8 Stunning Types of Cherry Blossoms and Where to See Them

Japan’s cherry blossoms (sakura) captivate millions of visitors every spring, painting the landscape with delicate pink and white petals. While the Somei Yoshino variety is the most famous, Japan is home to hundreds of sakura cultivars, each with its own charm, blooming period, and iconic locations. Here’s a list of eight breathtaking cherry blossom varieties you won’t want to miss.

1. Somei Yoshino (Yoshino Cherry)

This is the most common cherry blossom variety in Japan, making up around 80% of all sakura trees. Their pale pink, five-petaled blossoms fade to near-white as they mature. These flowers bloom in clusters before any leaves emerge, creating dramatic cloud-like canopies that define the hanami (flower viewing) experience.

Peak Bloom: Late March to early April (earlier in Kyushu, later in northern regions like Hokkaido)
Best Locations: Ueno Park (Tokyo), Arakurayama Sengen Park (Yamanashi), Hirosaki Park (Aomori)

2. Shidarezakura (Weeping Cherry)

Shidarezakura, or weeping cherry trees, are known for their graceful, cascading branches that give the impression of a waterfall of blossoms. Depending on the cultivar, their flowers can be pink, white, or even reddish. These trees create a stunning, elegant display and are often illuminated at night for an enchanting hanami experience.

Peak Bloom: Late March through April
Best Locations: Miharu Takizakura (Fukushima), Kakunodate Samurai District (Akita), Maruyama Park (Kyoto)

3. Yamazakura (Mountain Cherry)

A wild cherry species, Yamazakura trees bloom with five delicate petals, usually in shades of white to light pink. Unlike Somei Yoshino, their blossoms open together with reddish-bronze leaves, giving the trees a softer, more natural look. These trees have been celebrated in Japan for centuries and are commonly found in mountainous regions.

Peak Bloom: Early April (mid-March in Kyushu, later in northern areas)
Best Locations: Mount Yoshino (Nara)

4. Yaezakura (Double-Flowered Cherry)

Yaezakura trees produce multi-layered blossoms, often containing 10–50 petals, resulting in a full, frilled appearance. These blossoms are typically a richer pink than Somei Yoshino, and they bloom later in the season, extending hanami into late April. One famous variety, Kikuzakura (chrysanthemum cherry), can have over 100 petals per bloom.

Peak Bloom: Mid-April to early May
Best Locations: Nara Park (Nara), Osaka Mint Bureau Garden (Osaka), Shinjuku Gyoen (Tokyo)

5. Edohigan (Higan Cherry)

Edohigan trees are known for their longevity, with some of the oldest cherry trees in Japan belonging to this variety. They feature small pinkish-white five-petaled flowers and are often among the first to bloom in spring.

Peak Bloom: Late March to early April
Best Locations: Yamataka Jindai Zakura (Yamanashi), Usuzumi Zakura (Gifu)

6. Kawazu-zakura

Kawazu-zakura stand out for their deep pink color and larger petals compared to other cherry blossoms. They are one of the earliest blooming sakura varieties, often appearing in February, marking the start of Japan’s cherry blossom season.

Peak Bloom: February to early March
Best Locations: Kawazu River (Shizuoka)

7. Ukon (Yellow Cherry)

Ukon is a rare sakura variety with double-layered blossoms that start as a pale yellow-green and develop a pink tinge over time. These blossoms provide a unique contrast to the more common pink sakura.

Peak Bloom: Mid-April
Best Locations: Shinjuku Gyoen (Tokyo)

8. Gyoiko

Gyoiko trees produce delicate greenish-yellow flowers with a subtle pink streak in the center. Their unusual coloration makes them one of the most unique cherry blossom varieties in Japan.

Peak Bloom: Mid to late April
Best Locations: Ninnaji Temple (Kyoto)

Plan Your Cherry Blossom Adventure

Japan’s cherry blossoms offer a breathtaking display of nature’s beauty, with each variety bringing something special to the hanami experience. Whether you want to see the classic pink hues of Somei Yoshino, the elegance of weeping cherries, or the rare green and yellow blooms, there’s a perfect spot for you to enjoy.

Make the most of your visit by booking a cherry blossom tour, where expert guides can take you to the best viewing locations at peak bloom. Don’t miss this unforgettable opportunity to experience Japan’s iconic sakura season!