Although the early spring cherry blossom show in Japan is well-known, some of the most spectacular displays occur later in the season. These locations provide breathtaking late-blooming sakura, where the splendor of spring lasts a little longer, for those who miss peak bloom or would rather have a more sedate experience.
The star-shaped fort at Goryokaku Park in Hakodate, Hokkaido, is framed in delicate pink by cherry blossoms in late April and early May. The encircling most reflects the petals of the more than 1,600 trees that line the park’s paths. The entire scope of the flowers is seen from Goryokaku Tower, transforming the historic place into a sea of color. Lanterns illuminate the branches with a warm glow as night sets, giving an already remarkable scene a surreal feel.
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.
These places demonstrate that spring doesn’t end as soon as people think, even though Japan’s cherry blossoms are frequently thought of as a passing phenomenon. Hanami takes on a different pace in locations where the season persists, allowing visitors to slow down, appreciate the small nuances, and experience a slightly longer-lived aspect of Japan.
See the Cherry Blossom Forecast for more specific information on each region’s first bloom.
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