Blooming from February! A Guide to Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots and Flowering Order: Highlights of Each Variety

The Charm of Cherry Blossoms that Color Japan's Spring

With the arrival of spring, cherry blossoms bloom vibrantly across Japan. They have been deeply intertwined with Japanese culture for centuries, captivating many people. Cherry blossoms differ in flowering time and color depending on the variety, and there's joy in chasing the "sakura front" as it moves from south to north.
This article provides a detailed guide to the order of cherry blossom blooming in 2025 and recommended viewing spots. Plan your spring journey with the latest information to make the most of the cherry blossom season.

2025 Cherry Blossom Blooming Order List

Detailed Information on Cherry Blossom Varieties and Recommended Viewing Spots

1. Kawazu Sakura

• Blooming Period: Early February to Early March
• Features: Deep pink flowers that last for a long time
• Recommended Viewing Spots:
o Kawazu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture: The "Kawazu Sakura Festival" highlights around 8,000 fully bloomed cherry trees! Enjoy hot springs as well.
o Miura Coast, Kanagawa Prefecture: The contrast of cherry blossoms and rapeseed flowers blooming along the railway is stunning.

2. Oshima Sakura

• Blooming Period: Mid to Late March
• Features: White flowers and new green leaves bloom simultaneously; the leaves are used in sakura mochi (cherry blossom rice cake).
• Recommended Viewing Spots:
o Izu Oshima, Tokyo: The native habitat of Oshima Sakura, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the sea.
o Boso Peninsula, Chiba Prefecture: Experience fragrant cherry blossoms in a warm climate.

3. Somei Yoshino

• Blooming Period: Late March to Early April
• Features: The most widely planted cherry blossom in Japan, with pale pink flowers.
• Recommended Viewing Spots:
o Chidorigafuchi, Tokyo: Cherry blossoms bloom along the moat, and boating for hanami (flower viewing) is popular.
o Osaka Castle Park, Osaka Prefecture: A stunning contrast between the historic Osaka Castle and cherry blossoms.
o Maizuru Park, Fukuoka Prefecture: About 1,000 Somei Yoshino trees beautify the ruins of Fukuoka Castle.

4. Ukon Sakura

• Blooming Period: Mid April
• Features: Pale green flowers that are double-flowered and have a voluminous appearance.
• Recommended Viewing Spots:
o Shinjuku Gyoen, Tokyo: A suitable place to admire the rare pale green cherry blossoms.
o Kenrokuen, Ishikawa Prefecture: Viewing Ukon Sakura in Kanazawa's famous garden is exceptional.

5. Gyoiko

• Blooming Period: Mid to Late April
• Features: Green flowers that gradually turn reddish; a rare variety of cherry blossoms.
• Recommended Viewing Spots:
o Sensoji Temple, Tokyo: Enjoy the rare cherry blossoms alongside this historic temple.
o Heian Shrine, Kyoto Prefecture: Beautiful cherry blossoms harmonized with an elegant Japanese garden.

6. Yaebeni Shidare

• Blooming Period: Late April
• Features: Double-flowered, drooping deep red blossoms that are perfect for photography.
• Recommended Viewing Spots:
o Yoshinoyama, Nara Prefecture: Famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot, with many late-blooming varieties.
o Maruyama Park, Kyoto Prefecture: The iconic "Gion Shidare Sakura" is very popular.

Trivia About Cherry Blossoms

• What is the Sakura Front? The phenomenon of cherry blossoms blooming from south to north is called the "Sakura Front." The Sakura Front for 2025 is predicted to arrive slightly earlier than usual.
• The Aesthetics of Cherry Blossom Petals Falling Cherry blossoms often fall about a week after reaching full bloom, and the Japanese have enjoyed the fleeting beauty of sakura while feeling the "mono no aware" (the pathos of things).
• Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the "Daigo no Hanami" Toyotomi Hideyoshi planted 1,000 cherry trees at Daigo-ji Temple in Kyoto and held a grand "Daigo no Hanami" (flower viewing). This is considered Japan's first large-scale hanami event.

Summary|| Enjoy Cherry Blossoms in 2025!

Cherry blossoms vary in blooming periods and characteristics depending on the variety, each with its unique charm. This year, why not check the cherry blossom blooming information and plan your hanami?
Find the perfect cherry blossom viewing spot for you and enjoy the spring of 2025 to the fullest!