New York – February 7, 2025: One of Japan's most picturesque seasons is on its way: cherry blossoms - or sakura - are preparing to bloom. Starting in mid-March and continuing through mid-May, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has announced 2025's cherry blossom season forecast, with dates and locations to help travelers experience the hanami (the custom of flower viewing in Japan) season from city to city. For the best places outside of the major cities - allowing for fewer crowds, a more tranquil experience and helping to boost the local economy, here are the must-visit locales:

Hirosaki Park, Aomori Prefecture

Known as one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan, Hirosaki Park will have 2,600 trees in full bloom, with more than 50 varieties of cherry blossoms among them. Some of the trees date back more than a century, framing the Edo-era Hirosaki Castle that sits in the center of the park. To celebrate, the park holds the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival annually between late April and early May, which includes rowboat rentals, food stands and illuminations to make the flowers shine at night.

Kintaikyo Bridge, Yamaguchi Prefecture

Spanning the Nishiki River in Iwakuni City, the Kintaikyo Bridge is a famous location for cherry blossom viewing. The five-arch wooden bridge, originally constructed in 1673, is surrounded by thousands of cherry trees and allows you to view the blooms at canopy level. Across Kintaikyo Bridge is the nearby Iwakuni Castle, which holds exhibitions of samurai armor and artifacts and offers observatory views of the cherry blossoms on the top floor.

Asahi Town, Toyama Prefecture

Asahi Town boasts one of the most colorful displays of cherry blossoms, named The Spring Quartet for the four hues that burst along the Funakawa River. Pink cherry blossoms, red tulips, yellow canola flowers and the white Northern Alps create a must-see experience. During the peak of the season, walkways are lit by fire torches in the evening, bathing the 280 cherry trees in a warm glow.