The mesmerizing beauty of Japan's iconic cherry blossoms, or Sakura, is undeniable, but experiencing them at night under the glow of colorful lights is simply magical. The blooms stand out against the dark sky, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
Discover 10 of the best places in Japan to experience the enchantment of illuminated Sakura at night, from historic castles and serene rivers to traditional Japanese gardens.
Hirosaki Park (Aomori)
Hirosaki Park, which is one of Japan's three best night sakura spots, features over 2,600 cherry trees in 50 varieties, all beautifully illuminated against the backdrop of Hirosaki Castle.
Takada Castle Side Park (Niigata)
Takada Castle Park is renowned for its yearly Cherry Blossom Festival, and it is home to 4,000 cherry trees. The historic castle is illuminated by thousands of paper lanterns during this event, which creates an otherworldly ambiance.
Hakodate Park (Hokkaido)
The star-shaped Goryokaku Fort, also known as Goryokaku Park, is a must-see in late April when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The park is especially beautiful at night when the blossoms are lit up. Food and dessert stalls may be available during the nighttime illuminations.
Takato Joshi Park (Nagano)
The endemic Takato Kohigan Sakura cherry blossoms of Takato Joshi Park are a sight to behold. Soft illumination of the surrounding buildings and streets creates one of Nagano’s most stunning sakura displays.
Meguro River (Tokyo)
The Meguro River, a popular hanami spot in Tokyo, transforms into a breathtaking scene at night. The river, lined with illuminated cherry trees, stretches from Meguro Station to Nakameguro Station. Food and drink stalls enhance the festive atmosphere, providing visitors with a complete hanami experience.
Myoshin-ji Taizo-in (Kyoto)
Taizo-in, a Zen Buddhist temple within the Myoshin-ji complex, is renowned for its dry and pond-and-stroll-style gardens, featuring weeping cherry trees. These cherry blossoms are illuminated in red, creating a stark contrast with the darkness and the dual-colored stones of the dry garden.
Osaka Castle Park (Osaka)
Osaka Castle boasts over 3,000 illuminated cherry trees. In the latter half of April, weeping cherry trees and the late-blooming Yaezakura variety, with its double-layered blossoms, create a breathtaking spectacle.
Ritsurin Garden (Kagawa)
Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan's most celebrated gardens, offers special nighttime illuminations. Visitors can also enjoy the Garden Cafe Ritsuirin and take small boat tours on the garden's expansive lakes.
Maizuru Park (Fukuoka)
Fukuoka City's Maizuru Park provides a unique hanami experience. Visitors can view the illuminated cherry blossoms at night against the backdrop of the 400-year-old Fukuoka Castle ruins. The park has over 1,000 cherry trees.
Mifuneyama Rakuen (Saga)
Mifuneyama Rakuen, one of Kyushu's largest nighttime cherry blossom events, features 2,000 cherry trees, which include illuminated trees and lanterns that float on the pond.
The beauty of cherry blossoms in Japan not only boosts tourism but also adds value to nearby real estate. Discover property listings in close proximity to some of Japan's most stunning cherry blossom viewing destinations.
