Sakura Cherry Blossom Tours & Trips

Name: Sakura Cherry Blossom
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.6 (118 reviews)

The Best Places to View Japan’s Cherry Blossoms

Tokyo

The capital is home to several popular sites brimming with cherry blossom at this time of year. You can soak up cherry blossom on a trip through Ueno Park, then head to the iconic Sensō-ji Temple which becomes even more picturesque with cherry blossom trees framing that sought-after shot for your photographs. Meanwhile, Meiji Jingu Gyoen is home to the Meiji Shrine, as well as the tree-lined Omotesando shopping street which becomes bathed in cherry blossom at this time of year. This area is a must-visit during your sakura holiday.

Nikko

In Nikko, the Shinkyo Bridge is another flourishing site during sakura season. This is one of the most photographed attractions in Japan, made especially charming by the pink and white hues reflected in the Daiya River flowing beneath it. While in the area, you can also see the lavish Toshogu Shrine, a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Kyoto

The ancient capital of Japan is a must-see during sakura season. You’ll uncover the Hanami-koji within the famous Gion District – also known as the Geisha District – which becomes awash with cherry blossom. Next up, the Arashiyama is a photogenic spot year-round and deserves a spot on your Japan cherry blossom tour itinerary. Located on the outskirts, the cherry blossom trees are set against a calming mountainous backdrop interspersed with bridges and water. For a spectacular concoction of brazen vermilion and dusky pink, visit the Fushimi Inari with its thousands of torii gates.

Hiroshima

Take in rich history and beautiful sites aplenty in Hiroshima. Perhaps the most iconic attraction in the area, Hiroshima Castle is over 400 years old and is revitalised by almost 500 cherry blossom trees in the surrounding grounds. The 300 cherry blossom trees in Peace Park showcase pink and white tones in abundance. This park was built in memory of those who died as a result of the atomic bomb in World War II. On some tours, you will also head to the early 17th-century Himeji Castle en route to Hiroshima. This Unesco-listed site boasts a distinctive design and equally stunning grounds, enhanced by 1,000 surrounding cherry blossom trees.

Cherry Blossom Tours in Japan

Japan has four distinct seasons, each with its own appeal, so it’s best to pick the one that excites you the most when planning holidays here. But during spring, one of the country’s greatest natural sights occurs. The sakura, or cherry blossom, is spectacular, with trees becoming awash with delicate pink flowers. Several of our holidays are timed to celebrate the beautiful blush of delicate pink blossom that coats the country during this period.

There are dozens of different cherry tree varieties in Japan, most of which bloom for just a couple of days in spring. The typical timing for our sakura cherry blossom tours is between the end of March and the first two weeks of April. So, if a sakura holiday in Japan is on your bucket list, we can help make sure you see this wonderful country at its finest.

To learn more about our cherry blossom tours or cycling holidays in Japan, continue reading or get in touch with any questions. Alternatively, visit our blog to get more inspiration for your travels using our guide to sakura season in Japan and more.

Best Cherry Blossom Holidays

14 Days from £ 5145

£ 4115

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Culture

14 Days from £ 6499

£ 6179

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Cycling

8 Days from £ 3549

£ 2839

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Culture

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Itinerary

The trip was really great–I loved the diversity of going to smaller, traditional places as well as the modern cities. There were times when I thought we would have more free time than we did–Kyoto (tour activities ended at approx. 3:30), Kobe (arrived 1 hr before the gardens closed so didn’t go), and Hiroshima (tour activities ended at approx 4 pm). I loved all of the places that we went too–in retrospect I would have added additional days in Kyoto (I arrived a day in advance) and benefitted greatly from my flight home being delayed giving me a full extra day in Toyko that I hadn’t planned for. The tour is very fast pace and you do walk alot–so just bring a really good pair of running shoes with you!

Hotels

All were good–my favourite was Hotel Toyko in Takayama. I rented a private onsen for an hour which was very nice and enjoyed the unique art they had on each floor. I really appreciated the washer/dryer in the hotel room–while I had enough clothes it was nice to wash them and be able to go out for dinner at the same time and not feel in a rush to get back to the room (it was free and they did provide soap if you don’t have any). The hotels in Kyoto and Tokyo were nice as well–the first modern and the last traditional. All of the hotels were really clean, provided great breakfasts, and had toiletries if you forget any (and if you wanted pjs to wear).

Transportation

The bullet trains were very cool as were all of the trains. They are very prompt! The subway system is easy to manoever–I used Google Maps to tell me what stop to get off and where to walk and never got lost (even in Toyko). The trains are very quiet and clean–getting onto and off public transit is done in lines so there never is a rush and in most cases the train/subway cars were empty. The bus system in Kyoto makes getting between places slow so factor that in. Also, the connection from Osaka to Kyoto was pretty easy to do but made harder with getting off a transatlantic flight. Doing this again, I would fly direct into Tokyo and then get to Kyoto the next day. Felt very safe and comfortable walking around by myself–even in the evening. The locals are very helpful if you want to confirm directions.

Food
I am normally a very fussy eater and I didn’t have a problem finding things to eat. In fact, I wish I had more time in Kyoto in the traditional area to have some of the different food options the shops offered. I also didn’t have time to get a hot drink from a dispensing machine! I found breakfast made me full and then we would go somewhere at dinner that would fill me up (I often had noodle dishes). I would have been ok finding my own dinner in Takayama instead of group meals–the different styles of eating were good to experience. While I liked going out to eat with the group, it was tough having to have the bill together–it would have been easier to be able to pay for my own food.

julie hannah Ancient & Modern Japan

The itinerary was thoughtfully designed, allowing us to explore a wide range of fascinating destinations throughout the trip.

Activity level was 1, not 3 as advertised.

The hotels were comfortable, with two exceptions:
Hotel SUI Kyoto Kiyomizu in Kyoto – Situated on a busy main road, the hotel suffered from significant noise even during nighttime hours due to poor sound insulation. Breakfast was consistently overcrowded.
Route Inn Kawaguchiko – The room was small and dimly lit, with a window facing a concrete wall just two metres away. The décor was dated; it felt like the last renovation was done in the 1980s, and the breakfast offering was disappointing in both quality and variety.

In contrast, Hotel Monterey Akasaka in Tokyo stood out as the best accommodation – stylish, comfortable, and well located.

Dining independently was a highlight of the trip. We enjoyed excellent meals at various local restaurants, often at very reasonable prices. However, the two complimentary dinners provided in Takayama were surprisingly poor in quality. In hindsight, it would have been preferable to explore dining options on our own that evening as well.

Public transportation was generally a positive experience and added to the trip’s authenticity. That said, the day spent navigating Kyoto’s local buses and trains resulted in more time waiting than sightseeing. Additionally, the transfer from Kawaguchiko to Tokyo consumed most of the day. A chartered bus would have significantly reduced travel time to under two hours, and allowed for a more relaxed and efficient transition.

Marin Popa Ancient & Modern Japan

I had wanted to go on this trip for years, and my dream finally came true! It was a fantastic trip that combined all the highlights of both modern and ancient sights within two weeks. I really appreciated the balance between group activities and free time to explore at our own pace. Our tour leader Kan was excellent, and everyone on the tour was lovely. I feel incredibly grateful to have explored Japan with such a wonderful group of people. We shared plenty of laughs along the way and I made some friends on this trip 🙂

Shanshan Lu Ancient & Modern Japan

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FAQS on our Sakura Cherry Blossom Trips

When is cherry blossom season in Japan?

We recommend you book your sakura tour between late March and early April, in line with cherry blossom season in Japan.

How long do cherry blossom trees last in Japan?

Cherry blossom season is said to be between late March and April. However, the breadth of Japan means that the season travels up the country and lasts around four months in total. This is down to the fact that the climate in Japan becomes milder as you travel north. The northernmost parts of the country will experience the latest cherry blossom seasons. We recommend taking this into account if you are planning a more extensive cherry blossom trip to Japan.

Where are the best places in Japan to see cherry blossoms?

Some of the best places to visit during your sakura holiday in Japan include:

Nakameguro, Tokyo
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tokyo
Maruyama Park, Kyoto
Himeji Castle, Himeji
Shinkyo Bridge, Nikko

You can find more suggestions in our guide to sakura season.

What does ‘sakura’ mean in Japan?

Sakura quite literally means ‘a flowering cherry tree’.

What is the cultural significance of cherry blossom season in Japan?

Adoration of sakura season dates back to the Heian period over 1,000 years ago. A short yet vibrant season, it’s associated with renewal and new beginnings. This time of year is met with great admiration and it’s common for it to be celebrated in Japanese culture. As a result, it is regularly showcased in art and other cultural outlets.

When is the cherry blossom festival in Japan?

Hanami, otherwise known as the cherry blossom festival, has existed for centuries. There are no exact dates for when these festivals take place, however, there will be ongoing celebrations. If you’re planning a cherry blossom festival tour to Japan, be sure to align your trip with when each location will enjoy sakura season.

Where am I likely to find cherry blossom festival celebrations during a tour in Japan?

You will naturally come across celebrations throughout the sakura season, but there are some places in Tokyo with more extensive celebrations. These include:

Ueno Park
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Meguro River

The areas of Kyoto and Tokyo are particularly vibrant at this time of year and are worth visiting to experience cherry blossom festivals during your trip to Japan.

What should I wear on a cherry blossom season trip in Japan?

Many people opt for white and pastel-coloured clothing during sakura season holidays in Japan. Having said this, more practical advice includes wearing a coat or jacket during the earlier stages of the season as it can be a little chilly. As the season progresses, layers are a good idea, allowing you to add and remove clothing where necessary.

Regardless of when you go, we recommend wearing comfortable footwear for your cherry blossom walking tour in Japan.

What can I expect from a cherry blossom walking tour in Japan?

Our cherry blossom walking tours in Japan are guided group trips. Group sizes will range from 6-18 people, plus your expert leader, with travellers aged 16 years or above.

The activity level will be listed in our trip details, but they will generally be in the moderate range, requiring some fitness and an adventurous spirit. You can read our full activity level guidelines for more information.

What is the weather like during a cherry blossom season holiday in Japan?

The weather during your cherry blossom trip to Japan will depend on where you are. During the spring, temperatures range from 2–24 °C, so it is recommended that you check the forecast ahead of your trip. The start of the season is a lot chillier, so make sure you account for this.

Do you offer cherry blossom cycling holidays to Japan?

Yes, you can find out more about our cycling cherry blossom tours to Japan here.