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When sakura blooms
- Fukuoka and Kyushu: mid to late March.
- Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo: late March to early April.
- Kanazawa and Nagano: early to mid April.
- Tohoku and Hokkaido: mid April to early May.
Seasonal itinerary
JR Pass cherry blossom itinerary for 7 to 14 days
Late March and early April turn Japan pink for two short weeks. A JR Pass lets you ride the sakura front, moving south or north as the bloom progresses, with every shinkansen leg included.
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7 day cherry blossom itinerary
- Day 1 to 3: Tokyo (Ueno, Meguro River, Chidorigafuchi).
- Day 4: Hakone or Mount Fuji via Odawara.
- Day 5 to 7: Kyoto (Philosopher's Path, Maruyama Park) with a Nara side trip.
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14 day cherry blossom itinerary
- Day 1 to 3: Fukuoka and Kumamoto for early bloom.
- Day 4 to 5: Hiroshima and Miyajima.
- Day 6 to 8: Kyoto, Osaka and Nara.
- Day 9 to 10: Kanazawa for slightly later bloom.
- Day 11 to 14: Tokyo, Hakone and a Tohoku side trip if early bloom shifts north.
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Tips for peak season
- Reserve shinkansen seats the day they open at the JR ticket office.
- Book hotels months in advance, especially in Kyoto.
- Use early mornings for the most famous spots.
- Add cancellation insurance at checkout in case the bloom shifts.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to common questions.
When does sakura peak in Kyoto?
Usually 28 March to 5 April, varying by year. Forecasts update through February and March.
Is a 7 or 14 day JR Pass better for hanami?
14 days lets you chase the bloom across more regions. 7 days is enough for Tokyo and Kyoto.
Are reservations needed for spring shinkansen?
Yes. Cherry blossom is one of the busiest seasons. Reserve seats free with your pass as soon as you can.
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