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Cherry Blossoms In Japan: When And Where To See Sakura This 2020

Cherry blossoms are one of the best tourist attractions in the country, transforming cities all across Japan into a magical pink wonderland. Delicate and fleeting, these pretty flowers signal the end of winter and the hopeful beginning of springtime. 

Every year, tourists from all around the world flock to witness the blossoming sakura trees, which are only in full bloom for about a week or two. It can be challenging to pick the right time to visit Japan for the cherry blossoms, but with the right forecast and a little bit of luck, it’s possible. 

In 2020, the Japan Meteorological Corporation’s forecast predicts the bloom to arrive a little bit earlier than usual. Here are the details on where and when you can catch the cherry blossoms in bloom if you’re planning to make the trip to Japan this year.

 

 

Tokyo

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The year’s first bloom of the Japanese cherry blossom will happen in Tokyo and Kochi on March 19, 2020. With more than a thousand Japanese cherry trees, the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is an excellent place to see the phenomenon. Other scenic spots include Chidorigafuchi, Ueno Park, Yoyogi Park, and the amazing Nakameguro neighborhood. 

First Bloom: March 19
Full Bloom: March 27

 

 

Fukuoka

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Nishi Park is one of the best places to see flourishing cherry blossoms in Japan. With sweeping views of the city and more than a thousand vibrant cherry trees in the backdrop, it’s a must-visit for any tourist chasing the bloom. Fukuoka Castle and Fukuoka Zoo and Botanical Garden are also great spots for seeing Japanese cherry blossoms.

First Bloom: March 20
Full Bloom: March 29

 

 

Hiroshima

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Head to Hiroshima for the season where cherry trees line the Motoyasu River in Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park, making it a beautiful place to spend springtime in Japan. The Hiroshima Castle is another tourist favorite for cherry blossom viewing with the pink trees framing the 16th-century building. 

First Bloom: March 22
Full Bloom: April 1

 

 

Kyoto 

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Among the many tourist spots in Kyoto are cherry blossoms in springs, making historic sites even more beautiful with the varying shades of the flowering trees.

Take a stroll down Philosopher’s Path, a stone path taking tourists through hundreds of blossoming cherry trees. Kyoto Botanical Garden, samurai district Kakunodate, and the famous places of worship Daigoji Temple and Heian Shrine are also breathtaking sights for cherry blossoms.

Go on a KKday cherry blossom tour to Kakunodate samurai district and other tourist spots from Tokyo.

First Bloom: March 23
Full Bloom: April 1

 

 

Osaka

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Cherry blossoms make the vibrant city of Osaka even more colorful and there are several places to see the bloom, including the Kema Sakuranomiya Park where 5,000 cherry trees are set along the riverbank. Osaka Castle Park and Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park are two other must-visit sites during cherry blossom season.

First Bloom: March 25
Full Bloom: April 1

 

 

Hokkaido

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One of the most famous spots for cherry blossoms in Japan is the Nijukken Road with about 3,000 cherry trees laid out along an 8-kilometer path. The amazing historical site Matsumae Park is another popular viewing spot among tourists.

First Bloom: May 1
Full Bloom: May 5

 

 

Other Great Spots 

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While Japan’s most popular cities definitely get their fair share of tourists trying to catch the cherry blossoms, a lot of other destinations in the country offer cherry blossom viewing. Keep an eye out for the start of cherry blossom season in Nagoya on March 21, Wakayama on March 24, Kagoshima on March 25, Kanazawa on April 1, Sendai on April 7, and Nagano on April 9.

 

 

Book a KKday Japan day tour that includes cherry blossom viewing. 

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