New York – March 10, 2026: As spring unfolds across Japan, the nation’s most beloved seasonal spectacle—cherry blossoms (Sakura)—progresses northward from the southern islands toward the country’s cooler regions. While the earliest petals have already appeared in parts of Kyushu and Shikoku, the peak of blooming is advancing steadily through central and northern Japan, with many regions just entering their most anticipated viewing period.
Cherry blossoms bloom for only seven to ten days, making their beauty fleeting and deeply cherished. Rather than a single moment, the season unfolds as a moving celebration from mid-March through early May, offering travelers the opportunity to follow the blossoms as they advance throughout Japan’s chain of islands.
Where and When to Experience the Cherry Blossoms
As the cherry blossom front moves north, several regions are approaching or entering peak bloom:
Hokuriku Shinetsu Region (Late March to Mid-April):
·Niigata: Takada Castle Park Cherry Blossom Festival is one of Joetsu City’s historic signature events, and this year marks its 101st anniversary. Held annually from late April to early May, the celebration transforms the park into a sea of pale pink, beautifully illuminated by more than 3,000 paper lanterns. Their light shimmers across the castle moat, creating one of Japan’s most unforgettable nighttime scenes.
·Nagano: Shinshu Zenkoji Temple stores one of the first Buddhist statues ever brought into Japan when Buddhism was first introduced in the 6th century. This historic temple is surrounded by a mix of beautiful cherry and weeping cherry trees, making it especially stunning in the springtime.
Tohoku Region (Mid– to Late April):
·Akita: Kakunodate, the samurai town known as the “Little Kyoto of Michinoku,” hosts its Cherry Blossom Festival from April 15 to May 5, 2026. Samurai Residence Street becomes especially enchanting beneath cascading blossoms, taking you back to the Edo era. After sunset, soft lights and drifting petals create a dreamy, unforgettable scene for visitors while they sample the area’s street food and drinks.
·Aomori: Hirosaki Castle Park is home to the oldest Somei-Yoshino tree and more than 2,500 cherry trees surrounding the castle. With blossom tunnels, petal-filled moats, picnic spots, rowing boats and evening illuminations, it feels like several great cherry blossom spots combined into one.
Hokkaido (Late April to Early May):
· Hakodate: Goryokaku Tower is one of Hakodate’s signature attractions, offering panoramic views of the star-shaped Goryokaku Park below. In spring, more than 1,600 cherry trees line the moat around the fort, turning the entire citadel a soft pink. As petals drift across the water, the scene becomes especially beautiful—best admired from above.
From Seasonal Beauty to Sustainable Futures
Japan’s appreciation of the four seasons is deeply woven into its cultural identity, and Sakura has long symbolized renewal, transience and harmony with nature. This connection between people and the natural world continues to shape the country’s outlook. In 2027, Yokohama will host Green × Expo 2027 (International Horticultural Expo 2027), a global gathering focused on sustainability, innovation
and coexistence with nature, taking place from March 19 to September 27, 2027. As Japan celebrates the annual return of cherry blossoms, it also looks ahead to conversations about how societies can live more thoughtfully within the natural cycles that define them.
For more information about travel to Japan, visit https://www.japan.travel/en/us.
ABOUT JAPAN NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANIZATION (JNTO)
As the official tourism board, JNTO seeks to inspire international travelers to visit Japan. Focusing on sustainability, diversity and preservation of its history and culture, JNTO encourages travelers to explore the country while supporting local businesses, learning about indigenous cultures, and helping conserve its natural sites.
For more information about travel to Japan, visit https://www.japan.travel/en/us or the JNTO pages on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube. To contact the New York office of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) directly, please e-mail jntonyc_press@jnto.go.jp.
