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    Sakura season guide

    Using the JR Pass during cherry blossom season

    Cherry blossom season is the busiest time to ride trains in Japan. With a JR Pass you can chase the sakura front across the country, if you reserve smartly.

    01

    When the blossoms peak

    • Late March: Kyushu and Hiroshima.
    • Early April: Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo.
    • Mid April: Tohoku, Hirosaki, Sendai.
    • Late April to early May: Hokkaido.
    02

    Best JR Pass routes for hanami

    • Tokyo to Kyoto on shinkansen, with Yoshino on a JR side trip.
    • Kyoto to Hiroshima for the castle and peace park sakura.
    • Tokyo to Sendai and Hirosaki on the Tohoku shinkansen.
    03

    Reservation tips for peak season

    • Reserve shinkansen seats the day you activate the pass.
    • Travel early morning or late evening to avoid full trains.
    • Non reserved cars fill quickly during the bloom week.
    04

    Where to chase the sakura front

    The bloom moves south to north over five to six weeks. With a 14 day Japan Rail Pass you can start in Kyushu, follow it through Kansai and Tokyo, then end in Tohoku or Hokkaido.

    Frequently asked questions

    Quick answers to common questions.

    Is the JR Pass worth it in cherry blossom season?

    Yes, especially if you chase the bloom across regions. The pass turns several long shinkansen rides into one fixed price.

    Do I need to book trains in advance?

    Reservations are free with the pass and strongly recommended in late March and early April.

    Which cities have the best hanami spots covered by the pass?

    Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Sendai and Hirosaki all sit on JR lines covered by the pass.

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