Japan’s cherry blossoms are known for their early spring display, but some of the most breathtaking displays arrive later in the season. For those who miss peak bloom or prefer a quieter experience, late-blooming sakura can be found at destinations like Goryokaku Park in Hakodate, Hokkaido. From late April to early May, over 1,600 trees line the park’s pathways, reflecting the petals in the surrounding moat. The historic site is transformed into a sea of color from Goryokaku Tower.
In Aomori, Hirosaki Park transforms into a landscape of floating petals. In mid to late April, around 2,600 cherry trees bloom against the backdrop of Hirosaki Castle, and as the season progresses, fallen petals gather on the moat’s surface, creating the famous “sakura carpet.” Walking beneath the blossoms or rowing across pink-streaked waters makes for a hanami (flower-viewing) experience unlike any other. Evening illuminations add to the charm, giving the park a quiet, almost ethereal glow.
In Miyagi’s Funaoka Castle Park, cherry trees cascade down the hillside, forming a tunnel of blossoms along the Shiroishi River. A short ropeway ride leads to a hilltop view where the pink canopy stretches out below, framing the distant mountains. From early to late April, the scene shifts with the light—soft pastels in the morning, golden hues at sunset, and glowing petals under evening lanterns.
In the historic streets of Kakunodate in Akita, weeping cherry trees drape over samurai-era homes, their branches swaying like flowing silk. Once a gift from Kyoto aristocrats, these trees now stand as a symbol of Kakunodate’s rich history. From middle to late April, visitors can walk beneath the blossoms, framed by the dark wooden houses that have stood for centuries. As dusk settles, the trees take on a softer glow, making the district feel even more timeless.
While Japan’s cherry blossoms are often seen as a fleeting moment, these destinations show that spring doesn’t end as quickly as expected. In places where the season lingers, hanami takes on a different rhythm—one that allows travelers to slow down, take in the details, and see a side of Japan that lasts just a little longer.
For more detailed information on the first bloom in each area, check out the Cherry Blossom Forecast.
