Soak in Nature in Full Bloom: 8 Must-See Cherry Blossom Spots in Nagoya

According to the 2026 forecast released on January 8, 2026 by a private weather information company via “Sakura Navi,” the predicted first bloom and full bloom dates are as follows.
In Nagoya, the best viewing period is around March 27 to April 3.

Built in the early Edo period on the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, this is one of Japan’s largest castle complexes. At the top of the five-tiered main keep, a pair of golden shachihoko (mythical tiger-headed carp) shines as a symbol of Nagoya.
Inside, the castle is beautifully decorated with painted sliding doors and screens by the Kano school, a renowned group of artists active from the Muromachi to Edo periods.
Within the grounds, around 1,000 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino, bloom across about 10 varieties.
Enjoying the castle together with the blossoms lets you experience a distinctly Japanese sense of atmosphere.
The contrast between the powerful castle and the delicate beauty of sakura makes for a memorable scene you can only find in Japan.
During the Nagoya Castle Sakura Festival, the area is also illuminated at night, creating an enchanting view of the blossoms and the castle.

This large urban park covers Approx. 80 ha. It features seasonal flowerbeds, open lawns, Ofuke Pond with a panoramic view of Nagoya Castle, and sports facilities including a baseball field, making it a popular relaxation spot for locals.
At Meijo Park Flower Plaza, the bright atrium and sunroom filled with natural light host a wide range of flower and greenery-related exhibitions.
There is also a café where you can enjoy tea time surrounded by flowers.
Around 2,800 cherry trees are planted throughout Meijo Park, along with many other seasonal flowers.
Tulips, which reach their peak around the same time as the cherry blossoms, are a must-see.
Strolling through the vast grounds and viewing cherry blossoms in a rich natural setting offers a tranquil, refined experience.
The view of Nagoya Castle framed by the park’s cherry blossoms is especially impressive and highly recommended.

Opened in 1909 as Nagoya’s first city park, Tsuruma Park is a landmark general park that celebrated its 110th anniversary in 2019.
Throughout the grounds you’ll find historic monuments and landmarks, such as a fountain tower combining Roman-style marble columns with Japanese-style rockwork, and a bandstand in the Italian Renaissance style.
Selected as one of the “Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan,” the park is packed with hanami visitors in spring.
At night, the illuminated cherry blossoms are stunning. The reflection of Ukimido pavilion and the blossoms on the surface of Ryuga Pond is especially atmospheric and well worth seeing.

Covering Approx. 600,000 m², this vast complex combines a zoo, botanical garden, amusement park and more, making it hard to see everything in a single day.
The zoo, which keeps around 450 animal species, is home to many popular animals, including koalas, the symbol of the park.
Exhibits are carefully designed so you can enjoy learning about the animals.
In the botanical garden, the “Cherry Blossom Corridor” brings together Approx. 1,000 cherry trees from about 100 varieties.
With early- and late-blooming species planted, cherry blossom season here lasts longer than at many other famous spots.
The blossoms form an impressive canopy overhead, and you can have fun finding your favorite variety.
During the “Yo no Yaezakura Sakura Sanpo” event, mainly yaezakura (double-flowered cherry trees) are illuminated, creating a mysterious cherry blossom world.

Shirotori Garden is a pond-centered strolling Japanese garden inspired by the geography of the Chubu region.
At 3.7 ha, it is one of the largest gardens in the Tokai area. The artificial hill represents Mt. Ontake, with the flow of the Kiso River down to the Nezame-no-toko gorge, expressing the natural beauty of the region. The scene where the Kiso River calms and branches into the Ibi and Nagara Rivers is especially grand, and wandering the garden while picturing these landscapes is part of the fun.
Around 30 cherry trees, including shidare-zakura (weeping cherry) and yamazakura (wild cherry), bloom within the grounds.
The vivid blossoms blend beautifully with the refined, quintessentially Japanese garden scenery.
Shades of white and pink add elegance, letting you enjoy a graceful and colorful garden atmosphere.
If you want to experience traditional Japanese landscapes, this is a must-visit.

The Yamazaki River flows from Nekogahora Pond in Chikusa Ward down to Nagoya Port.
Today, Approx. 600 Somei-yoshino cherry trees line a 2.5 km stretch between Ishikawa Bridge and Ochiai Bridge.
The combination of flowing water, fresh greenery and pale pink and white blossoms creates a charming, soothing scene.
The cherry trees of the Yamazaki River have been selected as one of the “Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots,” and are illuminated for a limited time.
The blossoms glowing in the darkness are dreamlike and represent one of Japan’s iconic views.
There are many photo spots along the river, so enjoy a leisurely stroll and find your favorite angles.

Arakogawa Park is a large riverside park in Nagoya’s Minato Ward that stretches along both banks of the Arako River.
Its highlight is a tunnel formed by Approx. 1,000 cherry trees, giving you the feeling of being wrapped in blossoms.
On sunny days, the reflections of the flowers on the water make for excellent photo opportunities.
During peak bloom, the “Arakogawa Park Sakura Festival” is held, drawing lively crowds with concerts and food trucks.
The trees are illuminated during the festival, so you can enjoy a calmer, more romantic atmosphere than in the daytime.

Higashiyama Fruit Park sits at the foot of Mt. Higashiyama in Moriyama Ward, Nagoya.
This multi-purpose agricultural park features an orchard with Approx. 1,000 fruit trees, a greenhouse where you can see rare tropical fruit trees, and the “Kudamono-kan” museum with exhibits all about fruit.
Approx. 1,000 cherry trees are planted throughout the park, and it is especially famous for its weeping cherry blossoms.
The weeping cherry tree avenue is breathtaking, with blossoms so close you can almost touch them.
The scene has a uniquely nostalgic, fleeting beauty you won’t easily find elsewhere.