It’s sakura season again!

As March approaches, the arrival of spring in Japan sends everyone into a flower frenzy. Japan’s famed cherry blossoms usually begin blooming from the south, gradually making their way upwards, leaving a flower trail of dreamy pink and white hues that only last for a fleeting time. If you’re planning your dream trip to Japan during this season, read on to discover 5 unique cherry blossom experiences in Japan for an unforgettable vacation.

Seek out lesser-known cherry blossom spots in Japan for a more tranquil experience.

1. Be Awed by Horseback Archers Riding Beneath Cherry Blossoms at Washibara Hachimangu Shrine (Shimane)

Built in the Kamakura period (1185-1333) as the guardian shrine of Tsuwano Castle, the Washibara Hachimangu Shrine is one of the oldest buildings in the quaint old castle town of Tsuwano.

A journey to this ancient shrine feels like a step back in time. At the entrance, visitors are greeted by large stone lanterns and a red Torii gate that have withstood centuries of change. As you venture further in, the historical shrine comes into view, along with its signature red 'romon' gate.

The Washibara Hachimangu Shrine in Shimane Prefecture is a nationally-designated important cultural property.

The Washibara Hachimangu Shrine is peacefully quiet most of the year, except during spring. April marks the arrival of blooming sakura trees that line the pavement and the embankment. During this season, locals and tourists flock here to admire the alluring cherry blossoms and also to witness the traditional Yabusame Archery Festival.

Washibara Hachimangu Shrine houses the only original horseback archery riding grounds left in Japan.

This lively festival takes place every year on the first Sunday of April. Archers, dressed in hunting outfits from the Kamakura period, gallop skillfully on horseback and compete to see who hits the most targets with their arrows. 

The rare sight of traditional horseback archers riding under sakura trees, coupled with the ecstatic cheer of the crowd, makes for an unforgettable cherry blossom experience! 

2. Experience a Traditional Japanese Garden and Night Illumination at Ritsurin Garden (Kagawa)

With a history spanning over 100 years, the stunning Ritsurin Garden in Kagawa Prefecture is very much worth a visit. This expansive traditional Japanese garden offers a captivating journey through the four seasons. From the delicate bloom of cherry and plum blossoms in spring to the vivid autumn foliage, and the bright summer flowers — all set against the backdrop of one thousand splendid pine trees, Ritsurin Garden promises a timeless experience for visitors.

Designated as a “Special Place of Scenic Beauty”, Ritsurin Garden is recognized as a national treasure.

Additionally, the garden features six ponds and thirteen landscaped hills, thoughtfully arranged against the backdrop of the lush Mount Shiun. The garden is designed to invite visitors to appreciate the beauty of nature with each step.

There are about 300 cherry trees of various varieties in Ritsurin Garden, such as the popular somei-yoshino and the gracefully-arching shidarezakura. After an idyllic stroll soaking in the sights of the cherry blossoms, you can also take a Japanese-style boat tour around the lake for a different view of the garden scenery.

At Ritsurin Park, you can enjoy different views of cherry blossoms during the day and at night. Image provided by: Kagawa Prefecture Tourism Association

When night falls, the park takes on a different charm as it comes aglow with dreamy lights during the annual Spring Illumination event. Held only during spring and autumn seasons, don't miss out on this exquisite night-time illumination.

3. Hop on the Old-Fashioned Kominato Railway to Marvel at Vibrant Springtime Flowers (Chiba)

Sometimes, the journey itself is the experience. The Kominato Railway is a local train line that runs through the quaint countryside of Chiba Prefecture, from Ichihara City to Otaki Town. It chugs leisurely through rural landscapes of wooden houses as well as expansive fields of yellow rapeseed flowers (nanohana) and billowy cherry blossoms.

The rustic diesel-powered train cars evoke nostalgic memories of simpler times. ©Kominatorailway

Your train journey begins at Goi Station, which you can easily reach from Tokyo with the JR Sobu Line. While you wait for your train to arrive, there is a cute cafe called the Kominato Waiting Room and Cafe where you can get light meals, and perhaps pick up some train-themed souvenirs or local goods. 

The Kominato Line passes through 18 stations. Along the way, commuters can gaze out to bucolic views of agricultural areas, charming rivers and gorges, as well as seasonal foliage. Springtime is especially popular because the pink sakura trees that frame the train tracks are accompanied by bright yellow fields of flowering nanohana.

In this hurried world, going on a slow sightseeing train ride almost seems like a luxury. ©kominatorailway

Allow your thoughts to wander leisurely, as the entire journey on the line takes a bit over 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can get off at different stations to do a little exploration. A noteworthy stop is the culturally significant Kazusa Tsurumai Station, located in the castle town of Tsurumai. Recognized among the '100 Best Stations in Kanto' and featured in television dramas, this wooden station, unchanged since the 1930s, is a hot spot for many photographers.

If you want to enjoy the view of these beautiful florae up close and at your own pace, you can take in the view of Chiba Prefecture’s Satoyama landscapes, which are conveniently found along the Kominato Railway line and located within one hour from the heart of Tokyo.

4. Go on an Old-Fashioned Slope Car Ride Through Cherry Blossoms at Funaoka Castle Ruins Park (Miyagi)

Home to around 1,000 somei-yoshino cherry trees, Funaoka Castle Ruins Park is one of the more popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Miyagi Prefecture. This scenic park gets blanketed with light-pink cherry blossoms as spring approaches and becomes especially enchanting.

Funaoka Castle Ruins Park, located in the picturesque rural town of Shibata, is a well-known destination to see cherry blossoms in Japan.

Every year in early April, the Shibata Sakura Festival is held to celebrate the blooming of cherry blossoms. Take a romantic walk along the serene river lined with sakura on the Shiroishigawa banks. You can also join the locals and enjoy a hanami with a picnic under the sakura trees. 

Another great way to experience cherry blossoms is to get to the summit of the Funaoka Castle Ruins for a breathtaking view of the sakura-covered landscape and Shibata town. On a clear day, you can even spot the famed Zao mountain ranges. 

Ride through a tunnel of pink cherry blossoms on a cute slope car at Funaoka Castle Ruins Park.

If hiking up a mountain is not your idea of fun, hop on the popular slope car that goes all the way to the top in just 4 minutes. This retro slope car takes you on a slow ride through a mesmerizing tunnel of soft-pink cherry blossoms, during which you can take plenty of gorgeous photos. While you are here, don’t forget to check out the Funaoka Peace Kannon statue, a 24m-tall symbol of Shibata Town.

5. Head Up to Goryokaku Tower for a Magnificent Aerial View of Cherry Blossoms in a Unique Star-Shaped Park (Hokkaido)

With over 1500 cherry blossom trees covering the park and lining the moat, Goryokaku Park is no doubt one of the most sought-after cherry blossom viewing spots in Hokkaido Prefecture. 

Goryokaku is a huge star-shaped, western-style fortress built about 150 years ago.

Once the last stronghold for the former Shogunate army during the Boshin War in 1869, the fort has now become a popular park that attracts local and international tourists during sakura season.

Enjoy a leisure walk in the park or meander alongside the moat in a rented boat under the cherry blossoms. After the blooming season, the sakura flowers fall onto the water and turn the moat into a delightful pink carpet. 

There are many ways to enjoy the cherry blossom season at Goryokaku Park.

The best way to see the cherry blossoms is from the 107-meter-tall Goryokaku Tower situated just beside the park. From the observation deck, you can see Mount Hakodate, the Tsugaru Straits, the Yokotsu mountain range, and a spectacular view of the sakura-covered star-shaped park. 

For the brave-hearted, look down the see-through glass floor and get a sense of the tower’s dizzying height.
 

Spring in Japan is a highly sought-after season for travelers, drawing crowds to popular cherry blossom spots. Thankfully, there are hidden gems and unique locations to view the famous sakura blooms. Whichever destination you choose to experience the cherry blossom season, we are certain that it will be a truly delightful experience.

Discover more of Japan. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for fun facts and quick tips about Japan.