Every spring, Japan is transformed into a sea of soft pink and white as cherry blossom season begins, drawing millions of visitors who flock to witness the natural spectacle.
Over the course of a week or two, small buds on Sakura cherry bloom trees burst into flowers before their petals begin to fall, starting on the southern tip in Okinawa before sweeping north, finishing in Hokkaido.
With the British pound stronger than ever against the Japanese yen, there’s no better time to head to Japan for a getaway with cherry blossoms at its core.
However, chasing something so fleeting can be stressful, as cherry blossoms are notoriously difficult to predict.
In addition, the massive crowds of spectators can quickly become overwhelming.
Thankfully, an expert is on hand with 10 tips and tricks to beat the crowds and enjoy the phenomenon at its best.
Takao Nishina, GetYourGuide’s Head of Japan, lends his decade of experience to guide travellers away from viral spots and toward flexible, culturally deep experiences during the 2026 cherry blossom season.
Every spring, Japan’s spectacular cherry blossom trees bloom, drawing millions of tourists to areas across Tokyo, Okinawa and Shizuoka (pictured)
Takao Nishina, GetYourGuide’s Head of Japan, has shared his top tips to help Japan travellers make the most out cherry blossom season this spring – and where to avoid
AVOID PLANNING TRIPS AROUND ONE BLOSSOM-VIEWING DAY
Nishina encourages visitors to think of the event as an entire season, rather than a single perfect day.
Although forecasts predict when the flowers will bloom each year, these are not always accurate, which is why flexibility matters.
HEAD INTO LOCAL AREAS TO ADMIRE THE BLOOMS
As a lifelong Tokyo resident, Nishina prefers to steer clear of the city’s big parks during cherry blossom season and instead follow less-popular routes through small parks and residential streets.
ARRIVE EARLY FOR QUIETER MOMENTS
With Tokyo’s most popular parks, Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen, being magnets for tourists during peak bloom, Nishina advises adopting a strategic approach when visiting these hotspots.
The expert urges visitors to arrive as early as possible at such sites, as the atmosphere is ‘calmer’, allowing spectators to ‘really feel the space’.
At night, yozakura (nighttime illuminations) along the riverbank turn the trees a fluorescent pink
HEAD NORTH FOR A LONGER SEASON
Peak sakura isn’t limited to Tokyo; there are plenty of regions across Japan that boast beautiful blossoms at different times, and they’re only a bullet train away from the capital.
Nishina said: ‘When Tokyo has passed its peak, northern regions such as Tohoku are just beginning. Places like Hirosaki Castle Park offer remarkable experiences with far fewer crowds.’
VENTURE OUT AT NIGHT FOR A DIFFERENT VIEW
As breathtaking as they are during the day, cherry blossoms have an entirely different energy at night.
Across Tokyo, riverside yozakura (nighttime illuminations) light the trees up a vivid purple-pink, intensifying their natural soft pink hue.
Spectators can tuck into a meal, enjoy a drink or simply take a stroll along these quieter nighttime spots.
EXPERIENCE CHERRY BLOSSOMS FROM THE WATER
According to Nishina, many locals tend to hop on river cruises or walk along the Megura River for waterside views of cherry blossoms.
There, visitors can pick up a bite to eat from street food vendors, enjoy the view with a beverage at a nearby café, or book a full dinner experience on board a boat.
GATHER FOR PICNICS UNDER THE TREES
What better way to appreciate cherry blossoms in all their glory than by setting up a picnic right under the trees themselves.
Hanami is a centuries-old tradition that sees families, coworkers and schoolchildren come together for food, drinks and parties under the trees.
Although its common to see locals participate in this annual custom, visitors can also take part, though they’re advised to be respectful and mindful of others when taking photos of their surroundings, keep noise levels low, and to take rubbish home.
During cherry blossom season, it’s common to see families and schoolchildren gather under the trees for picnics, referred to as Hanami in Japan
BEWARE OF CROWDED AREAS
Cherry blossoms can be found virtually everywhere across Japan, offering plenty of locations that possess the same magic as some of the country’s notoriously busy spots.
Nishina advises steering clear of ‘headline locations’ as overcrowding can have devastating effects on infrastructure and surrounding neighbourhoods.
He said: ‘We’ve seen the impacts of overcrowding in places like Fujiyoshida, which recently cancelled its 2026 cherry blossom festival. If we highlight a broader mix of places and experiences, pressure eases naturally.’
SUPPORT LOCAL GUIDES AND BUSINESSES
While visiting Japan, it’s worth enlisting the help of a local guide for ‘distinctive experiences’ during cherry blossom season, which, in turn, allows less-frequented businesses to flourish.
Nishina explained: ‘I don’t think the problem is that iconic places are too popular, it’s that equally beautiful alternatives are harder to discover.
‘When travelers can easily find and book these alternatives, they are usually happy to explore them. When they widen their lens, the experience becomes calmer and just as memorable.’
MARK OR RELFECT ON A MILESTONE
For some visitors, cherry blossoms serve as a connection to life milestones, so it’s worth taking some time to reflect while the trees bloom.
Nishina said: ‘Japan’s school year and fiscal year begins in April, so the season coincides with graduations, new jobs, and major life transitions. This cultural context can add depth and meaning to your cherry blossom experience.;
Source link
CHECK OUT: Top Travel Destinations
READ MORE: Travel News
