>About 1,000 cherry trees, mostly somei-yoshino, cover this hill on the Shonai Peninsula, with the islands of the Seto Inland Sea spread out below. It has become one of Shikoku&#039;s most photographed sakura views. There is no entry fee. Traffic controls apply on the mountain road in sakura season.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Friday 26 March \u2013 Saturday 10 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Mitoyo (Shikoku), Kagawa \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=34.2531%2C133.6392\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>No direct rail access: about 20 km by car from Sanuki-Toyonaka IC; traffic controls in sakura season<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Chichibugahama, Mitoyo&#039;s &#039;mirror&#039; beach, is on the same coast.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>Go early on a weekday: the access road is narrow and controlled in season. Check the Mitoyo tourism site for the shuttle and parking arrangements before you set off.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"635\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-mount-shiude-shiudeyama-1024x635.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Mount Shiude (Shiudeyama) in cherry blossom season\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-mount-shiude-shiudeyama-1024x635.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-mount-shiude-shiudeyama-300x186.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-mount-shiude-shiudeyama-768x476.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-mount-shiude-shiudeyama-1536x952.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-mount-shiude-shiudeyama-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-mount-shiude-shiudeyama.jpg 1773w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mitoyo-kanko.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1880\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Himeji Castle<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>About 1,000 cherry trees (somei-yoshino, yamazakura, weeping and double cherries) surround Japan&#039;s best-preserved original castle. A night viewing (Yozakura-kai) was planned from late March to early April 2026, from sunset to 21:00. The castle now costs \u00a52,500 for adult non-residents (\u00a51,000 for Himeji residents; under-18s free), while the Sannomaru plaza with most of the trees is free.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Saturday 27 March \u2013 Monday 12 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Himeji (Kansai), Hy\u014dgo \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=34.8394%2C134.6939\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Himeji (JR \/ Sanyo Shinkansen) \u00b7 walk 20 min<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Koko-en garden is next to the castle; Mount Shosha&#039;s Engyo-ji is a bus and ropeway ride away.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>Sannomaru plaza is free and has the classic view of the keep over the blossoms, so you can skip the paid area if you are on a budget. Eating and drinking are banned inside the paid zone.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-himeji-castle-683x1024.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Himeji Castle surrounded by cherry blossoms at dusk\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-himeji-castle-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-himeji-castle-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-himeji-castle-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-himeji-castle-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-himeji-castle-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-himeji-castle-8x12.jpg 8w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-himeji-castle-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.himejicastle.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1874\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Nara Park<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>About 1,500 cherry trees spread across the deer park, Todai-ji and Kofuku-ji, including somei-yoshino and two local double varieties, Nara-no-yaezakura and Nara-kokonoe-zakura. Thanks to those late varieties the season runs from late March to early May. The park is free.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Saturday 27 March \u2013 Saturday 10 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Nara (Kansai), Nara \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=34.6851%2C135.843\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Kintetsu Nara \u00b7 walk 5 min<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Todai-ji, Kasuga Taisha and Kofuku-ji are all inside the park.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>Come back in the last week of April for Nara-no-yaezakura, Nara&#039;s prefectural flower, when the Kyoto crowds have moved on. Do not feed the deer anything but the official deer crackers.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-nara-park-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Ukimido pavilion in Nara Park (cherry blossom season)\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-nara-park-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-nara-park-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-nara-park-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-nara-park-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-nara-park-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-nara-park.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www3.pref.nara.jp\/park\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1876\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Osaka Castle Park<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>About 3,000 cherry trees fill Osaka Castle Park, including about 300 somei-yoshino in the paid Nishinomaru Garden below the keep. The Nishinomaru Garden night viewing ran from late March to early April in 2026, open 9:00\u201321:00 (last entry 20:30). The rest of the park is free. Open fires are banned and holding picnic spots is restricted.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Saturday 27 March \u2013 Sunday 11 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Osaka (Kansai), Osaka \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=34.6873%2C135.5262\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Osakajokoen (JR Osaka Loop Line) \u00b7 short walk; Tanimachi 4-chome (subway) \u00b7 walk 10 min<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>The castle keep museum and the Osaka Castle Hall area are inside the park.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>Nishinomaru Garden is the best view of the keep with blossoms; go on a weekday evening. Holding spots overnight is restricted, so do not expect to tape down a tarp at dawn.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-osaka-castle-park-1024x576.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Osaka Castle surrounded by blooming cherry blossoms\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-osaka-castle-park-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-osaka-castle-park-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-osaka-castle-park-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-osaka-castle-park-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-osaka-castle-park-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-osaka-castle-park.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osakacastlepark.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1857\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Matsue Castle<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>About 180 trees (somei-yoshino, yaezakura, weeping and mountain cherries) surround one of Japan&#039;s 12 original castle keeps. The 2026 Oshiro Matsuri ran from 25 March to 8 April, with the castle and trees lit from sunset to 21:00 and a samurai procession on 4 April. The castle hill park is free.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Sunday 28 March \u2013 Friday 9 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Matsue (Chugoku), Shimane \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=35.475%2C133.0506\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Matsue (JR) \u00b7 Lake Line bus 10 min to Matsue-jo (Otemae), walk 7 min<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Horikawa moat boats circle the castle; Lake Shinji is a short walk south.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>Take a Horikawa moat boat during bloom: you pass under blossoms at water level. The lit castle is quietest on weekdays after 19:00.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-matsue-castle-576x1024.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Matsue Castle, Shimane (cherry blossom season)\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-matsue-castle-576x1024.jpg 576w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-matsue-castle-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-matsue-castle-768x1365.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-matsue-castle-864x1536.jpg 864w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-matsue-castle-1152x2048.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-matsue-castle-7x12.jpg 7w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-matsue-castle-scaled.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.matsue-castle.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1892\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Kenrokuen Garden<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>About 400 cherry trees of about 40 varieties grow in one of Japan&#039;s three great gardens. Normal entry is \u00a5320, but for about a week from the fifth day after Kanazawa&#039;s bloom is declared, entry is free and the garden stays open and lit until 21:30. Drinking parties are not allowed.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Wednesday 31 March \u2013 Tuesday 13 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Kanazawa (Chubu), Ishikawa \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=36.5621%2C136.6625\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Kanazawa (JR \/ Hokuriku Shinkansen) \u00b7 Hokutetsu bus 20 min to Kenrokuen-shita<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Kanazawa Castle Park is across the bridge, with more blossoms along its moat.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>The free nights are busy; go at opening time (7:00) for the morning light instead. Check the official site for the free-entry dates once Kanazawa&#039;s bloom is declared.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"577\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kenrokuen-garden-1024x577.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa (cherry blossom season)\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kenrokuen-garden-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kenrokuen-garden-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kenrokuen-garden-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kenrokuen-garden-1536x865.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kenrokuen-garden-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kenrokuen-garden.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pref.ishikawa.jp\/siro-niwa\/japanese\/top.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n              <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"entries\" data-month-entries=\"4\" data-name=\"April 2027\" data-count=\"14 events\" data-note=\"April moves the bloom north and uphill: Kanazawa, the Japan Alps, Takada and Sendai in the first half, then Kakunodate, Kitakami and Hirosaki in the second. Back in Osaka and Nara, the late double cherries take over.\" hidden>\n                <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1882\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Kaizu Osaki (Lake Biwa)<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>About 800 somei-yoshino line about 4 km of lakeshore road on the north tip of Lake Biwa. Cruise boats run from the shore in bloom season (booking needed). There is no light-up and no entry fee.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Thursday 1 April \u2013 Tuesday 13 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Takashima (Kansai), Shiga \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=35.4505%2C136.082\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Makino (JR Kosei Line) \u00b7 community bus 6 min to Kaizu 1-ku<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Makino&#039;s metasequoia avenue is nearby in the same town.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>There is no parking and the road jams badly, so come by train and bus. Book a sakura cruise early: seeing the tunnel from the water is the point.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kaizu-osaki-lake-biwa-1-1024x768.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Kaizu Osaki in cherry blossom season\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kaizu-osaki-lake-biwa-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kaizu-osaki-lake-biwa-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kaizu-osaki-lake-biwa-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kaizu-osaki-lake-biwa-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kaizu-osaki-lake-biwa-1-16x12.jpg 16w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kaizu-osaki-lake-biwa-1.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/takashima-kanko.jp\/sakura\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1886\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Chureito Pagoda (Arakurayama Sengen Park)<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>The classic Japan postcard: a five-storey pagoda, cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji in one frame. You climb 398 steps from Arakurayama Sengen Shrine to the viewing deck. The park and deck are free; parking costs \u00a51,000\u2013\u00a51,500 for 6 hours.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Friday 2 April \u2013 Sunday 18 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Fujiyoshida (Chubu), Yamanashi \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=35.5011%2C138.8013\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Shimo-Yoshida (Fujikyu Line) \u00b7 walk about 25 min including the climb<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Lake Kawaguchi and Fujiyoshida&#039;s Honcho-dori street (with its Fuji view) are close by.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>Fuji often clouds over later in the day, so be on the deck early in the morning. Do not drive to the pagoda plaza, and do not park or stop at Shimo-Yoshida Station: the city asks visitors not to.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-chureito-pagoda-arakurayama-sengen-park-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Chureito Pagoda and Mt Fuji (cherry blossom season)\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-chureito-pagoda-arakurayama-sengen-park-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-chureito-pagoda-arakurayama-sengen-park-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-chureito-pagoda-arakurayama-sengen-park-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-chureito-pagoda-arakurayama-sengen-park-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-chureito-pagoda-arakurayama-sengen-park-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-chureito-pagoda-arakurayama-sengen-park.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/fujiyoshida.net\/spot\/index.php?p=12\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1894\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Takada Castle Ruins Park<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>About 4,000 cherry trees and about 3,000 paper lanterns make this one of Japan&#039;s three great night-sakura spots. The 102nd Takada Castle Ruins Park Cherry Blossom Festival is confirmed for 2 to 18 April 2027. In 2026 the lights ran from 18:00 to 21:00, and to 22:00 at peak. Entry is free.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Friday 2 April \u2013 Sunday 18 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Joetsu (Chubu), Niigata \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=37.1056%2C138.2519\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Takada (Echigo Tokimeki Railway) \u00b7 walk 15 min; Joetsumyoko (Hokuriku Shinkansen) is the nearest bullet-train stop<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>The rebuilt three-storey turret stands on the moat; Joetsu&#039;s old Takada town has long covered arcades.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>Walk the &#039;sakura road&#039; along the moat after dark and catch the lit turret reflected in the water. The organiser may start early or extend if the bloom shifts.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-takada-castle-ruins-park-1-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Takada Castle Ruins Park in cherry blossom season\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-takada-castle-ruins-park-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-takada-castle-ruins-park-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-takada-castle-ruins-park-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-takada-castle-ruins-park-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-takada-castle-ruins-park-1-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-takada-castle-ruins-park-1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/joetsukankonavi.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1914\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Miharu Takizakura<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>A single beni-shidarezakura (red weeping cherry) said to be over 1,000 years old, with branches spreading about 25 m by 20 m. It is a national natural monument and one of Japan&#039;s three great cherry trees. Viewing costs \u00a5500 (free for junior high students and under), and the tree is lit from 18:00 to 21:00 in bloom season.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Saturday 3 April \u2013 Wednesday 14 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Miharu (Tohoku), Fukushima \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=37.4097%2C140.4766\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Miharu (JR Ban-etsu East Line) \u00b7 seasonal &#039;Takizakura-go&#039; bus or taxi 15 min<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Miharu town has many &#039;daughter&#039; weeping cherries grown from Takizakura&#039;s seeds.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>Traffic controls apply in bloom season and car parks fill by mid-morning. Take the seasonal bus from Miharu Station, and arrive at opening for the tree without the crowd.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-miharu-takizakura-1-1024x768.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Miharu Takizakura in cherry blossom season\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-miharu-takizakura-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-miharu-takizakura-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-miharu-takizakura-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-miharu-takizakura-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-miharu-takizakura-1-16x12.jpg 16w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-miharu-takizakura-1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/miharukoma.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1872\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Mount Yoshino (Yoshinoyama)<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>Japan&#039;s most famous cherry mountain has about 30,000 trees, mostly shiroyamazakura (wild white mountain cherry). The bloom climbs the mountain from early to late April in four zones: Shimo-Senbon, Naka-Senbon, Kami-Senbon and Oku-Senbon. There is no entry fee, but in season parking adds a &#039;cooperation fee&#039; of \u00a51,500\u2013\u00a52,000, and traffic controls apply.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Saturday 3 April \u2013 Sunday 25 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Yoshino (Kansai), Nara \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=34.3667%2C135.8592\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Yoshino (Kintetsu Yoshino Line) \u00b7 Yoshinoyama Ropeway 3 min to Shimo-Senbon, or seasonal bus 20 min to Naka-Senbon<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Kinpusen-ji, Yoshimizu Shrine and the Hitome-Senbon viewpoint are all on the main ridge road.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>Do not drive: take the train and ropeway, then a seasonal bus up to Naka-Senbon and walk down. Start early, because the ridge road is single-file by late morning at weekends.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-mount-yoshino-yoshinoyama-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Cherry trees around the temples of Yoshinoyama, Nara (cherry blossom season)\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-mount-yoshino-yoshinoyama-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-mount-yoshino-yoshinoyama-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-mount-yoshino-yoshinoyama-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-mount-yoshino-yoshinoyama-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-mount-yoshino-yoshinoyama-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-mount-yoshino-yoshinoyama.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/yoshino-kankou.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1912\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Hitome Senbonzakura (Shiroishi River)<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>The &#039;thousand cherry trees at a glance&#039;: about 1,200 trees (somei-yoshino, yaezakura and others) line 8 km of the Shiroishi River, with the snow-capped Zao mountains behind. The Ogawara Sakura Matsuri runs in early to mid-April, with lights from 18:00 to 22:00 during the festival. Entry is free; car parks charge during the festival.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Sunday 4 April \u2013 Friday 16 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Ogawara (Tohoku), Miyagi \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=38.049%2C140.735\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Ogawara (JR Tohoku Line) \u00b7 walk 3 min<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Funaoka Castle Ruins Park, another big sakura hill, is at the Funaoka end of the river.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>JR trains run right alongside the river between Ogawara and Funaoka: sit on the river side. Use the train, as the town asks festival visitors not to drive.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-hitome-senbonzakura-shiroishi-river-1-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Hitome Senbonzakura in cherry blossom season\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-hitome-senbonzakura-shiroishi-river-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-hitome-senbonzakura-shiroishi-river-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-hitome-senbonzakura-shiroishi-river-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-hitome-senbonzakura-shiroishi-river-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-hitome-senbonzakura-shiroishi-river-1-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-hitome-senbonzakura-shiroishi-river-1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.town.ogawara.miyagi.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1878\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Japan Mint &#8216;Sakura no Torinuke&#8217;<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>For one week a year the Japan Mint opens a 560 m riverside lane lined with about 340 trees of about 140 late, mostly double-flowered varieties such as kanzan. It is free, but in 2025 entry needed a free advance booking, first come first served. Food, drink and pets are not allowed, and you walk one way, south to north. In 2025 it was open 10:00\u201319:30 (from 9:00 at weekends) and lit after dark.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Monday 5 April \u2013 Sunday 18 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Osaka (Kansai), Osaka \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=34.6969%2C135.5222\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Temmabashi (Keihan \/ Osaka Metro) \u00b7 walk 15 min<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Osaka Castle Park is a 15-minute walk across the river.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>Watch the Mint website from mid-March: the dates and booking method are announced then, and booking is first come, first served. Evening slots are the most popular.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-japan-mint-sakura-no-torinuke-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Cherry blossoms in Osaka (cherry blossom season)\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-japan-mint-sakura-no-torinuke-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-japan-mint-sakura-no-torinuke-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-japan-mint-sakura-no-torinuke-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-japan-mint-sakura-no-torinuke-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-japan-mint-sakura-no-torinuke-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-japan-mint-sakura-no-torinuke.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mint.go.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1890\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Matsumoto Castle<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>About 300 cherry trees, somei-yoshino and weeping cherries, line the moats of this black original castle. The night &#039;Yozakura-kai&#039; starts three days after Matsumoto&#039;s bloom is declared and runs for eight days, with the inner Honmaru garden planned to be free from 17:30 to 21:00 (the keep itself is closed). Daytime entry is \u00a51,300 for adults (\u00a51,200 by e-ticket).<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Tuesday 6 April \u2013 Monday 19 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Matsumoto (Chubu), Nagano \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=36.2385%2C137.969\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Matsumoto (JR Shinonoi Line) \u00b7 walk 20 min<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Nakamachi street and Nawate-dori are a short walk away.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>The free evening entry makes the Yozakura-kai the best-value visit. Buy daytime tickets as e-tickets to skip the queue.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-matsumoto-castle-1024x576.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Cherry blossoms in full bloom in front of Matsumoto Castle\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-matsumoto-castle-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-matsumoto-castle-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-matsumoto-castle-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-matsumoto-castle-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-matsumoto-castle-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-matsumoto-castle.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.matsumoto-castle.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1888\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Takato Castle Ruins Park<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>About 1,500 Takato kohigan-zakura, a small, deep-pink variety found almost only here, cover the old castle grounds. They stay pink at full bloom instead of fading to white. Entry is \u00a5600 for adults and \u00a5300 for children from the day after the bloom is declared until the petals fall, and the trees are lit from sunset to 22:00 (entry until 21:00).<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Tuesday 6 April \u2013 Monday 19 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Ina (Chubu), Nagano \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=35.8325%2C138.0631\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Ina-Kita (JR Iida Line) or Ina Bus Terminal \u00b7 JR bus 25 min to Takato, walk 20 min<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Takato&#039;s old town and the Shinshu Takato Art Museum are next to the park.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>Weekends bring heavy traffic on the only road in; park at the temporary car parks and use the shuttle, or come on a weekday. The light-up after 19:00 is calmer than the day.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"685\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-takato-castle-ruins-park-1-1024x685.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Takato Castle Ruins Park in cherry blossom season\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-takato-castle-ruins-park-1-1024x685.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-takato-castle-ruins-park-1-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-takato-castle-ruins-park-1-768x514.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-takato-castle-ruins-park-1-1536x1028.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-takato-castle-ruins-park-1-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-takato-castle-ruins-park-1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/takato-inacity.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1918\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Kitakami Tenshochi<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>About 10,000 trees of about 150 varieties fill a 293 ha park, including a 2 km avenue of somei-yoshino over 100 years old along the Kitakami River. It is one of Tohoku&#039;s three great sakura spots. Entry is free (car park \u00a5500), and the trees are lit from about 18:00 to 21:00 in bloom season.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Sunday 11 April \u2013 Thursday 22 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Kitakami (Tohoku), Iwate \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=39.2743%2C141.1308\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Kitakami (Tohoku Shinkansen) \u00b7 walk 20 min<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Michinoku Folk Village, a collection of old farmhouses, is inside the park.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>Climb Jingaoka hill for the view down the whole avenue. Combine with Hiraizumi&#039;s Chuson-ji, south of Kitakami on the same line.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kitakami-tenshochi-1-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Kitakami Tenshochi in cherry blossom season\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kitakami-tenshochi-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kitakami-tenshochi-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kitakami-tenshochi-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kitakami-tenshochi-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kitakami-tenshochi-1-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kitakami-tenshochi-1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/kitakami-kanko.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1916\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Kakunodate Samurai District<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>About 400 weeping cherries, some descended from trees brought from Kyoto about 400 years ago and 162 designated a national natural monument, hang over the black fences of the samurai street. Along the Hinokinai River, about 400 somei-yoshino form a 2 km tunnel. The 2026 Kakunodate Cherry Blossom Festival was planned for 15 April to 5 May, with lights from 17:30 to 22:00. Walking the streets is free.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Tuesday 13 April \u2013 Friday 23 April<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Semboku (Tohoku), Akita \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=39.5967%2C140.5617\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Kakunodate (Akita Shinkansen) \u00b7 walk 20 min<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Lake Tazawa, Japan&#039;s deepest lake, is one stop away on the Akita Shinkansen.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>The weeping cherries open a few days before the riverside somei-yoshino, so one trip can catch both. Smoking on the street and drones are banned.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kakunodate-samurai-district-1024x768.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Kakunodate Samurai District in cherry blossom season\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kakunodate-samurai-district-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kakunodate-samurai-district-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kakunodate-samurai-district-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kakunodate-samurai-district-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kakunodate-samurai-district-16x12.jpg 16w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-kakunodate-samurai-district.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.city.semboku.akita.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1920\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Hirosaki Park<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>About 2,600 trees of 52 varieties, including somei-yoshino, weeping and double cherries, around a 1611 castle and its moats. When the petals fall, the outer moat turns into a pink carpet (hanaikada). The 2026 Hirosaki Sakura Matsuri ran from 10 April to 5 May, with the paid Honmaru open 9:00\u201321:00 (\u00a5320 for adults) and the park lit until 22:00.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Wednesday 14 April \u2013 Sunday 2 May<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Hirosaki (Tohoku), Aomori \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=40.6077%2C140.4637\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Hirosaki (JR Ou Line) \u00b7 bus 15 min to Shiyakusho-mae Koen-iriguchi<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Neputa Village and the Fujita Memorial Japanese Garden are next to the park.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>Stay a night: the moat at dawn is empty. For the petal carpet on the outer moat, come about a week after full bloom.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-hirosaki-park-1024x768.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Hirosaki Castle in cherry blossom season (cherry blossom season)\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-hirosaki-park-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-hirosaki-park-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-hirosaki-park-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-hirosaki-park-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-hirosaki-park-16x12.jpg 16w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-hirosaki-park.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hirosakipark.jp\/sakura\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1924\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Goryokaku Park<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>About 1,500 cherry trees, mostly somei-yoshino, fill and ring a star-shaped Western-style fort from 1864. From Goryokaku Tower next door the blossoms trace the star. The trees are lit from 19:00 to 21:00, and rowing boats run on the moat. Entry to the park is free.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Friday 23 April \u2013 Tuesday 4 May<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Hakodate (Hokkaido), Hokkaido \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=41.7969%2C140.757\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Goryokaku-koen-mae (Hakodate City Tram) \u00b7 walk 15 min<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Hakodate Magistrate&#039;s Office is inside the fort; the morning market and Mount Hakodate are a tram ride away.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>Go up Goryokaku Tower in the morning for the star view, then walk the moat. The inner fort is closed at night.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-goryokaku-park-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Boats on the cherry-lined moat of Goryokaku Park in Hakodate\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-goryokaku-park-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-goryokaku-park-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-goryokaku-park-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-goryokaku-park-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-goryokaku-park-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-goryokaku-park.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hakobura.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n        <article class=\"entry\" id=\"event-1922\">\n      <div class=\"entry-main\">\n        <div class=\"entry-title\">\n          <h3>Matsumae Park<\/h3>\n          <span class=\"badge\">Expected dates<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <p>Hokkaido&#039;s best sakura town has about 10,000 trees of about 250 varieties around Japan&#039;s northernmost castle, and about 80% are late double-flowered types. That stretches the season to about a month. The Matsumae Sakura Matsuri was planned for 25 April to 10 May 2026, with lights from sunset to 21:00.<\/p>        <dl class=\"fact-list\">\n                      <dt>Dates 2027<\/dt><dd>Friday 23 April \u2013 Wednesday 12 May<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Location<\/dt><dd>Matsumae (Hokkaido), Hokkaido \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=41.43%2C140.1092\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps \u2197<\/a><\/dd>\n                      <dt>Access<\/dt><dd>Kikonai (Hokkaido Shinkansen) \u00b7 Hakodate Bus 1 hr 30 min to Matsushiro, walk 3 min<\/dd>\n                      <dt>Seat from<\/dt><dd>Free to watch<\/dd>\n                  <\/dl>\n                  <div class=\"nearby\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Biggest attractions nearby<\/p>\n            <p>Matsumae Castle and the old samurai residence village are inside the park.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n                          <div class=\"tips\">\n            <p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Tips on beating the crowd<\/p>\n            <p>Matsumae is a long bus ride from anywhere; rent a car at Kikonai (about an hour). Golden Week is busiest, so aim for the weekday before or after.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <aside class=\"entry-side\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-matsumae-park-1-1024x682.jpg\" class=\"entry-photo\" alt=\"Matsumae Park in cherry blossom season\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-matsumae-park-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-matsumae-park-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-matsumae-park-1-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-matsumae-park-1-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-matsumae-park-1-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sakura-matsumae-park-1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                  <a class=\"book-block is-external\" href=\"https:\/\/travel-matsumae.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n            <span>\n              <strong>Official site<\/strong>\n              <span class=\"sub\">Free to watch<\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <span class=\"arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n                      <\/aside>\n    <\/article>\n              <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"entries\" data-month-entries=\"5\" data-name=\"May 2027\" data-count=\"0 events\" data-note=\"Hokkaido&#039;s sakura arrive in late April and run into May, so Matsumae and Goryokaku overlap with Golden Week. Matsumae&#039;s 250 varieties keep it going until about mid-May.\" hidden>\n            <p class=\"month-intro\">No events published for May yet.<\/p>          <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"entries\" data-month-entries=\"6\" data-name=\"June 2027\" data-count=\"0 events\" data-note=\"\" hidden>\n            <p class=\"month-intro\">No events published for June yet.<\/p>          <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"entries\" data-month-entries=\"7\" data-name=\"July 2027\" data-count=\"0 events\" data-note=\"\" hidden>\n            <p class=\"month-intro\">No events published for July yet.<\/p>          <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"entries\" data-month-entries=\"8\" data-name=\"August 2027\" data-count=\"0 events\" data-note=\"\" hidden>\n            <p class=\"month-intro\">No events published for August yet.<\/p>          <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"entries\" data-month-entries=\"9\" data-name=\"September 2027\" data-count=\"0 events\" data-note=\"\" hidden>\n            <p class=\"month-intro\">No events published for September yet.<\/p>          <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"entries\" data-month-entries=\"10\" data-name=\"October 2027\" data-count=\"0 events\" data-note=\"\" hidden>\n            <p class=\"month-intro\">No events published for October yet.<\/p>          <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"entries\" data-month-entries=\"11\" data-name=\"November 2027\" data-count=\"0 events\" data-note=\"\" hidden>\n            <p class=\"month-intro\">No events published for November yet.<\/p>          <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"entries\" data-month-entries=\"12\" data-name=\"December 2027\" data-count=\"0 events\" data-note=\"\" hidden>\n            <p class=\"month-intro\">No events published for December yet.<\/p>          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n    <script type=\"application\/json\" data-jpj-pins>{\"1\":[[26.5917,127.9886,\"Nago Castle Park (Nago Sakura 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768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast-2027-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast-2027-1-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Chidorigafuchi moat, Tokyo, at full bloom. Photo: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/boats-on-chidorigafuchi-moat-in-tokyo-I71UerLsN-k\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Yu Kato<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When will cherry blossoms bloom in 2027? Expected dates by city<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The table compares the JMA normal, last year and the year before for each region&#8217;s official sample tree, then gives our expected 2027 dates. &#8216;First bloom&#8217; (kaika) is the day the sample tree has five or six open flowers. &#8216;Full bloom&#8217; (mankai) is when about 80% of its buds are open (definitions as summarised by <a href=\"https:\/\/livejapan.com\/en\/article-a0001033\/amp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">LIVE JAPAN<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>City<\/th><th>Normal (1991\u20132020)<\/th><th>2025 actual<\/th><th>2026 actual<\/th><th>Expected 2027<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Naha (Okinawa)<\/td><td>16 Jan \/ 4 Feb<\/td><td>5 Jan \/ \u2013<\/td><td>18 Jan \/ 3 Feb<\/td><td><strong>13 Jan \/ 4 Feb<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Fukuoka<\/td><td>22 Mar \/ 31 Mar<\/td><td>25 Mar \/ 28 Mar<\/td><td>24 Mar \/ 3 Apr<\/td><td><strong>24 Mar \/ 31 Mar<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kagoshima<\/td><td>26 Mar \/ 5 Apr<\/td><td>24 Mar \/ 7 Apr<\/td><td>27 Mar \/ 5 Apr<\/td><td><strong>26 Mar \/ 6 Apr<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kochi<\/td><td>22 Mar \/ 30 Mar<\/td><td>23 Mar \/ 28 Mar<\/td><td>16 Mar \/ 31 Mar<\/td><td><strong>20 Mar \/ 30 Mar<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hiroshima<\/td><td>25 Mar \/ 3 Apr<\/td><td>26 Mar \/ 2 Apr<\/td><td>19 Mar \/ 30 Mar<\/td><td><strong>23 Mar \/ 1 Apr<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Osaka<\/td><td>27 Mar \/ 4 Apr<\/td><td>27 Mar \/ 4 Apr<\/td><td>26 Mar \/ 3 Apr<\/td><td><strong>27 Mar \/ 4 Apr<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kyoto<\/td><td>26 Mar \/ 4 Apr<\/td><td>27 Mar \/ 5 Apr<\/td><td>23 Mar \/ 30 Mar<\/td><td><strong>25 Mar \/ 3 Apr<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Nara<\/td><td>28 Mar \/ 4 Apr<\/td><td>28 Mar \/ 4 Apr<\/td><td>24 Mar \/ 31 Mar<\/td><td><strong>27 Mar \/ 3 Apr<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Nagoya<\/td><td>24 Mar \/ 2 Apr<\/td><td>26 Mar \/ 4 Apr<\/td><td>17 Mar \/ 30 Mar<\/td><td><strong>22 Mar \/ 2 Apr<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tokyo<\/td><td>24 Mar \/ 31 Mar<\/td><td>24 Mar \/ 30 Mar<\/td><td>19 Mar \/ 28 Mar<\/td><td><strong>22 Mar \/ 30 Mar<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Yokohama<\/td><td>25 Mar \/ 1 Apr<\/td><td>25 Mar \/ 4 Apr<\/td><td>22 Mar \/ 1 Apr<\/td><td><strong>24 Mar \/ 2 Apr<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kanazawa<\/td><td>3 Apr \/ 8 Apr<\/td><td>29 Mar \/ 6 Apr<\/td><td>29 Mar \/ 3 Apr<\/td><td><strong>31 Mar \/ 6 Apr<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Nagano<\/td><td>11 Apr \/ 16 Apr<\/td><td>8 Apr \/ 13 Apr<\/td><td>31 Mar \/ 6 Apr<\/td><td><strong>6 Apr \/ 12 Apr<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Niigata<\/td><td>8 Apr \/ 13 Apr<\/td><td>6 Apr \/ 9 Apr<\/td><td>31 Mar \/ 3 Apr<\/td><td><strong>5 Apr \/ 8 Apr<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sendai<\/td><td>8 Apr \/ 13 Apr<\/td><td>4 Apr \/ 10 Apr<\/td><td>31 Mar \/ 4 Apr<\/td><td><strong>4 Apr \/ 9 Apr<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Akita<\/td><td>17 Apr \/ 22 Apr<\/td><td>15 Apr \/ 18 Apr<\/td><td>6 Apr \/ 9 Apr<\/td><td><strong>13 Apr \/ 16 Apr<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Morioka<\/td><td>18 Apr \/ 24 Apr<\/td><td>16 Apr \/ 19 Apr<\/td><td>7 Apr \/ 12 Apr<\/td><td><strong>14 Apr \/ 18 Apr<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Aomori<\/td><td>22 Apr \/ 26 Apr<\/td><td>17 Apr \/ 22 Apr<\/td><td>13 Apr \/ 16 Apr<\/td><td><strong>17 Apr \/ 21 Apr<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hakodate<\/td><td>28 Apr \/ 2 May<\/td><td>23 Apr \/ 28 Apr<\/td><td>18 Apr \/ 20 Apr<\/td><td><strong>23 Apr \/ 27 Apr<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sapporo<\/td><td>1 May \/ 6 May<\/td><td>23 Apr \/ 27 Apr<\/td><td>18 Apr \/ 24 Apr<\/td><td><strong>24 Apr \/ 29 Apr<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All dates are first bloom \/ full bloom for somei-yoshino, except Naha (kanhizakura). &#8216;Expected 2027&#8217; is the simple average of the normal, 2025 and 2026, and Naha had no full-bloom record in 2025. Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.data.jma.go.jp\/sakura\/data\/sakura003_07.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">JMA sakura first-bloom table<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.data.jma.go.jp\/sakura\/data\/sakura004_07.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">full-bloom table<\/a>, read 18 October 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two things stand out. First, recent springs have run early: in 2026 Tokyo opened on 19 March, five days ahead of normal, according to <a href=\"https:\/\/tenki.jp\/forecaster\/deskpart\/2026\/03\/19\/38206.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">tenki.jp<\/a>, and Kochi, Gifu and Kofu all opened on 16 March. Second, the gap between first and full bloom is short in the south and very short in the north: Aomori went from first flowers to full bloom in three days in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How the cherry blossom forecast 2027 works, and when it comes out<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) does not publish a sakura forecast any more. It only declares the bloom when its staff see five or six flowers on each city&#8217;s sample tree. The forecasts come from three private companies, and they each start at a different time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Forecaster<\/th><th>First forecast for the 2026 season<\/th><th>What to expect for 2027<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Japan Meteorological Corporation (n-kishou)<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/sp.jorudan.co.jp\/hanami\/news\/jrd_260107_1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mid-December 2025 (reported as 18\u201319 Dec)<\/a><\/td><td>Mid-December 2026, then updated through March<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Weathernews<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/weathernews.jp\/news\/202601\/080056\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">8 January 2026<\/a><\/td><td>Early January 2027; its spot-by-spot pages return in February 2027<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Japan Weather Association (tenki.jp)<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/tenki.jp\/forecaster\/s_ono\/2026\/01\/29\/37612.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">29 January 2026<\/a><\/td><td>Late January 2027, then weekly updates<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first forecasts are rough because they depend on February and March temperatures. The cherry blossom forecast 2027 will only firm up in early March, which is two to three weeks before Tokyo blooms. In 2026, Weathernews&#8217; first forecast put Tokyo&#8217;s opening on 21 March, and it actually opened on 19 March.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The practical lesson: book your flights and hotels on the expected dates now, keep one or two flexible days, and choose a base such as Osaka or Tokyo from where you can reach spots that bloom on different dates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best cherry blossom spots in Japan for 2027, region by region<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are the spots on our calendar, with each one&#8217;s expected window based on our cherry blossom forecast 2027 method. Open the calendar above for access, fees and the 2026 light-up and festival dates on every card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Okinawa and Izu: January and February<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Okinawa&#8217;s kanhizakura bloom in deep pink in late January, and the Nago Sakura Festival is the big event. On the mainland, Kawazu&#8217;s riverside is the first major spot in February.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Nago Castle Park (Nago Sakura Festival)<\/strong>: 13 Jan\u201311 Feb<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Kawazu-zakura along the Kawazu River<\/strong>: 1 Feb\u20137 Mar<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kyushu<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kyushu blooms at about the same time as Tokyo, not much earlier. Saitobaru is the one to plan around if you want pink cherries over a yellow rapeseed field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Maizuru Park (Fukuoka Castle ruins)<\/strong>: 24 Mar\u20137 Apr<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Kumamoto Castle<\/strong>: 23 Mar\u20137 Apr<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Omura Park<\/strong>: 25 Mar\u20139 Apr<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Saitobaru Burial Mounds<\/strong>: 24 Mar\u20139 Apr<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shikoku<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kochi is usually among the first cities on the main islands to flower. Shiudeyama&#8217;s hilltop view over the Inland Sea is the island&#8217;s must-see, but you will need a car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Kochi Castle<\/strong>: 20 Mar\u20136 Apr<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Matsuyama Castle (Shiroyama Park)<\/strong>: 24 Mar\u20139 Apr<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mount Shiude (Shiudeyama)<\/strong>: 26 Mar\u201310 Apr<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Chugoku<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hiroshima and Iwakuni are an easy pair on the Sanyo line. Matsue is a quieter castle town on the Japan Sea side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima<\/strong>: 23 Mar\u20138 Apr<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Kintaikyo Bridge and Kikko Park<\/strong>: 23 Mar\u20138 Apr<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Matsue Castle<\/strong>: 28 Mar\u20139 Apr<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kansai<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kyoto and Osaka peak together, so a Kansai base gives you the most spots per day. Yoshino and the Mint come later, which gives you a reason to stay a second week. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/hikone-castle\/\">Hikone Castle<\/a> on Lake Biwa is another strong pick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Maruyama Park<\/strong>: 25 Mar\u201310 Apr<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Philosopher&#8217;s Path<\/strong>: 25 Mar\u201310 Apr<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Daigo-ji Temple<\/strong>: 25 Mar\u201310 Apr<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Arashiyama<\/strong>: 25 Mar\u201310 Apr<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nara Park<\/strong>: 27 Mar\u201310 Apr<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Osaka Castle Park<\/strong>: 27 Mar\u201311 Apr<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Himeji Castle<\/strong>: 27 Mar\u201312 Apr<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Kaizu Osaki (Lake Biwa)<\/strong>: 1 Apr\u201313 Apr<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mount Yoshino (Yoshinoyama)<\/strong>: 3 Apr\u201325 Apr<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Japan Mint &#8216;Sakura no Torinuke&#8217;<\/strong>: 5 Apr\u201318 Apr<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1707\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast-2027-3-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Himeji Castle surrounded by cherry blossoms at dusk\" class=\"wp-image-1955\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast-2027-3-scaled.jpg 1707w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast-2027-3-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast-2027-3-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast-2027-3-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast-2027-3-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast-2027-3-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast-2027-3-8x12.jpg 8w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1707px) 100vw, 1707px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Himeji Castle, Hyogo, at dusk in cherry blossom season. Photo: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/himeji-castle-surrounded-by-cherry-blossoms-at-dusk-PcJPWOc0mGw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Gavin Li<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Chubu: Nagoya, Fuji and the Alps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nagoya flowers with Tokyo. The mountain and Japan Sea spots run a week or two later, which makes them good back-ups if you arrive after Tokyo&#8217;s peak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Yamazaki River (Nagoya)<\/strong>: 22 Mar\u20139 Apr<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Kenrokuen Garden<\/strong>: 31 Mar\u201313 Apr<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Chureito Pagoda (Arakurayama Sengen Park)<\/strong>: 2 Apr\u201318 Apr<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Takada Castle Ruins Park<\/strong>: 2 Apr\u201318 Apr<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Takato Castle Ruins Park<\/strong>: 6 Apr\u201319 Apr<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Matsumoto Castle<\/strong>: 6 Apr\u201319 Apr<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1013\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast-2027-4.jpg\" alt=\"Cherry blossoms in full bloom in front of Matsumoto Castle\" class=\"wp-image-1956\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast-2027-4.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast-2027-4-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast-2027-4-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast-2027-4-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast-2027-4-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast-2027-4-18x10.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Matsumoto Castle, Nagano, with cherry blossoms on the moat. Photo: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/cherry-blossoms-at-matsumoto-castle-2JS1IkT6YII\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">sabari nathan<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tokyo and Kanto<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tokyo has eight cards, all within an hour of the centre. If it&#8217;s your first time, combine them with our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/first-time-in-tokyo-guide\/\">first-time Tokyo guide<\/a>, and see our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/day-trips-from-tokyo-by-train\/\">day trips from Tokyo by train<\/a> for more spots outside the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Rikugien Garden<\/strong>: 19 Mar\u20133 Apr<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ueno Park<\/strong>: 22 Mar\u20136 Apr<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Chidorigafuchi<\/strong>: 22 Mar\u20136 Apr<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Meguro River (Nakameguro)<\/strong>: 22 Mar\u20136 Apr<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden<\/strong>: 22 Mar\u20136 Apr<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sumida Park<\/strong>: 22 Mar\u20136 Apr<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Inokashira Park<\/strong>: 22 Mar\u20136 Apr<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Kumagaya Sakura-zutsumi<\/strong>: 26 Mar\u201311 Apr<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast-2027-2.jpg\" alt=\"Cherry blossoms lining the Meguro River in Tokyo\" class=\"wp-image-1954\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast-2027-2.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast-2027-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast-2027-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast-2027-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast-2027-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast-2027-2-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Meguro River, Tokyo, in spring. Photo: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/cherry-blossoms-along-meguro-river-in-tokyo-35592121\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Shafky Zubair<\/a> \/ Pexels, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/license\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Pexels License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tohoku<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tohoku is two to three weeks behind Tokyo. Hirosaki and Kitakami are two of the region&#8217;s &#8216;big three&#8217;, and both are easy from Shinkansen stations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Miharu Takizakura<\/strong>: 3 Apr\u201314 Apr<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hitome Senbonzakura (Shiroishi River)<\/strong>: 4 Apr\u201316 Apr<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Kitakami Tenshochi<\/strong>: 11 Apr\u201322 Apr<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Kakunodate Samurai District<\/strong>: 13 Apr\u201323 Apr<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hirosaki Park<\/strong>: 14 Apr\u20132 May<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hokkaido<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hakodate&#8217;s star fort and Matsumae&#8217;s castle town bloom from late April into May. Sapporo itself is expected to open around 24 April.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Goryokaku Park<\/strong>: 23 Apr\u20134 May<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Matsumae Park<\/strong>: 23 Apr\u201312 May<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast-2027-5.jpg\" alt=\"Boats on the cherry-lined moat of Goryokaku Park in Hakodate\" class=\"wp-image-1957\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast-2027-5.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast-2027-5-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast-2027-5-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast-2027-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast-2027-5-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast-2027-5-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The moat at Goryokaku Park, Hakodate, Hokkaido. Photo: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/boats-on-a-canal-lined-with-cherry-blossom-trees-YShStyMmiRs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Chen Li<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Early and late sakura: kawazu-zakura in February, yaezakura into May<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Somei-yoshino gives you about a week of full bloom in each city. Other varieties stretch the season at both ends, and they are the best back-up if you arrive early or late.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Kanhizakura (Okinawa, late January to mid-February):<\/strong> deep pink, bell-shaped flowers. Nago&#8217;s festival is on 30\u201331 January 2027 (<a href=\"https:\/\/nagomun.or.jp\/recommend\/18205\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Nago Tourism Association<\/a>).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Kawazu-zakura (Izu, February to early March):<\/strong> about 8,000 trees in Kawazu. The 2026 festival ran from 7 February to 8 March (<a href=\"https:\/\/kawazuzakura.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">official site<\/a>).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Early cherries in Tokyo:<\/strong> Shinjuku Gyoen has about 20 early trees, such as kanzakura, that flower from January to early March (<a href=\"https:\/\/policies.env.go.jp\/national-garden\/shinjukugyoen\/highlights\/sakura\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shinjuku Gyoen<\/a>).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Weeping cherries (shidarezakura), a few days ahead of somei-yoshino:<\/strong> Rikugien, Maruyama Park, Daigo-ji, Kakunodate and Miharu Takizakura.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Yaezakura (double cherries), two to three weeks after somei-yoshino:<\/strong> Shinjuku Gyoen&#8217;s ichiyo (early to mid-April) and kanzan (mid to late April), the Japan Mint&#8217;s 140 varieties in Osaka, Nara-no-yaezakura in Nara Park and Omura-zakura in Nagasaki.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mountain cherries:<\/strong> Yoshino&#8217;s 30,000 shiroyamazakura climb the mountain through April, and about 80% of Matsumae&#8217;s trees are late double varieties, which carry Hokkaido into mid-May.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hanami rules in 2027: alcohol, tarps and the 2026 restrictions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rules depend on who runs the park, and they change from year to year. Here is what each operator or listing published for 2026 (a dash means nothing was published). Expect similar rules in 2027, and always follow the signs on the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Spot<\/th><th>Alcohol<\/th><th>Picnics and tarps<\/th><th>Other rules (2026)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Shinjuku Gyoen<\/td><td>Banned (official rules)<\/td><td>Tents and parasols banned<\/td><td>\u00a5500 entry; timed booking needed 10:00\u201316:00 on 28\u201329 Mar and 5 Apr 2026<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Chidorigafuchi<\/td><td>Banquets banned<\/td><td>No picnics on the greenway<\/td><td>No smoking<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Ueno Park<\/td><td>Picnic parties allowed (Walkerplus 2026)<\/td><td>Allowed; no open fires<\/td><td>Park closed 23:00\u20135:00; unattended sheets may be removed<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Yoyogi Park<\/td><td>Not banned (japan-guide 2026 report)<\/td><td>Tarps in use (japan-guide 2026 report)<\/td><td>Open 24 hours; groups must call the service centre 3 days ahead<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Inokashira Park<\/td><td>Parties allowed until 22:00<\/td><td>\u2013<\/td><td>Parties must end by 22:00; no karaoke, no fire<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kenrokuen<\/td><td>Drinking parties banned<\/td><td>\u2013<\/td><td>Free entry and night opening for about a week in bloom<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Japan Mint<\/td><td>Banned<\/td><td>No food or drink<\/td><td>One-way route; advance booking (2025)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Himeji Castle<\/td><td>Not inside the paid zone<\/td><td>\u2013<\/td><td>No eating or drinking in the paid area<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Osaka Castle Park<\/td><td>\u2013<\/td><td>Spot-holding restricted<\/td><td>Holding spots is restricted; no open fires<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Meguro River<\/td><td>\u2013<\/td><td>No seating areas along the river<\/td><td>Temporary toilets only; no parking<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sources: <a href=\"https:\/\/policies.env.go.jp\/national-garden\/shinjukugyoen\/guide\/rule\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shinjuku Gyoen rules<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.env.go.jp\/press\/press_03164.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ministry of the Environment, 2 March 2026<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/visit-chiyoda.tokyo\/sakura\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chiyoda Sakura Festival<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tokyo-park.or.jp\/park\/yoyogi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Yoyogi Park<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/hanami.walkerplus.com\/detail\/ar0313e25817\/data.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Walkerplus (Ueno)<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan-guide.com\/blog\/sakura26\/260330_tokyo.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">japan-guide.com 2026 report<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/sp.jorudan.co.jp\/hanami\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Jorudan Hanami 2026<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two 2026 changes are worth knowing. Shinjuku Gyoen required timed advance booking on peak weekends again, after doing the same in 2025, and its rules page warns it may do so again. In Kyoto, Daigo-ji cancelled its Hotaiko Hanami Gyoretsu costume parade in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"jpj jpj-block jpj-tips\"><div class=\"wrap\"><div class=\"know\"><p class=\"know-head\">Know before you go<\/p><div class=\"know-grid\"><div><p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Book rooms now<\/p><p>Kyoto and Tokyo hotels for late March fill early. Book refundable rooms on our expected dates and adjust when the forecasts arrive.<\/p><\/div><div><p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Go at 7:00<\/p><p>Philosopher&#039;s Path, Maruyama Park and Chureito are quiet at dawn. By 10:00 at weekends, they are not.<\/p><\/div><div><p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Weekdays, not weekends<\/p><p>Festival weekends are the busiest days everywhere. Nakameguro&#039;s 2026 festival fell on 28\u201329 March, at full bloom.<\/p><\/div><div><p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Watch for booking pages<\/p><p>Shinjuku Gyoen&#039;s peak-day slots and the Japan Mint&#039;s one-week opening both need advance booking. Both announce details in early to mid-March.<\/p><\/div><div><p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Use the trains<\/p><p>Yoshino has traffic controls, Kaizu Osaki has no parking, Ogawara asks festival visitors to use the train and Chureito bans cars at the pagoda plaza.<\/p><\/div><div><p class=\"kicker kicker-plain\">Have a plan B<\/p><p>If rain or an early bloom ends Tokyo&#039;s season, go north or uphill: Kanazawa, Takada, Matsumoto and Tohoku are one to three weeks behind.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Month by month: Japan cherry blossom season 2027<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here is the whole cherry blossom forecast 2027 in one list, from Okinawa to Hokkaido.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>January:<\/strong> Okinawa&#8217;s kanhizakura; Nago Sakura Festival on 30\u201331 January.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>February:<\/strong> Okinawa until mid-month; Kawazu-zakura in Izu from early February; early cherries at Shinjuku Gyoen.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Early to mid-March:<\/strong> Kawazu winds down. In a warm year the first cities open by mid-month: in 2026 Kochi, Gifu and Kofu opened on 16 March and Tokyo on 19 March.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Late March:<\/strong> first bloom from Kochi and Kyushu to Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka (expected 20\u201327 March).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Early April:<\/strong> full bloom in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima in the first days; Kanazawa, Himeji, Kaizu Osaki, Takada and Sendai follow.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mid-April:<\/strong> Takato, Matsumoto, Yoshino&#8217;s upper slopes, the Japan Mint and Shinjuku Gyoen&#8217;s double cherries; Kakunodate and Kitakami open.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Late April:<\/strong> Hirosaki, Hakodate and Matsumae; Nara-no-yaezakura in Nara Park.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Early May:<\/strong> Sapporo and Matsumae&#8217;s late varieties, overlapping with Golden Week (3\u20135 May 2027 are holidays).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Planning the rest of the year? See our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/best-time-to-visit-japan\/\">best time to visit Japan<\/a> guide, our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/japanese-festival-calendar\/\">Japanese festival calendar<\/a> and, for the autumn version of this guide, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/japan-autumn-leaves-calendar\/\">Japan autumn leaves calendar<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cherry blossom forecast 2027 FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-cbe86987\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">When is the cherry blossom forecast 2027 released?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The Japan Meteorological Corporation usually publishes first, in mid-December (its first 2026 forecast came out around 18\u201319 December 2025). Weathernews followed on 8 January 2026 and tenki.jp on 29 January 2026, so expect the same order for 2027. Forecasts are then updated every week or two until the bloom.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-25fcbca5\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">When will cherry blossoms bloom in Tokyo in 2027?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Based on the JMA normal (24 March) and the 2025 and 2026 dates, Tokyo is expected to open around 22 March 2027 and reach full bloom around 30 March. Treat the week from 27 March to 3 April as the most likely peak until the forecasts come out.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-acb6b891\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">When is the best time to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto in 2027?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Kyoto&#8217;s expected first bloom is around 25 March and full bloom around 3 April 2027. The normal is 26 March and 4 April, but 2026 was earlier, at 23 and 30 March.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-6a86091d\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How long does cherry blossom season last?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Each somei-yoshino tree is at its best for about a week after full bloom, and rain or wind can shorten that. Across Japan the season runs from January in Okinawa to mid-May in Hokkaido, so you can extend it by travelling north or uphill.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-7b3f22d0\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can I drink alcohol at hanami in Japan?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>At most city parks, yes, including Ueno, Yoyogi and Inokashira. Shinjuku Gyoen bans alcohol, Chidorigafuchi&#8217;s greenway bans picnics, and Kenrokuen bans drinking parties. Take your rubbish home, as bins are scarce.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-d1d0eab0\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Is it OK to reserve a hanami spot with a tarp?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>At many city parks you can spread a tarp, but rules on holding spots vary. Osaka Castle Park restricts spot-holding, and at Ueno unattended sheets may be removed, so keep one person with the tarp. Never tie anything to the trees or climb into the roots.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-e2ef271e\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Do I need tickets for cherry blossom spots?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Most spots are free. Paid ones include Shinjuku Gyoen (\u00a5500), Himeji Castle (\u00a52,500 for adult non-residents), Daigo-ji (\u00a51,800 in spring), Takato (\u00a5600) and Miharu Takizakura (\u00a5500). The Japan Mint is free but needs advance booking.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-96371f28\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Where can I see cherry blossoms after Tokyo&#8217;s peak?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Head north or up into the mountains. Kanazawa, Takada, Matsumoto and Takato peak about one to two weeks after Tokyo, Hirosaki and Kakunodate about three weeks after, and Hokkaido in late April to early May.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sources and how we checked<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every date, fee and rule in this cherry blossom forecast 2027 guide was checked on 18 October 2026 against the linked sources: the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.data.jma.go.jp\/sakura\/data\/sakura003_07.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">JMA sakura data<\/a>, the forecasters&#8217; own 2026 releases, park and city operators&#8217; official sites, and Jorudan&#8217;s Hanami 2026 listings (Mapple data) for tree counts and 2026 light-up times. Bloom windows are expected dates, not forecasts. We will update every card when the 2027 forecasts are published.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Calendar card photo credits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-small-font-size\">\n<li>Kawazu-zakura along the Kawazu River: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-tree-with-pink-flowers-near-a-river-SYx2BjgsQUE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Nolla<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Maizuru Park (Fukuoka Castle ruins): <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/aerial-photography-of-cherry-blossom-trees-DOTnD9Xqz4c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Zion C<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Kumamoto Castle: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/gray-and-black-concrete-house-surrounded-by-pink-flowers-F5cTgglTKxU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Christian Chen<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Matsuyama Castle (Shiroyama Park): <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/japanese-castle-on-a-hill-with-people-below-S9v1zXxrWsI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Tuan P.<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Kintaikyo Bridge and Kikko Park: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-bridge-over-a-river-with-mountains-in-the-background-ZMB_MGxKSHs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Shino Nakamura<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Matsue Castle: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-very-tall-building-with-a-tower-on-top-of-it-qTHNEgd5wuM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Shingo Ariizumi<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Maruyama Park: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/traditional-japanese-temple-gate-with-surrounding-greenery-THur5gBsxWQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Jeremy Huang<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Mount Yoshino (Yoshinoyama): <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-temple-sits-amidst-trees-and-town-6QxsqtZuRYE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Matt Palmer<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Nara Park: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-bridge-over-a-body-of-water-next-to-a-forest-ONDI8KHRwMw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Rustam Kakar<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Japan Mint &#8216;Sakura no Torinuke&#8217;: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/delicate-pink-cherry-blossoms-bloom-on-a-branch-v2VHex1po7U\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Syadza Salsabyla<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Yamazaki River (Nagoya): <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/pink-cherry-blossom-in-bloom-during-daytime-_DsmwEOKPFY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Sizel C.<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Chureito Pagoda (Arakurayama Sengen Park): <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-tall-pagoda-with-a-mountain-in-the-background-xGHlN-Wmn6k\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Willian Justen de Vasconcellos<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Kenrokuen Garden: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/brown-and-white-house-near-green-trees-and-lake-during-daytime-Ceoe097UzzQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Leo Okuyama<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Ueno Park: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-tree-with-pink-flowers-in-front-of-a-building-rXP0_9J1fjU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Ka Long Li<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/people-walking-on-park-near-river-during-daytime-GB5USgDmv2c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Shane Goh<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Sumida Park: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-woman-standing-on-a-bridge-next-to-a-tall-tower-CXmJ-GIY-CQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Nguyen TP Hai<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Inokashira Park: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-pond-with-lily-pads-and-a-house-in-the-background-Ci6AUSKg3yA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Jivan Garcha<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Rikugien Garden: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/man-standing-in-a-japanese-garden-with-pond-and-trees-XX5VkS850M0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Takashi Sakamoto<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Hirosaki Park: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-tall-white-building-with-a-tree-in-front-of-it-P98Tr62-XQU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">manato kudo<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Chidorigafuchi: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/boats-on-chidorigafuchi-moat-in-tokyo-I71UerLsN-k\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Yu Kato<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Meguro River (Nakameguro): <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/cherry-blossoms-along-meguro-river-in-tokyo-35592121\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Shafky Zubair<\/a> \/ Pexels, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/license\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Pexels License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Himeji Castle: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/himeji-castle-surrounded-by-cherry-blossoms-at-dusk-PcJPWOc0mGw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Gavin Li<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Osaka Castle Park: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/osaka-castle-surrounded-by-blooming-cherry-blossoms-YShxju7DqVk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Sebastian GAINA<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Matsumoto Castle: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/cherry-blossoms-at-matsumoto-castle-2JS1IkT6YII\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">sabari nathan<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Goryokaku Park: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/boats-on-a-canal-lined-with-cherry-blossom-trees-YShStyMmiRs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Chen Li<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Nago Castle Park (Nago Sakura Festival): <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Nago_celebrates_52nd_annual_Cherry_Blossom_Festival_140125-M-ZH183-405.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Cpl. Natalie Rostran<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons, Public domain<\/li>\n\n<li>Omura Park: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Omura_park_Sakura.JPG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">\u30a2\u30e9\u30c4\u30af<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons, <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Mount Shiude (Shiudeyama): <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Siudeyama01.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Dokudami<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons, <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Kochi Castle: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Kochi_Castle_keep_framed_by_cherry_blossoms,_March_2014.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">NevinThompson<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons, <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Philosopher&#8217;s Path: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Cherry_Blossom_@_Philosopher%27s_Path_,Kyoto_-_panoramio.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">::::=UT=::::<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons, <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Daigo-ji Temple: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Cherry_blossoms_and_Five-storied_Pagoda,_Daigo-ji_temple,_Kyoto_-_Mar_27,_2009.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Yousuke<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons, <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Kaizu Osaki (Lake Biwa): <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Kaizu_Osaki_20200920.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">\u5148\u5f93\u9697\u59cb<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons, <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/publicdomain\/zero\/1.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">CC0<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Takato Castle Ruins Park: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Takato-Joshi-Park_Cherry.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">MaedaAkihiko<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons, <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Takada Castle Ruins Park: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Takada_castle_ruins.JPG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Nihongo1234<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons, <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Kumagaya Sakura-zutsumi: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Saitama_Kumagaya_Sakuratsutsumi_1.JPG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">\u4eac\u6d5c\u306b\u3051<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons, <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Hitome Senbonzakura (Shiroishi River): <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Shiraishi_River_and_Senbonzakura.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Kirin7739<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons, <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Miharu Takizakura: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Miharu_Miharu-Takizakura_Front_1.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">\u4eac\u6d5c\u306b\u3051 at Japanese Wikipedia<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons, <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Kitakami Tenshochi: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Tenshochi_Park.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Gribeco<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons, <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Matsumae Park: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:%E6%9D%BE%E5%89%8D%E5%9F%8E%E3%81%AE%E3%81%95%E3%81%8F%E3%82%89%EF%BC%88Cherry_blossom_of_the_Matsumae_Castle%EF%BC%89_-_panoramio.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">pakku<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons, <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">CC BY 3.0<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Photo credits for the spot cards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-small-font-size\">\n<li>Arashiyama: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Arashiyama_2009-04-09_(3666359325).jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">KimonBerlin<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons, <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Chidorigafuchi: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/boats-on-chidorigafuchi-moat-in-tokyo-I71UerLsN-k\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Yu Kato<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Chureito Pagoda (Arakurayama Sengen Park): <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-tall-pagoda-with-a-mountain-in-the-background-xGHlN-Wmn6k\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Willian Justen de Vasconcellos<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Daigo-ji Temple: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Daigoji_temple_07.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Reggaeman<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons, <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Goryokaku Park: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/boats-on-a-canal-lined-with-cherry-blossom-trees-YShStyMmiRs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Chen Li<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Himeji Castle: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/himeji-castle-surrounded-by-cherry-blossoms-at-dusk-PcJPWOc0mGw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Gavin Li<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Hirosaki Park: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-tall-white-building-with-a-tree-in-front-of-it-P98Tr62-XQU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">manato kudo<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Hitome Senbonzakura (Shiroishi River): <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:%E7%99%BD%E7%9F%B3%E5%B7%9D%E5%A0%A4%E4%B8%80%E7%9B%AE%E5%8D%83%E6%9C%AC%E6%A1%9C03.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">\u304f\u308d\u3075\u306d<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons, <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Inokashira Park: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-pond-with-lily-pads-and-a-house-in-the-background-Ci6AUSKg3yA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Jivan Garcha<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Japan Mint &#8216;Sakura no Torinuke&#8217;: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/delicate-pink-cherry-blossoms-bloom-on-a-branch-v2VHex1po7U\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Syadza Salsabyla<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Kaizu Osaki (Lake Biwa): <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Traffic_congestion_by_KAIZU-OSAKI_cherry_blossom_viewing_Shiga,_JAPAN.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Si-take. at Japanese Wikipedia<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons, <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Kakunodate Samurai District: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Bukeyashiki_Street_in_Kakunodate_20180428b.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">\u63ac\u8336<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons, <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Kawazu-zakura along the Kawazu River: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-tree-with-pink-flowers-near-a-river-SYx2BjgsQUE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Nolla<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Kenrokuen Garden: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/brown-and-white-house-near-green-trees-and-lake-during-daytime-Ceoe097UzzQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Leo Okuyama<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Kintaikyo Bridge and Kikko Park: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-bridge-over-a-river-with-mountains-in-the-background-ZMB_MGxKSHs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Shino Nakamura<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Kitakami Tenshochi: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Tenshochi_Park.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Gribeco<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons, <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Kochi Castle: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Kochi_Castle_03.JPG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">by Reggaeman<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons, <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Kumagaya Sakura-zutsumi: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Saitama_Kumagaya_Sakuratsutsumi_1.JPG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">\u4eac\u6d5c\u306b\u3051<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons, <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Kumamoto Castle: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/gray-and-black-concrete-house-surrounded-by-pink-flowers-F5cTgglTKxU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Christian Chen<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Maizuru Park (Fukuoka Castle ruins): <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/aerial-photography-of-cherry-blossom-trees-DOTnD9Xqz4c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Zion C<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Maruyama Park: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/traditional-japanese-temple-gate-with-surrounding-greenery-THur5gBsxWQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Jeremy Huang<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Matsue Castle: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-very-tall-building-with-a-tower-on-top-of-it-qTHNEgd5wuM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Shingo Ariizumi<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Matsumae Park: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:%E6%9D%BE%E5%89%8D%E5%9F%8E%E3%81%AE%E3%81%95%E3%81%8F%E3%82%89%EF%BC%88Cherry_blossom_of_the_Matsumae_Castle%EF%BC%89_-_panoramio.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">pakku<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons, <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">CC BY 3.0<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Matsumoto Castle: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/cherry-blossoms-at-matsumoto-castle-2JS1IkT6YII\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">sabari nathan<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Matsuyama Castle (Shiroyama Park): <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/japanese-castle-on-a-hill-with-people-below-S9v1zXxrWsI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Tuan P.<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Meguro River (Nakameguro): <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/cherry-blossoms-along-meguro-river-in-tokyo-35592121\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Shafky Zubair<\/a> \/ Pexels, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/license\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Pexels License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Miharu Takizakura: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Miharu_Miharu-Takizakura_Front_1.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">\u4eac\u6d5c\u306b\u3051 at Japanese Wikipedia<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons, <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Mount Yoshino (Yoshinoyama): <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-temple-sits-amidst-trees-and-town-6QxsqtZuRYE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Matt Palmer<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Nago Castle Park (Nago Sakura Festival): <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Nago-jyo_Park_Sakura.JPG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">\u30a2\u30e9\u30c4\u30af<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons, <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Nara Park: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-bridge-over-a-body-of-water-next-to-a-forest-ONDI8KHRwMw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Rustam Kakar<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Omura Park: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:%E5%A4%A7%E6%9D%91%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%92_%E6%A1%9C.JPG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Tsunehisa Kimura<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons, <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Osaka Castle Park: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/osaka-castle-surrounded-by-blooming-cherry-blossoms-YShxju7DqVk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Sebastian GAINA<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Philosopher&#8217;s Path: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Cherry_Blossom_@_Philosopher%27s_Path_,Kyoto_-_panoramio.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">::::=UT=::::<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons, <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Rikugien Garden: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/man-standing-in-a-japanese-garden-with-pond-and-trees-XX5VkS850M0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Takashi Sakamoto<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Saitobaru Burial Mounds: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Saitobaru_20250403_01.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">ja:User:Sanjo<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons, <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/people-walking-on-park-near-river-during-daytime-GB5USgDmv2c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Shane Goh<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Sumida Park: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-woman-standing-on-a-bridge-next-to-a-tall-tower-CXmJ-GIY-CQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Nguyen TP Hai<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Takada Castle Ruins Park: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Takada_park_West_Moat_Niigata_Japan.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Triglav<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.5<\/li>\n\n<li>Takato Castle Ruins Park: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Takatomachi_Katsuma,_Ina,_Nagano_Prefecture_396-0214,_Japan_-_panoramio.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">\u6728\u6751\u90a6\u751f<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons, <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">CC BY 3.0<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Ueno Park: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-tree-with-pink-flowers-in-front-of-a-building-rXP0_9J1fjU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Ka Long Li<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Yamazaki River (Nagoya): <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/pink-cherry-blossom-in-bloom-during-daytime-_DsmwEOKPFY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Sizel C.<\/a> \/ Unsplash, <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"jpj jpj-block jpj-cta\">    <div class=\"wrap\">\n      <div class=\"cta\">\n        <div>\n          <h2>Planning a sakura trip in 2027?<\/h2>\n          <p>Tell us your dates and Japan Pro will match them to the bloom and book your rooms, rail tickets and guided hanami before they sell out.<\/p>        <\/div>\n        <a class=\"btn btn-primary\" href=\"https:\/\/beta.thejapanpro.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Plan my sakura trip<\/a>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n<div class=\"jpj jpj-block \">    <section class=\"section\">\n      <div class=\"wrap\">\n        <div class=\"section-head\">\n          <div><h2>Read next<\/h2><\/div>\n                    <a class=\"more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/\">All stories \u2192<\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"rail\">\n                      <a class=\"rail-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/harry-potter-studio-tour-tokyo-magical-winter\/\">\n              <figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/harry-potter-studio-tour-tokyo-magical-winter-4-fans-in-wizard-costumes-holding-wands-a-popular-ha-768x512.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-post-image\" alt=\"Fans in wizard costumes holding wands, a popular Harry Potter Studio Tour Tokyo photo idea\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/harry-potter-studio-tour-tokyo-magical-winter-4-fans-in-wizard-costumes-holding-wands-a-popular-ha-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/harry-potter-studio-tour-tokyo-magical-winter-4-fans-in-wizard-costumes-holding-wands-a-popular-ha-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/harry-potter-studio-tour-tokyo-magical-winter-4-fans-in-wizard-costumes-holding-wands-a-popular-ha-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/harry-potter-studio-tour-tokyo-magical-winter-4-fans-in-wizard-costumes-holding-wands-a-popular-ha-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/harry-potter-studio-tour-tokyo-magical-winter-4-fans-in-wizard-costumes-holding-wands-a-popular-ha-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/harry-potter-studio-tour-tokyo-magical-winter-4-fans-in-wizard-costumes-holding-wands-a-popular-ha.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n              <h3>Harry Potter Studio Tour Tokyo Magical Winter 2026: Tickets Guide<\/h3>\n              <p class=\"meta\">13 min read<\/p>\n            <\/a>\n                      <a class=\"rail-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/japan-ski-season-dates\/\">\n              <figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-ski-season-hero-768x512.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-post-image\" alt=\"Japan ski season: skier in deep powder snow in Niseko, Hokkaido\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-ski-season-hero-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-ski-season-hero-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-ski-season-hero-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-ski-season-hero-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-ski-season-hero-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japan-ski-season-hero.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n              <h3>Ski Season in Japan 2026\u201327: Opening and Closing Dates, Resort by Resort<\/h3>\n              <p class=\"meta\">13 min read<\/p>\n            <\/a>\n                      <a class=\"rail-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/ski-day-trip-from-tokyo\/\">\n              <figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1020\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ski-day-trip-from-tokyo-5-skier-on-a-groomed-slope-in-hakuba-nagano-an-overn-768x1020.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-post-image\" alt=\"Skier on a groomed slope in Hakuba, Nagano, an overnight ski trip from Tokyo\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ski-day-trip-from-tokyo-5-skier-on-a-groomed-slope-in-hakuba-nagano-an-overn-768x1020.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ski-day-trip-from-tokyo-5-skier-on-a-groomed-slope-in-hakuba-nagano-an-overn-226x300.jpg 226w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ski-day-trip-from-tokyo-5-skier-on-a-groomed-slope-in-hakuba-nagano-an-overn-771x1024.jpg 771w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ski-day-trip-from-tokyo-5-skier-on-a-groomed-slope-in-hakuba-nagano-an-overn-1157x1536.jpg 1157w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ski-day-trip-from-tokyo-5-skier-on-a-groomed-slope-in-hakuba-nagano-an-overn-1542x2048.jpg 1542w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ski-day-trip-from-tokyo-5-skier-on-a-groomed-slope-in-hakuba-nagano-an-overn-9x12.jpg 9w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ski-day-trip-from-tokyo-5-skier-on-a-groomed-slope-in-hakuba-nagano-an-overn.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n              <h3>Ski Day Trip From Tokyo 2026\u201327: 9 Resorts, Dates and Costs<\/h3>\n              <p class=\"meta\">16 min read<\/p>\n            <\/a>\n                      <a class=\"rail-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/tokyo-illuminations-2026\/\">\n              <figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/tokyo-illuminations-2026-1-tokyo-illuminations-2026-christmas-lights-along-a-768x1024.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-post-image\" alt=\"Tokyo illuminations 2026 \u2013 Christmas lights along a Roppongi street at night\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/tokyo-illuminations-2026-1-tokyo-illuminations-2026-christmas-lights-along-a-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/tokyo-illuminations-2026-1-tokyo-illuminations-2026-christmas-lights-along-a-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/tokyo-illuminations-2026-1-tokyo-illuminations-2026-christmas-lights-along-a-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/tokyo-illuminations-2026-1-tokyo-illuminations-2026-christmas-lights-along-a-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/tokyo-illuminations-2026-1-tokyo-illuminations-2026-christmas-lights-along-a-9x12.jpg 9w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/tokyo-illuminations-2026-1-tokyo-illuminations-2026-christmas-lights-along-a.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n              <h3>Tokyo Illuminations 2026\u201327: 14 Light-Ups With Dates &#038; Prices<\/h3>\n              <p class=\"meta\">18 min read<\/p>\n            <\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n    <\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>No official 2027 sakura forecast exists yet, so we built expected bloom windows for 43 spots from JMA normals and the 2025\u20132026 dates. Tokyo should open around 22 March 2027.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1953,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"jpj_city":"","jpj_station":"","jpj_label":"Seasonal","jpj_top_pick":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[105],"tags":[453,455,456,459,458,454,355,290,457],"class_list":["post-1958","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-seasonal","tag-cherry-blossoms","tag-hanami","tag-japan-in-spring","tag-japan-travel-2027","tag-kyoto-cherry-blossoms","tag-sakura","tag-sakura-autumn-leaves","tag-spring","tag-tokyo-cherry-blossoms"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1958","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1958"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1958\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2044,"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1958\/revisions\/2044"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1953"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1958"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1958"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1958"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}