As fleeting as they are beautiful, sakura season is upon us. Here’s what hotels across Japan are doing to rise to the occasion.
The season of all things pretty and pink is upon us.
In an effort to give visitors and locals a chance to map out their sakura (cherry blossom) plans, a Cherry Blossom Watch forecast was released last month, revealing a slightly earlier-than-expected arrival of the country’s beloved blooms.
In 2023, sakura season brought the highest number of travelers since the country re-opened its borders to travelers according to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). Tokyo, which was named 2024’s top trending destination in the world by TripAdvisor, is expected to burst into a beautiful ballet of pink blooms starting as early as March 23rd, with a full bloom anticipated around March 30. Meanwhile, the temple studded city of Kyoto will reach peak blossoms in early April.
Whether you’re planning a visit or dreaming of visiting one day, here’s a look at what hotels across the country are doing to celebrate the magic of sakura season this year.
Tokyo
More than 200 cherry blossom trees of 17 varieties bloom in the garden of The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo. The early-blooming Kawazu-zakura usually starts blooming in early February, and the late-blooming Kanzan usually blooms in late April, so you can expect a prolonged cherry blossom experience this year, the hotel says.
Designed by famed landscape designer Teiji Kusuoka, the Japanese garden that encircles the property provides an unforgettable setting to experience the magic of the season. From March 8 to April 14, hotel guests can check out the Takanawa Sakura Matsuri festival which includes guided tours on Japanese rickshaws, a spectacular outdoor breakfast served under the cherry trees, and sakura morning yoga.
Guests can also opt to book a Sakura View Stay Package which promises views of the stunning cherry blossoms from the comfort of your room, as well as convenient access to enjoy the Sakura Matsuri in your backyard.
Enjoy the beauty of Someiyoshino cherry blossoms adorning the Ooyoko Riverbanks during HOSHINOYA Tokyo’s Spring Warmth Hanami Boat experience.
The private boat charter is a seasonal experience takes guests on a scenic journey along the Sumida River and Ooyoko River from Nihombashi. While onboard you can savor a traditional hanami bento lunch box and Japanese sake reminiscent of the Edo period’s cherry blossom viewing tradition.
At Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon, a Sakura Package is on offer for guests to enjoy running from March 16th-April 7th. The special offer includes a nightly sakura cocktail at Lobby Bar, an exclusive sakura-inspired room amenity, and an Urban Hamami (picnic) map providing a detailed guide of the top cherry blossom destinations all across the city.
Mount Fuji
Nestled along Lake Kawaguchi overlooking Mt. Fuji, HOSHINOYA Fuji is an idyllic location to explore Japan’s iconic cherry blossom season. From embarking on a morning canoe ride in the shadow of one of Mt. Fuji’s five great lakes, to biking and hiking, to the 2024 Fuji-Kawaguchiko Sakura Festival which runs from March 30-April 16, there’s no shortage of sakura themed activities here.
With minimalist cabins jutting out from the slopes of the wooded mountain, each room has been built to ensure that a third of the room is located outdoors perfectly balancing luxury, comfort, and a connection with nature. Ideal for springtime, guests can enjoy an in-room breakfast overlooking the cherry trees in bloom just outside your window.
Kyoto
Set in Japan’s temple-filled city of Kyoto, spring is synonymous with cherry blossom season and there’s no better place to experience the magic than Kyoto. This year, Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto will host a number of activities tied to the season including sakura spring yoga in the hotel’s leafy courtyard to a nightly evening cherry blossom art tour. Available from March 15th to April 26th at the hotel, a special afternoon tea includes sakura and butter cookies, coconut sakura mochi, and shortbread infused with the flavor of cherry leaves for a taste of Japan in the spring.
Nestled in the hills of northern Kyoto, Roku Kyoto is one of the city’s most romantic hotels. Replete with a gorgeous on-site garden, spend some time taking a stroll along the winding pathway which is easily one of the most peaceful places to visit in town.
Over at Park Hyatt Kyoto, guests who book in advance will be granted special access to Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist temple. One of the city’s top UNESCO sights, upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a head priest who will lead you around the temple to areas not generally open to the public. The site is especially popular during cherry blossom season when the area is overtaken by beautiful blooms along with maple and cherry trees.
At HOSHINOYA Kyoto, from March 25 to April 9, guests can immerse themselves in private cherry blossom viewing experience on the dreamy Hanazakura Terrace. Inclusive of welcome cocktails and sweets, along with a special breakfast and dinner, to cap the day off you’ll charter a private ‘Hisui’ boat for a sail along the Oigawa River.
Beppu
Home to more than 2000 hot springs on Japan’s southwestern island of Kyushu, ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa is one of the area’s most resplendent places to post up. At the hotel’s spacious HARNN Heritage Spa, a variety of rose and jasmine themed treatments and rituals are on offer right now, and provide a serene escape that embraces the best this season has to offer.
Designed by one of Japan’s most celebrated architects, Kengo Kuma, KAI Beppu is a gorgeous oceanfront ryokan located just a few minutes away from Beppu Park. Boasting 100 cherry blossom trees, along with a bamboo forest, 700 pine trees, and flower garden, Beppu is an ideal for soaking in the splendor of springtime with some of the country’s best onsen experiences to boot.