Hakone Cherry Blossoms: Top Viewing Spots, Best Times, and Travel Tips
Hakone is a resort area that harmoniously blends with beautiful natural landscapes, including Mount Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, and Lake Ashi (Ashino lake). Within Hakone, the Gora area is particularly renowned as a hot spring destination, attracting many domestic and international tourists who can enjoy hot spring experiences while gazing at the majestic Mount Fuji.
Hakone has numerous cultural facilities, including museums and parks, making it popular among visitors seeking both tourism and relaxation. You can experience the natural beauty of all four seasons, and the cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage heal visitors' hearts.
Today, we'll introduce spots where you can enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms in nature-rich Hakone. As a photography enthusiast, I'll also share recommended photo-taking techniques, so please use them as a reference when planning your visit to see the Hakone cherry blossoms 2025.
Why are Cherry Blossoms Special in Japan?
Cherry blossoms have long had a significant impact on the Japanese psyche, making them particularly special flowers.
One reason why Japanese people love cherry blossoms is that they "evoke emotions of anticipation for blooming." Cherry blossoms, which bloom when warm winds begin to blow, symbolize the "arrival of spring" that many people eagerly await after a long winter.
Since ancient times, cherry blossom blooming has brightened Japanese people's hearts, making it a special flower that remains beloved by many today.
What is Hanami?
Hanami (flower viewing) is a traditional Japanese event celebrating the "arrival of spring." It's a special time to appreciate natural beauty through enjoying cherry blossoms.
Cherry blossoms are considered a symbol of "ephemeral beauty" as they fall within a short period. Therefore, Hanami is also a time to appreciate the beauty of each moment in life.
Socializing under cherry blossom trees, which evoke a sense of transience, holds special meaning. Gathering with family, friends, and colleagues to share meals and drinks under the cherry blossoms is a valuable opportunity for Japanese people to deepen relationships.
Introducing Prime Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots Around Hakone by Blooming Period
Mid to Late March
Here are notable cherry blossom viewing spots around Hakone that reach peak bloom from mid to late March.
Sounji Temple
Source: Yahoo! Maps
For those wanting to enjoy both cherry blossom viewing and Japanese history, Sounji Temple's cherry blossoms are recommended. You'll be moved by the collaboration between the solemn traditional Japanese architecture and beautiful cherry blossoms.
Sounji Temple has a history of prospering as a family temple (burial and memorial site) for famous Japanese warriors. The main hall is a wooden structure rebuilt 400 years ago and is designated as a cultural property of Hakone town.
The recommended photo spot is the corridor of the Karesansui garden (a garden expressing landscapes using rocks and sand). If you capture both the building and garden, you can take a quintessentially Japanese photo where the pale pink cherry blossoms complement the building's subdued colors.
Address: 405 Hakone-Yumoto, Hakone-machi, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access:
* 15-minute walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station
* 5-minute bus ride to "Souun Park" stop on the Moto-Hakone Port bus line
Cherry blossom viewing hours: 6:00-16:00
Closed: Never
Website: https://www.hakone.or.jp/529
Late March to Early April
Here we introduce cherry blossom viewing spots that reach their peak bloom from late March to early April. This is the period when most locations are in full bloom, so please enjoy visiting multiple famous spots to experience various types of cherry blossoms.
Cherry Blossoms at Hakone Gora Park
Source: WEATHER NEWS
For those who want to enjoy many varieties of cherry blossoms, Hakone Gora Park is highly recommended. Looking ahead to 2025, this park offers about 10 different cherry blossom varieties, including rare species.
Early-blooming Kawazu cherry blossoms and Okame cherry blossoms begin showing their colors from mid-March, and approximately 50 cherry trees are scattered throughout the park until mid-April when late-blooming weeping (Shidare) cherry blossoms and mountain (Yama) cherry blossoms reach their peak.
The recommended photo spot is the terrace seating at "Cafe PIC" located midway through the garden. The collaboration of blooming cherry blossoms and fountains is perfect for Instagram-worthy photos. Enjoy a relaxing time overlooking the fountain pool and cherry blossoms while feeling the warm spring sunlight and breeze.
Address: 1300 Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access:
* 1-minute walk from Koen-shimo Station on the Hakone Tozan Cable Car (Main Gate)
* 1-minute walk from Koen-kami Station (West Gate)
Viewing Hours: 9:00-17:00 (Last entry 16:30)
Closed: Irregular holidays
Official Website: https://www.hakone-tozan.co.jp/gorapark/
Cherry Blossoms at Miyagino Hayakawa Embankment
Source: Hakone Zenzan
For those wanting to enjoy illuminated cherry blossoms at night, the cherry blossoms at Miyagino Hayakawa Embankment are recommended. The "Cherry Blossom Festival Illumination" is held annually from early to mid-April. During this period, the cherry tree-lined streets along the river and main road are illuminated at night, creating a gorgeous and mystical landscape.
Traditional Japanese lanterns (Chochin) illuminate the rows of cherry trees. Try taking close-up photos of the lanterns and cherry blossoms, or capture the entire cherry tree-lined street as a landscape photo from a distance.
The completely different atmospheres between day and night are a special feature of this season. While full blooms are certainly magnificent, the scattered cherry blossom petals are also moving.
For those who want to see beautifully falling cherry blossoms, it's recommended to visit slightly after peak bloom.
Address: 626-11 Miyagino, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access:
* 15-minute walk from Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway
* 20-minute ride on Hakone Tozan Bus (bound for Togendai) from Hakone-Yumoto Station,then 3-minute walk from "Miyagino" bus stop
Illumination Hours: 18:00-21:00
Ohiradai
Source: Official website
For those who want to enjoy cherry blossom viewing while riding a train, the cherry blossoms at Ohiradai are recommended. Many weeping cherry trees are planted along the Hakone Tozan Railway line, which is an essential part of any Hakone trip.
Around Ohiradai Station, approximately 100 weeping cherry trees are densely planted, blooming from late March to mid-April. The experience of riding through scenery filled with vivid pink colors is quite unique.
For those traveling to Hakone with children, it's guaranteed to be an exciting experience for the whole family to enjoy while riding the train. Why not make cherry blossom viewing from the train a special memory of your Japan trip?
Address: Ohiradai, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: About 15 minutes by Hakone Tozan Railway from Hakone-Yumoto Station
Viewing Hours: First train 06:28 - Last train 22:37
Closed: Open daily
Hakone Kowakien Horaien Garden
Source: Hakone Navi
For those who want to enjoy cherry blossoms while taking a leisurely stroll through spacious gardens, Horaien Garden is highly recommended. This garden, opened over 100 years ago, is a Japanese garden that harmoniously blends with Hakone's natural environment. Looking ahead to the hakone cherry blossoms 2025 season, visitors can expect the same breathtaking views that have enchanted people for generations.
The garden is surrounded by densely planted pale pink Mountain Cherry trees (Yamazakura) across its approximately 16,500 square meters. On clear days, the contrast between the blue sky, green mountains, and pink cherry blossoms creates a spectacular view. In this garden where you can escape from everyday life, take time to relax and feel the passage of time.
The Mikawaya Inn at Hakone Kowakien has about 140 years of history. The main building's architectural beauty has been designated as an important cultural property by the nation, so be sure to admire it along with the cherry blossoms.
Address: 503 Kowakudani, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access:
* [Bus] Get off at Horaien stop, immediate walk
* [Train] 20-minute walk from Kowakudani Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway
Viewing Hours: Open for free exploration
Closed: Never
Official Website: https://www.hakonekowakien-mikawaya.jp/horaien.html
Chokouzan Shoutaiji Temple
Source: Official website
For those seeking impressive cherry blossoms, the weeping cherry tree at Chokouzan Shoutaiji Temple is a must-see. This historic tree is approximately 350 years old and has been beloved by people for generations.
The tree stands 13m tall, with a trunk circumference of 4.7m and branches spreading to a diameter of 13m - truly an impressive sight. It blooms from mid-March to early April, and when in full bloom, it creates a beautiful scene like a massive floral umbrella.
Taking photos of the weeping cherry tree from the elevated area captures the stunning contrast between the surrounding mountains, green lawn, and the pale pink blossoms. On clear days, photographing the tree from below highlights the vibrant contrast between the blue sky and pink blossoms.
Address: 303 Irigaoka, Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: 5-minute walk from Irigaoka Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway
Viewing Hours: Open for free exploration
Closed: Irregular
Official Website: https://www.choukouzan.com/
Odawara Castle
Viewing the illuminated Odawara Castle and cherry blossoms at night with someone special guarantees a supremely romantic experience.
After sunset, traditional paper lanterns (bonbori) are lit, illuminating the cherry blossoms that reflect beautifully on the surface of the moat, creating a sophisticated atmosphere.
The cherry trees in the main bailey plaza are illuminated with LED lights of various colors. The colors change throughout the evening, making it perfect for Instagram-worthy photos.
During the illumination period, the castle keep's opening hours are extended until 19:00. From the castle keep's observation deck, you can view the entire nighttime cherry blossom scene and city lights, so don't miss the opportunity to go up.
Address: Jounai, Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: 10-minute walk from East Exit of Odawara Station
Viewing Hours: (Illumination) 18:00-21:00
Official Website: https://www.odawara-kankou.com/sakura/event.html
Mid-April to Early May
Source: Hakone Navi
Here, we introduce famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Hakone that can be enjoyed from mid-April to early May.
Onshi Hakone Park
For those who want to enjoy cherry blossoms with Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji as a backdrop, Onshi Hakone Park is highly recommended. It's famous as the location with the latest cherry blossom viewing in Hakone.
On "Togashima," a peninsula jutting into Lake Ashi, various cherry trees compete for attention:
* Mamezakura: Produces slightly smaller flowers
* Gotenba-zakura: Bears light pink flowers covering entire branches
* Someiyoshino: Changes from pink to white as the blossoms progress
* Oshima-zakura: Produces large pure white flowers
At "Ryokushian," located on the second floor of the lakeside observatory, you can enjoy matcha or coffee while viewing the collaboration of Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, and the magnificent Gotenba cherry blossoms. Why not experience the scenery once beloved by Japanese imperial family members in an elegant atmosphere?
Address: 171 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: Take a bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station (Hakone Tozan Railway) and get off at "Onshi Koen-mae"
Viewing hours: Open access
Closed: Open year-round
Official website: https://www.kanagawa-park.or.jp/onsisite/
Hakone-en
Source: PR TIMES
For those wanting to see an artistically powerful cherry tree, the "Lakeside Single Cherry Tree" at Hakone-en is recommended. This Oshima cherry tree stands 12m tall with branches spreading 23m wide, blooming from mid to late April as a late-blooming variety.
Although called a "single cherry tree," it actually consists of 5 trees growing together. With a history spanning 100 years, this cherry tree has been cherished by Japanese people for generations.
The recommended photo opportunity is to capture the "Reverse Fuji" reflection in Lake Ashi along with the real cherry blossoms by taking a cruise on the lake. "Reverse Fuji" refers to the inverted reflection of Mount Fuji on the lake's surface, similar to what you might see at Lake Kawaguchi. This combination guarantees a mystical photograph.
Address: 139 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: From Hakone-Yumoto Station, take the Hakone Tozan Bus to "Sengoro-mae" bus stop, transfer to Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus and get off at "Hakone-en" bus stop
Viewing hours: 9:00-16:30
Closed: Open year-round
Official website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/amuse/hakone-en/
