Two months of cherry blossoms and endless sweets. Only in Nikko can you have it all.

As the cherry blossoms in Tokyo begin to flutter away, spring in Nikko City is just finding its voice.
From the foothills of Imaichi area to the UNESCO World Heritage streets, and up to the mist-shrouded heights of Okunikko—follow the cherry blossom front as it climbs 1,000 meters in altitude. Why not embark on a journey through history, nature, hot springs, and seasonal delicacies?
Only here in Nikko can you savor the blooms for two full months alongside limited-edition sweets from over 70 local shops. It is truly "the one place in Japan where the most indulgent spring is allowed."

Chasing the Cherry Blossom Front: A 1,000-meter Ascent through Spring

Nikko City varies in elevation by as much as 1,000 meters. For this reason, you can enjoy a wide variety of cherry blossoms over a long period, starting with the Imaichi area (lowest elevation) in late March and continuing until the Oku-Nikko area (highest elevation) in mid-May. Please note that this year’s blossoms are expected to bloom a few days earlier than average.

Patterns of Cherry Blossoms in Nikko

Here is a list of the main cherry blossom spots in each area of Nikko City.

Imaichi & Kinugawa Onsen Area:
In the vast Nikko Daiyagawa Park, you can enjoy a stunning succession of blossoms from 56 different species and approximately 500 trees. In the Kinugawa Onsen area, the streets of the hot spring resort (Sakura Namiki Street) are beautifully colored with cherry blossoms. Don't miss the "Night HANAMI in Kinugawa Onsen," held at shrines near the town center—a truly magical sight at night.

Nikko Area (World Heritage Site):
Home to the UNESCO World Heritage sites, this area is famous for its majestic, centuries-old weeping cherry trees (Shidare-zakura) and the unique Kongo-zakura (a variety of mountain cherry) at Rinno-ji Temple. The hallmark of this area is the numerous "solitary cherry trees" that stand with a dignified presence, perfectly complementing the historic townscape.

Oku-Nikko Area:
The latest cherry blossoms in the city can be found in Oku-Nikko, the heart of Nikko National Park. You can view Sargent’s cherries (Ooyama-zakura) along the shores of Lake Chuzenji and Lake Yunoko. As they typically reach their peak around mid-May, this area is highly recommended for those who may have missed the blossoms elsewhere.

Spring Gourmet Delights to Enjoy with Cherry Blossoms

In Nikko, spring is not just for sightseeing, but also for special culinary experiences! You can enjoy two major gourmet events: " "Sakura Kaiyu" (Sakura Hopping) in the World Heritage area and "Sakura Shiawase Gourmet" (Cherry Blossom Happiness Gourmet) in Kinugawa Onsen.
Over 70 locations, including long-established Japanese confectioneries and local restaurants, offer limited-edition sweets and meals inspired by cherry blossoms and seasonal strawberries. Many shops also provide special perks for visitors during this period.
Why not stop by a nearby Tourist Information Center to pick up a map? Treat yourself to some delightful spring sweets while taking a break from your cherry blossom tour!

Beyond the city's sparkle, Nikko’s cherry blossoms breathe amidst living history. In their quiet presence, you will find "Wabi-sabi"—a timeless beauty that speaks to the soul. Indulge in a spring that is both grand and deeply personal. We invite you to find your own peace within this fleeting season. Your ultimate spring indulgence awaits. Join us in Nikko.