Judging by our increasingly packed tours schedule, we can tell it’s that time of the year again! Next month, we’re expected to see some of Japan’s cherry blossoms start viewing. That means we’ll be entering peak hanami (花見, flower viewing season). That, of course, means it’s once again time for Japan’s cherry blossom festivals in April and May.
Recently, the folks at Japan Rail Pass did a review of some of the world’s best cherry blossom festivals. They looked not only at popularity and online reviews but also at the flowers’ vibrancy – their saturation, brightness, colorfulness, and pinkness.
Here, according to the data, are Japan’s top five festivals where you can get an eyeful of some of the most gorgeous cherry blossom leaves the country has to offer. These contain some hidden surprises, even for frequent tourists!
5. Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival
Overall ranking: 7.47/10; Vibrancy ranking: 6.39/10
Hokkaido is a huge tourist pull in the winter. But it’s also a vibrant place to spend the spring. This festival, which takes place near the Matsumae Castle Mound in the small (6,000 people) town of Matsumae, features numerous performances, vendor stalls, and – of course – beautiful blossom viewing opportunities. Some 10,000 trees ring Matsumae Castle, Hokkaido’s only castle (and Japan’s northernmost one).
The good news is that this festival won’t likely be overrun by tourists. The bad news is that it’s because it’s a bit of a pain to get to. As Japan Cheapo notes, it takes a 90-minute bus ride to get from the Hokkaido Shinkansen at Kikonai to Matsujo – and then another 10-minute walk to the castle grounds. A fun adventure for those looking for something truly off the beaten path!
2026 dates: TBD
Website : 第77回 松前さくらまつり（令和7年・2025年）開催について
4. Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival
Overall ranking: 7.42/10; Vibrancy ranking: 7.94/10
This splendid festival in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, is held near the area’s Hirosaki Castle, one of Japan’s many historical castles. It features a ton of picturesque opportunities to bask in the sakura.
Take a boat ride down Hirosaki Castle’s Central Moat, enjoy the nighttime light-up of the blossoms, walk through the tunnel of cherry blossoms, and enjoy the view of the trees from the Shunyobashi Bridge. The area, which has Japan’s famous Somei Yoshino blossoms, also sports seven other types of cherry tree blossoms that bloom after the Somei.
2026 dates: April 16th – May 5th
Website (English): Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival
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3. Nihonbashi Sakura Festival
Overall ranking: 7.8/10; Vibrancy ranking: 8.02/10
JR Pass ranked the Nihonbashi festival in Tokyo as the number three best cherry blossom festival in the world and the most popular in Japan. The festival, held along Edozakura Doori, features a stunning nighttime light-up. Multiple restaurants and shops along the avenue will offer special sakura-themed goods and food to boot.
2026 dates: TBD
Website (Japanese only): Sakura Fes Nihonbashi 2025
Website (English via GoTokyo): Sakura Fes Nihonbashi 2025
2. Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival
Overall ranking: 7.69/10; Vibrancy ranking: 8.11/10
Number four on the worldwide list, and number two in all of Japan, is the famous festival held by the Meguro River in Meguro City, Tokyo. The event is such a draw thanks in part to the festival atmosphere that springs up along the Meguro River, with a long array of concession stands selling various food and treats. The area is also known for its gorgeous nighttime light-up.
According to JR Pass, there might be another reason this festival is so popular. It scored the second-highest flower vibrancy rating of any festival in Japan. This shouldn’t surprise anyone who’s attended, as the area is absolutely gorgeous when the trees are in full bloom.
2026 dates: TBD
Website (Japanese, unofficial): 目黒川の桜
Website (English via Japan Travel): Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival 2025
1. Kawazu Sakura Festival
Overall ranking: 7.5/10; Vibrancy ranking: 9.39/10
Looking for Japan’s most vibrant cherry blossoms? You’ll find them in Kawazu in Shizuoka Prefecture. While this festival only ranked number six overall, it topped JR Pass’ vibrancy ranking worldwide, earning a stellar 9.39 score.
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The good news: Unlike some of the smaller festivals above, you can get to Kawazu pretty easily from Tokyo. The Odoriko Limited Express goes directly to JR Kawazu Station. You can also travel to the nearby onsen town of Atami and take the JR Ito Line from there.
The bad news? You’ll have to hurry if you want to make it. The blossoms here bloom more quickly than in other areas of Japan. As a result, the festival is already near the tail end of its run. It’s been extended to March 9th this year, so you still have time. Also, be prepared for crowds, as the festival draws around one million visitors yearly.
2026 dates: TBD
Website (Japanese only): Kawazu Cherry Blossom Fes
Website (English via Japan National Tourism Organization): Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival
Keep an eye on the weather
Last year’s cherry blossom season got turned upside down due to the unusually cold weather. So far, however, it looks like everything will bloom this year around the expected times.
JR Rail Pass has been tracking the dates. With Japan’s wacky patterns, things could change without notice. Keep an eye on the weather before finalizing your plans.
Discover the “unseen” side of Japan
Japan is on everyone’s travel bucket list. Sadly, many end up going to the same places as everyone else. That can turn what could have been a fun, once-in-a-lifetime experience into an exhausting battle with crowds.
We started Unseen Japan Tours for the same reason we started Unseen Japan: To give people a unique glimpse into Japan they can’t get anywhere else. Let us create a custom itinerary of hard-to-find spots centered on your interests. We can also serve as your guides and interpreters, taking you to places that non-Japanese-speaking tourists usually can’t access.
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