Spring, the best time to travel to Japan.
The flowering of cherry trees in Japan, known as Sakura, usually occurs between late March and early April. This event varies according to the region and climatic conditions of each year. Flowering begins in the south, in places like Okinawa, and progresses northwards, reaching Hokkaido later.
Late March and early April bring one of the most important moments in Japanese life: sakura, long considered a symbol of fleeting beauty and a metaphor for life, brilliant and brief.
Japan has monumental temples, idyllic gardens, peaceful lakes and legendary mountains, alongside futuristic cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto. Neon-lit urban landscapes evoke an electronic world far removed from the ancient temples.
What is the best time to travel to Japan?
When we ask ourselves: What is the best time to travel to Japan? There is one answer. For many of us, the most pleasant and beautiful time is spring, during sakura.
Japan in summer
Summer travel to Japan with us combines great cities and nature. Explore Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, then enjoy peaceful Miyajima and the Japanese Alps. Summer also offers Mount Fuji climbs and fireworks festivals. Small groups with Spanish-speaking guides provide a personal, enriching experience among green landscapes and lively celebrations.
Japan in autumn
Autumn in Japan with Viajes Tuareg is magical. Forests become a spectacle of colour during momiji-gari, the search for red leaves. Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, together with the Japanese Alps, offer history and nature, while centuries-old temples and gardens bring serenity and beauty. A small group with Spanish-speaking guides allows deeper cultural immersion.
Japan in winter
Traveling to Japan in winter offers a unique experience with snowy landscapes and fewer tourists. It is the perfect season to enjoy the outdoor onsen (thermal baths) and winter festivals. In addition, prices are often lower, making travel more economical.
Japan in spring (sakura)
If you are lucky enough to have a few days off in spring, seeing the Sakura in Japan An opportunity not to miss. Prices are lower than in summer, temperatures are more pleasant and nature puts on a spectacular display.
In cities like Tokyo, flowering usually begins at the end of March, reaching its peak in early April. This period is highly anticipated by both locals and tourists, as the parks and streets are filled with beautiful cherry blossoms, creating a magical atmosphere.
Why is Sakura the best time to travel to Japan?
This herald of spring is a time to stroll beneath delicate pink blossoms and, above all, drink, eat, chat and sing. Picnic cloths spread through the parks, sometimes from early morning, for happy feasts with friends and neighbours.
For those who consider scenery a highlight of travel, spring is the best time to visit Japan.
The cherry blossoms transform the Japanese landscape into an impressive visual spectacle. The parks, temples and streets are filled with pink and white flowers, creating a magical and photogenic atmosphere.
The Shunbun-no-hi
Sakura season begins with the spring equinox (Shunbun no Hi), a tradition dating back to ancient times. It has religious and ritual connections with spirituality, ancestor worship and appreciation of nature.
Despite being one of the most important festivals in Japan, the date of celebration is determined by the National Astronomical Observatory, and can fall between March 17 and 24 due to the leap years. During this day, it is common for families to visit the tombs of their ancestors to pay homage and make offerings. In addition, various ceremonies and activities are held to celebrate the arrival of the Sakura. The Shunbun-no-hi also marks the beginning of the Hanami season, where people gather to enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms.
The Hanami
Hanami (花見), literally “flower viewing”, is an ancient Japanese tradition of enjoying the beauty of flowers, especially cherry blossom. It takes place during sakura, when flowering cherry trees turn the landscape into a sea of pink and white.
This Japanese tradition of observing cherry blossoms is a unique cultural experience. During the hanami, people gather in parks to picnic under cherry blossoms, enjoying the ephemeral beauty of flowers and sharing moments with friends and family.
Hanami has its roots in the Nara era (710-794), when the Japanese aristocracy began to celebrate the arrival of spring with the contemplation of plum flowers (ume). In time, the cherry trees (sakura) became the main focus of this tradition. Cherry blossoms symbolize the ephemeral beauty of life, as their flowering is brief and transient.
Tokyo with a Tokyo local
Travel guides rightly recommend Asakusa’s temples and Omotesando’s shopping district. But a short walk away lies the everyday Tokyo that forms the city’s soul. Our local guides share favourite places and curiosities beyond the usual tourist routes.
Highlights of the trip to Japan
- Japanese Alps
Rural Japan safeguards ancestral traditions. The Japanese Alps offer hot springs, ski resorts and hiking trails that immerse visitors in Japan’s nature and rich cultural heritage. - Koya San
One of Japan’s most important Buddhist centres, Koyasan in Wakayama Prefecture is the heart of Shingon Buddhism. - Miyajima Island and Mount Misen
Considered sacred, the island is home to Japan’s most revered shrine. Officially called Itsukushima, it is famous for the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. The island also has hiking trails leading to Mount Misen,
Our trips to Japan
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