Below is a list of Hiroshima's most popular spots for cherry blossom viewing (hanami), including the typical timing for best viewing in the average year and japan-guide.com ratings. See also our nationwide list of famous cherry blossom spots.
Next to Genbaku Domu-mae tram stop No admission fee
Hiroshima Peace Park, located in central Hiroshima City, was built to memorialize those who died during the atomic bombing and as a testament towards world peace. There are about 300 cherry trees planted around the park especially along the river.
10 minute walk from Kamiyacho-nishi or Kamiyacho-higashi tram stop No admission fee (except interior of castle keep)
Hiroshima Castle is a reconstructed castle with about 450 cherry trees planted around the castle grounds. The best cherry blossom viewing party spots can be found around the castle keep.
15 minute walk from Hiroshima Station 9:00 to 18:00 (until 17:00 in March), 260 yen
There are about 200 cherry trees planted around Shukkeien, a Japanese landscape garden in central Hiroshima. Some lawn areas are available for cherry blossom viewing parties.
Hijiyama Park
Early April
Next to Hijiyama Koen Shita tram stop No admission fee
Hijiyama Park is a large, forested city park on a hill overlooking the city. There are about 1300 cherry trees planted in small pockets around the park that are popular places among the locals for holding cherry blossom viewing parties.
45 minutes by train and ferry from Hiroshima Station
Miyajima is a small island outside of Hiroshima that is famous for its shrine and "floating" torii gate. There are about 1300 cherry trees around the shrine and along the island's walking trails.
Ratings: best of the best
best of Japan
outstanding