Below are recommended hotels near cherry blossom viewing sites around Japan, so you can save on travel time and make the most of your holiday!
Cherry Blossom in Japan: Hotels Near the Best Viewing Spots
Commonly called sakura, those flowers are a symbol of the spring in Japan, a time of renewal
1. Chidorigafuchi Pedestrian Path in Tokyo
Lined with 260 cherry trees, the Chidorigafuchi Pedestrian Path in Tokyo transforms into a beautiful pink archway when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
Where to stay:
It’s a 20-minute walk from Hotel New Otani Tokyo Garden Tower to the park. Stay on a higher floor for a spectacular view of Tokyo and even the park. The hotel has its own 400-year-old garden as well as the largest hotel pool in central Tokyo. The hotel is one of three conjoined hotels that comprise the Hotel New Otani Tokyo complex (which includes Hotel New Otani The Main and Hotel New Otani Tokyo Executive House Zen) which have a myriad of Japanese restaurants between them ranging from Kaiseki to Yakatori.
Hotel New Otani Tokyo Garden Tower
Tokyo
2. The Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto
The 2 km path is lined with hundreds of cherry trees and stretches from the Silver Pavilion to the neighborhood of Nanzenji in Kyoto. Ideal for couples who want a mountainside respite!
Where to stay:
The former residence of a Japanese prince, the Yoshida-Sanso is a ryokan fit-for-royals at the foot of the magnificent Daimonji mountains. It’s about a 15 minute walk to the famous cherry blossom viewing spot; The Philosopher’s Path. Guests will love falling asleep on an authentic Japanese tatami and waking up to a traditional, complimentary breakfast. Each of the five rooms have free WiFi and individual balconies. Book in advance as there are only 4 rooms.
Ryokan Inn Yoshida-sanso
Kyoto
3. Osaka Castle Park in Osaka
Imagine a park the size of Gardens by the Bay filled with over 4,000 blossoming cherry trees and you’ve got Osaka Castle Park. The park is famous not only for its cherry blossoms but for the renowned Osaka Castle of course, which will look even more spectacular surrounded by the pink flowers.
Where to stay:
Stay at the Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka, the top hotel near the Osaka Castle Park that’s equipped with a pool, sauna, and three Japanese restaurants including one that specialises in Okonomiyaki! The four star luxury chain is a 5 minute walk to the Tsuruhashi Station where you can get a train that takes you directly to the Osaka Castle Park (get off at Morinomiya Station).
Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka
Osaka
4. Path of the Four Seasons in Nagoya
Lined with cherry trees for over a kilometre, the “Path of the Four Seasons”, along Nagoya’s Yamazakigawa Riverside, is the best spot in the city to view cherry blossoms. Also great for cherry blossom viewing is the Nagoya Castle.
Where to stay:
The Nagoya Marriott Associa is located between these two sites and is the ideal hotel for travellers destined for hanami. Only in Japan… guests can select a “Japanese Room” (tatami) if they want a traditional living experience. A must-try is the Japanese restaurant “Kyoto Tsuruya” which serves exceptional sushi and has amazing views of the city and Nagoya Castle. The city’s top rated five star is also located right above Nagoya station.
Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel
Nagoya
5. Maizuru Park/Fukuoka Castle in Fukuoka
In Fukuoka, the Maizuru park’s grounds has around 1,000 cherry trees. A recommend way of viewing the cherry blossoms is by having a leisurely picnic under them. And the ruins of Fukuoka Castle will provide the most picturesque backdrop to your family picnic.
Where to stay:
The location of the Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk couldn’t get any better. Right on the sea, and 20-minutes by bus to the city’s best cherry blossom viewing spot; Maizuru Park/Fukuoka Castle, the four star is the perfect choice for families, given the hotel’s numerous facilities and amenities suited for families including a pool, spa, stone bath, and its pet-friendly status. For fare, as at any Hilton Hotel, guests can expect a dining experience that is both ambient and tasty.
Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk
Fukuoka
6. Maruyama Park in Sapporo
The place to be for cherry blossom viewing in Sapporo is Maruyama Park.
Where to stay:
Stay at the four star Sapporo Park Hotel – one of the most conscious and eco-friendly hotels in the city. With a governing concept that means “smile” in the Ainu language and use of only local products, guests can be rest assured they’ll be taken care of, in mind and in body. Any Japanese food aficionado will know and love the food of Hokkaido. Guests at Sapporo Park Hotel should try the Nadaman Garden Japanese Restaurant which, alongside the main restaurant where guests can order seasonal Japanese dishes, has a sushi, tempura, and teppanyaki bar.
Sapporo Park Hotel
Sapporo