Enjoy Japan’s Springtime Ohanami Culture at These Amazing Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots!

Update-date: Feb 29 2024
Author: SAVOR JAPAN
Enjoy Japan’s Springtime Ohanami Culture at These Amazing Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots!

Cherry blossoms are the beloved symbol of spring in Japan, and during their peak season, Japanese people will gather for ohanami (cherry blossom viewing) to admire the beautiful colors of their delicate flowers. This article will explain the ins and outs of ohanami culture, as well as introduce some must-see cherry blossom viewing spots and restaurants nearby!

When Is the Best Period for Cherry Blossom Viewing?

When Is the Best Period for Cherry Blossom Viewing?
Ohanami cherry blossom viewing is a tradition with ancient roots that celebrates the arrival of spring in Japan. While Japan has many gorgeous spring flowers like plum and peach, the radiant cherry blossoms naturally take center stage.

As the season approaches, the Japanese media begins announcing their predictions for the start and full bloom dates. Even the Japan Meteorological Agency issues an official cherry blossom forecast, making it a nationwide event.

The cherry blossom viewing period varies by region, with more temperate cities like Tokyo and Osaka peaking from late March to early April, while colder regions like Hokkaido come as late as early to mid-May.
Enjoy Japan’s Springtime Ohanami Culture at These Amazing Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots!

Japan’s cherry blossom forecasts focus on the Somei Yoshino variety, which has pale pink flowers. However, there are several other species of cherry trees that bloom at different times.

For instance, the yaezakura cherry (a general term for cherry blossoms with more than five petals) typically blooms about two weeks later than Somei Yoshino, while the Kawazu-zakura cherry, named after a famous cherry blossom spot in Shizuoka Prefecture, starts blooming as early as February, despite the chilly weather.

In warmer regions such as Okinawa, where Somei Yoshino struggles to flourish, the kanhizakura cherry becomes the highlight with its beautiful deep pink flowers that hang like bells. It blooms from late January to February and can be seen all throughout the Okinawan Islands.

*This picture shows Kawazu-zakura cherry blossoms in Nishiizu/Ita, Shizuoka Prefecture, one of the most renowned ohanami spots in Japan.

Cherry Blossom Viewing Customs in Japan

Cherry Blossom Viewing Customs in Japan
Once the cherry blossoms appear, Japanese people will gather with family, friends, or coworkers and head to parks or riversides to view them. Mats and rugs are laid out beneath the blooming trees, and drinks and bento meals are shared while taking in the scenery.

People will also visit famous gardens or promenades lined with cherry blossoms, many of which host cherry blossom festivals to celebrate. These festivals feature cherry blossom light-ups at night and street food stalls, adding to the fun and entertainment.

Recommended Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Tokyo

Recommended Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Tokyo

■ Ueno Park
Over 3 million people visit Ueno Park each year to witness its fabulous collection of cherry blossoms, which have enjoyed popularity since the Edo Period (1603–1867). Around 800 cherry trees dot the park, and its grounds are almost entirely covered by the picnic rugs of those wanting to experience the best of Tokyo’s cherry blossom scenery.

The Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival is held from late March to early April to celebrate the peak bloom, with lots of events for visitors to enjoy. Be sure to stay after sunset to admire the cherry blossoms brilliantly illuminated by lanterns throughout the park.

Enjoy Japan’s Springtime Ohanami Culture at These Amazing Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots!

■ Meguro River
The Meguro River runs for around 4 km starting from near Ikejiri-Ohashi Station, and its banks are home to a whopping 800 cherry blossoms, making it one of Tokyo's premier ohanami spots. The narrow upstream segment of the river is entirely covered by flowers from both sides, while the wider downstream river has beautiful promenades inviting visitors to stroll.

Cherry blossoms along a roughly kilometer-long stretch of the river are also illuminated at night, rendering a magical scene as the tunnel of pink glows against the dark sky while reflecting upon the water's surface.

The Meguro River is also home to lots of unique boutique stores and stylish cafes, presenting a charming nook to discover Tokyo’s shopping scene along with cherry blossoms.

Recommended Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in the Kansai Region

Recommended Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in the Kansai Region

■ Osaka Castle Park (Osaka)
Osaka Castle Park is one of Osaka’s most popular tourist destinations, and its magnificent castle tower becomes even more photogenic when framed by 3,000 blooming cherry trees, including a grove of 300 in the stunning Nishinomaru Garden. The park extends its hours until 9:00 pm for the Cherry Blossom Night Viewing event, allowing visitors to snap photos of illuminated cherry blossoms beside the castle tower.

Food stalls are also set up in the park’s Citizen's Forest and Forest of Memorial Trees, serving delicious local delicacies like takoyaki (octopus and other ingredients fried in a ball of batter made from flour, dashi broth, and eggs).

Enjoy Japan’s Springtime Ohanami Culture at These Amazing Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots!

■ Philosopher's Path (Kyoto)
The Philosopher's Path is an iconic Kyoto attraction named after Kitaro Nishida, a famous Japanese philosopher who used to walk it while lost in contemplation. The path stretches for about 2 kilometers between Ginkaku-ji Temple and Eikando Temple, following a canal directly connected to Lake Biwa, Japan’s biggest lake. Approximately 400 cherry trees adorn the canal, including Somei Yoshino, Oshima-zakura, Yaezakura, and weeping cherry blossoms. During full bloom, they engulf the path in a flowery tunnel before their petals fall and flutter into the water, painting an otherworldly scene. Be sure to also explore the nearby temples along the path, too!

Enhance Your Ohanami Experience With Exquisite Dining

Once you’ve taken in the ethereal beauty of Japan’s cherry blossoms, you’ll no doubt want to complete your outing with an unforgettable meal! Here are three recommended restaurants perfect for a springtime feast!

Hamayakisakaba Torohachi Shibuya Branch (Shibuya / Izakaya)

Hamayakisakaba Torohachi Shibuya Branch (Shibuya / Izakaya)
After viewing the Meguro River cherry blossoms, head to the nearby Shibuya to treat yourself to hamayaki, a style of seafood BBQ popular in coastal towns. Hop on the Tokyu Toyoko Line from Naka-meguro Station, get off after two stops at Shibuya Station, and head towards [Hamayakisakaba Torohachi Shibuya Branch] in Shibuya Center Gai.

Menu choices include the [Hamayaki Set] (from 3,900 JPY), [Grilled Scallop in Shell] (1,200 JPY), and [Grilled Turban Shell] (750 JPY). Each has premium ingredients delivered fresh, directly from ports across Japan.

In addition to hamayaki, this restaurant serves a series of seasonal sashimi platters, including the [Assortment of 5 Kinds of Fresh Fish Sashimi] (2,580 JPY).

*All prices include tax.
Enjoy Japan’s Springtime Ohanami Culture at These Amazing Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots!
They also have a wide assortment of Japanese sake, shochu, and craft beer. English-speaking staff and an English menu ensure hassle-free dining.

Hamayakisakaba Torohachi Shibuya Branch

Open: [Tuesday - Friday, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 4:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm) / [Saturday] Dinner 3:30 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm) / [Sunday] Dinner 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: 2nd floor of the building next to McDonald's on Shibuya Center Street
Address: 2F, Takayama Land 15 Bldg., 28-1, Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details   Reservation   

Sushi Yuki (Ueno / Sushi)

Sushi Yuki (Ueno / Sushi)
Enjoy Japan’s Springtime Ohanami Culture at These Amazing Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots!

Located within walking distance of Ueno Park, the head chef of Sushi Yuki uses skills honed in a long-established sushi restaurant to create sushi masterpieces with ingredients like bluefin tuna from Tokyo's Toyosu Market, a hub of fresh, top-quality seafood from all over Japan, and pairs them with sake. Sushi options include [Lean Tuna] (275 JPY), [Medium Fatty Tuna] (495 JPY), and [Fatty Tuna] (605 JPY), each boasting a rich umami flavor and delightfully soft texture.

Traditional Japanese sushi techniques can also be seen in the salt and vinegar-flavored [Gizzard Shad] (220 JPY) and the sweet-sauce [Eel] (330 JPY), whose outside is cooked crisp while the inside remains tender.

*All prices include tax.

Sushi Yuki

Open: [Weekday,Saturday] 17:00 - 04:00 (last order 03:00)
Closed: Sunday,Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access3-minute walk from Okachimachi Station on the JR Yamanote Line
1-minute walk from Ueno-Hirokoji Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
Address: 1F Ueno-Hirokoji Taiwa Building, 2-6-4, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details   Reservation   

Niku Ryori Miyori (Minamimorimachi / Yakiniku)

Niku Ryori Miyori (Minamimorimachi / Yakiniku)
[Niku Ryori Miyori] is highly recommended for those planning a cherry blossom excursion to Osaka Castle Park. Conveniently located just one stop from Temmabashi Station (Osaka Metro), near the Nishinomaru Garden, this restaurant specializes in top-tier Japanese black wagyu accompanied by wine and relaxing jazz music.
Enjoy Japan’s Springtime Ohanami Culture at These Amazing Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots!
The must-try [Selected Black Wagyu Loin Mabushi] (3,480 JPY) features wagyu beef served over rice coated multiple times in a secret sauce while being chargrilled. Relish the meat and the sweet and salty sauce as it soaks into the rice, then spice it up with a selection of condiments before pouring dashi (broth) on top, letting you enjoy the dish in three different ways. English support is available for international guests.

Niku Ryori Miyori

Open: [Monday - Saturday] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm (L.O. 8:30 pm)
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Access: Take Exit 2 to the left, and you will find the restaurant on the basement floor of the building on the corner before the first traffic light
Address: B1F, South Horest Bldg., 1-4-19, Minamimorimachi, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Map
More Details   Reservation   
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Japan in spring, use this article as a base to plan your ohanami cherry blossom viewing experience together with scrumptious Japanese food!
Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.
Update-date: Feb 29 2024
Author: SAVOR JAPAN

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