Sakura season is upon us! For many, this means that it’s finally time to get outside and get some vitamin D after staying wrapped up and cozy in our houses after this very cold winter. There’s no better way to celebrate spring in Japan than by heading outside to check out nearby sakura spots.

Here is a guide for anyone living in Hiroshima, we will discuss where you can see cherry blossom in Hiroshima, including the best spots right on your doorstep.

Plus, for people anywhere in Japan looking at where to see cherry blossoms beyond the most popular and touristy areas like Kyoto, Tokyo, and Nara, Hiroshima could be the destination for you!

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

When visiting Hiroshima, many people will visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park to learn about the history of what happened in Hiroshima and to hope, think, and pray for world peace.

Naturally, since the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is the most popular park in the prefecture, this park is also one of the most popular places to see sakura in Hiroshima.

There are over 300 sakura trees in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, growing along each side of the riverbank, making it one of the most stunning sakura spots.

Access:

Take the tram from Hiroshima Station (line 2 or 6) to Genbaku-Dome Mae. This costs around 200 yen and takes around 15 minutes.

Address:

１丁目-1-10 Nakajimacho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0811

Miyajima Island

Another one of Hiroshima’s most iconic landmarks is Itsukushima Shrine, located on Miyajima Island. Beyond being one of the most stunning places to see cherry blossom in Hiroshima, it is also home to Itsukushima Shrine and the beautiful floating torii gate on the sea as well as plenty of cute and friendly deer.

Nonetheless, in springtime, Miyajima Island is popular as one of the best sakura spots. The combination of the well-kept shrine grounds, the floating torii, the sea, and nature make an exquisite environment to take in the cherry blossom.

There are around 1300 cherry blossom trees around the area so you will easily be able to find some of the most picturesque sakura in Hiroshima. The sakura trees on Miyajima Island are dotted around the shrine, as well as along the various walking routes around town and leading up Mount Misen.

If you are living in Hiroshima, please make the trip to Miyajima Island at least once, you will be rewarded with beautiful nature and a peaceful feeling. It’s at the top of our list for where to see cherry blossoms in Hiroshima for good reason, so please check it out for yourself.

Access:

Get the train to JR Miyajima-guchi and walk for 3 minutes to the ferry port. It is a 10-minute ferry ride to the island.

Shimanami Kaido

One active and unique way to appreciate the season of cherry blossom in Hiroshima is by doing the Shimanami Kaido. This is Japan’s most famous cycling route and it is just over 70 kilometers of utterly beautiful scenery. It can be done in a day by both expert and fairly beginner cyclists.

Cycling is a beautiful way to take in the views of an area, and this island-hopping route certainly offers a lot of them. Technically crossing two prefectures (Hiroshima and Ehime), you can still start in Hiroshima in the morning and be back by the end of the day.

If you are doing the trip, make sure to stop at Senkoji Park in Onomichi, which is a short ropeway ride up to the top of Mt. Senkoji. Mt. Senkoji has some of the most breathtaking views of sakura in Hiroshima. Here you will find over 10,000 cherry blossoms against a backdrop of the Seto Inland Sea.

Along this route, you can see some of the best sakura in Hiroshima as well as in Ehime prefecture. In Ehime, you can enjoy the picture-perfect Tashimabi view of the cherry blossoms and Seto Islands at Hirakiyama Park.

A lot of people living in Hiroshima will do this cycling trip at least once. If you are looking for where to see cherry blossoms, this island-hopping cycling trail is a great place for anyone looking for a little adventure or anyone who enjoys staying active to take in some of Japan’s sakura delights.

Spring is the perfect time for this cycling trip, apart from getting to see various sakura spots, it is also ideal cycling weather, it isn’t as cold as winter and it is before the rainy season and hot summer.

Please check out our blog post on the Best Cycling Routes in Japan for more information on the Shimanami Kaido.

Access to Hirakiyama Park:

If you aren’t cycling, you are best off getting to Hirakiyama Park by car. It is located on Hakata Island.

Access to Mt. Senkoji:

From JR Onomichi Station it is a 20-minute walk to the ropeway.

Address:

〒722-0033 広島県尾道市東土堂町２０−1

Hiroshima Castle

If you are looking for where to see cherry blossoms in Hiroshima, another great spot is Hiroshima Castle. Here you will find almost 500 cherry blossom trees and it is one of the best sakura spots for hanami parties.

The beautiful trees and the lovely castle and grounds make the castle one of the top places to see cherry blossom in Hiroshima. It’s a popular place to visit among both tourists and people living in Hiroshima.

Access:

The castle is either a 20-minute walk away from JR Hiroshima Station or a 10-minute bus ride.

Address:

〒730-0011 広島県広島市中区基町２１−1

Not only is there beautiful sakura in Hiroshima and at these stunning places in the prefecture, but it is everywhere. Most of the time, if you’re wondering where to see cherry blossoms, the answer is on your doorstep. Cherry blossom trees are everywhere in Japan, so please get outside so that you can appreciate them!