Annual calendar for visiting Japan for flower lovers
Here’s a detailed annual calendar for a flower lover visiting Japan in 2025, highlighting the best times and locations to enjoy flowers, particularly cherry blossoms (sakura) and other seasonal blooms. This calendar is designed to help you plan your trip around Japan's most iconic floral events and natural wonders.
---
January - February: Early Blooms in the South
Okinawa: The cherry blossom season begins in late January, with full bloom by early February. Visit Nakijin Castle and Mt. Yae for stunning views of early-blooming sakura.
Atami and Kawazu: These coastal towns near Tokyo are famous for their early-blooming cherry blossoms, which start in mid-January and peak in February. The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival is a must-see.
Shinjuku Gyoen (Tokyo): Early-blooming varieties like the Kawazu-zakura can be seen here from mid-February to early March.
---
March: Cherry Blossom Season Begins
Kyushu (Fukuoka): Cherry blossoms start blooming in late March. Fukuoka is a great place to enjoy sakura along the riverside and in parks like Maizuru Park.
Tokyo: The sakura season begins around March 24, with full bloom expected by March 31. Top spots include Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, and Meguro River.
Osaka and Kyoto: Cherry blossoms start blooming around March 27. In Kyoto, visit the Philosopher’s Path and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. In Osaka, Osaka Castle Park is a prime spot.
---
April: Peak Cherry Blossom Season
Central Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka): Early April is the peak time for cherry blossoms in these regions. Enjoy hanami (flower viewing) picnics under the blooming trees.
Mt. Fuji: The cherry blossoms around Fuji Five Lakes bloom in early April, offering breathtaking views of the iconic mountain framed by sakura.
Northern Japan (Sendai, Aomori): Mid-April is the best time to see cherry blossoms in these regions. Hirosaki Castle in Aomori is particularly famous for its sakura-lined moat.
---
May: Late Blooms in the North
Hokkaido: The cherry blossom season in Hokkaido begins in late April and lasts until mid-May. Visit Moerenuma Park in Sapporo or Goryokaku Park in Hakodate for stunning views.
Lavender Fields (Furano, Hokkaido): While not sakura, the lavender fields in Furano start blooming in late June, but planning a trip in May allows you to explore Hokkaido’s natural beauty before the summer crowds arrive.
---
June - August: Summer Flowers
Hydrangeas (Ajisai): From June to July, hydrangeas bloom across Japan. Visit the temples of Kamakura or the Hakone region for beautiful displays.
Sunflowers: In July and August, sunflower fields bloom in places like Hokuryu (Hokkaido) and Yamanashi Prefecture. These vibrant fields are perfect for photography.
---
September - November: Autumn Flowers
Cosmos: In September and October, cosmos flowers bloom in fields across Japan. Visit Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki for a stunning display.
Chrysanthemums: November is the time for chrysanthemum festivals, such as the one at Yushima Tenmangu Shrine in Tokyo. These flowers are deeply symbolic in Japanese culture.
---
December: Winter Blooms
Plum Blossoms (Ume): While cherry blossoms get most of the attention, plum blossoms start blooming in late December. Visit Kairakuen in Mito or Atami for early views.
Winter Illuminations: Many gardens and parks feature winter illuminations with flowers as a theme. These displays are a magical way to end the year.
---
Tips for Flower Lovers Visiting Japan
1. Book Early: Popular destinations like Kyoto and Tokyo fill up quickly during cherry blossom season. Book accommodations and transportation at least 6-9 months in advance.
2. Follow the Forecast: Cherry blossom dates can vary slightly each year. Check the Japan Meteorological Corporation’s updates for the most accurate information.
3. Explore Beyond Sakura: Japan offers a wide variety of flowers throughout the year. Don’t miss the lavender fields, hydrangeas, and cosmos blooms.
---
This calendar ensures you’ll experience Japan’s floral beauty year-round, from the iconic sakura to lesser-known but equally stunning blooms.
