If you’re planning your trip around the Japanese cherry blossom season, or sakura, timing is everything. The season moves like a “blossom wave” from south to north, starting earlier in warmer areas and arriving later in Tohoku and Hokkaido.
Here you’ll find the latest forecast-style dates for cherry blossom season in Japan in 2026, plus cultural context and practical planning tips for a smooth itinerary.
Travelers in Japan are spoiled for choice when it comes to mountains and volcanoes to visit. Over 70% of Japan is mountainous, with mountain ranges running through all the main islands.
Japan’s mountains offer a welcome break from the city and a chance to explore the countryside and enjoy the best views of Japan’s spectacular landscapes.
Hakodate is on the southern tip of the Japanese island of Hokkaido. It is the third-largest city in the Hokkaido region.
The city is easily accessible from Tokyo and offers plenty to see and do. From a popular food market to stunning mountain views, there are many reasons to visit Hakodate.
Shiretoko National Park is on the Japanese island of Hokkaido, covering most of the Shiretoko peninsula.
It is a remote area of Japan, parts of the peninsula can only be reached by boat or on foot. This isolated location makes Shiretoko one of the most unspoiled national parks in Japan.
Daisetsuzan National Park is a huge, rugged wilderness area on Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido. Established in 1934, it is a popular destination for hiking and camping, and one of the first places in the country to welcome both fall foliage and snowfall in the autumn.
One of the most mountainous and biggest national parks in the entire country, Daisetsuzan is larger than some Japanese prefectures and is home to a variety of rare species of flora and fauna. Daisetsuzan means “great snowy mountains” in Japanese, and the indigenous Ainu people of Hokkaido also call the area Kamui Mintara, meaning “playground of the gods.”
Many travelers often consider autumn in Japan to be the most beautiful time to visit.
As temperatures dip after the scorching summer, the colors of the leaves change into vibrant shades of orange, red, yellow, and brown. This natural phenomenon is called koyo or momiji (meaning red leaves).
