Spring is just around the corner! One of the most famous tourist attractions in Japan during this season is enjoying the beauty of cherry blossoms (hanami).
However, popular spots in Tokyo are often crowded, making many people hesitant to visit.
Therefore, we will introduce several locations to see cherry blossoms in Kanto in 2025 that offer unique and diverse experiences!
1. Odawara Castle Park
Odawara Castle Park is located around the ruins of Odawara Castle, which was built during the Sengoku period.
This place allows visitors to admire the beauty of a traditional Japanese castle while enjoying a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
The Somei Yoshino cherry trees surrounding the park add a warm ambiance to the castle, which was once a symbol of power.
Visitors can also explore the ruins of Odawara Castle and climb the main tower (tenshukaku) to see historical artifacts and records on display.
Around the park, there is a children’s playground, making it enjoyable for both adults and children to experience the beauty of cherry blossoms in spring.
Location Information
- Address: 6-1 Jonai, Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Access: Take the JR train to Odawara Station, then walk for about 10 minutes
- Blooming Period: Late March – Early April
2. Mitsuike Park
As the name suggests, Mitsuike Park in Kanagawa Prefecture has three main ponds, Upper Pond, Middle Pond, and Lower Pond.
The spacious park is adorned with 1,600 cherry trees from 78 different varieties.
Besides enjoying the usual cherry blossom views, visitors can also witness the reflection of the blossoms on the water’s surface, creating a unique and stunning sight.
The park also has other attractions, such as a distinctive Korean-style garden.
During the cherry blossom festival, local schools hold musical performances in the park, allowing visitors to enjoy hanami while experiencing the artistic atmosphere.
Additionally, various food stalls open during the festival, making the cherry blossom viewing experience even more exciting and memorable.
Location Information
- Address: 1-1 Mitsuike Park, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Access: Take a train to JR Tsurumi Station, then transfer to a bus heading to Mitsuike Park. Get off at the park’s main entrance stop, then walk.
- Blooming Period: Mid-February – Mid-April
3. Nishihirahata Park
Mount Fuji is a globally recognized icon of Japan and a must-visit destination for both local and international tourists.
At Nishihirahata Park in Kanagawa Prefecture, visitors can admire the beauty of Kawazu cherry blossoms while enjoying the magnificent view of Mount Fuji in the distance.
The combination of cherry blossoms’ elegance and Mount Fuji’s grandeur creates a breathtaking and enchanting scene.
However, for a clear view of Mount Fuji, it is recommended to visit before 10 AM when the sun is not too bright and the air is still clear.
Location Information
- Address: 2951 Matsuda Soryo, Matsuda City, Ashigarakami District, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Access: Take a train to JR Matsuda Station, then walk for about 20 minutes. During the cherry blossom festival, a bus service (Fujikyu Shonan Bus) is available.
- Blooming Period: Early February – Early March
Read:
5 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Aomori 2025
4. Satte Gongendo Sakura Tsutsumi
For those who enjoy hanami every year, sometimes you might want to try a slightly different experience.
Satte Gongendo Sakura Tsutsumi offers something unique—besides having 1,000 Somei Yoshino cherry trees, this place is also surrounded by vast, bright yellow fields of nanohana (canola flowers).
Upon arrival, visitors can admire the softness and elegance of the cherry blossoms while also experiencing the stunning color contrast from the nanohana flowers on the other side.
The combination of pink and yellow creates a breathtaking panorama that defines this place.
Location Information
- Address: 887-3 Uchikouya, Satte City, Saitama Prefecture
- Access: Take the Tobu Nikko Line to Satte Station, then take the Asahi bus towards Goka Town Hall. Get off at the Gongendo stop and walk.
- Blooming Period: Late March – Early April
5. Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi
Japan has a long-standing hanami tradition, with some hanami spots being famous for hundreds of years.
Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi, a favorite location since the Edo period, is one of the classic destinations that should not be missed.
With a 2-kilometer-long hanami path filled with Somei Yoshino cherry trees, visitors can fully enjoy the beauty of the blooming cherry blossoms.
Another advantage of this place is its easy access—just a five-minute walk from the nearest station.
For those who want to enjoy hanami without traveling too far, this is the perfect choice.
Location Information
- Address: Kawaramachi, Sakuragi-cho, Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture
- Access: Take the train to JR Chichibu Railway Kumagaya Station, then walk from the south exit.
- Blooming Period: Late March – Early April
6. Ōmiya Park
Located near Hikawa Ōmiya Shrine, Ōmiya Park features a Japanese-style garden that creates a peaceful and serene atmosphere.
As the first park managed by Saitama Prefecture, this place has very old cherry trees, as if preserving the memories and hanami moments of the past that have been passed down to this day.
While enjoying the cherry blossoms here, visitors might imagine how Japanese people in ancient times celebrated hanami and feel the deep meaning behind this tradition.
Location Information
- Address: 4 Takahanacho, Ōmiya-ku, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture
- Access:
- Take the train to JR Ōmiya Station, then walk for about 20 minutes.
- Take the train to Ōmiya Kōen Station (Tobu Noda Line), then walk for about 10 minutes.
- Blooming Period: Late March – Early April
7. Sakurayama Park
Want to enjoy hanami away from the city’s hustle and bustle while embracing the tranquility of nature? Sakurayama Park, located on small hills, could be the perfect choice.
Besides offering beautiful cherry blossom views during the day, visitors can also see commercial airplanes from Narita Airport occasionally passing through the sky, providing a unique and different hanami experience.
Location Information
- Address: 937 Ōgoe, Ogose City, Iruma District, Saitama Prefecture
- Access: Take the train to Ogose Station (JR Hachikō Line / Tobu Ogose Line), then walk for about 10 minutes.
- Blooming Period: Late March – Early April
Experience a Different Hanami Near the Kanto Region!
Although this year’s cherry blossoms bloom prediction in the Kanto region is slightly later than last year, it is still earlier than the average of previous years.
If Japafans are planning to enjoy hanami in Japan, specifically in Kanto, it’s best to start planning your trip as soon as possible.
In addition to the places mentioned above, the Kanto region still has many other famous hanami spots.
We hope Japafans find the perfect place to admire the beauty of cherry blossoms in Kanto and create unforgettable hanami memories in 2025!
