2026 Japan Cherry Blossom Guide: Follow the Bloom with LIVELY HOTELS
Japan’s Cherry blossom season is not just a single moment. Think of it as a beautiful pink wave that moves gradually from the south to the north. If you plan smart, you can catch sakura season in Okinawa, , enjoy peak bloom in the big cities like Fukuoka, Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo, and catch its beautiful final bloom in Hokkaido.
LIVELY HOTELS have you covered across all of Japan so you can enjoy a perfect cherry blossom trip. We have six brands and twelve hotels in every region, so you can follow the bloom while enjoying the same high standard stay and daily rhythm: enjoy social spaces, thoughtful design, and travel friendly comforts that make long walking days feel easy.
Quick planning notes for sakura season in Japan
◾️Timing (keep it flexible):
Bloom dates change every year. As a rough guide, think late March to early April for many areas on the mainland and late April to early May for Hokkaido. Always check the latest local forecast before locking in your exact hanami day.
◾️Crowd strategy that works everywhere:
Start early. The calmest photos and the best atmosphere usually happen in the morning. Weekdays also feel noticeably easier.
◾️Pack smart:
Bring layers, especially for evenings. Carry a small bag for trash since public bins are limited.
Why choose LIVELY HOTELS for cherry blossom season?
You’ll need to plan on getting a recharge inbetween all the beautiful flowers you’ll see.
Hanami season also means lots of walking, unpredictable weather, and crowded trains. That’s why your hotel choice quietly matters.
At LIVELY HOTELS, you’ll find perks that make sakura travel smoother and more enjoyable.
- Daily complimentary drinks in the evening like free beer or free wine (depending on the hotel)
- Useful rental items and amenities that make packing lighter
- Social lounges that make solo travel feel less lonely
- Mobile friendly stays including smooth check in experiences at select hotels
- Coworking spaces at select properties for digital nomads
- All day dining at select properties, perfect for a relaxed reset between blossom walks
Follow the bloom, region by region
＜Fukuoka＞
Fukuoka is one of the best cities for early sakura. The airport is close, the city is compact, and the food is a trip highlight on its own.
Recommended sakura spot: Maizuru Park (Fukuoka Castle Ruins)
Where to stay:
◾️THE LIVELY FUKUOKA HAKATA
A stylish base near Nakasu Kawabata, perfect for moving between hanami walks and city nights.
▶︎Hotel page
▶︎Local sakura guide
◾️The Millennials Fukuoka
Smart Pods and a social lounge vibe that makes solo travel easy from the moment you land.
▶︎Hotel page
▶︎Local sakura guide
＜Osaka＞
Osaka brings big city energy to sakura season. Do a classic park, then reset with your own pace back at the hotel.
Recommended sakura spot: Osaka Castle Park
Where to stay
◾️THE LIVELY OSAKA HONMACHI
A lively base that makes it easy to mix hanami, food, and nightlife without over planning.
▶︎Hotel page
▶︎Local sakura guide
＜Kyoto＞
Kyoto is all about atmosphere. The best plan is early mornings, slower pacing, and one timeless spot that feels unforgettable without needing to rush.
Recommended sakura spot: Toji Temple
Where to stay
◾️The Millennials Kyoto
A smart base with a lounge culture that makes your downtime feel productive and social.
▶︎Hotel page
▶︎Local sakura guide
＜Tokyo＞
Tokyo sakura is iconic, but the options and crowds can be overwhelming. The best approach is choosing a base that matches your style and planning one strong hanami route instead of trying to do everything.
Recommended sakura spot: Sumida Park
Where to stay
◾️The Millennials Shibuya
A smart, social hub near Shibuya Station, ideal for solo travelers and creators.
▶︎Hotel page
▶︎Local sakura guide
◾️HOTEL GRAPHY SHIBUYA
A relaxed, design forward stay with a rooftop and a neighborhood feel that is still close to all the action.
▶︎Hotel page
▶︎Local sakura guide
◾️HOTEL GRAPHY NEZU
A calmer base for the nostalgic side of Tokyo. Perfect for slow walks and early starts.
▶︎Hotel page
▶︎Local sakura guide
◾️THE LIVELY TOKYO AZABUJUBAN
A sleek city base with spaces designed for modern travel and an easy evening reset.
▶︎Hotel page
▶︎Local sakura guide
＜Kawasaki (between Tokyo and Yokohama)＞
Kawasaki is a true hidden gem among all of our recommended Hanami spots. You can enjoy the Tokyo area sakura season with more breathing room and you also have easy access to Yokohama or even Kamakura without changing hotels.
Recommended sakura spot: Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji Temple
Where to stay
◾️slash kawasaki
A playful, tech forward base with projector rooms and rooftop downtime after long walks.
▶︎Hotel page
▶︎Local sakura guide
Hokkaido (Sapporo and Otaru)
If you missed sakura season in Tokyo, Hokkaido is your second chance. The season arrives later, the air stays crisp, and evenings feel extra cozy.
＜Sapporo＞
Recommended sakura spot: Maruyama Park and Hokkaido Shrine
Where to stay
◾️UNWIND HOTEL & BAR SAPPORO
An urban lodge style retreat with a warm lounge vibe and a rooftop fire moment that fits the late season chill.
▶︎Hotel page
▶︎Local sakura guide
＜Otaru＞
Recommended sakura spot: Temiya Park
Where to stay
◾️UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU
A cinematic stay in a historic setting that makes spring nights feel like a slow travel dream.
▶︎Hotel page
▶︎Local sakura guide
A simple way to build your 2026 sakura route
If you want one trip that feels complete, try this flow.
Start in Fukuoka for early bloom energy, move through Kyoto and Osaka for classic spring scenes, then finish in Sapporo or Otaru for a late season second chance.
If you want Tokyo access with fewer crowds, make slash kawasaki your base and day trip into Tokyo, Yokohama, or Kamakura.
Check before you go
- Bloom timing changes every year, so check the latest forecast for each city
- Light ups, event rules, and park restrictions can change by season
- If you plan a picnic, be mindful of local etiquette and keep walkways clear
Ready to follow the bloom with LIVELY HOTELS?
Sakura season is better when you travel light, reset well, and keep at your own pace.
Choose your route, pick your base, and let the bloom guide the rest.
