Known locally as sakura, Japan's cherry blossom season is a much-awaited event for both locals and tourists. Every year, millions of people flock to Japan to witness the stunning pink and white petals of the sakura trees in bloom.

In this article, we'll give you a comprehensive guide on the best time to see sakura in Japan, where to go for the best views of the cherry blossoms, and what to prepare for your trip.

When is the best time to see sakura in Japan?

The cherry blossom season in Japan typically starts in late March and lasts until early May. The peak bloom, however, usually occurs for just one week and the dates can vary depending on the location and weather conditions.

Visiting Japan soon? Do remember to check the forecast for expected flowering and full bloom dates in major cities. 

Best places to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo

Visiting Tokyo for sakura season? With several parks and gardens featuring sakura trees, the city is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan. Here are some of the must-visit spots for travellers.

●      Ueno Park

Ueno Park is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in Tokyo with over 1,000 cherry trees. It's a great place for a picnic under the cherry trees, and there are also food stalls and performances during the Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival – Ueno Sakura Matsuri.

●      Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku Gyoen is a spacious park with various types of cherry trees, making it a great spot for photographers. It also has a traditional Japanese garden and a greenhouse, and is just a short throw away from the bustling Shinjuku station.

●      Yoyogi Park

Yoyogi Park is a popular spot for hanami (cherry blossom viewing parties) among locals. It's a large park with several sakura trees, and there are also food and drink vendors during the sakura season.

●      Chidorigafuchi and Kitanomaru Park

Located less than 5 minutes away from Kudanshita Station, Chidorigafuchi is one of the most scenic spots in Tokyo. It features a tunnel of cherry blossom trees that line a nearby Edo-era moat, which you can explore via a boat. Kitanomaru Park is another option for quiet sakura viewing that’s just next door. 

Day trips from Tokyo to see cherry blossoms

If you're looking for a day trip from Tokyo to see cherry blossoms, there are several options available. 

Here are some of the top choices:

●      Shōwa Kinen Park

If you're interested in escaping the hubbub of Tokyo's city centre, Shōwa Kinen Park in Tachikawa is a great option that is roughly 40 minutes away from Shinjuku by train. This expansive park boasts an impressive collection of 1,500 cherry blossom trees, as well as other blooms like daffodils and tulips. You can rent a bicycle to explore the park's vast grounds, which doubles up as a fun activity for both kids and adults!

●      Mount Takao

If taking a day trip out to the nearest mountain to Tokyo sounds like fun, you might want to consider visiting Mount Takao. Located less than an hour away from Shinjuku, Mount Takao offers stunning vistas of the Kantō region and Mt. Fuji. During springtime, the views become even more captivating with cherry blossoms embellishing the scenery.

●      Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing, with several sakura trees around the area. You can take a bus or train from Tokyo to reach Mount Fuji.

●      Kamakura

Kamakura is a historic town located south of Tokyo, and it's famous for its temples and shrines. During the cherry blossom season, several sakura trees bloom in the town, making it a great spot for a day trip. Spots to visit include the Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine, Hase-dera Temple and Genjiyama Park.

●      Saitama

Did you know that Ōmiya Park in Saitama sits among the top 100 spots in Japan for sakura viewing? Featuring over 1,000 Yoshino cherry trees lining paths through the park, visitors will be sure to find a picture-perfect spot in this park that’s open to the public 24/7. The park also features a boating lake that can offer some picturesque views.

For those who prefer tours: Types of sakura tours

If you prefer a guided tour to see cherry blossoms in Japan, there are several options available. Here are some of the top choices:

●      Japan tours from travel agencies 

Several travel agencies in Singapore offer Japan tours during the cherry blossom season, with various itineraries that cover different areas of Japan. This includes operators such as L.G.E. Travel, Chan Brothers, and EU Holidays among others.

●      Cherry Blossom Cruise

There are also several cruise companies that offer cherry blossom-themed cruises, allowing you to see sakura trees along the riverbanks.

●      Cherry Blossom Festival Tours

Some tours focus on specific cherry blossom festivals in Japan, such as the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival in Aomori Prefecture or the Takato Castle Cherry Blossom Festival in Nagano Prefecture.

What to prepare for your trip to Japan

Aside from knowing the best time to see sakura in Japan and where to go, here’s how else you can prepare for your trip for a hassle-free and enjoyable experience.

Get the best value on currency rates

Japan's official currency is the Japanese yen (JPY), and you’re better off exchanging your SGD to JPY before your trip, which you can do at popular money changing spots such as Arcade. You can also consider using a credit card or e-wallet that offers low foreign transaction fees and attractive conversion rates.

Protect yourself with travel insurance

It's crucial to have travel insurance when travelling abroad to protect yourself from unexpected events. Make sure your plan covers medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events.

It doesn’t have to be pricey either – Singtel Travel Protect offers comprehensive coverage at affordable rates, which includes protection against COVID-19 and overseas medical coverage of up to $1,000,000. Plus, Singtel Mobile customers get to enjoy exclusive benefits!

Stay connected overseas

Having access to mobile data is essential when travelling overseas, and especially more so in a place like Japan. Besides sharing your sakura adventures on Instagram or TikTok, mobile data is also crucial for navigating the streets of Tokyo, looking up restaurant menus or directions in Japanese on Google Translate.

Familiarise yourself with Japan’s travel restrictions

The great news is, Japan now views COVID-19 as similar to the season influenza and has removed what’s remaining of its travel restrictions. Free, independent travel is back on the cards.

Enjoy Japan’s cherry blossoms with Singtel Travel Protect

As you prepare to fly to Japan for the cherry blossoms, don’t let COVID-19 or any other travel inconveniences derail your trip. Get covered with Singtel Travel Protect today!