Yozakura: The Magic of Moonlit Cherry Blossoms

Spring in Japan is known around the world as the time of the cherry blossom, or sakura. Plan your visit for just the right time in March and April, and you’ll practically be swimming in all things sakura. From the petals gently dancing in the wind, to the many sweet treats, floral foods, and drinks you can find featuring that special seasonal twist.

If you make it in time for sakura season, your stay won’t be complete without an afternoon spent relaxing under the sakura trees, an activity known as hanami, or flower viewing. People stake out spots in parks and green spaces in communities all across Japan (sometimes from morning to night), planting their blankets and supplies right under the trees for prime cherry blossom viewing.

Basking in the glory of sakura under the spring sun isn’t the only way to experience cherry blossoms, however! For a uniquely magical sight, consider viewing sakura at night.

While daytime sakura viewing is called hanami, nighttime viewing is known as yozakura (“yo” meaning night and “zakura” meaning cherry blossoms). During this time of year, Japan comes to life with a whole new atmosphere after sundown. Many parks, gardens, and even neighborhoods create stunning illuminations showcasing their cherry blossom trees. The delicate petals gain a new ethereal glow, creating an experience wholly unlike sakura viewing in the daylight.

Where to See Yozakura

One of Tokyo’s central wards, Chiyoda, is famous for its stunning Sakura Festival held each spring. Around 200 trees line the banks of the Chidori-ga-fuchi Moat, draping their blossoming limbs out over the water and walking paths that run beside it. Visitors can enjoy daytime and nighttime viewing on foot, or, even more special, by boat, late into the night.

Another one of Tokyo’s most popular events is Sakura Fes Nihonbashi. All along the sakura-lined streets, you’ll find restaurants and shops decorated in light pink curtains, offering all sorts of limited-time sakura-themed items from sweets, snacks, and drinks to special bento boxes and other goods. The sakura illuminated with soft pink lighting is quite a sight to see!

Boasting over 1,000 cherry trees, Ueno Park is home to one of Tokyo’s largest yozakura locations. From mid-March to early April, the many trees and paths are illuminated with hanging lanterns for clear views and amazing photos. It draws crowds from all over Japan for a unique and lively yozakura experience.

Outshining them all, however, is Tokyo’s most renowned yozakura spot: the Meguro River. Lining the 4-kilometer paths on either side of the river are 800 ethereal sakura trees. The breathtaking beauty does come with a price, though! Expect massive crowds, especially on weekends, for the entirety of the brief cherry blossom season.

Outside of Tokyo, one of Japan’s more beloved sakura viewing spots is in the city of Kawazu in Shizuoka Prefecture. Just under three hours from Tokyo, the area boasts an assortment of natural sights, including waterfalls, beaches, and mountain gorges. Every year, people make the trip to Kawazu for the annual Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival. Stalls line the walkways along the Kawazu River, creating an energetic atmosphere, contrasted by the peaceful beauty of the illuminated sakura trees.

Finally, another spot outside of Tokyo that isn’t to be missed is Maruyama Park in Kyoto. The park itself is the oldest Japanese garden in the city, with an abundance of sakura trees spread throughout its 21 acres. At the center of the park, and the Gion Yozakura Festival, is a 40-foot-tall weeping cherry tree, which, when viewed at night, is truly a sight to be seen.

About the author: 

Kevin Kilcoyne

The spark that lit Kevin Kilcoyne’s interest in Japanese culture began in elementary school through a friendship with his then classmate Keisuke. Since then, that passion has evolved and bloomed to encompass more than just video games and manga, leading Kevin to live in Japan as a participant of the JET program. During his time in Japan, Kevin sought out as many foods as he could, the experiences and taste memories lingering long after they had gone. Now he is forging a path to link his passions for Japanese food, history, and visual culture and is planning for his return to live in Japan once again. For now, you can find Kevin on Instagram (@waruishouten) where he posts his photography and illustration work. Keep an eye out for more posts and updates as Kevin delves more deeply into his passions for writing and food.