Cherry Blossoms In Nagano

Be Spirited Away From the Maddening Crowds

Key features

Sightseeing
Cherry Blossoms
Sakura
Hanami
Blossom-viewing
Spring Activity
Outdoor Activity
Special Events
Tours

Recommended Sites In/Nearby Nagano City

Joyama Park	30 min from Nagano Station
Ueda Castle Park	40 min from Nagano Station
Suzaka Garyu Park	60 min from Nagano Station

Recommended Sites Outside Nagano City

Matsukawa Valley	60+ min from Nagano Station
Mastumoto Castle	80+ min from Nagano Station
Takato Castle Park	120+ min from Nagano Station

Be Spirited Away From the Maddening Crowds

Key features

Sightseeing
Cherry Blossoms
Sakura
Hanami
Blossom-viewing
Spring Activity
Outdoor Activity
Special Events
Tours

Cherry blossoms play an important role in Japanese culture and for the brief time they are in bloom each spring, capture the imagination of the public. Known as ‘sakura’, the fragile beauty and fleeting nature of the blossoms is seen to reflect that of life itself – something to be cherished and delighted in with family and friends. Due to its altitude and cooler climate, Nagano’s sakura season is a little later than Tokyo’s and quite a lot later than the more southernly cities of Kyoto and Osaka.

The timing of the bloom varies between years, placing huge importance on the blossom forecast to time visits and events for peak bloom or ‘mankai’. As the blossoms come to full bloom, ‘hanami’ (flower viewing) becomes a national past-time with couples, workmates, friends and families gathering in parks and venues around Japan to eat, drink chat and just take in the fleeting beauty of the fabled blossoms of Japan.

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Experience Hanami on a Guided Tour

In celebration of the blossom season we offer two tours each spring which take in some of Nagano’s best blossom-viewing destinations.

News / Info

The Importance of Cherry Blossoms in Japan

Fleeting, fragile and beautiful, cherry blossoms hold special significance in Japanese culture.

How the Blossoms Bloom

Typically lasting two weeks, there are several stages of bloom, each appreciated in its own right.

Predicting the Bloom

It takes a little reading, planning and a whole lot of luck.

40 Things to Do Around Nagano & Where to Stay

The blossoms herald the start of spring and summer, which in Nagano, means there are plenty of things to keep you busy.

Nearby Recommendations

Jigokudani Monkey Park

Visit Nagano's world-famous monkeys

In spring, a visit to the monkey park means one thing - baby monkeys!

Shiga Kogen Ski Resort

Japan's highest resort is blessed with Nagano's longest season

Shiga Kogen is renowned for many reasons, including its long season and outstanding spring skiing.

Obuse

Small town with lots to offer!

Famous for its chestnut confectionaries, Obuse is home to the Hokusai museum along with sake and miso breweries.

Zenko-ji Temple

The spiritual heart of Nagano with a hidden secret

Established in 642, Zenko-ji is one of Japan's oldest and most important Buddhist temples and welcomes visitors of any faith or background.

Togakushi

Combine your blossom-viewing with a visit to some of Japan's most sacred Shinto shrines

Located in the forest just outside of Nagano City, Togakushi is a sacred landscape where tradition lives on.

Matsumoto Castle

One of Nagano's most iconic destinations

Just over an hour from Nagano Station, Mastumoto is home to one of Japan's last remaining original castles.

Kamikochi

A place where the sacred and sublime meet

Open to the public from mid-April onward, Kamikochi is a true alpine oasis and one of Japan's most cherished natural environments.

Alpine Route & Toyama

Known as the 'Roof of Japan', is one of the country's most astounding landscapes

Open from mid-April to late-November, its most famous feature is the grand Snow Walls are at their best while the blossoms bloom in the valley below.