While Japan’s cherry blossoms are renowned for their early spring bloom, some of the most breathtaking displays arrive later in the season. For those who miss the peak or prefer a quieter, more serene experience, these destinations offer stunning late-blooming sakura, extending the beauty of spring just a little longer.
Goryokaku Park, Hakodate (Hokkaido)
Located in Hokkaido, Goryokaku Park is famous for its star-shaped fort surrounded by over 1,600 cherry trees that bloom from late April to early May. The soft pink petals create a delicate frame around the fort, with their reflections dancing in the moat. From the top of Goryokaku Tower, visitors can take in the full beauty of this historic site as it becomes a sea of cherry blossoms. As evening sets in, lanterns light up the park, creating a dreamy atmosphere that adds to the magic.
Hirosaki Park (Aomori)
In mid to late April, Hirosaki Park in Aomori becomes a stunning landscape of floating sakura petals. With around 2,600 cherry trees blooming against the backdrop of Hirosaki Castle, the park transforms into a mesmerizing scene. As the season progresses, petals fall, creating a “sakura carpet” on the moat’s surface. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk under the trees or row a boat across the pink-streaked waters. The cherry blossoms are illuminated in the evening, enhancing the park’s tranquil, almost otherworldly charm.
Funaoka Castle Park (Miyagi)
In Miyagi, Funaoka Castle Park offers a striking display of cherry blossoms cascading down the hillside along the Shiroishi River. A scenic ropeway ride to the top provides a panoramic view of the pink canopy stretching below, framed by the distant mountains. From early to late April, the blossoms take on a different character as the light shifts—soft pastels in the morning, golden hues at sunset, and a magical glow under evening lanterns.
Kakunodate (Akita)
The historic town of Kakunodate in Akita features weeping cherry trees that drape over samurai-era homes, swaying like silk in the breeze. A gift from Kyoto aristocrats centuries ago, these trees now stand as symbols of the town’s rich history. From mid to late April, visitors can stroll beneath the branches, framed by dark wooden houses that have stood the test of time. As night falls, the blossoms glow softly, adding to the timeless feel of this historic district.
While Japan’s cherry blossoms are often seen as a fleeting spectacle, these later-blooming destinations prove that the beauty of spring can linger longer. In these locations, hanami takes on a slower, more reflective rhythm—allowing visitors to truly appreciate the delicate details and experience a side of Japan that stretches the season just a bit further.
For more information on bloom timings, check out the Cherry Blossom Forecast.
