Grab your JR Pass here and start planning your spring itinerary!

1. Goryokaku Park – Hakodate, Hokkaido

Why Visit: A short walk from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station, Goryokaku Park is famous for its star-shaped fort surrounded by hundreds of cherry trees. The park’s unique geometry makes it one of Hokkaido’s most photogenic sakura spots.

Access & Pass: Reachable via JR Pass and JR Hokkaido Pass

👉 Check Hotels near Goryokaku

2. Himeji Castle Park – Himeji, Hyogo

Why Visit: Only a 10-minute walk from Himeji Station, Himeji Castle Park offers iconic views of Japan’s White Heron Castle framed by cherry blossoms. The castle grounds are a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-see during spring.

Access & Pass: Covered by JR Pass and a few JR Regional Pass including Hokuriku Pass (Sanyo Shinkansen)

👉 Check Hotels near Himeji Station

3. Toyama Castle Park – Toyama, Toyama Prefecture

Why Visit: Just a 5-minute walk from Toyama Station, Toyama Castle Park surrounds a reconstructed castle keep with cherry trees lining the moat. Its compact layout makes it easy to explore in a short visit.

Access & Pass: Covered by JR Pass and a few JR Regional Pass including Osaka Tokyo Hokuriku Arch Pass (Hokuriku Shinkansen)

👉 Check Hotels near Toyama Station

Gryokaku in Hakodate

Daigoji Temple in Kyoto

Toyama Castle

4. Odawara Castle Park – Odawara, Kanagawa

Why Visit: A short stroll from Odawara Station, Odawara Castle Park features hundreds of cherry trees around the historic castle moat. Early April is the ideal time to enjoy the blossoms along the castle walls.

Access & Pass: Covered by JR Pass

👉 Check Hotels near Odawara Station

5. Yamagata Kajo Castle Park – Yamagata, Tohoku

Why Visit: Within walking distance from Yamagata Station, Kajo Castle Park features cherry trees along historic castle walls. Its spacious grounds make it perfect for relaxed hanami strolls with scenic views of the castle ruins.

Access & Pass: Reachable with JR Pass and JR EAST PASS (Tohoku Area)

👉 Check Hotels near Yamagata Station

Odawara Castle

Yamagata Kajo Castle

More information about Sakura spots in Japan

• Top 5 Sakura Spots Accessible with the JR Osaka–Tokyo Hokuriku Arch Pass (with 2026 Hanami Dates)

• When Will Sakura Bloom in Japan This Spring (2026)? — Latest Forecast & Travel Guide

Looking for a Hotel in Japan?