Why Japan’s cherry blossom season is a bad idea
Detailing my trip to japan from 29 Mar - 8 Apr of 2025!
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• Great weather, perfect for ppl who don’t do well with winter but still enjoy the chills… (8-16 degrees)
• Cherry blossom makes for pretty IG posts (took many pretty photos & posted some!)
• Sakura themed snacks & food items
• Went because my mother loves flowers and it was memorable for all of us who have never seen sakura irl before
• Unique seasonal atmosphere, you’ll see many locals spending more time outside! Getting to experience and be involved in a cultural sight
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• Pretty flowers… until you get bored of it.
(They are not so picturesque irl, we rarely see bright pink coloured ones too)
• Higher travel/flight costs to bear (but we got lucky and managed to secure the ANA’s december promotion that domestic flights were complimentary to each international flight bought - so not all hope lost)
• You won’t believe the crowd you’ll be facing… If you want to do touristy activities, you’ll find yourself spending 2 hours each queue at USJ without express pass, 2 hours queue at a ramen alley.
• Overcrowded at cherry blossom trees too. So you gotta expect that many people are gg to photobomb ur cherry blossom pics (unless u found a good spot in the middle like me)
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for flower areas (if you are set on going):
📍Osaka castle
📸 Good view of the sakura trees, good spots to take pretty photos
📍EXPO commemorative park
🚙 Place where locals actually go to during sakura season
🧺 Picnic is a popular activity for goers! If you want to have one, do bring along your own mat & food to enjoy the view!
💰 Tickets are required to enter the park, typically priced at 260yen ($2.08) each!
#mindfulspending #ThingsToDo #travelrecommendation #japanguide
Having experienced Japan’s cherry blossom season myself, I can share some additional insights that might help you better prepare your trip. The weather during late March to early April is indeed mild, ranging from 8 to 16 degrees Celsius, which is comfortable if you’re not a fan of harsh winters. However, despite the seemingly perfect weather, the massive influx of tourists can really affect your experience. Places like Osaka Castle and EXPO Commemorative Park, while beautiful and offering fantastic views of sakura trees, get overwhelmingly crowded. I noticed that while many visitors come for the iconic bright pink cherry blossoms, in reality, the flowers are often more pale and subtle in color, which can be a bit underwhelming if you’re expecting vivid shades. One tip I found useful is to plan your cherry blossom photo sessions early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds and photobombers. Also, consider visiting less popular spots favored by locals to enjoy a tranquil hanami (flower viewing) picnic experience; bringing your own mat and snacks is key since vendors might be overwhelmed. Regarding travel expenses, Japan does see a spike in flight and accommodation prices during this season. However, promotions like ANA’s December deal that offered complimentary domestic flights for every international booking can significantly ease the financial burden. Without such deals, budgeting carefully is essential to avoid surprises. Lastly, if you want to explore tourist attractions such as Universal Studios Japan or popular ramen alleys during cherry blossom season, be prepared for long queues—often two hours or more unless you have express passes. Purchasing passes in advance can save you valuable time. Overall, while the cherry blossom season provides unique cultural and photogenic moments, knowing what to expect—especially the crowds and costs—will help you decide if it truly fits your travel style and budget.
