Introduction: When & Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan 2025
Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast 2025: Best Viewing Time & Locations
The cherry blossom season is approaching as the cherry blossom front moves northward! According to the 2025 forecast, cherry blossoms are expected to start blooming in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka in late March.
The Japan Meteorological Agency predicts that cherry blossoms in Tokyo will begin blooming around March 22 and reach full bloom around March 30.
Cherry Blossom Blooming Schedule by Region
Kyushu & Okinawa (e.g., Fukuoka, Naha) : Mid to late March
Kansai Region (e.g., Osaka, Kyoto, Nara) : Late March to early April
Kanto Region (e.g., Tokyo, Yokohama, Chiba) : Late March to early April
Tohoku Region (e.g., Sendai, Aomori) : Mid to late April
Hokkaido (e.g., Sapporo, Hakodate) : Late April to early May
Since blooming periods may vary due to weather conditions, it’s recommended to check the latest updates before your visit. You can find real-time cherry blossom forecasts on the Japan Meteorological Agency website or through the Japan Tourism Agency’s social media accounts.
How to Experience Hanami Like a Local in Japan
Cherry blossoms have been an essential part of Japanese culture for over a thousand years. Many tourists visit famous spots like the Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto or cherry blossoms with Mt. Fuji in the background. However, most Japanese people enjoy hanami in their local parks.
What is Hanami?
Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) is a Japanese tradition where people gather under cherry trees for picnics, food, and drinks while enjoying the blossoms. In spring, you’ll see blue picnic sheets spread across parks, filled with people celebrating under the cherry trees. This is the true “local hanami” experience.
Enjoying hanami at parks is less crowded than visiting tourist hotspots and offers a chance to interact with locals. Bringing your own bento (lunch box) and relaxing under the cherry trees allows for a more authentic cultural experience.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
Instead of just sightseeing, this guide will teach you how to experience hanami like a local.
We’ll use Shinjuku Gyoen, one of Tokyo’s most accessible cherry blossom spots, as an example.
This guide covers:
✅ Best time & locations for cherry blossoms
✅ How to buy tickets for Shinjuku Gyoen
✅ What to bring for hanami
✅ How to get there & practical tips
✅ Hanami etiquette for a respectful experience
✅ Recommended hanami spots across Japan
📌 Plan your perfect hanami experience with this guide!
Step-by-Step Hanami Guide: Enjoying Cherry Blossoms at Shinjuku Gyoen
Step 1: How to Buy Tickets for Shinjuku Gyoen
Ticket Types & Prices: Walk-in vs. Advance Reservation
Shinjuku Gyoen is a vast national garden in central Tokyo, popular for cherry blossom viewing. Since the cherry blossom season gets crowded, it is recommended to enter the park early.
You can also find cherry blossom blooming updates on social media, so be sure to check them out!
早咲きの #サクラ が続々と咲き揃ってきています🌸
— 新宿御苑 自然情報 (@SG_info_kyokai) March 8, 2025
園内では #ツバキカンザクラ や #カンザクラ類 が満開ですよ。他にも #カワヅザクラ や #オカメ など、いろいろな桜が見られます😆
週末のお出かけは御苑に行こう🥳
▼園内のみどころ情報はこちら☟https://t.co/ihCTYSiDsf#新宿御苑 #お花見 #春 pic.twitter.com/SdGTK9yQ8F
💰 Entrance Fees
General Admission: ¥500
University Students: ¥250 (Student ID required)
Seniors (65+): ¥250 (Age verification required)
High School Students & Below: Free
🎟 Ticket Options
Walk-in tickets: Available at the entrance but expect long lines during cherry blossom season.
Advance reservation is required for entry to Shinjuku Gyoen on specific dates (March 22, 23, 29, 30, April 5, and 6). On other days, visitors can enter without a reservation.
🛒 How to Buy Online Tickets (via Asoview!)
Visit the Asoview! website.
Select your visit date.
Choose the number of tickets and proceed to checkout.
Receive your QR code ticket via email.
Show your QR code (on your phone or printed) at the entrance.
Step 2: How to Get to Shinjuku Gyoen
Step 2: How to Get to Shinjuku Gyoen
🚃 Access from Major Stations
From Shinjuku Station (10-minute walk)
Exit South Gate or New South Gate.
Cross Koshu-Kaido Street and walk towards Takashimaya.
Pass Takashimaya on the right and walk straight.
After 10 minutes, Shinjuku Gate will be on the left.
From Shinjuku-Sanchome Station (5-minute walk)
Take Exit E1 and walk east on Shinjuku Street.
After 5 minutes, you’ll see Shinjuku Gate on the right.