Sakura season is one of the most anticipated times of the year to visit Japan, with the sight of the pink flowers blooming across the country drawing travelers from all over the world. However, while Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto are famous for their sakura spots, they can also be crowded during peak season.
To avoid overtourism and experience a more tranquil side of Japan, it’s well worth exploring some lesser-known sakura viewing locations which still offer breathtaking views along with a more serene atmosphere. Here are seven spots you may not have considered outside the "big three" cities!
Hirosaki Castle, Aomori
With over 2500 sakura trees surrounding it, Hirosaki Castle is a great option for blossom fans who want a side of history. With a history dating back to 1611, the castle is one of only 12 originals still standing in Japan—the rest are replicas that have been recreated due to damage from war or natural disasters.
The blossoms surrounding the castle aren't just the standard somei yoshino type, either—there are other variants on the grounds including shidarezakura and yaezakura.
🌸 Best time for blooms: late April through early May
📍1 Shimoshiroganechō, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8356
Goryokaku, Hokkaido
One of the most unique sakura destinations in terms of its appearance, the star-shaped Goryokaku fort was designed for maximum effectiveness with defense. The idea was that more guns and cannons could be placed on its walls, and the amount of blind spots where a cannon couldn't fire would be lessened. The Goryokaku Tower provides some incredible views of some 1500 sakura trees from above, but you can also enjoy a stroll around the fort at ground level.
🌸 Best time for blooms: late April to early May
📍44 Goryokakucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0001
Takada Castle Park, Niigata
The grounds of Niigata's Takada Castle are home to over 2000 cherry trees, and have been regularly featured on lists of the top spots to enjoy sakura season in Japan. One of the best things about this sakura destination is the annual festival they hold, which includes after-dark illuminations (usually from around 6pm until 10pm) where you can enjoy the blooms in an entirely different light—no pun intended!
🌸 Best time for blooms: late March to mid April
📍44-1 Motoshirocho, Joetsu-shi, Niigata 943-0835
Kenrokuen, Kanazawa
Kanazawa, the capital of Ishikawa Prefectue, has a long list of reasons to visit (deservedly so), and one of the best places to check out is Kenrokuen. Already regarded as one of the country's top gardens, it's packed with beauty no matter the season you visit in—but many would say spring is where it shines. Home to around 400 cherry trees, the garden offers free admission during peak sakura season, with exact dates determined a little closer to the blooming period.
🌸 Best time for blooms: early April
📍1 Kenrokumachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0936
Hamamatsu Flower Park, Shizuoka
The sprawling Hamamatsu Flower Park really is a delight in spring, with not just sakura but other blooms like wisteria and tulips to enjoy. When it comes to the sakura, around 1300 trees adorn the grounds here, and if you do manage to time your visit right you can enjoy both the blossoms and the tulips together. It's a popular place for hanami picnics, and with so much natural beauty it's not hard to understand why.
🌸 Best time for blooms: late March to early April
📍195 Kanzanjicho, Chuo-ku, Shizuoka 431-1209
Nara Park, Nara
While Nara Park is still very well-known and popular with travelers, the sprawling grounds of the park mean that there's plenty of space to get your cherry blossom fix. The free-roaming deer add an ethereal element to the sakura experience here, and the various temples and shrines to explore means that you can enjoy both nature and culture at the same time.
🌸 Best time for blooms: late March to early April
📍469 Zoshicho, Nara, 630-8501
Maizuru Park, Fukuoka
With over 100 cherry trees encompassing several different types, Fukuoka's Maizuru Park is conveniently located in the heart of the city with great public transport access. It's built around the ruins of Fukuoka Castle, with the contrast between the stone walls and the pastel pink sakura making for a picturesque scene.
🌸 Best time for blooms: late March to early April
📍1-4 Jonai, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0043
