{"id":717,"date":"2018-01-03T14:28:30","date_gmt":"2018-01-03T12:28:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?p=717"},"modified":"2025-01-23T15:19:12","modified_gmt":"2025-01-23T14:19:12","slug":"best-cherry-blossom-spots-in-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-cherry-blossom-spots-in-japan","title":{"rendered":"Best cherry blossom festivals and viewing spots in Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Japan is famous for its flowering cherry trees. These trees are much sought after around the world. <strong>Cherry blossom festivals<\/strong> are held in such diverse regions as Washington, Vancouver, Paris, Stockholm, and Spain\u2019s Jerte Valley. Still, Japan remains the premier location in the world for viewing the cherry blossoms or attending a cherry blossom festival, especially when seeing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japanese-trains\">Japan by train<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p>During the peak of the <strong>blooming season,<\/strong> the Japanese people and tourists alike attend festivals and engage in <em>hanami,<\/em> or picnics beneath the cherry trees.<\/p>\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_white no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Table of Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#Japanese_cherry_blossom_symbolism\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">1<\/span> Japanese cherry blossom symbolism<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Hirosaki_Castle_Park_Hirosaki\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">2<\/span> Hirosaki Castle Park (Hirosaki)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Shinjuku_Gyoen_Tokyo\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">3<\/span> Shinjuku Gyoen (Tokyo)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Mitsuike_Koen_Yokohama\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">4<\/span> Mitsuike Koen (Yokohama)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Chureito_Pagoda_Fuji_Five_Lakes\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">5<\/span> Chureito Pagoda (Fuji Five Lakes)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Expo_70_Commemorative_Park_Osaka\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">6<\/span> Expo 70 Commemorative Park (Osaka)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Miharu_Takizakura_Fukushima\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">7<\/span> Miharu Takizakura (Fukushima)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Takato_Castle_Park_Nagano\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">8<\/span> Takato Castle Park (Nagano)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Mount_Yoshino_Nara\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">9<\/span> Mount Yoshino (Nara)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Okayama_Korakuen_Garden_Okayama\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">10<\/span> Okayama Korakuen Garden (Okayama)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Peace_Memorial_Park_Hiroshima\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">11<\/span> Peace Memorial Park (Hiroshima)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Nishi_Park_Fukuoka\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">12<\/span> Nishi Park (Fukuoka)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Philosopher8217s_Path_Kyoto\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">13<\/span> Philosopher&#8217;s Path (Kyoto)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"Japanese_cherry_blossom_symbolism\"><strong>Japanese cherry blossom symbolism<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The <strong>cherry blossom, called the <em>sakura<\/em><\/strong>, is steeped in tradition and meaning. It shares the title of Japan\u2019s national flower, appears on Japanese coins, and is the subject of many Japanese folk songs, such as \u201cSakura, Sakura.\u201d <strong>Japanese cherry blossom meaning involves Buddhist religious influence<\/strong> and can be considered a metaphor for the ephemerality, or brevity and mortality, of life, along with life\u2019s beauty.<\/p>\n<p>Cherry blossoms are also associated with clouds due to their fluffy, cloudlike appearance when in full bloom.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_722\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-722\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-722\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/sakura-festival-cherry-blossom-japan-e1482916552740.jpg\" alt=\"Sakura festival - Japan cherry blossom\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-722\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sakura festival during the cherry blossoming in Japan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Differences between sakura and ume<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The <em>sakura<\/em> may at times be confused with the <em>ume<\/em>\u00a0or Japanese plum tree. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-places-plum-blossoms\">Plum blossom spots in Japan<\/a> tend to bloom earlier in the season \u2013 from mid-February to mid-March \u2013 while the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast\">cherry blossom season<\/a> peaks in April<\/strong>.\u00a0 Both trees produce flowers ranging in color from white to pink, to red\u00a0but can be easily identified in the following steps:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Cherry flowers have a small split or notch in each petal; plums do not.<\/li>\n<li>Cherry blossoms produce multiple flowers per bud, while plums produce only one.<\/li>\n<li>New cherry leaves are green in color, while plum tree leaves emerge with a purple or red hue.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Hirosaki_Castle_Park_Hirosaki\"><strong> Hirosaki Castle Park (Hirosaki)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Home to 2,600 flowering cherry trees, Hirosaki Park is considered one of <strong>the best cherry blossom viewing locations in the country<\/strong>. More than a million visitors flood its gates each spring.<\/p>\n<p>The four-hundred-year-old <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/hirosaki-castle-park\">Hirosaki Castle<\/a> also adds to the uniqueness of this location. Visitors can rent boats and float amid fallen blossoms in the castle\u2019s moat. Hirosaki Park is only a<strong> short bus ride from JR Lines Hirosaki Station<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6737\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/hirosaki-castle-aomori-sakura.jpg\" alt=\"Hirosaki Castle during the sakura\" width=\"600\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/hirosaki-castle-aomori-sakura.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/hirosaki-castle-aomori-sakura-300x250.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n            <a class=\"fasc-button banner-button-shortcode fasc-size-large fasc-type-flat fasc-rounded-medium ico-fa fasc-ico-after fa-chevron-circle-right fasc-style-bold\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">\n                Buy your JR Pass\n            <\/a>\n        <\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Shinjuku_Gyoen_Tokyo\"><strong> Shinjuku Gyoen (Tokyo)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>This park features lush lawns and over a thousand cherry trees. <strong>The area is unique in that it is home to both late and early blooming trees<\/strong>. This makes it a prime spot for visitors who arrive a week too early or too late for the main <em><strong>sakura-matsuri<\/strong><\/em><strong>\u00a0festival<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Located in the heart of the city, Tokyo\u2019s high-rise buildings provide a startling contrast to the park\u2019s peaceful natural surroundings. Shinjuku Gyoen is a mere ten-minute walk from <strong>Shinjuku Station<\/strong>,\u00a0one of the central Tokyo train stops, part of the circular<strong> Yamanote line<\/strong>. Japan Rail Pass holders can ride all<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/yamanote-line\"> Yamanote line<\/a> trains with no limits, during the duration of their JR Pass.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_725\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-725\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-725\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/shinjuku-gyoen-tokyo-cherry-blossom-e1482917025148.jpg\" alt=\"Cherry blossoming in Shinjuku Gyoen, Tokyo\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-725\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cherry blossoming in Shinjuku Gyoen, Tokyo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<blockquote><p>Read more: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cherry-blossoms-tokyo\">Cherry blossom best spots in Tokyo<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h2><span id=\"Mitsuike_Koen_Yokohama\"><strong>Mitsuike Koen (Yokohama)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Mitsuike Park in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/yokohama-travel-guide\">Yokohama<\/a> has been named one of the <strong>\u201c100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots\u201d<\/strong> in Japan. It is home to three ponds and over a thousand cherry trees. This park offers free admission. Using your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a> (JR Pass), you can take City Bus Number 104 from either <strong>Shin-Yokohama Station or Tsurumi Station<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6412\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6412\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-6412\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/inokashira-park-cherry-blossom.jpg\" alt=\"Inokashira Park during the cherry blossom\" width=\"700\" height=\"350\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/inokashira-park-cherry-blossom.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/inokashira-park-cherry-blossom-300x150.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6412\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image by KimonBerlin (CC BY-SA 2.0)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span id=\"Chureito_Pagoda_Fuji_Five_Lakes\"><strong>Chureito Pagoda (Fuji Five Lakes)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A favorite spot for photographers throughout the year, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/chureito-pagoda-travel-guide\">Chureito Pagoda<\/a> offers magnificent views of the famous <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/mount-fuji\">Mount Fuji<\/a>. During the month of April, the pagoda rises above the \u201cclouds\u201d of cherry blossoms spread between it and the mountain. Early morning offers the best lighting conditions for serious travel photographers. <strong>Chureito Pagoda offers free admission<\/strong> and is an approximately twenty-minute walk from Shimo-Yoshida Station.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_726\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-726\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-726\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/chureito-pagoda-fuji-five-lakes-e1482917232300.jpg\" alt=\"Chureito Pagoda, Fuji Five Lakes\" width=\"600\" height=\"399\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-726\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Chureito Pagoda during cherry blossoming in Japan. Mount Fuji on the background<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span id=\"Expo_70_Commemorative_Park_Osaka\"><strong> Expo 70 Commemorative Park (Osaka)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>This park was the site of the 1970 World Exhibition. It is now<strong> home to more than 5,000 cherry trees, one of the highest concentrations in Japan<\/strong>. The trees line paths that meander through the public park. Using your JR Pass, take the<strong> Osaka Monorail <\/strong>to<strong> Banpaku Kinen Koen Station<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6741\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/osaka-expo-park-cherry-blossom.jpg\" alt=\"Cherry blossom at Osaka Expo '70 Park\" width=\"600\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/osaka-expo-park-cherry-blossom.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/osaka-expo-park-cherry-blossom-300x250.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Miharu_Takizakura_Fukushima\"><strong> Miharu Takizakura (Fukushima)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Most cherry blossom spots feature hundreds, if not thousands, of individual trees. Miharu Takizakura is unique in that it is home to only a single tree. What, then, makes this location so special? One of the<strong> \u201cthree greatest cherry trees\u201d in Japan<\/strong>, this may be the most popular individual tree in the country. The <em>takizakura<\/em>, or \u201cwaterfall cherry tree,\u201d is a weeping cherry that is thought to be over one thousand years old. It is located in the hills outside of Miharu Town, near Koriyam City in the Fukushima Prefecture.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6745\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/miharu-takizakura-cherry-blossom.jpg\" alt=\"Miharu Takizakura during cherry blossom - Photo by ayu oshimi @Flickr\" width=\"600\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/miharu-takizakura-cherry-blossom.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/miharu-takizakura-cherry-blossom-300x250.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Takato_Castle_Park_Nagano\">Takato Castle Park (Nagano)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>With over 1500 pink Kohigan cherry trees, <strong>Takato Castle Park<\/strong> is an iconic and breathtaking place to visit. It is reputedly one of the top three places to see the cherry blossom in Japan and, every April, there is a <strong>lively festival<\/strong> with stalls, activities, and <strong>evening illuminations<\/strong>. Visitors can also see the historic Takato Castle Ruins.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6749\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/takato-castle-park-sakura.jpg\" alt=\"Takato Castle Park\" width=\"600\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/takato-castle-park-sakura.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/takato-castle-park-sakura-300x250.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The park can get very busy so visitors should get there and <strong>avoid weekends if possible<\/strong>. To get there with your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">JR Pass<\/a>, you can catch the <strong>JR Azusa limited express train from Shinjuku Station<\/strong> (Tokyo) until <strong>Okaya<\/strong> and transfer the <strong>JR Iida line<\/strong> (local train) and get off at <strong>Inashi Station<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Mount_Yoshino_Nara\">Mount Yoshino (Nara)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The first cherry trees were planted on the slopes of Mount Yoshino <strong>over 1300 years ago<\/strong>. But the landmark is much more than simply Japan\u2019s most historical place to view the cherry blossom. It has a unique, <strong>magical atmosphere<\/strong> and a picturesque beauty. There are <strong>over 30,000 cherry trees<\/strong> of many types and colors. Visitors can also see various idyllic shrines, temples, and parks along the way.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6753\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/mount-yoshino-sakura.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/mount-yoshino-sakura.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/mount-yoshino-sakura-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The best time to visit is <strong>between late March to early May<\/strong> and during this time there are <strong>regular shuttle buses in operation<\/strong>. They run between Yoshino Station and the Naka Senbon area (near Chikurin-in Temple) <strong>every 15-30 minutes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Okayama_Korakuen_Garden_Okayama\">Okayama Korakuen Garden (Okayama)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Korakuen is a truly <strong>magnificent landscape garden<\/strong> which is ranked in the top three in the country. The <strong>17th-century park<\/strong> was built by the Shogun to entertain important guests but became government property during the Meiji restoration in the 1880s. The adjoining <strong>Okayama Castle<\/strong> (also known as \u201ccrow castle\u201d) dates back to the 16th century though many parts have been reconstructed over the years. There are a combined <strong>500 cherry trees<\/strong> between the two sites.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Okayama Korakuen Garden<\/strong> is a 30-minute walk (1.5 kilometers) from Okayama Station. To reach there with your JR Pass, you can catch a tram on the <strong>Higashiyama line<\/strong> and get off at Shiroshita which is only a <strong>15-minute walk away<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6758\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6758\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-6758\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/okayama-korakuen-cherry-blossom.jpg\" alt=\"Okayama Korakuen sakura\" width=\"600\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/okayama-korakuen-cherry-blossom.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/okayama-korakuen-cherry-blossom-300x250.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6758\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Okayama Korakuen Cherry nlossom festival &#8211; Photo by KimonBerlin under <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/deed.en\" rel=\"nofollow\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span id=\"Peace_Memorial_Park_Hiroshima\">Peace Memorial Park (Hiroshima)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The <strong>Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park<\/strong> has become a symbol of peace, hope, and friendship. The <strong>Motoyasu River<\/strong> runs through the park and both banks are lined with stunning cherry trees. Each evening during the season, there are special, <strong>breathtaking illuminations<\/strong> which draw lively crowds of locals and tourists.<\/p>\n<p>To get to the park <strong>from Hiroshima Station<\/strong> with your JR Pass, you can catch a tram which takes 15 minutes (either line 2 or 6) to the <strong>Genbaku-Domu Mae stop<\/strong>. You can also reach the park on any of the three lines of the <strong>Hiroshima Sightseeing Loop Bus<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6770\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/hiroshima-peace-memorial-park-sakura.jpg\" alt=\"Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/hiroshima-peace-memorial-park-sakura.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/hiroshima-peace-memorial-park-sakura-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n            <a class=\"fasc-button banner-button-shortcode fasc-size-large fasc-type-flat fasc-rounded-medium ico-fa fasc-ico-after fa-chevron-circle-right fasc-style-bold\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">\n                Buy your JR Pass\n            <\/a>\n        <\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Nishi_Park_Fukuoka\">Nishi Park (Fukuoka)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The hillside park has <strong>over a thousand cherry trees<\/strong> and is also the site of the <strong>Terumo Shrine<\/strong>, the family shrine of the area\u2019s former feudal lords. Aside from the wonderful shades of the cherry trees, you can also see some jaw-dropping views of Hakata Bay, Nokonoshima Island, and Shikanoshima Island. Over 1,300 trees stand on the park\u2019s wonderful slopes.<\/p>\n<p>You can also find some picturesque paths, delicious food stalls, and an <strong>observation platform<\/strong> offering panoramic views of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/fukuoka-travel-guide\">Fukuoka<\/a>. Nishi Park is a 10-15 minute walk north of <strong>Ohori Koen Station<\/strong> which you can reach on the K\u016bk\u014d Line.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6766\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/nishi-park-sakura.jpg\" alt=\"Nishi Park during the cherry blossom\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/nishi-park-sakura.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/nishi-park-sakura-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Philosopher8217s_Path_Kyoto\">Philosopher&#8217;s Path (Kyoto)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/philosophers-walk\"><strong>Philosopher&#8217;s Path<\/strong><\/a> is a quaint stone path which takes you through the north of <strong>Kyoto&#8217;s Higashiyama district<\/strong>. The walkway follows a canal which is lined by <strong>hundreds of cherry trees<\/strong> showcasing vibrant shades of pink, red, and white. The 2-kilometer path was the place where <strong>Nishida Kitaro<\/strong>, one of Japan\u2019s most famous philosophers, used to walk and <strong>practice meditation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6762\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/philosopher-path-cherry-blossom.jpg\" alt=\"Philosopher's Path, Kyoto\" width=\"600\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/philosopher-path-cherry-blossom.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/philosopher-path-cherry-blossom-300x250.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The Philosopher&#8217;s Path runs between <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/ginkakuji-silver-pavillion\">Ginkakuji<\/a> and the neighborhood of Nanzenji<\/strong> and takes around 30 minutes to walk. The closest subway station is <strong>Keage<\/strong> which is 1km away. If you want to start at the south of the path, get off at <strong>Miyanomaecho<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Read more: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cherry-blossom-spots-kyoto\">Cherry blossom best spots in Kyoto<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>No matter the location you choose,<strong> Japan is sure to delight the traveler April traveler with its showy display of delicately hued <em>sakura<\/em> blossoms<\/strong>. With your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a> in hand, you will be equipped to discover amazing <em>hanami<\/em> locations and <em>sakura<\/em> festivals around the country. Select from 7, 14 or 21-day JR Pass, confirm your order and start packing. <strong>The most remarkable <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">cherry blossom views<\/span> are just around the corner<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Japan is famous for its flowering cherry trees. These trees are much sought after around the world. Cherry blossom festivals are held in such diverse regions as Washington, Vancouver, Paris, Stockholm, and Spain\u2019s Jerte Valley. Still, Japan remains the premier location in the world for viewing the cherry blossoms or attending a cherry blossom festival, especially when seeing Japan by train.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":7449,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[17],"tags":[],"acf":{"related_tours":{"tour_number":[{"acf_fc_layout":"3_tours","title_tour_1-3":"Private Cherry Blossom Tour in Hirosaki with a Local Guide","content_tour_1-3":"<p>Visit one of Japan\u2019s leading sakura (cherry blossom) viewing sites on a private full-day tour from Hirosaki. Designed for nature lovers visiting during springtime, this tour covers Hirosaki Park, filled with more than 2,600 cherry trees.\u00a0Stroll around the natural expanse, posing for photos and admiring shrines, temples, and different species of cherry tree.<\/p>\n","image_tour_1-3":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/tohoku-hirosaki-castle.jpg","link_button_1-3":"https:\/\/www.viator.com\/tours\/Tohoku\/Private-Cherry-Blossom-Tour-in-Hirosaki-with-a-Local-Guide\/d25644-22178P10","title_tour_2-3":"Cherry Blossom Festival with Visit to Chureito Pagoda","content_tour_2-3":"<p>Capture the magnificent view of Mt. Fuji and Five-story Pagoda in Arakurayama Sengen Park! This iconic site has growing popularity in recent years, from which the grand Mt. Fuji and panorama of about 650 sakura trees impress viewers with its unforgettable sublime beauty. You&#8217;ll be also able to stroll along Lake Kawaguchi to see the 1-kilometer\u00a0line of sakura trees.<\/p>\n","image_tour_2-3":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/chureito-pagoda-fuji-five-lakes-e1482917232300.jpg","link_button_2-3":"https:\/\/www.viator.com\/tours\/Tokyo\/Cherry-Blossom-Festival-with-Visit-to-Five-Story-PagodaKawaguchiko-from-Tokyo\/d334-90714P4","title_tour_3-3":"Osaka Afternoon Walking Tour with Osaka River Cruise","content_tour_3-3":"<p>Discover the best sights of Osaka during this 4-hour tour and river cruise. First join your guide to explore Osaka Castle, one of the city\u2019s best-known sights, taking time to its unique architecture and wealth of exhibits. Then climb aboard your boat for a cruise around nearby Nakanoshima isle. During your ride you&#8217;ll\u00a0be able to admire the blossoming cherry trees.<\/p>\n","image_tour_3-3":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/osaka-castle-e1487237455244.jpg","link_button_3-3":"https:\/\/www.viator.com\/tours\/Osaka\/Osaka-Afternoon-Walking-Tour-with-Osaka-River-Cruise\/d333-2142OSA_P710"}]},"pageresume":"Japan remains the premier location in the world for viewing the cherry blossoms or attending a cherry blossom festival, especially when seeing Japan by train.","bread_1":false,"bread_2":false,"bread_3":false,"bread_4":false,"bread_5":false,"bread_6":false,"bread_7":false,"bread_last":false,"custom_guide":"","shortcodes":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.10 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Best Cherry Blossom Festivals &amp; Viewing Locations | JRailPass<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Japan is a top country for viewing the cherry blossoms, attending a hanami festival. 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