The magnificent cherry blossoms alone are enough reason to visit Tokyo in spring. Sakura, as the locals call it, is deeply tied to Japan's history and identity, symbolizing hope and renewal. No wonder people from all over the world flock to see it in full bloom every year! 🌸
If you're planning to travel to Japan anytime soon and you're not sure where to see cherry blossoms, then keep reading. You'll find some of the best Japan cherry blossom tours in this article, cherry-picked just for you. Get it? 😉
Best time to visit Tokyo in spring
It’s a tradition for locals to enjoy the sakura season | Photo by Syadza Salsabyla on Unsplash
In Tokyo, the ideal time to go on a cherry blossom trip is from late March to early May. You’ll notice local groups of friends and families throwing picnics under the pink canopy of flowers. This is called hanami—it simply means enjoying the cherry blossom views! 😍
These blossoms last only for 2 short weeks. That’s why hanami is also a sweet reminder to enjoy the moment and make the most out of life while you can.
Lots of people come to Japan in the spring just to see the cherry blossoms, but many leave disappointed upon missing the peak bloom. While you can also visit these spots on your own, it’s always a good idea to join a cherry blossom tour instead. These tours are planned around bloom forecasts, so you’re mostly guaranteed to catch sakura trees in their prettiest state. Plus, you’ll also get to visit other nearby attractions while you’re at it. ✨
Klook tip: Book your tour in advance to guarantee your slot. These Japan cherry blossom tours usually open right before the blossom peak season, so it’s always important to plan ahead and figure out where you want to go!
When planning your Japan cherry blossom tours itinerary, don’t forget to check out other places as well! We recommend purchasing a Klook Pass for Tokyo that you can use to visit other famous Tokyo attractions like Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Disneyland. 🗼
Best Japan cherry blossom tours in and from Tokyo
Here are some of the tour packages and places you should consider when planning your Japan cherry blossom trip:
1. Cherry Blossom Cruise in Meguro River
Take a breathtaking river cruise to see the cherry blossoms
The Tokyo Meguro River cruise is one of the most popular Japan cherry blossom tours. Around 800 trees form a pink arch over the river, forming a one-of-a-kind view, so sit back and relax as you breeze through beautiful sakura trees. Some petals also fall on the river itself, so imagine a river painted in pink! It’s the perfect tour for all ages, so you can book this tour even if you’re with kids or seniors. 🚤
⏳ Duration: 1 hr and 10 minutes
2. Mount Fuji and Hakone Shrine Tour
Seeing Mt. Fuji in its full glory is a wish come true!
Make sure to bring your camera on this tour, 'cause you'll be visiting lots of popular tourist attractions. On this trip, your full day will consist of tours around internet-famous spots like *the* Lawson Convenience Store, Hikawa Watch Shop, Asama Park, and Water Torii.
In this Mount Fuji and Hakone Shrine tour, you’ll also get the chance to see a majestic view of Mount Fuji, made even better by the stunning cherry blossoms around you. Finally, you'll make a stop at Hakone Shrine, where people often visit to pray for good luck. Better start thinking about your wishes now! 🗻
⏳ Duration: 10 hours
3. Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko
The views of Mt. Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi look straight out of a painting!
This Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko tour is one of the Japan cherry blossom tours that offers another good opportunity to see Mount Fuji in all its glory. Climb 398 steps to the Chureito Pagoda for one of the best views of Fuji-san. Then, head to Lake Kawaguchi to take in views of a cherry blossom field. Make sure to cross the Kawaguchi Bridge; it’s known as one of Japan’s best roads for the most scenic sights! 🤩
⏳ Duration: 10 hours
4. Aomori One Day Tour
Cherry blossoms glow at night in the Hirosaki castle in Aomori Prefecture
If you're not one to stick to a strict schedule or itinerary on trips, this free route trip around Aomori is perfect for you. All you need to do is coordinate with customer service about where you want to go, and they will recommend the best itinerary to help you make a bang for your buck. You'll be accompanied by a senior driver who has expert knowledge of the local area.
One thing you shouldn't pass on is a visit to Hirosaki Castle, where dreamlike rows of cherry blossoms reflect on the petal-filled moats. At night, you can enjoy the way lights hit the three-story castle tower and the tunnel of cherry trees. 🏯
⏳ Duration: 8 hours
5. Gongendo Park & Kawagoe Tour
See this stunning landscape of cherry trees at Gongendo Park! Credits: @akihirom06 on Instagram
Yet another hotspot for cherry blossom viewing, Gongendo Sakura Tsutsumi has a tunnel of about 1,000 blooming trees. If you time your visit right, you may even see the Satte cherry blossom festival, which is held from the end of March to the beginning of April at the park.
The tour will also bring you to Kawagoe, a town where you can discover Japanese culture and history from the Edo and Showa periods. Finally, there's nothing like capping the day off with a little retail therapy at Mitsui Outlet Park Iruma, one of the largest outlet malls in the Kanto area. 🛍️
⏳ Duration: 10 hours
6. Kawazu Town Tour
Kawazu Town is a pink paradise during cherry blossom season! Credits: @kyoko1903 on Instagram
The must-see Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival (Kawazuzakura Matsuri) is held yearly from early February to mid-March to celebrate the blossoming of the Kawazu Cherry Trees. This unique variety of Sakura is known to flower earlier than others, allowing you to experience its beauty for a longer timeframe. They're also pinker in color, which makes for a lovely contrast against seasonal rapeseed flowers.
In this Kawazu Town tour, you'll also visit Shuzenji Temple, where you can make a wish at the Lovers Bridge and take a breather in the bamboo forest. For a relaxing finale, take a dip at the Izu Shuzenji Takitei Hot Spring Hotel, a two-star Michelin attraction at the temple. 🎋
⏳ Duration: 2 days
7. Tokyo Street Food and Cherry Blossom Tour
Enjoy walking around Yanaka Ginza amidst pink blooms!
If you’re a foodie and also want to catch the blossoms in season, this Street Food and Cherry Blossom tour in Tokyo is one of the best Japan cherry blossom tours for you. The back streets of Yanaka Ginza are the perfect place to walk around and sample local street food while enjoying a view of cherry blossoms, so why not spend 3 hours here? You’ll also get to see famous shrines around the area and meet local cats! 🐈
The tour also comes with a bento boxed lunch, so you’re sure to have a feast for your bellies AND for your eyes. 🍡
⏳ Duration: 3 hours
In case you’ve missed the cherry blossoms in Tokyo, you can always head to other places around Japan to catch the cherry blossoms. Check out this guide to see other places and dates where the cherry blossoms are expected to bloom.
And while you’re at it, don’t forget to purchase your Japan Rail Pass so you can move around the country without the fuss!
The warm weather, pretty pink flowers in full bloom, and spring festivals create a unique atmosphere that makes you want to embrace Japanese culture—and extend your trip! Even off-season cherry blossom viewing tours can be a spectacular time. You should defo book those tickets ASAP!
FAQs
1. What are the best cherry blossom tours in Tokyo?
The best cherry blossom tours in Tokyo depend on what you’re looking for. If you want to stay within Tokyo, tours in the Meguro River or Yanaka Ginza would be ideal for you. If Tokyo is just your takeoff point and you want to explore farther and a little bit longer, consider tours in Mount Fuji & Hakone Shrine, Lake Kawaguchiko & Kachikachi, Aomori, Gongendo Park & Kawagoe, and Kawazu.
2. Are guided cherry blossom tours in Japan worth it?
Definitely, especially if it’s your first time visiting. You’re sure to see the best cherry blossom viewing spots, and you’ll also get to visit other nearby attractions.
3. How long do cherry blossom tours in Tokyo last?
Cherry blossom tours can range from an hour to even 2 days! They’re available as long as the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, which is typically around two weeks.
4. When should you book a cherry blossom tour in Japan?
It’s best to book as early as possible. Cherry blossom tours tend to open shortly before peak season and fill up quickly, especially in popular cities like Tokyo.
5. Do cherry blossom tours depend on the bloom forecast?
Yes, tour schedules are adjusted based on forecast predictions. This makes sure that the places look their best when you visit.
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