Japan’s southern islands are the first to show signs of sakura as the bloom travels up Japan like a rolling pink wave. Kochi Prefecture is leading the pack this year blooms to start around March 16. Kagoshima brings up the rear around March 26. Blossom estimate based on the latest prediction.
Kyushu
Kagoshima (March 26 ~)
Tadamoto Park
Follow the sakura-lined street for a total of two kilometers from the city center to the park, where more than 1,000 lanterns will be lit up after 6:30 p.m. from March 18 to April 9. A cherry blossom festival is set to take place April 2 when the sakura reaches its peak, featuring tea ceremony workshops, a flea market and cherry-themed food and drink.
Get there
Bus: A 5-min walk from Meiko Gakuen Shita (Bus station)
Car: 40 min from Kyushu-Dou, Hitoyoshi IC
Miyazaki (March 20 ~)
Mochio Park
Mochio Park’s extended tree-lined street makes you feel like you’re walking through a man-made sakura tunnel. After climbing 290 steps you’ll arrive at Mochio Shrine, from where you can look directly down on the blossoms.
Get there
Train: 15 min by bus bound for Kirishima Shrine to JR Nishimiyakono-jo Station, get off the bus at Yokoichi and walk for 10 min
Car: 30 min from Miyazaki-Dou (Road) Miyakonojo IC
Kumamoto (March 18 ~)
Kumamoto Castle
During cherry blossom season, Kumamoto Castle and its famed black and white tower are surrounded by approximately 800 blooming sakura trees. It’s most iconic during the nightly light up.
Get there
Train: 5 min walk from Kumamoto-jo (Kumamoto Castle) Shiyakusho-mae
Car: 30 min from Kyushu Kumamoto IC
Ichifusa Dam Lake
The name in Japanese, Ichi-man bon zakura or “10,000 sakura” gives you an idea of what to expect from this sprawling 14-kilometer cherry blossom carpet. The fountain in the middle of the lake adds to the picture-perfectness.
Get there
Train: The nearest bus station is either Funatsukiba or Asenohara, which are both located 15 min from Yunomae Sentou Mae Station
Car: 45 min from Kyushu Dou (Road) Hitoyoshi IC
Nagasaki (March 20 ~)
Omura Park
Do your hanami (cherry blossom viewing) among a total of 2,000 sakura trees in 21 varieties, including the omura-zakura – a national natural monument. Picnic during the nightly light up for the ultimate romantic date.
Get there
Train & Bus: Shiyakusho-Mae (bus station) is located within 10 min by bus from JR Omura Station
Car: 15 min from Nagasaki-Dou (Road) Omura IC
Saga (March 21 ~)
Ogi Park
It’s best to go here during the night when the 3,000 sakura trees are lit up and beautifully reflected on the central pond’s surface. Make sure to try one of the traditional Japanese yokan sweets as you stroll – you’ll feel like you’ve tripped and fallen into a ukiyo-e painting.
Get there
Train: 5 min walk from JR Ogi Station
Car: 15 min from Nagasaki Dou (Road) Saga Daiwa
Oita (March 18 ~)
Oka Castle
Oka Castle used to be famous as an impregnable castle, probably because attackers were so distracted by the 1,500 cherry blossoms planted in front. Catch the Oka-jo Castle Sakura Festival at the beginning of April if you can.
Get there
Train: 20 min on foot from JR Bungo-taketa station
Car: 50 min from Oita-Dou (Road) Oitamera IC, 1 hr 20 min from Kyushu-Dou Kumamoto IC
Fukuoka (March 18 ~)
Nishi Park
With a stunning view looking down over Hakata Bay, this famous spot is extremely popular for hanami picnics underneath the approximately 1,300 sakura trees.
Get there
Train: 15 min walk from Oohori Koen Station
Car: 5 min from Fukuoka Toshi Kosoku Nishi Koen IC
Shikoku
Kochi (March 16 ~)
Kagamino Park
The 200m-long sakura tunnel at Kagamino Park, close to Kochi University of Technology, looks particularly beautiful with lanterns lit up during the night.
Get there
Train: 10 min by bus to Koukadai Iriguchi (Entrance to the Institute of Technology) from JR Tosayamada
Car: 30 min from Kouchi-Dou Nangoku IC
Ehime (March 17 ~)
Matsuyama Castle
Matsuyama Castle is packed with visitors every season but it’s one of Japan’s best-known sakura showcases (including spectacular views, festivals and night time light ups) that really draws the crowds. Take the ropeway to get to the castle tower – the view from there is gorgeous.
Get there
Train: 10 min by city train from JR Matsuyama Station to Daikaidou, and then 5 min walk to the ropeway station. It’s 3 min to the park by ropeway.
Kagawa (March 20 ~)
Kotohiki Prefectural Park
Photo by: Nihno KankouPart of Setonaikai National Park, 500 someiyoshino blossom at the same time to welcome in spring against a stunning contrasting backdrop of a total of more than 2,000 old pine trees. While you’re there, you can visit the nearby historic sights of Kotohiki Hachimangu shrine and Kannon-ji temple.
Get there
Train: 5 min by car/bus from JR Kannon-ji station
Car: 15 min from Takamatsu-Dou Sanuki-toyonaka IC
Tokushima (March 20 ~)
Seibu Park
From the end of March there will be a countless number of lanterns lit up during the night among some 500 cherry blossom trees. Just beware if you’re thinking of driving as there are restrictions at this time.
Get there
Train: 30 min walk from JR Kuramoto Station
Car: 20 min by car from JR Tokushima Station / 30 min from Tokushima-Dou Tokushima IC
Bizan Park
You can take a ropeway up to the mountain top to get to ancient poet’s favorite cherry blossom spot, Bizan Park. From the summit, look down the city center with the Asan mountain range and the Sea of Japan in the background.
Get there
Train: 10 min walk to Bizan Ropeway Sanroku Station from JR Tokushima Station. 6 min by ropeway to Sancho Station from Sanroku Station.
Car: 30 min from Tokushima-Dou Tokushima IC