Best Place to Stay for Cherry Blossom: Tokyo Views & Kyoto Balconies
*Peak bloom times can change based on the weather. Be sure to check official websites for the latest updates before you go.
Lakeside Inns at Lake Kawaguchiko (Yamanashi)
The shores of Lake Kawaguchi offer one of Japan’s most spectacular views, pairing the majestic Mt. Fuji with cherry blossoms in full bloom. The contrast between the blue, snow-capped mountain and the delicate pink of the sakura is simply breathtaking.Many ryokan (traditional inns) in the area feature lake-view rooms and open-air baths, allowing you to enjoy a luxurious hanami experience while soaking in warm thermal waters. With some properties offering plans that let you have this view all to yourself from your room, you can avoid the crowds and peacefully savor the iconic scenery of a Japanese spring.
Recommended Hotel
Fuji View Hotel
For a serene hanami experience in the Lake Kawaguchi area, we highly recommend the Fuji View Hotel. Many guest rooms offer sweeping views of both Mt. Fuji and the cherry blossoms together. The hotel boasts an expansive Japanese garden where over 300 cherry trees burst into bloom each spring. Whether from the comfort of your private room or while strolling through the garden, you can enjoy the majestic spectacle of Mt. Fuji framed by a sea of pink sakura.
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Hotels near the Philosopher's Path (Kyoto)
Kyoto’s "Philosopher’s Path" is a world-renowned walkway where a stunning tunnel of cherry blossoms stretches along the canal. By staying at a luxury ryokan in the atmospheric Higashiyama district, you can gaze down upon this spectacular scenery right from your guest room.While the path below bustles with tourists, your room serves as a quiet sanctuary where you can have the rows of cherry trees all to yourself. This exclusive privilege is highly rated in reviews, promising a truly elegant spring stay.
Recommended Hotel
The Westin Miyako Kyoto
For the perfect base to explore the Philosopher’s Path, we recommend The Westin Miyako Kyoto. The famous Keage Incline cherry blossom spot is right on its doorstep, offering instant access to spectacular spring views. The modern, comfortable rooms offer panoramic views of the Higashiyama mountains and the historic Kyoto cityscape. Guests also love the on-site spa featuring natural hot spring water—the perfect place to soothe your travel fatigue.
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Hotels near Hirosaki Park (Aomori)
Hirosaki Park in Aomori is a world-renowned cherry blossom destination that draws travelers from across the globe. Just as the blooms fade in Tokyo around late April, the Tohoku region enters its prime season, making a stay in Hirosaki the perfect choice for extending your spring travels.The highlight here is the magical phenomenon known as Hanaikada (flower rafts), where falling petals completely blanket the castle moats. By staying at a hotel in the area, you can take your time to admire this breathtaking scene, where the water’s surface transforms into a vibrant pink carpet.
Recommended Hotel
Art Hotel Hirosaki City
Situated right in front of Hirosaki Station, Art Hotel Hirosaki City serves as the ultimate base for your cherry blossom adventure. The hotel offers seamless access to Hirosaki Park, making it easy for you to catch the ethereal Hanaikada in the early morning quiet or enjoy the stunning illuminations at night. From the upper floors, guest rooms command sweeping views of the city and the majestic Mt. Iwaki, affectionately known as "Tsugaru Fuji" for its striking resemblance to Japan's most famous mountain.
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Ryokans on Mt. Yoshino (Nara)
Mt. Yoshino in Nara Prefecture is widely considered Japan’s premier cherry blossom destination, where the entire mountain is draped in approximately 30,000 trees. Its grandeur is legendary, often described by the phrase Hitome Senbon—meaning "a thousand trees at a glance."The true luxury of staying at a local ryokan here is the privilege of having these pink-hued mountain slopes all to yourself, right outside your window. From the comfort of your room, you can leisurely admire the breathtaking collaboration between the World Heritage site Kinpusen-ji Temple and the sea of cherry blossoms—a quintessential Japanese landscape that is simply unforgettable.
Recommended Hotel
Scenic Inn HOUNKAN
Located in the "Nakasenbon" area, halfway up Mt. Yoshino, Hounkan is situated within walking distance of the World Heritage site, Kinpusen-ji Temple. Boasting a prime location for sightseeing, the ryokan offers sweeping views of the pink-hued mountains from both its lobby and guest rooms. Here, you can experience the refined hospitality of a historic inn while slowly savoring the beautiful spring scenery of ancient Nara.
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Stays in Arashiyama (Kyoto)
Arashiyama in Kyoto is famous for its iconic scenery, featuring the historic Togetsukyo Bridge set against a backdrop of mountains adorned with cherry blossoms. Come spring, the hillsides are transformed into a stunning gradient of soft pinks.By staying at a riverside onsen ryokan, you can claim this spectacular view all to yourself from the comfort of your room. Opting for a suite with a private balcony offers the ultimate luxury: escaping the bustle of the crowds below to quietly admire the picture-perfect spring landscape.
Recommended Hotel
Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto
Nestled right along the banks of the Hozu River in Arashiyama, Suiran boasts a truly unrivaled location. Its appeal lies in its array of luxurious accommodations, including rooms with private balconies where you can feel the gentle river breeze, and suites equipped with their own private open-air natural hot spring baths. Here, undisturbed by the world, you can spend moments of pure elegance, having the breathtaking scenery and Arashiyama’s cherry blossoms all to yourself.
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Hotels near Chidorigafuchi (Tokyo)
Chidorigafuchi is one of Tokyo’s most distinguished cherry blossom sites, featuring a magnificent tunnel of sakura stretching along the moats of the Imperial Palace. While gazing up at the blooms from a rowboat is an exceptional experience, the panoramic vistas looking down from the area's luxury hotels are equally breathtaking.At night, a magical scene unfolds as the illuminated cherry blossoms blend with the glittering city skyline. Viewing the sakura from the privacy of an elegant guest room, far removed from the crowds, promises to be an unforgettable highlight of your stay in Tokyo.
Recommended Hotel
Hotel Grand Arc Hanzomon
Among the hotels near Chidorigafuchi, Hotel Grand Arc Hanzomon is a true hidden gem that perfectly balances spectacular views with accessibility. From guest rooms facing the Imperial Palace, you can enjoy a stunning panorama that captures both the cherry blossoms lining the moat and the iconic Tokyo Tower. Managed by the prestigious Imperial Hotel Group, it offers reliable quality and peace of mind at a surprisingly reasonable rate compared to neighboring luxury properties.
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