While the popularity of Japan’s Golden Route, connecting Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, is undeniable, the sakura season can bring a level of crowding that detracts from the experience.
Fortunately, there are alternative routes that provide a more relaxed, yet still quintessential Japanese cherry blossom experience.
Beyond the Golden Route, the sakura blooms a bit later, the crowds thin out and more accommodation options are available, providing a more enjoyable and authentic experience.
EXO recommends the northern Tohoku and Hokkaido regions, which offer a brilliant sakura season that typically begins in mid-April, a few weeks later than the peak season on the Golden Route.
In these northern areas, historic sites and breathtaking landscapes provide a serene backdrop for viewing Japan’s celebrated cherry blossoms.
Read on to learn more about these alternative sakura-viewing locations, where travellers can experience Japan’s spring beauty with fewer crowds.
Tohoku
Tohoku is the northernmost region of Honshu, Japan’s main island, and is known for its spectacular nature and historical treasures. Among the highlights are:
Kakunodate: Known as the ‘Little Kyoto of Tohoku’, Kakunodate boasts well-preserved samurai houses surrounded by cherry trees. The blend of historical architecture and floral beauty creates a captivating scene, making it a must-visit for those seeking a quieter, yet equally breathtaking, Sakura experience.
Hirosaki: Hirosaki, just thirty minutes by train from Aomori, is home to one of Japan’s most famous cherry blossom spots, Hirosaki Castle Park. With more than 2,500 trees and the backdrop of a traditional castle, the picturesque setting rivals any scene along the Golden Route. The sakura season in Hirosaki also includes magical nighttime illuminations.
Sendai and Matsushima: Despite being the largest city in the Tohoku region, Sendai is famed for its natural beauty which is further enhanced by the cherry blossoms. A 40-minute train trip away lies Matushima, whose scenic bay is dotted with more than 250 pine-clad islands that offer a different sakura experience.
Hokkaido
Hokkaido is the second largest island of Japan, located north of Honshu. The island’s cooler climate results in a later bloom, offering a final encore of cherry blossom beauty in early May.
Due to the cooler weather, Hokkaido also boasts a distinct variety of cherry blossoms, including the hardy Ezoyamazakura. Cities like Sapporo become alive with pink hues as Maruyama Park and the grounds of Hokkaido Shrine fill with both locals and visitors, picnicking under the cherry trees in a tradition known as hanami.
Beyond Sapporo, Hakodate offers a unique viewing experience at Fort Goryokaku where the star-shaped, tree-lined moats are in full bloom. Along with a local guide, guests can also discover more local sakura locations in Hakodate such as the park, riverside and other less-crowded spots.
The island’s unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness and culinary excellence makes it a great alternative for those seeking to experience the cherry blossoms away from the more crowded spots of Japan.
Planning a visit: The northern sakura season runs from around mid-April until early May. EXO recommends spending at least five days up north to fully appreciate the beauty of the blossoms and the historic sites that surround before venturing on to other parts of Japan. Those who can stay up north one week or longer will be rewarded with more spectacular sakura viewing and rich culture and outdoor experiences.
Getting there & around: EXO Japan suggests travelling from Tokyo to Sendai to start the sakura viewing, then continuing northward to Kakunodate and Hirosaki before reaching Hokkaido. Thanks to Japan’s great rail and road system, getting from one destination to another is easy.
From Tokyo to Sendai takes 90-minutes by bullet train. From Sendai to Kakunodate is a two-hour train journey and a further 3-4 hours to Hirosaki. Alternatively, travellers can take a train directly from Sendai to Hirosaki in just under four hours.
Sapporo airport is the easiest gateway to Hokkaido, with daily flights from Tokyo, Kyoto and other regions of Japan. There is also an option to travel by train from Hirosaki to Hakodate and start the Hokkaido sakura sightings from there. The island has a well-developed rail network making it easy to explore all that there is to see.
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