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When it comes to Cherry Blossom Season in Japan with kids, how do you plan to ensure your little ones will be as fascinated as you are by the beauty of these blooms? How do you introduce them to the love of Hanami? And why does this particular season resonate with so many who flock to Japan for this season?
Japan has been a bucket list destination that I have longed to visit ever since I fell in love with the country via my obsession of Astroboy in the 1980s. I finally boarded a plane with the whole family last year for a trip which further cemented my love for this incredible country. Of course, Cherry Blossom Season in Japan with kids was something I wasn’t going to miss out on for our first trip.
Let us take you show you some of the best places to view cherry blossoms in Japan with kids.
Why Cherry Blossom Season in Japan with Kids needs to be on your Bucket List.
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As winter departs and the new season arrives, the knobbly trunks and branches of the Japanese Cherry spring magnificent blossoms, but only for a short time. The time of sakura (cherry blossom) is fleeting, adding to its allure. The season is one of the most exciting times on the Japanese annual calendar, and one not to miss with the kids.
From the end of March through to the beginning of May, depending on where in Japan you are, the tradition of hanami is observed. It’s an opportunity to celebrate, with groups of friends and family gathering under the cherry blossom to eat, drink and listen to music together. It’s a hello to spring, a goodbye to winter and an opportunity to welcome good health and joy for the year ahead. Most importantly, I think it’s a time of community and togetherness. The feasting and exuberant happiness is something family visitors to Japan should really seek out. But where? We’ve created a map and highlighted some of the best places you can head to join in too. Better yet, they are perfect for the whole family.
Lessons learned during Cherry Blossom season in Japan
For our first trip to Japan we chose the April school holidays so that we could take advantage of the warming weather and enjoy the cherry blossom season. We were unsure what to expect, a little anxious about exploring a new country, but mostly super excited about the adventure ahead of us. It became one of the most memorable and awe inspiring trips we’ve taken and one the kids are begging to repeat. And of course, there were many lessons learned.
Cherry Blossom Forecast
Before arriving in Japan we had the misconception that the Cherry Blossom would be in full bloom for the length of our trip throughout Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. We were unversed in sakura and whilst delighted with what we saw on our adventure, agreed that we would should have prepared.
Each year, a Cherry Blossom forecast is released which approximates the time the sakura will arrive in each area. Starting down at Okinawa, the blooms sweep up from the south, making their way finally to Hokkaido where the last blooms are spotted in late April, early May.
When thinking about heading to Japan with spotting the cherry blossoms and joining in hanami, you referring to the forecast will help you predict if they’re likely to be blooming during your visit. You can click here to view the Cherry Blossom Forecast for this year.
Cherry Blossom season is PEAK season
There’s no avoiding it, Cherry Blossom season is peak season. You are likely to pay a premium on accomodation during these times as it’s also a period where many Japanese families travel for hanami. However, if you plan early and stalk the accomodation sites you will find a bargain or two within budget.
Japanese hotel rooms are reputed to be quite small by western standards but what they make up for this in their incredible attention to detail and service. If you are prepared a station away from the bigger suburbs (Shinjuku, Tokyo, Shibuya) you’ll find accomodation drops a little in price. Keep an eye out for these deals.
Google Maps is your friend!
The very thought of travelling within a mega city can bring on an anxiety attach in even the seasoned traveller. However, Google Maps was an app that seamlessly navigated us around Tokyo with ease. It detailed which line to head to at the station, which train to board, how long each trip would take (it was faultless) and where to see Sakura.
Where to see Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo with Kids
Tokyo is one of the most exciting, surreal and truly awe inspiring cities our family has ever visited. It will sweep you off your feet within minutes of your arrival. Of course, one of the first things we wanted to do when we arrived was to find the best spots to see the Cherry Blossom. But where to head first?
Shinjuku Gyoen
Spanning 58.3 hectares, it’s hard to believe that you are in a mega city when you are standing in this mesmerising garden. It’s a slice of paradise. Of the gardens 20,000 trees, around 1,500 of these are cherry trees. We found it to be less busy than many of the parks and the perfect spot to see the Cherry Blossoms in bloom and even observe many people celebrating hanami.
Address: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan
Price: 200 Yen
Open: 9:00 am to 16:30 am daily throughout the Cherry Blossom time. Closed each Monday between 29 December to 3 January (or the next day if the Monday is a public holiday).
Ueno Park
Ueno Park was on our hit list long before we even realised that it is one of the prime spots for viewing the cherry blossom as it boasts an assortment of museums and monuments that we were super keen to explore. At the top of our list was the National Museum of Nature and Science and the Ueno Zoo.
Established back in 1873, Ueno Park is one of Tokyo’s most popular cherry blossom viewing spots with over 1,000 cherry trees attraction locals and visitors who converge on the park to enjoy hanami. Be prepared for a cloud of blossoms.
Address: 〒110-0007 Tokyo, Taitō, Uenokoen, ５−２０
Price: Free to enter. Most museums have a small cost.
Open: Visit the park during daylight hours to see the cherry blossoms in their glory.
CLICK TO READ ABOUT OUR ADVENTURE AT TOKYO’S NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE
Chidorigafuchi
If you want a sight that will catch your breath, Chidorigafuchi is one location where, during cherry blossom time, this is likely to happen. To clarify, Chidorigafuchi is a moat northwest of the Imperial Palace which means there’s water along which 260 odd cherry blossoms can be found!
You can hire a boat from the boat pier and row along the moat, watching the reflections of the cherry blossoms. With a little wind, you may even enjoy a slight scattering of the blossoms too. Or you can choose to walk along the Chidorigafuchi Path and view them from ground level.
For history buffs like us, the moat also has historic significance as it was constructed during the early Edo Period. It’s not actually a park, but a section of the area around the Imperial Palace – one of twelve moats to be exact.
Please be mindful that Chidorigafuchi is one of the most popular spots in Tokyo for hanami for both families and young groups. To find a spot you will need to arrive early and lay your picnic blanket down almost straight away.
Address: Kudanminami, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Price: During Cherry Blossom time you can hire a row boat for around 800 yen for 30 minutes.
Open: Whilst open 24 hours a day, the boat pier is open from 11:00 a.m to 5:30 p.m during Cherry blossom time.
Yoyogi Park
For those of you who love a little rock and roll, a little Elvis, or just the cosplay scene, Yoyohi Park will have already made it to your list for its well known Sunday tradition of gathering in the park. But alongside this, Yoyogi Park also boasts around 600 cherry blossoms which are perfect for a low key hanami while you enjoy the Sunday entertainment. We added it to our visit to the Meiji Jingu Shrine which is nearby.
CLICK TO READ ABOUT OUR VISIT TO THE MEIJI JINGU SHRINE AND HOW TO VISIT A SHINTO SHRINE WITH KIDS.
Address: 2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0052
Price: FREE
Open: Always open
Aoyama Cemetery
This may sound a little weird, but whenever we visit a new city we try to visit an old cemetery. These incredible spots tell the history of a place in ways a book, a story or any other recollection can. Through the headstones you can trace family histories and also what was happening in a society at any given time, which I find exciting.
Aoyama Cemetery was open back in 1872 and was Tokyo’s first municipal cemetery. Whilst quiet during much of the year, it becomes very popular during cherry blossom season when many locals host their hanami parties beneath the falling blossoms.
Address: 2-33-2 Minami-aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Minato-ku
Price: FREE
Open: Always open
While these are our top picks for Cherry Blossom viewing in Tokyo based on our experiences, there are a plethora of further options. We have added these to our Google Map reference which you can view at the bottom of this resource.
Where to see Cherry Blossoms in Kansai area with Kids.
Osaka Castle
Built in 1597, Osaka Castle is a historic marvel and a place that will no doubt make it to your Osaka itinerary regardless of the season. However, during the cherry blossom season the grounds surrounding the castle come to life and are the perfect place to head with the family. I highly recommend visiting in the early evening as dusk falls and the trees are lit up for the night. It becomes a magical wonderland and a vision that the kids will always remember.
Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 540-0002
Price: The castle itself is currently 600 yen per adult. Free for kids under 15 years.
Open: The castle is open 9.00 am – 5.00 pm. The park is always open.
Maruyama Park
There’s no debating it, Maruyama Park is Kyoto’s premier Cherry Blossom spot. The centrepiece of the season is a huge, century old weeping cherry which is lit up and night, with locals and visitors finding spots around it for their Hanami celebration. The kids will find this park magical if you pick the right time to visit, but it does attract millions of visitors each year so be prepared for crowds during peak times.
Address: Maruyamacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0071
Price: FREE
Open: The Shidarezakura is lit until 1.00 am each night of the Cherry Blossom season.
Philosopher’s Path
Years ago, Nishida Kitaro one of Japan’s most famous philiosophers would walk around 2 kilometres to work at Kyoto University every day along a cherry blossom lined pathway. It has since become the Philiosopher’s Path in his honour and is also one of the premier spots to enjoy cherry blossoms in Kyoto.
It’s a fairly easy walk to take with the kids and the path is lined with cafes, boutiques, temples and shrines providing numerous opportunities for a little fun and adventure. Make sure you stop at Honen-in along the way.
Address: The path runs between Ginkakuji and the neighborhood of Nanzenji
Price: FREE
Open: Always open
Nara Park
When planning to visit Japan we were repeatedly told by friends and fellow travellers to visit Nara Park. Unfortunately, we didn’t get there on this trip but we have planned to visit when we head back later this year. Established back in 1880, the kids are likely to want to head here to feed the deer who bow in thanks when you feed them.
Nara Park is also a favoured spot for locals to enjoy Hanami with around the park boasting around 1700 cherry trees – a little over 500 more than the deer!
Address: Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan
Price: FREE. You will need to pay for Deer Biscuits.
Open: Open 24 hours
Arashiyama
We headed to Arashiyama to view the famous bamboo grove and to climb up the mountain to see the monkeys. It was a pleasant surprise to discover that the area also boasts cherry blossoms which can be spotted as soon as you disembark the train and throughout your exploration of the area.
The best spot to view the cherry blossom in Arashiyama is probably from the Togetsukyo Bridge at the foot of Arashiyama mountains before you head up to see the monkeys. We found that the riverside at Nakanoshima Park was particularly lovely.
CLICK TO READ ABOUT OUR ADVENTURE TO SEE THE MONKEYS IN ARASHIYAMA
Address: Ukyō-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
Price: FREE
Open: 24 Hours
While these are our top picks for Cherry Blossom viewing in the Kansai are based on our experiences, there are a plethora of further options. We have added these to our Google Map reference which you can view at the bottom of this resource.
Cherry Blossom Reference Map
If you are planning a trip to Japan, make sure you head to Japan National Tourism Organization for hot tips, information and the latest travel news from Japan.
Visiting Japan for the first time? Click to learn about visiting Japan with kids.
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