Understanding Bloom Timing
Tip: Full bloom plus 2-3 days is actually the most beautiful moment — petals begin falling like pink snow (hanafubuki) and carpeting the ground beneath trees.
Days 1-3: Tokyo Hanami
Tip: Saturday during full bloom at Yoyogi Park or Ueno is the quintessential hanami experience — thousands of groups feasting under pink canopies. Arrive by noon to secure a spot.
Days 4-6: Kyoto in Bloom
Tip: Kyoto's blooms peak 2-5 days after Tokyo. If you time Tokyo at full bloom and move to Kyoto on day 4, you will likely catch Kyoto at or near peak as well.
Days 7-8: Yoshino and Nara
Tip: Mount Yoshino gets extremely crowded on weekends during peak bloom. Visit on a weekday and start early — the lower thousand trees (Shimo-senbon) bloom first around early April.
Days 9-10: Late Blooms — Tohoku Option
Tip: Hirosaki's cherry blossom festival includes illuminated night viewing and boat rides on the petal-filled moat — many consider it Japan's single most beautiful hanami scene.

