Living in Washington, D.C., I used to join the crowds circling the Tidal Basin every spring, neck craned and camera ready to see the cherry blossoms, or sakura, at peak bloom. These delicate, milky-pink trees were a gift from Japan in 1912—a gesture of friendship between our countries.
So when my travels finally took me to Japan, I was all in! I fell hard for the culture and have since spent months (and several sakura seasons) chasing cherry blossoms across prefectures like a desperate flower groupie.
But sakura aren’t just a pretty backdrop—they’re a seasonal ritual, a reminder to slow down and celebrate the fleeting. And nothing captures that better than the act of hanami: sprawling out under a confetti of petals with a bento, a bottle (or three) of seasonal sake, and a few new friends.
Not every sakura spot paints this peaceful picture, though. In fact, the tourist-track cities are absolute mob scenes during sakura season, more like being jostled around at Disneyland than anything else.
So if you’re hoping to see cherry blossoms without the chaos, here are five less-visited, underrated spots to catch the magic—each near places you might already be visiting on your trip to Japan.
1. Setoda Island, Hiroshima Prefecture
If you’re planning to visit Hiroshima or riding the famous Shimanami Kaido cycling route, Setoda, the “lemon island” of Japan, is a peaceful little island off the tourist track with ocean views, leafy palm trees, and quietly beautiful cherry blossom viewing in spring.
Why go: Coastal sakura, temple paths at Kosanji Temple, hilly California-esque lemon groves, and quiet village streets. It’s the kind of place where you can sip citrus juice from a roadside stand under the petals and ride freely on the bike paths with no tour groups in sight.
Best time: Late March to early April
2. Miyajima, Hiroshima Prefecture
Even more convenient for visitors to Hiroshima than Setoda, Miyajima Island offers coastal cherry blossoms with a spiritual twist.
Also called Itsukushima, Miyajima is best known for its iconic “floating” torii gate—but in sakura season, the island transforms into cherry blossom heaven. While it’s a popular day trip from Hiroshima, it’s still much less crowded than major cities like Kyoto, Tokyo, or Osaka, especially if you go early or stay overnight at a ryokan: a traditional Japanese inn known for tatami-mat rooms and onsens (public baths). Plus, visitor flow to the island is limited by ferry capacity, which keeps crowds smaller than at landlocked hotspots.
Why go: Cherry blossoms frame the floating torii gate and line paths around Itsukushima Shrine, the pretty Five-Story Pagoda, and Momijidani Park. With wild deer roaming the island and soft petals draping the temple rooftops, it feels like something out of a woodland dream–there are plenty of open spaces, scenic trails, and tucked-away corners where you can enjoy cherry blossoms with more privacy.
Best time: Late March to early April
3. Beppu, Oita Prefecture
Travelers heading to Kyushu or looking to pair cherry blossoms with geothermal hot springs of orangey-red and icy blue will love this Japanese spa town’s laid back atmosphere, relaxing ryokans, and old-fashioned charm.
Beppu is known for steaming onsens and geothermal features—but it’s also a seriously underrated spot for cherry blossoms. Most international tourists skip it entirely (even though you can access it easily via a fun overnight ferry from Osaka), which makes it a great place to enjoy sakura like a local.
Why go: Beppu Park is the main cherry blossom hub, with wide lawns and rows of trees perfect for a laid-back hanami picnic. Grab snacks from a konbini and enjoy the petals. Minami-Tateishi Park has coastal views framed by sakura, and a few hot springs even let you soak with cherry trees in view.
Best time: Late March to early April
4. Sapporo, Hokkaido
If you’re headed to Hokkaido in the spring for snow-capped mountains, you can also catch late-season blooms in Sapporo. Yes, Sapporo is the largest city in Hokkaido, but it’s still my personal favorite place for a chill sakura experience!
Sakura season in Sapporo is often close to the annual Lilac Festival in Odori Park, so if you’re a flower lover, you won’t want to miss Sapporo in late April-early May. Also, Hokkaido dairy is famous for good reason, so be sure to try the special sakura soft cream for a unique seasonal treat!
Why go: Blossoms at Maruyama Park and around Hokkaido Shrine bloom later than most of Japan, with wild-feeling trails that wind through trees and shrines—not just manicured parks. Hanami parties in Odori Park are a great way to share food, crack beers, and meet the lovely local people.
Best time: Early to mid-May
Read also: Foodie’s Guide to Japan
5. Hakodate, Hokkaido
Hakodate doesn’t make it onto many spring travel itineraries, but it absolutely should (and not just because it’s a convenient midway stopping point to or from Sapporo).
This underrated port city has one of the most unique cherry blossom viewing spots in all of Japan: the star-shaped Goryokaku Park. Add in the walkable red-brick warehouse district, coastal charm, a surprisingly good craft beer scene, and a quirky mix of Western and Japanese history, and you’ve got a city with serious individuality.
Why go: Goryokaku Park is a massive, star-shaped fort filled with sakura. From the observation tower above, you can get a bird’s-eye view of the blossom-dusted star outline. In the park, you can stroll along the moat’s edge or rent a rowboat for a fresh perspective. While it’s not on the overly-beaten tourist circuit, it’s still a popular viewing spot, and I recommend visiting early in the morning or in the evening to see the sakura illuminated by lanterns. Wondering where to stay while you visit Hakodate? These are the best budget, moderate, and luxury stays RANKED!
Best time: Late April to early May.
One of the things I love most about Japan is how seasonal beauty is woven into daily life, and that’s never more true than during cherry blossom season.
Trust me—you won’t miss elbowing your way through crowds in Tokyo or Kyoto while you’re enjoying your own quiet, meaningful sakura experience on your next trip to Japan.
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