JAPAN – Springtime in Japan is synonymous with sakura. Since time immemorial, the cherry blossom has been immortalised in poems and paintings. In modern times, the Japanese celebrate its beauty by using cherry blossoms as an ingredient or garnish in cocktails and cakes.
Sakura season, known as “hanami" in Japanese, takes place this year between late March to end April, advancing from the south to the north of Japan, before finally reaching Hokkaido.
Sakura is the harbinger of spring. Therefore, hanami is also a metaphor for new beginnings. After coming into full bloom, it takes about a week for the sakura to start dropping off.
Hanami is fleeting – just like some moments in life, and life itself. This poetic symbolism strikes a chord with not just the Japanese who adore the sakura, and turn up at popular viewing spots in full force.
Foreigners, too, love hanami. Undeterred by high airfares during this period, many fly into Japan and join local sakura seekers at hanami hot spots in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto which become even more crowded.
Here are five alternatives for savouring the best sakura sights, away from the usual places.
Nagato, Yamaguchi
Nagato, a coastal city in the westernmost end of the Yamaguchi prefecture in western Japan is blessed with lush mountains, dramatic coastlines and spectacular scenic beauty. Since ancient times, Nagato has been a popular destination for hanami.
One of the best spots for hamani is along the Otozure River which runs through Nagato Yumoto Onsen, the oldest hot spring town in Yamaguchi at over 600 years old. During Edo period, it was well loved by feudal lords for the restorative qualities of its waters and picturesque surrounds.
From March 26 to April 6, Hoshino Resorts KAI Nagato which commands a riverfront location and peerless panoramas of the sakura blooms, is offering a special “Springtime Stay" activity. Before dinner, guests can enjoy hanami on a terrace overlooking the river with a picnic of sweet and savoury snacks made with seasonal ingredients, and a sake aperitif.
Tsuchiura, Ibaraki
Quaint, charming and less than 50 minutes away from Tokyo on a Limited Express train, the historic castle town of Tsuchiura seems like worlds apart from the bustling metropolis.
Rich in expansive, green spaces, Tsuchiura is a cyclist’s paradise. Peddling through Tsuchiura is an efficient and enjoyable way to see sakura.
It’s no coincidence as well that the city flower of Tsuchiura is the cherry blossom. The city boasts many famous hanami spots. Three of these are Kamejo Park, the shores of Lake Kasumigaura, and the banks of the Shinkawa River.
From March 25 to April 10, BEB5 Tsuchiura which has facilities specifically for cyclists, will offer the “Cherry Blossom Viewing Water Cycling" activity to guests. Guests can ride water bicycles on a 2km stretch of the Shinkawa river that is flanked by sakura trees on both banks.
Tamatsukuri, Shimane
Tamatsukuri Onsen is an ancient hot spring town situated between the historic cities of Matsue and Izumo in Shimane Prefecture in southwestern Japan.
The hot spring waters here are known to have the highest concentration of minerals with beautifying properties, thus earning the town the reputation of having the "Bath of Gods". Besides its onsens, it is also well known for the large swathes of cherry blossoms that cover the city during hanami.
With 400 sakura trees lining both banks of a 2km stretch, the Tamayu River is one of Shimane’s most iconic cherry blossom viewing spots. In the evening, street lights cast a magical glow on the cherry blossoms, making hanami just as pleasurable in the evening, as it is in the day.
From March 28 to April 4, Hoshino Resorts KAI Tamatsukuri which has a private onsen in each of its 24 guest rooms, will be offering dedicated evening rickshaw tours to guests along the Tamayu River.
Fuji, Yamaneshi
The areas surrounding Mout Fuji, Japan’s highest and most iconic mountain, are rich in verdant forests, magnificent lakes, spectacular waterfalls, and historic temples and shrines.
Located near the majestic Lake Kawaguchi that faces the famous mountain, HOSHINOYA Fuji is the perfect base for partaking in the activities of the 2025 Fuji-Kawaguchi Sakura Festival which runs from April 1 to April 13.
On days that you don’t feel like joining in the festival or any of the many activities that the hotel organises for guests, space out in your minimalist cabin that is designed to stick out from the slopes of a forested mountain so that a third of it is outdoors. From the comfort of your cabin, enjoy the views of the cherry trees outside your window
Ito, Shizuoka
Ito, located on the eastern shore of the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka prefecture, is said to be one of the best cities for hanami. It is home to Sakura no Sato, a park with roughly 1,500 sakura trees of 40 varieties including some that starts to bloom as early as October. So, if you arrive in Japan too early for spring but the sakura yearning has kicked in, you know where to head to.
About 20 minutes by car from the park is KAI Ito, a 30-room modern onsen ryokan. It is known for its delectable kaiseki meals which use a lot of the seasonal seafood that Shizuoka is famous for. From March 23 to April 7, KAI Ito will run the “Sakura Open-top Tour Bus" with KAI Anjin, another Hoshino Resorts onsen ryokan that has just opened in Ito in 2024. Accompanied by an experienced guide, guests will get to enjoy hanami at Sakura no Sato and at other famous spots.
