Many travelers planning a trip to Japan focus strictly on the “full bloom” (mankai). However, some of the most poetic scenes occur just after the peak, when petals begin to fall.
This stage of the season creates two breathtaking phenomena: Hana Fubuki (花吹雪), a “blizzard” of swirling petals, and Hana Ikada (花筏), “flower rafts” where fallen petals blanket the surface of the water like a pink carpet.
What is Hana Ikada?
Hana Ikada refers to the moment when cherry blossom petals cluster together on the surface of moats, rivers, or ponds. To see these “flower rafts,” you must visit a spot with still or slow-moving water 4 to 7 days after the full bloom.
2026 Forecast & Best Viewing Spots
With 2026 predicted to have a slightly warmer spring, blooms are expected earlier than usual. Here are the top spots to experience Hana Ikada in 2026:
Meguro River
Meguro River in Tokyo is without a doubt one of the most popular hanami spots.
More than 800 cherry blossom trees extend all along the river. Although you can’t see Hana Ikada in its full glory, you will still get glimpses of it here.
Chidorigafuchi Moat
The cherry blossoms of along the moat of the Imperial Palace bend into the water creating reflections here.
Here, you can enjoy boat rides under the blossoms that seem that they are kissing the water! At one end of the moat, you can see Hana Ikada too.
Hikawa Shrine, Kawagoe in Saitama
You must be familiar with Kawagoe, just an hour from Tokyo, also known as “Little Edo.” In this quaint town, you can truly enjoy the spectacle of Hana Ikada close to Hikawa Shrine.
Since the river running along here is more like a rivulet, the fallen petals collect densely in several spots. You can also join a boat ride here and literally row through a bed of gorgeous pink.
The “King” of Hana Ikada: Hirosaki Park (Aomori)
Nothing beats Hirosaki Park for this phenomenon. The outer moat becomes so completely covered in petals that you can no longer see the water.
- Why it’s special: Some of the Somei Yoshino trees here are over 130 years old. The park features 2,600 trees, producing a massive volume of petals.
- 2026 Festival Dates: The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival is officially scheduled for April 17 – May 5, 2026.
- Best Hana Ikada Timing: Because Aomori is cooler, the best “flower rafts” usually form around April 26 – May 1.
In the park that surrounds the castle, there are approximately 2,600 sakura trees of 52 species that attract a lot of hanami visitors during spring. There are somei yoshino sakura that are over 130 years old and some say that the sakura of Hirosaki are number one in Japan. Hirosaki Sakura Festival is held during the blooming season and brings a lively atmosphere through illumination, food stands and many events.
(Source: https://www.hirosakipark.jp)
(Source: https://www.hirosakipark.jp)
Hana Ikada is a reminder of the fleeting beauty of spring. Even if you miss the “peak,” the sight of these pink rafts is considered by many locals to be the most beautiful part of the season.
