This year, experience the magic of yozakura, or nighttime cherry blossom viewing, at some of Japan’s most breathtaking locations! These festivals offer stunning sights, cultural traditions, and unforgettable springtime memories from Chiyoda City to Aomori! Whether you want to stroll under lantern-lit cherry trees, enjoy delicious festival foods, or take a peaceful boat ride surrounded by blossoms, these spots provide the perfect setting!
Chidorigafuchi (Chiyoda City, Tokyo)
Organizers will hold the Chiyoda Sakura Festival in Tokyo from March 12 to April 23, 2025. Since 1954, people have celebrated this annual event across various locations in Chiyoda City. The festival organizers will highlight Chidorigafuchi Park as a main attraction, where visitors can view cherry blossoms illuminated at night. Additionally, they will feature a special mystery-solving game, allowing participants to explore different cherry blossom spots while solving puzzles.
Chidorigafuchi Park has about 230 cherry trees, including the popular Somei Yoshino variety, stretching along a 700-meter path. The blossoms peak from late March to early April, creating a beautiful scene. The trees light up at night, reflecting on the water and blending with the Tokyo city lights. The Chidorigafuchi boats will operate day and night, providing a peaceful way to experience the scenery.
Ueno Park (Shobara, Hiroshima)
Ueno Park in Shobara City, Hiroshima, is a well-known cherry blossom spot and has been chosen as one of Japan’s “100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots.” The park surrounds Ueno Pond, which is lined with 600 cherry trees. Each spring, the “Shobara Ueno Park Cherry Blossom Festival” features paper lanterns that light up the trees at night. The reflection of the glowing cherry blossoms on the pond’s surface creates a breathtaking view.
The park also hosts the “Sakura Festival” in April, which includes stage performances and food stalls. Ueno Park has a rich history, dating back to the early Edo period when it was built on reclaimed marshland. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks around the pond, where a red torii gate stands over the water. In the summer, a large fireworks display takes place, with around 3,000 fireworks lighting up the night sky.
Takada Castle Site Park (Joetsu, Niigata)
Takada Castle Site Park is one of Japan’s top three spots for nighttime cherry blossom viewing. Somei Yoshino cherry trees bloom every spring, creating a breathtaking sight around the castle ruins and moats. The annual Takada Park Cherry Blossom Festival features lantern-lit cherry trees, food stalls, and even kimono rentals. The festival also includes a fireworks display on the first night, making the event even more special.
This park attracts over a million visitors each year. The cherry blossoms only last about a week, so timing is important for those who want to see them fully bloom. Around 3,000 lanterns light up the park at night, creating a magical pink glow. Visitors can stroll along the famous “Sakura Road,” and enjoy the reflection of the flowers in the water. The castle’s turret, built for the son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, adds to the historic charm of the place.
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Hirosaki Park (Hirosaki, Aomori)
The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival is held annually from mid-April to early May. The park has 2,600 cherry trees, including over 50 varieties, such as Somei Yoshino, Shidarezakura, and Yaezakura. A special pruning method, borrowed from Aomori’s apple farming techniques, allows the trees to produce more flowers than usual, making the blossoms especially dense and beautiful.
At night, the cherry trees and the historic Hirosaki Castle are illuminated, creating a breathtaking scene. Hirosaki’s nighttime cherry blossoms are considered among the best in Japan. With its unique pruning techniques, picturesque setting, and nighttime illuminations, the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves spring flowers.
Meguro River (Meguro City, Tokyo)
The Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival is one of Tokyo’s most popular spring events, from late March to mid-April. Around 800 cherry trees line the river, creating a beautiful pink canopy over the water. During the day, visitors can enjoy the peaceful sight of petals floating on the river while exploring food trucks and live performances. The festival is especially famous for its nighttime illuminations, where pink lanterns light up the trees.
At night, the cherry blossoms take on a new beauty as thousands of lanterns reflect off the water. The lights are typically on from 5 to 8 PM, stretching from Ikejiri-Ohashi Station to Meguro Station. Since the area gets crowded, visiting on a weekday or early morning is best. Visitors can also take a boat cruise on the river to see the blossoms from a unique angle.
Why should I head to places like Chiyoda City for yozakura?
Yozakura offers a completely different experience from daytime cherry blossom viewing. At places like Chidorigafuchi and Takada Castle Park, the reflections of cherry blossoms in the water add to the scenery. Hirosaki Park stands out with its pruning techniques, making the trees bloom more densely. The Meguro River Festival creates a dreamy atmosphere with pink lanterns hanging over the water.
Many festivals also offer special events that make yozakura even more enjoyable. Takada Castle Park and Ueno Park hold fireworks displays, lighting the sky above the blossoms. Food lovers can enjoy delicious treats from stalls at Meguro River and Takada Park while soaking in the beautiful views. For those who want a peaceful experience, a boat ride is perfect for admiring the blossoms. Have you ever been to any of these places? How was your yozakura experience? Let us know in the comments below!
