Japan Rankings
Japanese spring is a season like no other. It awakens the country's gardens with delicate cherry blossoms, fragrant plum blooms, and an atmosphere that feels serene yet celebratory.
For nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a cultural experience wrapped in beauty, Japan's gardens in spring offer something truly unforgettable.
Spring in Japan is a national event. Cherry blossoms (sakura) symbolize fleeting beauty and new beginnings, while plum blossoms (ume) are seen as the first whisper of spring after winter's end. Japanese gardens provide the perfect canvas for these blossoms to shine—combining traditional landscaping, peaceful water features, and carefully framed views.
Whether you want to picnic under blooming trees or photograph ancient castles framed by petals, these gardens offer the best of seasonal Japan.
兼六園（石川県金沢市）
One of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, Kenrokuen features over 400 cherry trees. Its combination of samurai-era landscaping and seasonal colors creates an otherworldly atmosphere, especially when illuminated at night.
Best time: Late March to early April
後楽園（岡山県）
Adjacent to Okayama Castle, Korakuen blends historical charm with vast lawns and elegant sakura trees. It's one of the few gardens that allow cherry blossom picnicking.
Best time: Late March to early April
新宿御苑（東京）
A floral paradise in the heart of Tokyo. Shinjuku Gyoen hosts multiple cherry species, including Somei Yoshino and late-blooming yaezakura, making it perfect for an extended blossom season.
Best time: Mid-March to early April
Shinjuku Gyoen Official Website
千鳥ヶ淵、北の丸公園（東京都）
This famous moat near the Imperial Palace is lined with sakura trees forming stunning petal tunnels. Rent a rowboat for a truly romantic hanami experience.
Best time: Late March to early April
Kitanomaru Garden Official Website
姫路城（兵庫県）
The contrast of white Himeji Castle against soft pink cherry blossoms is iconic. Nearby Koko-en garden offers a quieter viewing spot amid Edo-style landscaping.
Best time: Late March to early April
偕楽園（茨城県水戸市）
Boasting over 3,000 plum trees in dozens of varieties, Kairakuen is Japan's top ume destination. The annual Mito Plum Festival in late winter draws crowds with its vibrant early color.
Best time: Mid-February to mid-March
太宰府天満宮（福岡県）
This sacred Shinto site is famous for its centuries-old plum trees. Plum blossoms here bloom as early as mid-February, drawing students and travelers alike.
Best time: Mid to late February
Dazaifu Tenmangu Official Website
北野天満宮（京都府）
Another shrine dedicated to the plum-blossom-loving scholar Sugawara no Michizane, this Kyoto site features over 1,500 ume trees.
Best time: Late February to mid-March
Kitano Tenmangu Official Website
| Region | Plum Bloom | Cherry Bloom | Peak Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | Late Feb-Early Mar | Late Mar - Early Apr | March 20 - April 5 |
| Kyoto | Early Mar | Late Mar - Early Apr | March 25 - April 8 |
| Kanazawa | Mid Mar | Early - Mid Apr | April 1 - 10 |
| Kyushu | Mid Feb | Late Mar | March 15 - 30 |
Note: Blossoming periods may vary slightly depending on yearly temperatures.
Spring in Japan is more than a season—it's a celebration of life, nature, and cultural beauty. Whether you're walking under petals in Kyoto or sipping tea among plum trees in Mito, these gardens offer moments of reflection, joy, and deep connection.
Let these 8 gardens be your guide to one of the most breathtaking times to visit Japan.
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