Spring Guide to Cherry Blossom Trees Across Japan

With gorgeous cherry blossom views and generally mild weather, springtime in Japan is unlike anywhere else. Japan is renowned for its diverse and beautiful cherry blossom trees, with over 600 cultivars across the country. This wide variety ensures the longest possible season for blooms, as well as the most gorgeous spring views. In this blog, we’ll break down the most common varieties of cherry blossom trees across Japan including when & where to find them.

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1. Somei Yoshino (ソメイヨシノ)

Typical Bloom period: Early April

The Somei Yoshino cherry tree, also known as the Yoshino Cherry or Tokyo Cherry is the most common and iconic sakura tree across Japan. It can be found throughout the country but is especially common in Tokyo. Yoshino Cherry sakura have pale pink to white color petals and about 5 petals per flower. The flowers typically bloom in clusters of 3-4 and often appear well before the leaves of the tree.

• Nara Park & Mount Yoshino Cherry Blossom Tour (Mar 25~Apr 10)

2. Yamazakura (山桜)

Typical Bloom period: Late March ~ April

Commonly known as mountain or hill cherry blossoms, the Yama Zakura sakura flowers are commonly found across Japan’s mountainous regions. The bloom season can vary somewhat due to elevation, but visitors can expect a variety of pink blooms & leaves starting in March.

3. Shidarezakura (しだれ桜)

Typical Bloom period: Early April

The Japanese Weeping Cherry Tree or Shidarezakura is the official flower of Kyoto Prefecture. It is one of the earliest blooming varieties each season, and its wisteria-esque shape is truly iconic. There is even a famous Shidarezakura tree in Fukushima called the Miharu Takizakura that is over 1,000 years old.

4. Edohigan (江戸彼岸)

Typical Bloom period: Mid-March ~ Mid-April

Blooming around the spring equinox (higan), the Edohigan is one of the earliest blooming varieties of cherry blossom trees in Japan. The Edohigan blooms are typically small and pale pink with a round calyx at the base of each flower. The Yamataka Jindai Zakura in Yamanashi is one of the most notable Edohigan trees and is estimated to be over 2,000 years old.

5. Yaezakura Kanzan (寒山)

Typical Bloom period: Mid-April

A specific breed of the ‘double-blossom’ Yaezakura family of cherry blossom trees, Kanzan sakura are known to be some of the most spectacular in Japan. Kanzan blossoms can have as many as 50 petals per flower recognizable by their rich pink color. Compared to other breeds, the Kanzan is also a relatively late-blooming variety starting in mid-April.

6. Ichiyou (一葉)

Typical Bloom period: Early April

Meaning ‘one leaf’, the name Ichiyou refers the this blossom’s distinct single pistil. When in full bloom, this pistil resembles a tiny leaf in the center of the flower’s 20-40 petals. This variety is also unique for its coloring with stark green leaves contrasting against white and pale pink blossoms.

Discover all the must-visit locations for Cherry Blossoms in Japan on our blog:

• Spring in Japan: Cherry Blossom Japan 2026 Forecast
• Top 5 Cherry Blossom Spots in Tokyo 2026
• Top 5 Cherry Blossom Spots in Osaka 2026
• Best Spring Day Trip Destinations from Tokyo 2025

Marvel at Japan’s spring beauty for yourself on these fun seasonal tours:

We hope this guide has helped you plan your spring expeditions across Japan~ To discover more of the best things to do in Japan, visit Trazy.com, Your Travel Shop for Asia!