5 Places to See Japan’s (Very Real) Winter Cherry Blossoms
These blossoms are not confused. They’re perfect.
Japan is world-famous for its sakura (cherry blossoms), which transform the country into a breathtaking sea of pink for a few fleeting weeks each spring. But did you know that it’s also possible to view cherry blossoms during late autumn and early winter – right in the heart of koyo (fall foliage) season?
Where To See Cherry Blossoms In Japan
To the delight of photographers and nature lovers, this makes it possible to enjoy both of Japan’s seasonal spectacles at the same time! With the delicate, pale pink sakura contrasting with the rich, vibrant red of the autumn leaves, it’s a really unique phenomenon that you can only experience in certain parts of the country.
Here are five of the best locations to enjoy winter cherry blossoms in Japan:
Sakurayama Park, Gunma
Boasting around 7,000 fuyuzakura trees, it’s no wonder that Sakurayama Park in Gunma prefecture is one of the most well-known spots for winter cherry blossoms. Its location atop a 591-meter mountain also makes it a good hiking location for those who want to earn their sakura-viewing enjoyment!
- Sakurayama Park - Map
- Best time to view: mid-November to mid-December
- Closest station: Onishi post office bus stop (however, driving is recommended)
Jomine Park, Saitama
Jomine Park in Kamikawa, Saitama Prefecture, has approximately 600 winter sakura trees. There are pathways running through them and also raised viewing platforms to help you get a better look — and the perfect Instagram photo! From late October until the beginning of December, the trees are also lit up at night, which creates a really magical atmosphere in the park. On the last Sunday of October, the Fuyuzakura Matsuri (“winter cherry blossom festival”) takes place, kicking off the season in style.
- Jomine Park - Map
- Best time to view: Mid-November
- Closest station: Jomine Park bus stop (however, driving is recommended)
Obara, Aichi
Obara district in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, is home to around 10,000 shikizakura, or “four season cherry trees.” These bloom once in March and once in November, and there are several spots where you can enjoy the beautiful juxtaposition of fall foliage and cherry blossoms. The main place to check out is Fureai Park, which hosts the month-long Obara Shikizakura Festival every November, with food stalls and music performances to enjoy alongside the flowers.
- Obara - Map
- Best time to view: Mid–late November
- Closest station: Obara okusa bus stop (however, driving is recommended)
Jikkoin Temple, Kyoto
This peaceful temple lies secluded away in Ohara, a rural village in a mountainous region northeast of Kyoto. Its winter sakura is the temple’s claim to fame, which you can view in its walking garden. The garden also features a pond, rock formations and the use of the surrounding mountains as borrowed scenery, making it the perfect place for some quiet contemplation as you enjoy the blossoms.
- Jikkoin Temple - Map
- Best time to view: November
- Closest station: Ohara bus stop
Shinjuku Gyoen, Tokyo
One of Tokyo’s most popular parks, Shinjuku Gyoen (Park) is home to a huge variety of cherry trees. As well as a bounty of trees that bloom in the spring, you’ll also find species that flower in February and those that bloom in late autumn and early winter. These include Jugatsuzakura – named October Cherry Tree after the month its pale flowers bloom – and Himalayazakura, which typically blossoms from November to December.
- Shinjuku Park - Map
- Best time to view: Mid-November
- Closest station: Shinjuku Gyoenmae
On the gram
For more fuyuzakura photos and to see the latest posts for updates on the blooms’ timing from year to year, check out the following hashtags on Instagram:
| Related Hashtag | (in romaji) | (in English) |
| #冬桜 | Fuyuzakura | Winter sakura |
| #桜と紅葉 | Sakura-to-koyo | Sakura and fall foliage |
| #四季桜 | Shikizakura | Four-season sakura |
And if you travel to one of the spots we’ve mentioned, use #GaijinPotTravel on your Instagram photos for a chance to get featured in our Top 10 Readers’ Photos of the Month!
Trivia
