Japan’s cherry blossom season in 2026 is forecast to begin slightly earlier after a mild winter, with Kyoto and Tokyo blooming in the second half of March and northern regions peaking in early to mid-April. To help travellers experience the blossoms at their best, Hoshino Resorts has assembled a collection of seasonal stays across Japan, from Kyoto to Aomori, combining peak viewing locations with regional culture, cuisine and onsen traditions. The Tokyo EDITION in Ginza and Toranomon offers Sakura stay packages. Or go on an Essential Japan tour with Soul Trips. Travelling free and easy? You’ll want to check out some of these options on Klook.
Spring in Japan is no longer a single week window. With careful timing, travellers can follow the season northwards, then end with the blue nemophila bloom in Osaka, extending the floral experience well beyond sakura.
Klook to Refund Travellers who Miss Cherry Blossoms
Klook has introduced the Bloom Back Guarantee, becoming the first travel platform to offer partial refunds if travellers miss the cherry blossom season in Japan or South Korea. Available as an add-on for selected cherry blossom tours, the guarantee provides a 30% refund if the blossoms fail to bloom during the official forecast period, helping travellers plan spring trips with greater confidence despite the unpredictability of bloom timing. To make a claim, participants must submit a timestamped photo taken during the tour and file the request within ten days. For a limited period, travellers can activate the guarantee at no extra cost by applying the promotional code during booking.
The initiative is based on insights from Klook’s Spring Readiness Index, a survey of 900 travellers across nine Asian markets. Data shows strong interest in seasonal travel, with searches for terms such as “cherry blossom” and “sakura” rising by 77% between December 2025 and February 2026. Japan remains the top spring destination for Singapore travellers, followed by mainland China and South Korea. However, travellers also worry about rising prices, limited ticket availability, and missing peak bloom periods. As a result, many plan flexible itineraries, combining major cities with lesser-known destinations and booking activities closer to departure. To support this demand, Klook is also offering seasonal promotions and curated cherry blossom experiences, including exclusive tours at Everland in South Korea.
Hoshino Resorts Escapes
HOSHINOYA Kyoto
Located about a kilometre upriver from Togetsukyo Bridge in quieter Oku Arashiyama, this riverside retreat offers blossom views directly from every room facing the Ōi River. Guests enjoy reserved viewing spots each night, dine under illuminated weeping cherry trees, sip sakura tea in a floating tea room and take a private breakfast cruise through the Ran-kyō Gorge aboard a handcrafted cedar houseboat, turning hanami into a full sensory stay rather than a sightseeing stop.
KAI Tsugaru, Aomori
Because Aomori blooms later than central Japan, this highland ryokan stages a twilight viewing experience in its water garden lit with floating lamps and glass lanterns to recreate the soft glow known as hana-akari. During the Harumachi Sakura Lantern Terrace period, guests sit beside the illuminated ponds enjoying canapés made with snow-stored apples and warm cider served in local glassware, combining regional produce with night blossom viewing.
Aomoriya
This resort runs an indoor blossom festival from 4 March to 31 May 2026, ensuring sakura viewing even if the weather turns cold or petals fall early. Nebuta lanterns and apple blossom installations line the promenade while seasonal sweets are served, and guests can still soak outdoors beneath a lit cherry tree, blending festival atmosphere with hot spring relaxation.
KAI Anjin & KAI Ito, Shizuoka
Rather than waiting in one crowded park, guests board an open-top bus tour to follow peak bloom across the Izu Peninsula, including Sakura no Sato with 1,500 trees spanning 40 varieties. The guided experience ends with a picnic under the blossoms before returning to ocean-view hot springs, turning blossom viewing into a moving landscape experience.
KAI Kinugawa, Tochigi
Set along a river gorge near Nikko’s heritage shrines, this ryokan focuses on simple on-site hanami where terraces and lounges frame blossoms across the valley. Seasonal kaiseki dinners feature local mountain vegetables and river fish, while guided walks lead guests to quieter viewing points, creating a slower, contemplative blossom stay.
The Tokyo EDITION Sakura Packages in Ginza and Toranomon
The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza and The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon have introduced limited time Sakura Packages inspired by the Japanese hanami tradition. Available to book until 5 April 2026 for stays between 20 March and 5 April 2026, each package includes daily breakfast, a Sakura-themed cocktail, a Sakura-inspired in-room amenity and a bespoke Urban HANAMI Map highlighting some of the city’s most photogenic blossom locations.
At The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza, located in the heart of the Ginza district, the Sakura Package is positioned as a refined base for exploring the city during peak bloom. Guests receive daily breakfast at Sophie at EDITION, a Sakura-themed cocktail at the same venue, an exclusive seasonal in-room amenity and the Urban HANAMI Map to guide neighbourhood blossom walks. Click here to book.
Across the city, The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon offers its own interpretation of the seasonal stay with sweeping views of Tokyo Tower. The package includes daily breakfast at The Blue Room, with optional in room service available for an additional 1,000 JPY per person, a Sakura themed cocktail at the Lobby Bar, a Sakura inspired in room amenity and the same curated Urban HANAMI Map, positioning the hotel as an elevated urban base for Tokyo’s spring season. Click here to book.
Marriott Bonvoy Welcomes Spring in Japan
TOKYO
The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo introduces seasonal spring dining experiences across its restaurants. At Hinokizaka, guests can enjoy a Sunday-exclusive Teppanyaki Afternoon Tea, a seven-course experience pairing teppanyaki specialties with premium Japanese teas, as well as a limited-time Sakura Kaiseki Bento featuring seasonal delicacies such as tempura, grilled dishes, chirashi sushi, and dessert. At Towers, the Weekend & Holiday Sakura Brunch – Tomato Fair highlights the vibrant flavors of seasonal tomatoes, beginning with a selection of eight appetizers and showcasing colorful dishes inspired by the freshness of spring.
Newly opened JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo ushers in spring with a Strawberry Afternoon Tea – White Strawberries & Sakura, available from March 1 to April 19 at JW Lounge. Featuring rare Japanese white strawberries paired with Sakura elements, the elegant selection of sweets and savouries reflects the season’s soft hues and refined flavors. Seasonal takeaway sweets, including Sakura cakes, croissants and artisanal cookies, are also available for guests wishing to take a taste of spring home.
In the heart of the city, The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza and The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon presents a Sakura Package designed to guide guests through Tokyo’s most enchanting spring experiences. Available for stays from March 20 to April 5, 2026, the package includes daily breakfast at The Blue Room at The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon and Sophie at EDITION at The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza, a bespoke Sakura-themed cocktail, an exclusive seasonal room amenity and a specially curated Urban Hanami Map highlighting the city’s best Sakura viewing spots.
The Westin Tokyo celebrates Sakura season with refined culinary and bar experiences inspired by spring. On March 22, Japanese restaurant Mai hosts the one-night event “Discover Sake – A Night of Spring, Sakura and Fine Sake,” featuring a Sakura installation by flower artist Yuichi Maetani. At The Lounge, guests can enjoy a limited-time Ohanami Night High Tea overlooking the Sakura of the Westin Garden. The three-tier stand features strawberry sweets and Sakura-inspired savories, paired with TWG teas, mocktails, or a Sakura Bellini. Sky Bar Escalier presents Sakura Sweets Cocktails including “Take Five” and “Pink Puffy Plume.” At The Bar, guests can enjoy Hanami-themed cocktails “Hanami Dango” and “Essence of Flower.” These limited-time cocktails are available from March 2 to April 30. Patisserie by The Westin Tokyo also offers a Sakura Sweets Collection celebrating the delicate beauty of the season.
OSAKA
W Osaka welcomes spring with a collection of limited-time seasonal dining experiences across its restaurants and bars. Guests can enjoy strawberry-inspired treats such as the Strawberry Heart Moments Parfait, creative strawberry cocktails, and the vibrant I·CHI·GO Afternoon Teaat LIVING ROOM. The seasonal offerings also include a spring teppanyaki course at Teppanyaki MYDO featuring premium Japanese wagyu and seasonal ingredients, a bakery-inspired lunch and spring dinner courses at Oh.lala…, and a special chirashi sushi at Sushi UKIYO. These menus highlight the flavors of the season and celebrate Japan’s springtime traditions.
At The St. Regis Osaka, guests can enjoy the St. Regis Afternoon Tea with Valextra – “Iside in Bloom,” a collaboration with the Italian luxury brand Valextra that reflects the changing seasons through floral themes from March to May. The collaboration afternoon tea is inspired by the theme of “flowers,” reflecting the beauty of the changing seasons – mimosa in March, Sakura in April, and hydrangeas in May. At The St. Regis Bar, three Sakura-inspired cocktails capture different moments of spring, while La Veduta introduces Menu Primavera, a seasonal dining experience that blends Italian culinary tradition with delicate Sakura-inspired accents to celebrate renewal and abundance.
The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka presents seasonal spring dining experiences inspired by strawberries and Sakura. At Splendido, the Strawberry Blossom Afternoon Buffet from March 11 to April 27 features an abundant spread of strawberry and Sakura-themed desserts, fresh strawberries, and seasonal savory dishes such as sea bream rice with bamboo shoots and Sakura shrimp pasta. At The Lobby Lounge, the Sakura & Strawberry Royale Afternoon Tea offers an elegant selection of sweets and savory delights infused with spring ingredients and delicate pink accents, creating a refined afternoon experience inspired by the beauty of the season.delights infused with spring ingredients and delicate pink accents, creating a refined afternoon experience inspired by the beauty of the season.
KYOTO
The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto marks the arrival of Sakura season with a collection of experiences inspired by Kyoto’s spring traditions. Guests can enjoy a Sakura-themed Afternoon Tea at The Lobby Lounge featuring creations by PIERRE HERMÉ PARIS, an immersive seasonal dining experience at Chef’s Table by Katsuhito Inoue inspired by Kyoto’s traditional “72 micro-seasons,” and limited-time seasonal cocktails at The Bar. Additional highlights include Sakura-inspired pastries at the PIERRE HERMÉ PARIS Boutique and guest activities such as cycling and kimono experiences, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in Kyoto’s iconic spring season.
NARA
At JW Marriott Hotel Nara, lounge and bar Flying Stag presents a Strawberry × Sakura Afternoon Tea from March 1 through April 30, where delicate pink sweets and seasonally inspired savories create a vibrant springtime mood. The experience is complemented by a trio of seasonal Sakura cocktails, each inspired by the changing beauty of Sakura from full bloom to falling petals.
FUKUOKA
The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka presents a limited-time Diptyque Afternoon Tea in collaboration with the renowned French fragrance house Diptyque. Served at Café Diva, the menu is inspired by the freshness of early spring, featuring delicate sweets and savory bites with floral notes and fresh green accents. Guests will also receive a complimentary 5ml bottle of Diptyque’s Philosykos Eau de Toilette, creating a refined sensory experience where fragrance and flavor come together.
Walk Japan Off the Beaten Track Walking Tours
Tour Japan on foot with Walk Japan’s off the beaten track walking tours and time your journey with the cherry blossom season. Step beyond the usual sightseeing circuits to follow quiet countryside paths, pass through preserved villages and discover landscapes that many visitors never see. Along the way, meaningful cultural encounters unfold naturally, from local culinary traditions to everyday community life. Each itinerary is designed for unhurried exploration, allowing you to move at a comfortable pace while experiencing Japan through the gentle rhythm of the sakura season, when fleeting pink blooms frame the country at its most poetic.
Oita Hot Spring Trail
Starting from Fukuoka and heading into Oita Prefecture, this 6-day, 5-night route moves through Kyushu’s countryside, volcanic landscapes, and some of its best-known hot spring towns. Sakura typically blooms slightlyearlier here than in central Japan, so travellers coming in late March often catch the season’s first wave of blossoms.
Along the way, walkers pass through Beppu and neighbouring Yufuin, where cherry trees line riverbanks and quiet streets, with steaming onsen in the background. It’s a gently-paced journey, with countryside paths, small towns, local ryokan stays andthe added bonus of soaking in mineral-rich hot springs at the end of each day.
The Kunisaki Trek
Also beginning in Fukuoka, The Kunisaki Trek is a 10-day, 9-night guided route that explores the sacred yet less visited Kunisaki Peninsula – a spiritually significant landscape shaped by centuries of Shugendō mountain ascetic practice. The route weaves between forested temple paths, stone Buddhas carved into cliff faces, and remote villages where daily rhythms remain largely unchanged.
In early spring, cherry blossoms appear in temple courtyards and along quiet approach roads, adding a delicate contrast to the peninsula’s dramatic terrain. Rather than urban parks filled with picnic crowds, sakura here is encountered incidentally – drifting across mossy stone steps or framing vermilion shrine gates – creating a more intimate and reflective experience of the season.
Tokaido Trail
The Tokaido Trail follows sections of the historic route that once connected Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo), passing through preserved post towns, rural landscapes and quiet stretches of countryside.
In spring, cherry blossoms appear along riversides and near traditional streets, framing stone-paved paths and wooden machiya houses. Experiencing sakura here feels deeply connected to the surrounding history and landscape, offering a sense of place alongside the seasonal bloom.
Europamundo Essential Japan
Singapore-based mindful travel company SoulTrips has introduced its 2026 “Whycation” Collection, a series of curated journeys designed for travellers chasing meaningful, once in a lifetime experiences.
Experience Japan’s heritage at its most atmospheric during sakura season with overnight stays in Tokyo, Kawaguchiko, Kyoto and Osaka. The journey begins in Tokyo with blossom viewing near the Imperial Palace before travelling by coach to Lake Kawaguchiko and the Mount Fuji area. Continue to Nara, the former capital, where freely roaming deer wander beneath the spring blooms.
In Kyoto, April brings the long running Miyako Odori, where geiko and maiko perform classical dance and music, a tradition dating back more than 150 years. Guided touring and entry to Tokyo Skytree are included, making the itinerary a convenient option for travellers who prefer a structured trip without planning logistics.
Essential Japan is a 7D6N tour priced from S$3,010 per person on a twin-sharing basis.
Nemophila Festival at Osaka Maishima Seaside Park
Spring in Japan is not only pink. After the sakura season begins to fade, Osaka’s Maishima Seaside Park turns blue during the Nemophila Festival 2026, held from 11 April to 10 May. The nemophila, an annual plant native to North America, is called “rurikarakusa” in Japanese and produces beautiful flowers reminiscent of the blue sky. The vast blue expanse of nemophila in full bloom, as if they were connected to the sky and the sea, has become a hot topic on social media, particularly among younger generations, as being “photogenic.”
The hillside overlooking Osaka Bay fills with roughly 44,000 square metres of sky coloured nemophila flowers, with special zones where cherry blossoms, tulips and nemophila bloom together for layered seasonal scenery. Visitors can also stay until sunset on selected days to see the flowers glow against the evening light, a view recognised among Japan’s notable sunset landscapes
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Bloom updates | Check latest flowering conditions via the park’s official Instagram and website, both updated regularly during the season |
| Festival period | 11 April to 10 May 2026 |
| Weekday hours | 10:00 to 17:00, last entry 16:30 |
| Weekend & public holiday hours | 09:00 to 18:30, last entry 18:00 |
| Final day hours | Closes at 17:00 on 10 May |
| Adult admission | 1,800 yen, 1,500 yen for group tours |
| Child admission (6 to 15 years) | 500 yen |
| Preschool admission | Free |
| Venue | Osaka Maishima Seaside Park, 2 Hokko Ryokuchi, Konohana Ward, Osaka, Japan |
| Access | Hokko Kanko Bus or Maishima Active Bus from Sakurajima Station on JR Yumesaki Line, alight at THE DAY OSAKA-mae stop |