Sakura Cherry Blossoms

Spring in Japan means one thing—cherry blossoms. For a few weeks, everything’s covered in pink, and people flock to parks for hanami (flower viewing). It’s beautiful, but also kinda crowded. That’s where a bike comes in.

Cycling during sakura season lets you skip the packed picnic spots and find your own quiet, scenic routes. Cruise along rivers, ride through parks, or just take in the view as petals float around you. No rush, no hassle—just you, your bike, and some of the best scenery Japan has to offer.

Early Blooming

Kawatsuzakura

河津桜 (Kawazu-zakura) is an early-blooming variety of cherry blossom (sakura) known for its vibrant pink flowers. Native to Kawazu Town in Shizuoka Prefecture, this sakura typically begins blooming in early February and lasts for about a month, much longer than the more common Somei Yoshino. Its deep pink petals and early bloom make it a popular attraction, especially during the Kawazu Sakura Festival (河津桜まつり), which draws many visitors each year.

Someiyoshino Cherry Blossom

染井吉野 (Somei Yoshino) is the most common and iconic cherry blossom (桜) variety in Japan. Known for its delicate pale pink (almost white) petals, it blooms in early spring, usually from late March to early April, marking the peak of the 花見 (hanami, flower-viewing) season.

Developed in the 江戸時代 (Edo period) in 染井村 (Somei Village, now part of Tokyo), 染井吉野 trees are clones, propagated through grafting, which results in their synchronized blooming. However, they have a short lifespan of about a week, making their fleeting beauty a symbol of 無常 (mujō, impermanence) in Japanese culture.

Places to ride and see Cherry Blossoms

Jofuku Cycle Road

Late Blooming

Yaezakura (八重桜)

八重桜 (Yaezakura) refers to a group of cherry blossom varieties with multi-layered (double) petals, unlike the common single-petaled Somei Yoshino. These blossoms are often fuller and more voluminous, coming in shades of pink and sometimes white. Yaezakura typically blooms later in spring (mid to late April), making it one of the last cherry blossoms to appear in Japan.

Places to enjoy Yaezakura

Rare Varieties

御衣黄 (Gyoikou) is a rare variety of cherry blossom (sakura) known for its unique greenish-yellow petals. Unlike the typical pink sakura, Gyoikou starts with a pale green color and gradually turns yellowish, sometimes developing pinkish-red streaks as it matures. The name Gyoikou means “Imperial Robe Yellow,” referring to the yellow-green garments worn by nobles in the Heian period. This distinctive cherry tree blooms slightly later than Somei Yoshino, making it a special sight in Japan during mid to late spring.

Gyoikou is quite rare but there are a few trees along the Rin-Rin Road, see if you can find them!

All Cherry Blossom Routes