Cherry blossom season, a spectacle native to Japan, has been celebrated for centuries as a representation of the fleetingness of life and the beauty of the natural world. Every spring without fail, millions of these tiny pink flowers emerge and hold incredible cultural significance to Japanese people.

Visiting Japan in spring to see cherry blossoms (sakura) is an incredibly popular holiday option. It’s a journey into the heart of Japan, its traditions, its flavours, and its people. But, with so many places to visit, transport options and a language barrier, it can be difficult to plan your trip effectively.

The seasoned travellers here at Ross Tours have compiled a few tips for making the most of your trip to Japan in cherry blossom season. Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Follow the Trail of Blooms

The sakura trees typically start blooming in the southernmost part of Japan in Okinawa, around late January. The bloom gradually moves northward, spreading its enchanting beauty across the country. It ends in Hokkaido, Japan’s northern island, in late April.

Tokyo and Kyoto are among the top locations to witness the beautiful cherry blossoms in their full glory. The sakura in these regions usually reach their peak flowering between late March and early April. During these periods, each city and public park will be filled with spectators, taking advantage of the best cherry blossom spots with picnic blankets and bento boxes. 

Locations like Maruyama Park, Ueno Park, Osaka Castle, Yoyogi Park and Himeji Castle are known the world over for their abundance of cherry blossoms. With hundreds of cherry trees, they are a popular spot to partake in cherry blossom festivals, but this also means they can be quite crowded during the season. 

At Ross Tours, we organise our Japan cherry blossom tour to move northwards through Japan, starting in Kyoto, moving through Nagoya, Kanazawa, Awazu and Nikko, finally ending in Tokyo, to make the most of the peak cherry blossom blooms in each location. We also visit less crowded, but no less stunning, locations like Heian Shrine, Nijo Castle and Rikugien Garden to allow you to enjoy the sakura flowers without competing against other tourists for a prime viewing spot.

Pack for the Cold

Japan’s cherry blossom season is an enchanting experience, but the weather can be as unpredictable as it is beautiful. A sunny day can quickly turn into a chilly evening, so it’s advised to pack wisely to make the most of your visit.

One of the keys to packing for spring in Japan is layering. Instead of packing heavy winter clothes, opt for lighter fabrics that can be layered. Start with a base layer made of moisture-wicking material to keep you dry and comfortable. Add an insulating middle layer, such as a fleece pullover or a lightweight down vest, to keep you warm. Top it all off with a waterproof, breathable outer layer – a lightweight raincoat is perfect.

When it comes to footwear, comfort is king. You’ll likely be spending a lot of time on your feet, exploring parks and trails lined with cherry blossom trees. Shoes that offer good support and cushioning are essential. Consider packing a pair of waterproof shoes or boots as well, as spring in Japan can be quite rainy.

As for other essentials, don’t forget a compact umbrella, a sturdy reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, and a camera to capture the beautiful cherry trees.

Get Rail Passes for Easy Travel

Navigating Japan, especially during Sakura season when tourism is at its peak, may seem intimidating due to the large crowds. However, with strategic planning and the right tools, you can efficiently explore the country and enjoy the cherry blossoms to their fullest.

A Japan Rail (JR) Pass is one tool that can significantly enhance your journey. This pass is a golden ticket to unlimited travel on the expansive JR network, including many of the iconic high-speed Shinkansen trains. With this pass, you can traverse the entire length of Japan, from the hot springs of Kyushu to the snowy landscapes of Hokkaido.

There are two different passes you can choose between – Ordinary and Green passes. The one you choose depends on your comfort preferences and budget. While the Green pass offers more spacious seating, akin to first class on a plane, the ordinary pass offers economical travel without compromising on comfort. We recommend the ordinary pass, as Japanese trains are very comfortable, clean and quiet, even if you’re not in the Green carriages.

Remember that the JR Pass is not universally accepted on all trains. For instance, it’s not valid on the Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen train lines. So, while planning your itinerary, ensure to cross-check the train types with the JR Pass validity to avoid any unexpected costs or delays.

When planning your trip to Japan during cherry blossom season, the choices between accommodation, transport and itinerary can quickly become overwhelming. By joining Ross Tours, you can enjoy a fully guided tour with accommodation and travel included and remove the stress of planning.

Our Japan spring tours are led by experienced guides who can provide insightful commentary about the cherry blossoms from a horticultural perspective. We partner with Japanese tour guides to help you navigate the language barrier, which can be a challenge for first-time visitors. The accommodation and transport logistics are also taken care of, allowing you to focus on soaking in Japan’s natural and cultural beauty.

Enjoy Sakura-Flavoured Treats

When the sakura season begins, it’s not just the landscapes that get a cherry blossom makeover. The country’s culinary scene, too, blooms in celebration, offering a wide range of sakura-infused delicacies that are as delightful to the taste buds as the blossoms are to the eyes. From sweet treats to thirst-quenchers, sakura is used in so many ways!

Starting with the sweet delights, sakura mochi is a must-try. Mochi, a traditional Japanese rice cake, gets a springtime twist with the infusion of sakura essence. A sweet red bean paste is folded into the middle (it’s better than it sounds, we promise!) Soft and chewy, this dessert has a subtle floral fragrance, making it a favourite among locals and tourists alike.

If you’re more of a beverage enthusiast, cherry blossom tea is a delight not to be missed. Known as sakura-yu, this warm, aromatic tea is made by infusing pickled sakura blossoms in hot water. The result is a light, soothing drink with a hint of saltiness from the pickled blossoms, often served during special occasions like weddings. While the flavour may be an acquired taste for some, the experience of sipping sakura-yu under the blooming cherry blossoms is undeniably unforgettable.

Aside from the more traditional preparations, you can find almost anything with sakura flavouring in springtime! Ice cream, Kit Kats, coffee and even alcoholic beverages have a cherry blossom twist! We recommend giving them a try; it’s a flavour you really can’t find anywhere else.

Is Japan expensive during the cherry blossom season?

Given that cherry blossom season is the most popular time to visit Japan, accommodation and flight prices tend to rise due to increased demand. However, don’t let this deter you. With planning, you can enjoy this phenomenal time of year without breaking the bank.

By booking a tour with accommodation and transportation included, you can avoid the stress and hassle of trying to find the best deal. Ross Tours provides tours with deluxe  accommodation and travel, so you can focus on enjoying the beauty of the cherry blossoms with a small group of like-minded nature lovers.

What are the etiquette rules during cherry blossom season?

In Japan, respect for nature is more than a tradition – it’s a way of life. This respect extends to the delicate cherry blossoms that paint the landscape during the sakura season. It’s of utmost importance to remember not to pick or touch the blossoms. These are delicate and can be damaged easily.

When visiting parks and public spaces for Hanami (flower viewing) parties, make sure you don’t leave any waste behind. Cleanliness is highly valued in Japanese culture, and it’s recommended to respect this, especially during such a significant cultural event. Also, remember that many locals come to these spaces to enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of the blossoms, so maintaining a peaceful environment is appreciated.

When taking photographs, avoid blocking others’ views or invading their personal space. The sakura season is a communal experience, and consideration for others enhances the overall atmosphere.

Luxurious Japan Cherry Blossom Tours With Ross Tours

A cherry blossom tour in Japan is an unforgettable way to fully immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of sakura season. Ross Tours offers a thoughtfully planned journey to guide you through the blooming landscapes.

With a focus on comfortable travel and insightful commentary from experienced guides, our tours eliminate the stress of planning, allowing you to savour Japan’s natural and cultural wonders. So, pack wisely, enjoy the sakura-soaked atmosphere, and let Ross Tours guide you through the ephemeral beauty of Japan’s cherry blossom season!