Best time to see cherry blossoms in Japan and other blooming beauties

Japan celebrates the changing seasons through its beautiful floral displays, with each bloom holding deep cultural significance. From the keenly anticipated cherry blossoms and plum blossoms to the cheery sunflower, flowers hold a special place in Japanese society. There is even an ancient language of flowers known as hanakotoba (literally “flowers words”) where each flower—and sometimes specific colours—conveys a message and is carefully chosen to reflect specific emotions or themes.

Cherry blossoms are symbols of beauty and gentleness, while yellow chrysanthemums represent sunshine and immortality, with red ones symbolising love and white ones expressing mourning. The white lotus signifies purity and perfection, and plum blossoms stand for vitality and protection. In Japanese culture, the peony is a symbol of bravery, as well as fortune and prosperity.

Read on to discover some of Japan’s most beloved flowers (including our favourites!) and learn why the Land of the Rising Sun is truly a country in bloom, with colourful blossoms waiting to greet you no matter the season you visit.

1. Plum blossoms (ume)

In bloom: January–March

The flowering of the ume is a welcome harbinger of the oncoming spring. The blossoms of the Japanese plum (also known as the Japanese apricot) were the original inspiration for the Japanese pastime of hanami (flower viewing) before cherry blossoms won favour in the 8th century during the Heian Period. Plum blossom festivals in Japan or ume matsuri, are still beloved events that draw crowds out of winter hibernation to picnic under boughs laden with fragrant pink and white petals.

Where to see them:

A standout location for ume viewing is the Odawara Plum Festival in Kanagawa Prefecture. Here, over 35,000 plum trees bloom against the stunning backdrop of Mt. Fuji, creating a picture perfect sight. This festival offers a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the early spring atmosphere, with the plum trees in full bloom, painting the landscape in hues of pink and white.

2. Tulips (churippu)

In bloom: March–April 

Tulips are a vibrant symbol of spring, and Japan embraces their arrival with an array of spectacular displays across the country. These cheerful blooms, often seen in a rainbow of colours, have become an emblem of the season. Though native to Central Asia and Europe, tulips have flourished in Japan where they’re now celebrated with special flower festivals and events. Visitors are often drawn to the beautiful, expansive tulip fields, making it a picture-perfect experience for nature lovers.

Where to see them:

One of the best spots to view tulips in Japan is the Kamakura Park in Kanagawa Prefecture, where an impressive array of tulips bloom each year. Additionally, Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki Prefecture is renowned for its expansive tulip gardens, where more than a million tulips bloom in beautiful hues. Tulip festivals and flower shows take place during the blooming season, attracting visitors from around the world to enjoy the stunning colours and fresh spring air.

3. Cherry blossoms (sakura)

In bloom: March–May

Each year, the Land of the Rising Sun eagerly anticipates the Japan Meteorological Agency’s forecast for its most famous floral event—cherry blossom season! Inspiring Vacations' customers are especially fond of this magical time of year, too. In fact, the beauty of the cherry blossoms is so beloved by our travellers that we’ve created a number of specialised tours designed to offer the perfect cherry blossom viewing experience. The 13 Day Cherry Blossoms of Japan takes in sakura hot spots like Hamarikyu Gardens and Ueno Park. 

Cherry trees bloom in a wave from south to north between mid-March and early May, followed by countless hanami picnics. Often accompanied by pop-up food stalls or yatai, sakura viewing has a carnival-like atmosphere. The season begins with kaika (the first blossoms), building to mankai (full blooming) and finally hanafubuki (a cherry-blossom blizzard) when clouds of petals fall like a snowstorm on enraptured onlookers.

Where to see them:

Mount Yoshino in Nara Prefecture is often considered Japan’s premier hanami destination, with tens of thousands of cherry trees blanketing the mountainside in breathtaking beauty. In Tokyo, visit the trendy Nakameguro district, where over 800 cherry trees line the Meguro River, offering picturesque views and vibrant celebrations.

4.  Wisteria (fuji)

In bloom: April–May

Wisteria is a common motif in Japanese arts and culture, and retains noble connotations harking back to feudal times when commoners were forbidden to wear purple. Today, wisteria in Japan—with its stunning, dangling strings of mauve, pink, and white blossoms—continues to enchant visitors. People flock to specialty parks every season to see mesmerising displays of this vine, which is often trained into tunnels and trellises, creating enchanting, flower-draped environments.

Where to see them: 

One of the top wisteria viewing spots in Japan is Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi Prefecture, north of Tokyo, which boasts more than 350 wisteria vines. Among the most stunning sights is an 80 metre-long (262-foot-long) wisteria tunnel dripping in flowers, and the nearly 150-year-old Great Miracle Wisteria with its gnarled trunk and impossibly wide canopy. For an unforgettable wisteria Japan experience, these spots are top choices!

5. Hydrangea (ajisai)

In bloom: May–July

As the rainy season engulfs Japan, hydrangeas start to bloom in parks, temples and shrines nationwide. It is thought that this highly ornamental flower originated in Japan, where it is the symbol of the rainy season. The petals of the plant react to the acidity level of the soil and can switch between inky blue, pink, purple and white accordingly – a trait that made ‘fickleness’ another symbolic meaning of the ajisai. The water-loving hydrangea is considered at its most beautiful after a rainfall, when the clustered flower heads are beaded with droplets. Hydrangea festivals in Japan during the rainy season (ajisai matsuri) are held across the country, celebrating the flower with various cultural events, from traditional tea ceremonies to live performances.

Where to see them:

Kamakura city is a serene temple town south of Tokyo in Kanagawa Prefecture, renowned for its annual hydrangea festivals and displays. Hase-dera and Meigetsu-in temples are particularly breathtaking, where pathways are lined with clouds of blue-tinged blooms. Additionally, hydrangea festivals in Japan offer an opportunity to experience the vibrant culture surrounding these beautiful flowers.

6. Lavender (rabenda)

In bloom: June–August 

Lavender fields in Japan are a serene and aromatic sight, offering a breathtaking sea of purple blooms that stretch across rural landscapes. Known for its calming fragrance, lavender is celebrated in Japanese gardens and often associated with tranquillity and healing. The lavender fields bloom from late spring through summer, drawing visitors seeking both beauty and the soothing scents of the flowers. Lavender festivals are popular, with events featuring live music, food stalls, and opportunities to pick your own lavender.

Where to see them:

One of the most famous lavender farms is Farm Tomita in Hokkaido, renowned for its vast fields of lavender set against the backdrop of the picturesque Tokachi mountain range. The farm is home to a variety of lavender species and offers a range of lavender-based products, from essential oils to lavender ice cream. 

7. Sunflowers (himawari)

In bloom: July–August

As Japan enters the height of summer, the sunflower, symbolising radiance and hope, begins to bloom across the country. At their peak, sunflowers are a vibrant representation of the sun, reaching toward the sky with their golden faces. The sunflower also has a special place in Japanese history: after the devastating nuclear disaster in Fukushima, community-driven projects saw vast fields of sunflowers planted to help filter radioactive contamination from the soil. These fields have since become a powerful symbol of resilience and healing in the region.

Where to see them: 

Sunflower fields are found throughout Japan during summer, but one of the most renowned spots is Himawari-no-Sato, a flower farm located north of Sapporo in Hokkaido. Here, over a million sunflowers bloom every year, and the area comes alive with its famous Hokuryu Sunflower Festival. Visitors can wander through sunflower mazes, explore the fields by tractor or bicycle, and immerse themselves in the golden sea of blooms. Visiting sunflower fields in Japan during summer is a must for anyone wanting to experience the joy and beauty of these iconic flowers in full bloom.

8. Red spider lily (higanbana)

In bloom: September–October 

The striking red spider lily, known as higanbana in Japanese, blooms during the fall equinox, marking the transition from summer to autumn. With its unique, delicate petals that resemble spider legs, the flower holds significant cultural meaning in Japan, often associated with the afterlife, due to its prevalence in cemeteries. Despite its beauty, the red spider lily is toxic, adding to its mysterious allure.

Where to see them:

One of the top spots for red spider lilies in Japan is Kinchakuda Manjushage Park in Saitama Prefecture. Known for its sprawling fields of red spider lilies, the park is home to an estimated 5 million flowers. Each year, visitors flock to the park to see the stunning, crimson sea of blooms in full display, making it one of the most impressive higanbana viewing spots during the autumn season.

9. Chrysanthemum (kiku)

In bloom: September–November

The kiku is a symbol of the Japanese monarchy—also known as the ‘Chrysanthemum Throne’—and is a deeply revered bloom. In a show of mastery over nature, artisan growers spend all year selectively breeding, pruning and fastidiously training chrysanthemum plants before the autumn flowering. These meticulous displays are shown off in public spaces, with the most accomplished holding pride of place at kiku matsuri (chrysanthemum festivals) and chrysanthemum shows across the country.

Where to see them: 

Tokyo is home to two of the most popular kiku matsuri. Visit Yushima Tenjin Shrine or Daienji Temple, where spectacular chrysanthemum shows and exhibitions take place each autumn. These events showcase the skill and dedication of the growers, with each flower carefully shaped and pruned. After the peak bloom, the flowers are cut down and the process of cultivation begins anew for the next season’s display.

Summary: When is the best time to see cherry blossoms in Japan (and other special blooms)? 

• Cherry blossoms (sakura): March to May. Must-see spots: Mount Yoshino (Nara) and Nakameguro (Tokyo).
  
• Plum blossoms (ume): January to March. Enjoy the Odawara Plum Festival with views of Mt. Fuji.
• Tulips (churippu): March to April. Check out Hitachi Seaside Park for a colourful display.
• Wisteria (fuji): April to May. See the stunning Ashikaga Flower Park for flower-draped tunnels, a top wisteria viewing spot in Japan.
• Hydrangeas (ajisai): May to July. Visit Kamakura for a serene hydrangea experience.
• Lavender (rabenda): June to August. Farm Tomita in Hokkaido is a must-visit lavender farm.
• Sunflowers (himawari): July to August. Explore Hokkaido's Himawari-no-Sato for a radiant sunflower field experience.
• Red spider lily (higanbana): September to October. Kinchakuda Manjushage Park in Saitama offers stunning displays.
• Chrysanthemums (kiku): September to November. Enjoy the kiku matsuri at Yushima Tenjin Shrine in Tokyo.

Inspired to visit Japan in bloom with the experts? Inspiring Vacations has more than 20 tours to Japan, from the active 7 Day Best of Japan tour to our bumper 28 Day Unforgettable Japan, Hokkaido & Kyushu. Explore the 13 Day Cherry Blossoms of Japan, which runs in March and April or take a look at our full range of exciting Japan tours.