The cherry blossom season in Japan for 2026 is expected to arrive earlier than usual, offering a spectacular window for travelers exploring Asia. After a mild winter, the first blooms are predicted to appear in Kyoto and Tokyo by late March, with full blossoms following shortly after. Northern regions like Tōhoku and Aomori are set to reach peak viewing in early to mid-April. For travelers seeking authentic experiences, Hoshino Resorts has curated an array of sakura stays across Japan, blending breathtaking views with local culture, cuisine, and relaxing hot springs.
Top Sakura Stays in Japan for a Memorable Travel Experience
HOSHINOYA Kyoto – Kyoto Prefecture
A private houseboat sails past sakura on the approach to HOSHINOYA Kyoto
Hanami Window: Late March to Early April
Nestled in the scenic Arashiyama district, Hoshino Resorts’ HOSHINOYA Kyoto offers a serene retreat just a kilometer from the iconic Togetsukyō Bridge. Each room provides sweeping views of the Ōi River and its surrounding cherry trees, perfect for capturing Japan’s spring beauty.
Guests can unwind on the Hanazakura Terrace, shaded by weeping cherry trees, while enjoying seasonal delicacies like sakura sea bream sashimi and bamboo shoot rice. Wake up to sakura tea in the Floating Tea Room, then embark on a private breakfast cruise through the Ran-kyō Gorge aboard the traditional Hisui houseboat, crafted from Kyoto’s finest cedar and cypress, offering an immersive cultural experience.
KAI Tsugaru – Aomori Prefecture
The water garden is lit in the spirit of hana-akari, with floating lights and lanterns
Hanami Forecast: Early to Mid-April
In Japan’s northernmost prefecture, Aomori’s Tsugaru region hosts a unique sakura experience. KAI Tsugaru’s Harumachi Sakura Lantern Terrace illuminates the Tsugaru Four Seasons Water Garden with delicate lanterns crafted from Tsugaru Vidro glass and Kanayama-yaki pottery, creating a magical hanami backdrop at night.
Guests can enjoy a seasonal menu featuring local produce, including yukimuro apples and chilled soup, while soaking in the tranquil atmosphere of the illuminated garden. This immersive experience blends traditional crafts with Japan’s fleeting cherry blossom beauty, perfect for travelers seeking authentic cultural encounters.
Aomoriya – Aomori Prefecture
Soak in an onsen under an illuminated sakura tree
Hanami Forecast: Mid-April
In Misawa, Aomoriya offers a year-round celebration of the region’s iconic symbols: Nebuta festival floats, apples, and hot springs. During the ‘Tange Hanasaka Matsuri’ (Great Blossom Festival), running from March to May, visitors can enjoy indoor hanami amidst lantern-lit displays and a vibrant display of apple-themed art and crafts.
Relax in an onsen beneath illuminated cherry trees, sip seasonal cherry blossom drinks, and indulge in local specialties. This festival provides a warm, cultural escape for travelers seeking to experience Japan’s rich traditions beyond the outdoor sakura viewing.
KAI Anjin & KAI Ito – Shizuoka Prefecture
Sakura trees line the spring bus route with Mount Omuro rising ahead
Hanami Forecast: Late March to Early April
On the Izu Peninsula, renowned for its coastal hot springs and diverse cherry varieties, KAI Anjin and KAI Ito offer a scenic journey during sakura season. The “Sakura Open Bus Tour” takes guests through the picturesque Umenokitaira and Sakura no Sato, home to over 1,500 cherry trees of 40 different cultivars, including Somei Yoshino and Kawazu-zakura.
Enjoy panoramic views from the open-top bus, guided by expert staff who share insights into Japan’s cherry blossom culture. Paired with seasonal bento lunches and relaxing onsen baths overlooking the sea, this travel experience embodies the best of Japan’s springtime hospitality.
KAI Kinugawa – Tochigi Prefecture
Guests ride an open-top bus through tunnels of cherry blossom
Hanami Forecast: Late March to Early April
Nestled along the Kinugawa River, KAI Kinugawa offers a tranquil setting for cherry blossom viewing, with most rooms facing the gorge’s blooming trees. The region, known for Nikkō’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, provides an ideal base for exploring Japan’s cultural heritage and nature.
During peak sakura season, guests can enjoy seasonal kaiseki dinners featuring local ingredients and gentle evening illumination that highlights the blossoms. Guided walks along the gorge reveal quiet spots perfect for appreciating Japan’s fleeting cherry blossom spectacle.
About Hoshino Resorts & Travel in Japan
Founded over a century ago, Hoshino Resorts has established itself as a leader in luxury travel across Asia, blending authentic Japanese hospitality with modern comforts. With more than 60 properties across Japan and beyond, each location offers a unique experience rooted in local culture and natural beauty—ideal for travelers seeking a distinctive journey in Asia.
Whether exploring Japan’s iconic sakura or relaxing in hot springs, these curated stays provide unforgettable moments amid nature’s most beautiful season.
