Best Spring Flowers in Japan to See After Sakura

When we think of spring in Japan, sakura usually steals the spotlight—and fair enough, it’s iconic. But if you're heading to Japan after peak cherry blossom season, don’t worry. The floral magic doesn’t stop there. From late April to May, Japan becomes a living bouquet of colourful blooms, and some of them might even surprise you.

If you're planning a trip around this time, here's your go-to guide for the best flower spots across the country—plus exactly when and where you can see them. Time to fill your feed with more than just pink petals!

Also read: Best Places to See Wisteria in Japan: Top Spots for a Magical Spring Trip

Sakura (Cherry Blossoms)

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When: Early to mid-April in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka; late April in Tohoku and Hokkaido

Where to see it: Ueno Park (Tokyo), Maruyama Park (Kyoto), Hirosaki Castle (Aomori)

Let’s start with the classic. If you’re lucky enough to catch the tail end of sakura season in early April, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka still have pockets of pink. Heading north? Even better—Tohoku and Hokkaido bloom later, usually around the third or fourth week of April. Hirosaki Castle in Aomori is especially magical, with cherry blossoms reflecting on the castle moat. Insta-worthy? Definitely.

Tulips

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When: Mid to late April

Where to see it: Tonami Tulip Park (Toyama), Sakura Tulip Festa (Chiba)

Missed the sakura rush? Trade pink for a rainbow. Tulips take over in mid-April, and they do not hold back. Tonami Tulip Park in Toyama is like a painting come to life—perfect rows of red, yellow, and purple flowers stretching as far as the eye can see. Closer to Tokyo, Sakura Tulip Festa in Chiba pairs Dutch-style windmills with colourful tulip beds. It’s a vibe.

Wisteria (Fuji)

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When: Mid-April to early May

Where to see it: Ashikaga Flower Park (Tochigi), Kawachi Fuji Garden (Fukuoka)

If fairytales had flower tunnels, they’d look exactly like this. Wisteria season is short but breathtaking. Ashikaga Flower Park’s wisteria trees glow in the evening with purple, pink, and white blooms hanging like chandeliers. Meanwhile, Kawachi Fuji Garden in Fukuoka has a wisteria tunnel that’s straight-up dreamland. Make sure your camera’s charged—you’ll want to capture everything.

Nemophila (Baby Blue Eyes)

Image credit: Raita Futo | Wikimedia commons

When: Late April to early May

Where to see it: Hitachi Seaside Park (Ibaraki)

Imagine walking through rolling hills covered in tiny blue flowers, with the sea breeze and open skies above. That’s exactly what you get at Hitachi Seaside Park. This spot goes full-on blue in late April, and the peaceful vibe is perfect for a slow, scenic day. It’s a bit out of Tokyo, but totally worth the trip.

Shibazakura (Moss Phlox)

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When: Mid-April to mid-May

Where to see it: Fuji Shibazakura Festival (Yamanashi)

Mt. Fuji in the background, bright pink flowers at your feet—this is one of Japan’s most photogenic spring moments. Shibazakura, also called moss phlox, blooms in fields that look like a giant flower carpet. The Fuji Shibazakura Festival is a Pinoy favourite because it’s easy to reach from Tokyo and gives major postcard vibes.

Azaleas (Tsutsuji)

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When: Late April to mid-May

Where to see it: Nezu Shrine (Tokyo), Kirishima (Kagoshima)

If you’re in Tokyo, don’t skip Nezu Shrine. During azalea season, its garden transforms into a burst of reds, pinks, and purples along stone paths and torii gates. Down south, the mountains of Kirishima in Kagoshima also turn into a colourful canvas with wild azaleas blooming along hiking trails—perfect for nature lovers.

Peonies (Botan)

Image credit: 京浜にけ | Wikimedia commons

When: Late April to early May

Where to see it: Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden (Tokyo), Yuushien Garden (Shimane)

For something a little more regal, peonies are your flower. Their huge, frilly petals look like they belong in a Japanese painting. Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden offers a peaceful escape right in the middle of Tokyo, while Yuushien Garden in Shimane gives full zen garden feels with ponds, bridges, and dreamy botan blooms.

Also read: Plum Blossoms in Japan: A Must-See Alternative to Cherry Blossoms

Final Thoughts

Sakura might be the poster flower of Japan’s spring, but these underrated blooms deserve their moment too. Whether you’re a casual traveller, a photo junkie, or just in it for the chill vibes, chasing flowers from April to May adds something special to your trip. Best part? Many of these places are day trips from Tokyo or Osaka—easy to squeeze into your itinerary.

So if your cherry blossom plans don’t line up, don’t stress. Japan’s spring beauty goes way beyond sakura—and it’s waiting for you to explore.