10 Best

Instagram Spots

Cherry Blossoms

Japan

Cherry Blossoms Japan season is just around the corner with these beautiful pink flowers called “Sakura”, that seem to float in the air when the wind blows.  Imagine yourself standing among a sea of floating clouds. This is one of the most coveted times of the year to visit Japan.  Each year cherry blossoms bloom at different times throughout the island depending on how mild of winter there was that year.  

With my many visits to Japan I have been lucky to be at the tail end of the Cherry Blossoms blooming to see them float in the air like clouds.  While doing current research on Lonely Planet, Trip Advisor and Japan Rail Pass sites,  I came across some interesting facts on the best spots to photograph the beautiful cherry blossoms.  Let me share my new-found information with you that will be a great tool to find the top locations to photograph these amazing blooms.  The dates may come and go but the locations stay the same as the 10 best Instagram-Worthy spots to find Cherry Blossoms Japan.  As an added bonus see the brief description along with some useful information for each location along with a map.  Let me share these Instagram coveted spots to take the best photos of these amazing blooms. 

“10 Best Instagram Spots for Cherry Blossoms in Japan”

10 Best Instagram Spots

 

Himeji Castle (Hyogo)

This World Heritage Site is the home to the Himeji castle along with blooming 1,000 Yoshino and Weeping Cherry Trees.  What a site to see and not miss.

 

Himeji Castle (Hyogo)

Location

68 Honmachi, Himeji City.  0900-1700Himeji

Railways

line exit “Himeji”.  Minute walk from JR Himeji and Sanyo Himeji stations

 

Shinjuku Gyoen (Toyko)

This spacious paid park with 3 different types of gardens is located in the heart of Tokyo which is known as place unique place for late and early flower blooming.  Locate the English Garden to see more than 400 Yoshino Cherry Tree Blooms. 

 

Shinjuku Gyoen (Toyko)

Location

Close to the English Garden by the Shinjuku Gate and Okido Gate

Cost

Y200 adults 

Hours

9:00am – 4:30pm

 

Miharu Takizakura (Fukushima)

Home to one individual Waterfall Cherry Tree.  The tree is thought to be over one thousand years old located in the hills outside of Miharu Town.

 

Miharu Takizakura (Fukushima)

Transportation

Otherwise difficulty to get to but during cherry blossom season take the temporary bus operated between Miharu Station and the Miharu Takizaura.  (takes 25 minues, Y1000 for a 1-day pass that includes admission to the tree)

 

  

 

Mount Yoshino (Nara)

Japan’s most historic place to visit where the first Cherry Tree was planted over 1,300 years ago in the Nara Prefecture.  The trees are located on the slopes of the Mount.  Now there are over 30,000 cherry trees with beautiful colors. 

 

Mount Yoshino (Nara)

Location

Yoshinoyama is divided into 4 areas:  Shimo Senbon (base of mountain), Naka Senbon (middle trees), Kami Senbon (Upper trees), Oku Senbon (top of the mountain). 

Shuttle

During Cherry Blossom season shuttle buses operate between Yoshino Station and Naka Senbon are which is near the Chikurin-in-Temple .

Buses depart 2-4 times per hour.  Cost:  Y360 one way.  Then take a mini bus to Oku Senbon area of Yoshinoyama. Cost:  Y400 one way.  1-2 Buses an hour.

Note

When ascending the mountain stop by various temples, shrines, and parks along the way.   

 

Takato Castle Park (Nagano)

Home to 1,500 Kohigan Cherry Trees.  Look for its breathtaking views with the first trees planted there in 1875.  The historic Takato Castle Ruins are there to see. 

 

Takato Castle Park (Nagano)

Location

Park located on a hill in Ina City of Nagano Prefecture.  Approximately 60 km south of Matsumoto.

Hours

6am – 10pm during Cherry Blossom festival.  Cost:  Y500 cherry blossom season

Transportation

JR:  Express train from Tokyo Shinjuku Station to Chino station (located 25km from Park.  JR Bus from Chino station to Takato Bus Station is a 15 min walk to park which is all covered by the Japan rail pass.

Note

Illumination’s until 10pm nightly during Cherry Blossom festival.  See the festival stall set up around the park.  Note:  Very congested especially on weekends.  Arrive early in the day for the best views with less people. 

 

Expo 70 Commemorative Park (Osaka)

Location of the 1970 World Expo which is now home to 5,000 cherry trees that line the path through this public park centered around the east path of the Natural Culture Garden.  The Cherry Blossom Festival is from March 20 – April 14

 

Expo 70 Commemorative Park (Osaka)

Location

565-0826 Senribampakukoen, Suita-shi, Osaka

Transportation

5-minute walk from Bampaku-kinen-koen Station on the Osaka Monorail.

Hours

09:30am – 5:00pm but later for festival 

Cost

Y250.  Additional fees for museums and Japanese Garden

Note

Cherry Blossoms Light Up:  6:00pm – 9:00pm during festival located in the Natural Culture Garden Higashioji

 

Kinati Bridge (Yamaguchi Prefecture)

Known for its historical wooden arch bridge in 5 different segments.  It has numerous cherry trees that line the banks of the river which provides such a beautiful sight.  Night time illumination is until 10:00pm 

 

Kinati Bridge (Yamaguchi Prefecture)

Location

1 Chome Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture 741-0062

Bridge is accessible from both the Town Side and the Mountain Side

Hours

Always Open

Cost

Y300 round trip over the bridge or Y1,100 for bridge, castle and ropeway

 

Transportation

Shinkansen Railroad to Station Shiniwakuni.  JR Sanyo Railroad to Station Iwakuni.

 

Hirosaki Castle Park (Hirosaki)

Visit its’ 2,600-cherry trees in full bloom.  Look out for the million visitors that flock there every year in spring to see the beautiful color of floating pink. 

 

Hirosaki Castle Park (Hirosaki)

Location

1 Shimoshirogane-cho, Hirosaki-shi, Aomori 036-8356

Hours

09:00am – 5:00pm Opens after March 31

Transportation

JR Railways Line Hirosaki Station. 

15 minute Bus Ride West of station. 

Take the Dotemachi Loop Bus, get off at Shiyakusho-mae bus stop

 

Chureito Pagoda (Fuji Five Lakes)

See the magnificent view of the famous Mount Fuji in the backdrop and beautiful pink flowers with the rising Pagoda in the front.  A favorite spot for photographers alike with the best light conditions in the early morning.

 

Chureito Pagoda (Fuji Five Lakes)

Location

Train station Shimo-Yoshida.  5 minute walk.

Cost

Free

 

Philosopher’s Path (Eastern Kyoto)

Walk the quaint path 1.2 miles (2km) long lined on either side with hundreds of cherry trees.  A place with the famous philosophers used to walk and practice meditation.  A path between the Kinkakuji Temple (Silver Pavilion) to the Nanzenji Temple 

 

Philosopher’s Path (Eastern Kyoto)

Location

2 Ginkakujicho Sakyo Ward, Kyoto Prefecture 606-8402 (Ginkakuji Temple)

Transportation

JR Railways to Kyoto Station

Bus: Kyoto City Bus 5, 17, or 100 from Kyoto Station to Ginkakuji Temple

Note

I like to start the Philosopher’s Path at the Ginkakuji Temple to the Nanzneji Temple or you can reverse the order.

 

Mitsuike Koen (Yokohama) 

Here is an extra bonus location.  Take in the view of three ponds with over a thousand cherry trees around the area.  Float in one of the boats under the beautiful trees. 

 

Mitsuike Koen (Yokohama)

Location

1-1 Mitsuike Park, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama

Cost

Free Admission

Transportation

Stations are Shin-Yokohama Station or Tsurumi Station.  Then take City Bus Number 104 from either station

 

Best Instagram Spots for Cherry Blossoms Locations Map

 

Etcetera

With so many places to see the blooms I am very excited to share this information, on the best Instagram spots to see Cherry Blossoms Japan for the ultimate photo.  Please note the added extra locations, map and cherry blossom blooming dates.  My travels have taken me to some cool places in Japan but this list includes spots for my next spring visit to Japan.  Thinking of traveling to Japan make sure to see other useful information on hotels, activities, along with my mini-guides.

*Please Leave a comment below if you have seen some fantastic cherry blossoms, plus found a great new location.  Also leave additional helpful information if you have been to any of these locations mentioned.  A traveler is one that loves sharing great information with others 🌸

Cherry Blossom Blooming Schedule

*Dates change each year.  Make the most of your trip and plan around the blooming dates to see some beautiful blooms 🌸

 

Prefecture

Location

Flowering Date

Full Bloom Date

Aomori

Hirosaki Castle Park

April 24

April 30

 

Fukushima

Miharu Takizakura

April 18

April 21

Nagano

Takato Castle Park

April 5

April 12

Yamanashi

Chureito Pagoda

April 5

April 13

Tokyo

Shinjuku Gyoen

March 19

April 1

Osaka

Expo ’70 Park

March 25

April 2

Nara

Mount Yoshino

March 31

April 7

Okayama

Okayama Korakuen

March 23

March 31

Hiroshima

Peace Memorial Park

March 22

March 29

Fukuoka

Nishi Park

March 21

March 28

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