Of course the cherry blossom is very much better known than the plum blossom I mentioned in a previous blog post. And yes, it is really great to stand under a whole sea of pink!
I guess most visitors to Japan know the Japanese term for cherry – Sakura – because it is this famous.
There even are several tools to help being in the right area of Japan at the right time to see the Sakura in full bloom.
This is really helpful because only one spring storm can destroy all the beauty in a few hours.
The Japanese Weather News Websites always releases a map with a forecast of where in Japan the full bloom will be on which day.
Japan Guide shows the status of the sakura. Are the flowers already open? A little bit open? Or in full bloom?
Both are very helpful tools when it comes to planning a Sakura trip.
In which gardens though, the cherry blossoms can be enjoyed, I will list below:
Kenrokuen in Kanazawa
This famous garden has some very nice flowering cherry trees.
The average time is in Mid April.
Shinjuku Gyoen in Tokyo
Next to Ueno Park and Chidorigafuchi, Shinjuku Gyoen is the most famous spot for cherry blossoms in Tokyo.
During the hanami season (when people picnic under the trees) it is very crowded.
The average time is Early April.
Our eBook of Shinjuku Gyoen is available here
Hamarikyu in Tokyo
Before Shinjuku Gyoen became a famous Sakura viewing spot due to the Emperor enjoying them there, Hamarikyu was THE place for the Imperials to gather.
Our eBook of Hamarikyu is available here
Rikugien in Tokyo
A very famous cherry tree is the weeping cherry in Rikugien. When it is in full bloom and during the light up event, people are waiting for hours to get into the garden.
The average time is Early April.
Our eBook of Rikugien is available here
Koishikawa Korakuen in Tokyo
There is not only a plum orchard on the grounds of Koishikawa Korakuen, but also some very beautiful cherry trees.
The average time is Early April.
Our eBook of Koishikawa Korakuen is available here
Nijo-jo in Kyoto
Nijo castle in Kyoto also has some nice trees.
But here the trees are not flowering all at the same time! The impression will not be that of a vast ocean of pink but of some pink dots here and there.
The average time is Late March – Mid April.
Ninna-ji in Kyoto
Here we find a late flowering variety of cherry. If you missed the other ones, this temple might be a chance to still enjoy Sakura.
The average time is Early April – Mid April.
Shosei-en in Kyoto
A lesser-known garden is Shosei-en of Higashi Honga-ji.
Here you might be able to enjoy some cherry blossoms without crowds of tourists.
The average time is Early April.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
A lot of cherries are sprinkled all over the grounds of the Imperial Palace. You will not only find the usual beautiful trees but also weeping cherries.
The average time is Early April.
Ryoan-ji in Kyoto
There is a weeping cherry tree, which hangs its flowering branches over the earthen wall inside the rock garden.
This flowering tree is a popular photo scene.
The average time is Early April.
Our eBook of Ryoan-ji is available here
I hope you will be able to visit some gardens this season! Feel free to share your garden pictures in the comments or on our Facebook page!
~ The pictures above do not stand in any connection to the mentioned gardens. ~
Support our Work on Patreon
click for more info
Real Japanese Gardens 
Nice article and beautiful blossoms. Thanks.