Inspirations
Between cherry blossoms and ideal weather, spring is one of the most beautiful seasons to discover Japan.
Spring, and especially cherry blossom season, transforms Japan into an even more spectacular destination. Here's why this season deserves to be at the heart of your next trip.
Quick answer: To see the cherry blossoms, aim for late March to early April in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, and up to late April – early May further north. Each site peaks for only about a week and dates change every year: book early, stay flexible and plan 10 to 14 days. According to our Japan 2026 guide, expect roughly €100 to €160 per person per day on the ground (excluding flights).
Sakura bloom lasts about two weeks and varies by region: it starts in the south (Kyushu, Osaka) before moving up to Tokyo and then the north of the country. Exact dates shift every year, so it's best to book early and stay flexible.
Neither too hot nor too humid: spring offers mild temperatures, perfect for back-to-back temple visits and long walks.
Maruyama Park in Kyoto, Mount Fuji seen from Lake Kawaguchi, or the paths of Ueno Park in Tokyo are among the best spots for hanami, the traditional picnic under the cherry blossoms.
To plan your route, budget and transport, read our Japan travel guide 2026.
Entry requirements, health and safety: check the French foreign ministry’s travel advice before booking.
| Area | Usual full bloom | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Kyūshū (Fukuoka) | Late March | A good way to start a trip in the south |
| Tokyo and Kamakura | Late March – early April | Ueno and Shinjuku Gyoen parks, the Meguro River |
| Kyoto, Osaka and Nara | Late March – early April | Maruyama Park, the Philosopher’s Path, Arashiyama |
| Mount Fuji and the Five Lakes | Early to mid-April | A view of Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi |
| Japanese Alps, Takayama, Kanazawa | Mid-April | Historic towns that are often less crowded |
| Tōhoku (Sendai, Hirosaki) | Mid to late April | Hirosaki is known for its castle |
| Hokkaidō (Sapporo, Hakodate) | Late April – early May | To extend the season |
Indicative average dates: they vary by several days from year to year depending on the weather. Check the bloom forecasts published each year before locking in your bookings.
Depending on the bloom, reverse the order: if it is early, start in Kyoto and Osaka then head up to Tokyo; if it is late, do the opposite, or even add Takayama or Tōhoku.
1. Locking in dates too early: The peak shifts by several days between years: stay flexible or plan two regions.
2. Booking too late: Hotels, restaurants and trains fill up months ahead in high season.
3. Ignoring Golden Week: Prices and crowds rise sharply from late April to early May.
4. Heading to famous spots at peak hours: Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to enjoy the sites.
5. Forgetting hanami etiquette: Follow each park’s rules (litter, mats, noise): take your rubbish with you and do not touch the branches.
Late March to early April in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. Earlier in the south, later at altitude and in the north, up to late April – early May in Hokkaidō.
About two weeks overall, but each site peaks for only about a week. Exact dates change every year.
Yes: hotels, restaurants and trains fill up months before the bloom. Stay flexible on dates or location.
According to our Japan 2026 guide, roughly €100 to €160 per person per day excluding flights, or about €1,000 to €2,200 on the ground. Accommodation costs more at full bloom.
In Tokyo, Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen and the Meguro River. In Kyoto, Maruyama Park, the Philosopher’s Path and Arashiyama.
We advise against it: bringing a dog into Japan requires strict formalities arranged ahead, and access to accommodation, transport and sites is often limited.
Editorial transparency
Budgets are estimates, not guaranteed prices. Entry requirements, opening hours, prices, availability and access rules can change, so confirm relevant details with official sources and providers before booking.
Travelling with a dog? Check pet acceptance, fees and restrictions directly with each accommodation, transport provider or attraction. Spotted something that needs correcting or updating? Contact TripCompanion.
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