Everyone dreams of seeing cherry blossoms in Japan. Japan is famous across the globe for its sakura (cherry blossom) season— a time when the entire country explodes in a pale pink blanket.
Most tourists head to Kyoto or Tokyo during sakura season to photograph the infamous sign of spring, but I found that the best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan tend to stay off the tourist trail.
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Here is my list of 8 underrated cherry blossom spots in Japan that you probably won’t find flooding social media. There is something extra rewarding about enjoying nature without having to weave through a large crowd.
1. See Cherry Blossoms Alongside the Heavenly Nachi Falls
Wakayama is south of the typical foreign tourist hotspots like Osaka and Kyoto. This prefecture is known for its jaw-dropping Nachi Falls, one of Japan’s tallest waterfalls.
The falls are located in the Kumano Kodo, a series of pilgrimage routes waving through Japan’s largest peninsula. Many people dream of capturing a photo of the iconic Seiganto-ji Pagoda alongside Nachi Falls, but its remote location helps keep this place serene and untouched.
You can visit Nachi Falls and hike the Kumano Kodo in any season, but visiting during the sakura season is remarkable. Nachi Falls is a popular destination but not specifically known for its cherry blossoms. So, you can enjoy a stunning temple complex surrounded by pink petals without large crowds.
When to Go: March 24th to April 1st
According to the Japan Meteorological Corporation, the end of March is the best time to see cherry blossoms in Wakayama. Of course, this is just a forecast and can vary depending on weather conditions.
How to Access:
Start in Osaka and take a 4-hour train ride on the Kuroshio 21 Limited Express Shingu to Kii-Katsuura Station. This route is covered by JR Kansai Wide Area Pass, which costs 12,000 yen. A round trip from Osaka to Kii-Katsuura is 14,920 yen.
So, you will save money after one day of travel if you purchase the rail pass. The Kansai Wide Area Pass is valid for 5 days and can take you to many other highly-visited spots in Japan, like Nara and Kyoto.
From Kii-Katsuura Station, take a bus to the Daimonzaka Bus Stop (about 600 yen one-way). After you get off the bus at the Daimonzaka stop, you can reach Nachi Falls and then the Seiganto-ji Temple in 2.5 miles via a stone path lined with Cedar trees.
Where to Stay:
Osaka is one of the most exciting cities in Japan and a good place to stay when visiting Wakayama. I stayed at Hostel OGK, a 10-minute walk from Osaka Station when I visited Osaka. This quiet hostel offers plenty of privacy because of its capsule-style beds.
2. Walk in a Sea of Pink at the Takato Castle Ruins
The Takato Castle Ruins are known in Japan as one of the three best places to see cherry blossoms in the entire country. Although this spot is a favorite with locals, it is not on the radar of most foreign tourists.
I recommend coming here on a weekday because it can get crowded on the weekend. Although the castle ruins are popular, it is an expansive area, so you can typically find your own space. Most people congregate on the scenic bridges in the park, so stick to the walkways underneath the bridges. These trails see less foot traffic. It costs 600 yen to visit during cherry blossom viewing.
Even though this space can get crowded, its beauty is unmatched. You will feel transported to another planet as you walk through Takato’s blanket of pink. Amidst the flower petals, you can see immersive views of the Central Alps because the castle ruins are perched atop a hill.
When to Go: March 30th to April 9th
According to the Japan Meteorological Corporation, the beginning of April is the best time to see cherry blossoms in southern Nagano. Of course, this is just a forecast and can vary depending on weather conditions.
How to Access:
You can take the JR Azusa limited express trains from Tokyo to Chino Station or Inashi Station, which is covered by the JR Pass. You can transfer to a bus to the Takato Castle Ruins from there. The buses to the castle ruins from Chino Station only run during cherry blossom season.
However, I recommend accessing the Takato Castle Ruins from Matsumoto. Matsumoto is a famous castle town in Nagano, home to one of the most famous castles in the entire country.
From Matsumoto, you can take the local Shinonoi Line to Okaya Station. From there, transfer to the Chuo Line to Inakita Station. Then, take a local bus to the ruins. The trip takes close to 3 hours. You can also take a limited express train to Okaya Station to cut the trip to 2 hours.
Where to Stay:
In Matsumoto, the cheapest place to sleep is at the Carefree-Cafe Matsumoto. This is an internet cafe. You can read my guide to staying at an internet cafe if you are unsure about this budget hack.
If you want to meet fellow travelers in a fun hostel, stay at Matsumoto Backpackers. It’s just a 15-minute walk from Matsumoto Castle.
3. See Sakura Bloom in Yokohama’s Minato Mirai
During cherry blossom season, tourists flock to Tokyo’s many sakura festivals to connect with nature in an urban environment. Tokyo is iconic, and you must visit it during a trip to Japan.
Visiting Tokyo? Read: Tokyo Solo Travel Itinerary: How to Spend 48 Hours in Tokyo With Only $100
However, I prefer to head to Yokohama, the second largest city in Japan, to view cherry blossoms. Yokohama is more spacious and picturesque. It provides a more peaceful experience during cherry blossom season.
One of the most entertaining and exciting districts in Yokohama is the new Minato Mirai district. Home to the Landmark Tower, the 3rd tallest building in Japan, and Cosmo World, a popular amusement park, there is plenty to do in this “harbor of the future.”
Read my complete guide on the Minato Mirai district here.
During sakura season, the area is also home to cherry blossoms. From the walkway from Sakuragi-cho Station to Yokohama Landmark Tower, you will pass through a sea of pink flowers. You could easily spend a whole day here taking in the many tourist attractions while enjoying the sights of spring.
When to Go: March 28th to April 5th
According to japanguide.com, the beginning of April is the best time to see cherry blossoms in Yokohama. Of course, this is just a forecast and can vary depending on weather conditions.
How to Access:
Yokohama can be easily accessed from Tokyo via many local train lines. The best routes vary based on the time of day. Use Google Maps to find the cheapest and fastest route from Tokyo.
If you are coming to Kyoto or Osaka, take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen to Shin-Yokohama Station and transfer here for the Yokohama line.
You might think Yokohama Station is a good place to begin sightseeing in the town. However, that station is not really near any tourist spots. Sakuragichō Station is a good place to begin sightseeing in Yokohama as it is near the Minato Mirai district.
Where to Stay
A cheap place to stay in the Minato Mirai district with nice views of the entire port is APA Hotel & Resort Yokohama Bay Tower.
Feeling extra cheap? You can go to the Kaikatsu Club, which is an internet cafe, and get your own private room. First time staying at a Kaikatsu Club? Read my internet cafe guide.
4. Admire Cherry Blossoms at Sankeien Garden
Yokohama’s Minato Mirai district is a great place to enjoy sakura in an urban setting. However, visiting Sankeien Garden during spring is like taking a walk back in time.
Sankeien Garden is one of the many traditional Japanese gardens in the country. It has a large pond, two observatory decks, and many tea houses. If you visit here during sakura season, you will undoubtedly fill your camera roll with hundreds of photos.
I visited every prefecture in Japan, meaning I walked through many traditional Japanese gardens. The spacious layout and pristine trails here are unmatched. It is one of my favorite gardens in the country, so you must visit here when the cherry blossoms open. It costs 700 yen to enter.
When to Go: March 28th to April 5th
According to japanguide.com, the beginning of April is the best time to see cherry blossoms in Yokohama. Of course, this is just a forecast and can vary depending on weather conditions.
How to Access:
Once you reach Yokohama, you can easily reach the Sankeien Gardens. You can take a direct bus to the gardens from most areas of the city for a few hundred yen. The best routes vary based on the time of day. Use Google Maps to find the best routes.
Where to Stay:
Although the Sankeien Gardens are about 30 minutes by public transportation from the Minato Mirai district, I would still recommend staying in Minato Mirai at the APA Hotel & Resort Yokohama Bay Tower.
You can also stay at a Kaikatsu Club, an internet cafe, to save extra money.
5. Enjoy Sakura With Locals at Negishi Forest Park
One of Yokohama’s largest parks is the Negishi Forest Park, so there is no question that you must visit this expansive greenery during cherry blossom season.
Due to the sheer size and vast collection of cherry blossom trees, you would expect this park to get very crowded during springtime. However, since it is located away from the tourist hotspots in Yokohama, this is really just a spot where locals enjoy sakura.
At this popular family park, you will see locals spread across the lawn, enjoying a picnic under the white and pink flowers. This is called a “hanami” party. Grab some lunch from a convenience store to enjoy this traditional cherry blossom pastime.
When to Go: March 28th to April 5th
According to japanguide.com, the beginning of April is the best time to see cherry blossoms in Yokohama. Of course, this is just a forecast and can vary depending on weather conditions.
How to Access:
From Yokohama Station, you can take the JR Negishi Line to Yamate Station (170 yen). Then, you will need to walk 15 minutes uphill to reach the park.
Where to Stay:
Stay in the Minato Mirai district at the APA Hotel & Resort Yokohama Bay Tower, but escape the midday crowds by visiting Negishi Forest Park.
You can also stay at Kaikatsu Club, conveniently located a few minutes from the Negishi Line.
6. Take a Trip to the Countryside to Garyu Park
In Nagano, my favorite prefecture in Japan, you will find a quaint city called Suzaka. It is 30 minutes from the lively Nagano City and is home to Garyu Park, one of Japan’s 100 most famous spots to see cherry blossoms.
The park is home to a zoo, bridges that pass over a large pond, and trails that cut across the mountains. During the sakura season, the park comes alive at night. The pristine public area shines many spotlights on the budding cherry blossoms that cover the park.
Suzaka is a small city that sees few foreign tourists. However, the friendly locals here and the city’s gorgeous scenery make it worth the trip into the countryside. Visiting Garyu Park during sakura season offers an authentic portrayal of Japan in one of the most beautiful prefectures in the entire country.
When to Go: April 6th to April 11th
According to the Japan Meteorological Corporation, near the beginning of April is the best time to see cherry blossoms in Nagano. Of course, this is just a forecast and can vary depending on weather conditions.
However, since Nagano is a cooler, mountainous prefecture, you can expect the cherry blossoms to bloom a few weeks later than in places like Tokyo and Yokohama.
How to Access:
Nagano can be easily accessed from Kanazawa or Tokyo. Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to reach Nagano Station. If you are taking other trips around Nagano to Hakuba or Snow Monkey Park, purchase the JR East Nagano Niigata Area Pass.
Once you reach Nagano Station, you must follow signs for the “Nagano Dentetsu.” This train line is below the main part of Nagano Station. You will need to exit the station via the Zenkoji Station and then go down a set of escalators to reach this train line.
Then, you will purchase a 550 yen ticket from the ticket machine. Hand this small ticket to the train gate staff, who will stamp your ticket. Then, proceed to trains bound for Suzaka, Shinshu Nakano, or Yudanaka. You can also ride a limited express train to Suzaka for 100 yen more.
Where to Stay:
Since Suzaka is less than 30 minutes away from Nagano City, I recommend staying in Nagano City because there is more to do there. Stay at Worldtreck Dinner & Guesthouse Pise in Nagano City because it is a central area near Zenkoji Temple.
Visiting Nagano? See some of my favorite photos I took from a year of living there.
7. Take in Sakura During a Day Trip to Obuse
After enjoying Garyu Park, take the Nagano-Dentetsu Line north for a mere 10 minutes, and you will find another charming town known as Obuse. This rural town known for its chestnut production is a popular spot year-round.
The town becomes magical during cherry blossom season. Head to Cafe Maaru and rent a bike from their friendly staff. Bike along the Chikuma River, and you will find rows of cherry blossoms. Near the Obuse Bridge, you may even see yellow flowering mustard blossoms. Obuse in springtime is completely enchanting.
Obuse’s natural beauty even inspired Hokusai, one of the most beloved painters in Japan’s history. No trip to Obuse is complete without visiting the Hokusai Museum. Then, head to the Ganshoin Temple to see one of Hokusai’s most famous works, a giant phoenix painted on the ceiling. Its eyes appear to follow you as you move across the creaky temple floor.
When to Go: Late April to Early May
According to obuseguide.com, typically, late April to Early May is when the cherry blossoms along the Chikuma River are at peak bloom. However, if you head to Obuse near mid-April, the flowering yellow mustard is at peak bloom.
How to Access:
Obuse can be easily accessed from Nagano City. Once you reach Nagano Station, you must follow signs for the “Nagano Dentetsu.” You will need to exit the station via the Zenkoji Station and then go down a set of escalators to reach this train line.
Then, you will purchase a 680 yen ticket from the ticket machine. Hand this small ticket to the train gate staff, who will stamp your ticket. Then, proceed to trains bound for Shinshu Nakano or Yudanaka. You can also ride a limited express train to Obuse for 100 yen more.
Where to Stay:
Since Obuse is less than 40 minutes away from Nagano City, I recommend staying in Nagano City because there is more to do there. Stay at Worldtreck Dinner & Guesthouse Pise in Nagano City because it is a central area near Zenkoji Temple.
8. Photograph Cherry Blossoms in Front of Myoko
You will find a postcard-worthy view of Mt. Myoko along the border of Nagano and Niigata. This volcanic mountain is one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan. In the summertime, climbing this natural wonder is a must-do. However, during spring, you should not attempt to climb it.
Instead, make your way to this free viewpoint of Mt. Myoko. You won’t find this spot on any travel websites because it does not have a dedicated parking lot. It is simply a view of a golf course in front of Mt. Myoko. It is not a great spot for a picnic, but it is perfect for eager photographers.
During springtime, cherry blossoms bloom along the golf course’s pond. It makes for an incredible photo opportunity. If you are not a photographer, the long trip to this scenic spot may not be worth it. However, this is a secret destination, and very few people have made it out here.
When to Go: Mid-April
It is hard to predict when these cherry blossoms will peak bloom here, and since this area gets windy, there is a short window for when you can see the cherry blossoms. Check this destination out on Google Maps to see if people post current photos of the cherry blossoms. This is an easy way to tell if the cherry blossoms are blooming.
How to Access:
Although you can reach this scenic viewpoint by public transportation, it will take a lot of walking. It is best to visit here if you have a rental car.
If you are willing to walk a few miles to reach this destination, take the Shinano Tetsudo Line from Nagano City to Myoko Kogen Station. Here, take the Local Naoetsu to Sekiyama Station. You will need to walk over 30 minutes to reach the cherry blossom spot.
Where to Stay:
Nagano City is a few hours from this viewpoint but is one of the closest major cities to this area. Stay at Worldtreck Dinner & Guesthouse Pise in Nagano City because it is a central area near Zenkoji Temple.
Visit These Underrated Sakura Spots
Seeing cherry blossoms in Japan is one of the most essential activities to do in the country. There are plenty of famous spots that have amazing collections of cherry blossoms. However, there is more reward when you visit a spot with fewer tourists.
Love Japan? Read my Ultimate Japan Bucket List: The Best Thing to Do in Every Prefecture