HakodateGoryokaku Fort

The old citadel of Goryokaku in Hakodate was built in the shape of a giant star in the mid-19th century. Thanks to the thousand trees planted along its moats, at peak season in May it resembles a huge pink cherry blossom when viewed from above. This is the most famous hanami spot on the northern island of Hokkaido.

HirosakiHirosaki Castle

One of the 12 original Edo Period castles in Japan, Hirosaki Castle is impressive in its own right, but come late April and early May, over 2,500 trees and many varieties of blossom bloom spectacularly all at once. With the castle and trees lit up well into the night, this is one of Japan’s finest places to enjoy hanami.

Tokyo

Shinjuku Gyoen is a beautiful garden in the heart of Tokyo with more than 1,000 cherry blossom trees (and more space than most parks in Tokyo) to enjoy hanami. The park has a variety of blossom with some trees flowering later than others, extending the blossom period.

Ueno Park is one of Tokyo’s most famous hanami spots with thousands of trees attracting thousands of people. There is a party atmosphere throughout night, as the trees are lit up during peak period.

KawazuKawazu Riverbank

This small town on the Izu Peninsula is famous for having a rare variety of cherry blossom named after it: the kawazu zakura, which blooms unusually early – between late February and early March. The trees bloom for four kilometres along river leading into the Pacific Ocean.

KanazawaKenrokuen garden

Kanazawa sits on the edge of the Japan Sea Coast and the Japanese Alps. The 17th - century Kenrokuen Garden is considered to be one of the finest in all of Japan, and along with the surrounding Higashichaya tea house district it is a favourite hanami spot.

Matusmoto Matusmoto Castle

The alpine town of Matsumoto is home to the “Black Crow” castle. This striking 17th - century castle is built from black wood and stands amid snow-powdered peaks, providing a remarkable contrast with the vibrant pink of the 300 cherry blossom trees in the castle grounds.

Kyoto

Although very busy in the spring, Kyoto’s plethora of temples, shrines and gardens make it the perfect place for hanami.

Maruyama Park is lit up at night, with plenty of food and drink stalls and the opportunity to spot geisha enjoying the blossom with clients.

Meanwhile, the Philosopher's Path (Tetsugaku no michi) is a pleasant 2 km stroll along a small canal lined with picturesque temples, gardens and hundreds of blossoms.

YoshinoMount Yoshino

Yoshinoyama has been considered the premier spot for cherry blossom viewing for hundreds of years, thanks to the 30,000 cherry trees that decorate the mountainside during full bloom - with a majority of the Yamazakura blossom variety.

Miyajima IslandHiroshima

A short train and ferry ride across the Hiroshima Bay brings you to Miyajima. The island’s alternative name is ‘Itsukushima’ (Lit. beautiful island) and is famous for its ‘floating’ tori gate and shrine. Early spring brings out the shades of pink across the island all the way up to Mt. Misen

MatsuyamaMatsuyama Castle

Matsuyama castle sits on a hill in the centre of the city and is one of the few original Edo period castles in Japan. The top of the castle provides the most spectacular views over city and the hundreds of blossom that sit in the castle grounds.

KumamotoKumamoto Castle

One of the most historically famous casles in Japan, this reconstruction and its grounds are the most popular blossom spot in the region. Thousands of trees sit in the castle grounds and are lit up late into the night to get the most out of ‘Hanami’

OkinawaNago Park

The subtropical islands have a variety of blossom which opens from mid-January into mid-Februrary. As a result, Japan’s first cherry blossom ‘Hanami’ parties take place in the islands. Nago park on mainland Okianawa holds one of the biggest blossom festivals.

MiharuMiharu Takizakura

For an individual cherry blossom spectacular, the small Tohoku town of Miharu has it. The 'Takizakura' or literally, 'waterfall cherry blossom', is considered to be the most beautiful cherry blossom tree in the country. At about a thousand years old and at 12 metres tall with an impressive weeping canopy spanning up to 25 metres wide, this tree attracts thousands each year.

SapporoMaruyama Park

Hokkaido’s main city is not Japan’s most famous cherry blossom spot, but it does throw a good hanami party. Blossom lines the entrance to the Hokkaido Shrine next to Maruyama Park, which is where the locals head for a lively hanami party and a glass of Sapporo beer.