Top 5 Sakura Spots Accessible with the JR Osaka–Tokyo Hokuriku Arch Pass (with 2026 Hanami Dates)
Cherry blossom season in Japan is a fleeting, magical time. The JR Osaka–Tokyo Hokuriku Arch Pass makes it easy to explore some of the country’s most beautiful sakura spots along the Osaka–Tokyo corridor, including Kyoto, the Hokuriku coast, and central Japan. With the pass, you can ride the Hokuriku Shinkansen and local JR lines, making day trips or overnight stops stress-free. Here are five top cherry blossom destinations reachable using the pass — now with 2026 bloom and hanami festival windows included so you know when to plan your visits.
JR PASS 7 DAYSJR REGIONAL PASSFOODCENTRAL JAPAN
Josh K
1/11/20264 min read
1) Kenroku‑en (Kanazawa) — Elegant Historic Garden
Why go: Kenroku‑en is one of Japan’s “three great gardens,” and the expertly sculpted ponds, lanterns, and pines create a picture‑perfect backdrop for sakura.
2026 Hanami Timing: Kenroku‑en’s sakura in Ishikawa Prefecture typically blooms late March to early April, with peak viewing often in early April — ideal timing if your trip hits this period.
How to get there: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo or Toyama to Kanazawa Station. Kenroku‑en is a short bus or taxi ride from the station. Many tourists walk through Omicho Market.
Hanami tip: Early mornings help you beat the crowds for photos at the main scenic spots like the central pond and bridges.
JR Pass coverage: JR Pass covers Kanazawa Station
Regional pass option: JR Osaka–Tokyo Hokuriku Arch Pass covers travel from Osaka to Kyoto but not from Tokyo.
2) Daigoji Temple (Kyoto) — Historic Temple Hanami
Why go: Daigoji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto’s most scenic spring destinations. Its five-story pagoda and sprawling temple grounds are surrounded by cherry trees, creating a striking hanami experience that blends history, architecture, and nature. The temple also hosts seasonal sakura festivals and is well-known for yozakura (night illumination) in early April.
2026 Hanami Timing: Cherry blossoms at Daigoji Temple are expected to bloom late March to early April 2026, with peak bloom around March 31–April 4 — perfect for planning a hanami visit.
How to get there:
From JR Kyoto Station:
Take the JR Nara Line toward Shin-Tanabe or Uji, get off at JR Daigo Station (about 20 minutes).
From Daigo Station, take the Kyoto City Bus #100 or #101 toward Daigoji Temple, about 10 minutes, or a taxi (~10 minutes).
Many visitors enjoy walking (~15–20 minutes) if they prefer a scenic stroll along local streets lined with early cherry blossoms.
Hanami tip: Early morning is best to enjoy peaceful temple grounds before crowds arrive. For evening photography, check if the temple has illumination dates during your visit — the pagoda lit against pink cherry blossoms is a classic shot.
JR Pass coverage: Fully covered by the JR Pass.
Regional pass option: JR Osaka–Tokyo Hokuriku Arch Pass coves the full itinerary.
3) Fugan Unga Kansui Park & Toyama Castle Park (Toyama) — Mountains and Reflections
Why go: Toyama’s waterfront parks, canal, and the moat around Toyama Castle bloom into long pink avenues, often with mountainous backdrops.
2026 Hanami Timing: Toyama’s sakura generally peaks about the same period as Kanazawa and Kyoto — late March through early April, with peak slightly later in some years if temperatures are cooler.
How to get there: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Toyama Station (covered by the pass), then walk or take a short tram ride to the parks.
Hanami tip: The waterside paths offer great reflective shots of blossoms — sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful.
JR Pass coverage: Fully covered by the JR Pass.
Regional pass option: JR Osaka–Tokyo Hokuriku Arch Pass coves the full itinerary.
Kanazawa Castle near Kenrokuen
Daigoji Temple in Kyoto
Toyama Castle
4) Hikone Castle (Shiga) — Historic Castle Hanami
Why go: Hikone Castle is a national treasure whose moats and grounds are lined with hundreds of cherry trees. The Winter/Spring Hikone Castle Cherry Blossom Festival turns this historic site into a must‑visit hanami spot.
2026 Hanami Festival Window: The Hikone Castle Cherry Blossom Festival runs roughly from late March to mid‑April 2026, with evening illuminations of sakura around the castle moats — an unbeatable blend of history and spring color.
How to get there: Take JR trains to Hikone Station (covered by the pass). The castle is a 10–15 minute walk from the station.
Hanami tip: Visit after sunset during the festival period to enjoy yozakura (night sakura lighting) around the castle moats.
JR Pass coverage: Fully covered by the JR Pass.
Regional pass option: JR Osaka–Tokyo Hokuriku Arch Pass coves the full itinerary.
5) Osaka Castle Park & Kema Sakuranomiya Park (Osaka) — Urban Hanami
Why go: Osaka Castle Park’s historic keep surrounded by thousands of cherry trees is iconic, while Kema Sakuranomiya Park’s riverfront paths offer long hanami strolls.
2026 Hanami Timing: Osaka’s sakura is forecast to begin around March 24 with full bloom around March 31, so plan your Osaka visits for that week between late March and early April.
How to get there: Use JR lines in Osaka (covered by the pass). Osaka Castle Park is near Osakajokoen Station; Kema Sakuranomiya Park is at Kema‑Sakuranomiya Station on the JR Loop Line.
Hanami tip: Riverside picnic areas at Kema Sakuranomiya are great for laid‑back hanami — bring your own blanket and snacks for a local experience.
JR Pass coverage: Fully covered by the JR Pass.
Regional pass option: JR Osaka–Tokyo Hokuriku Arch Pass coves the full itinerary.
