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.

Hiroshima Peace Park•

Early April

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.

Hiroshima Castle•

Early April

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.

Shukkeien Garden•

Early April

15 minute walk from Hiroshima Station
9:00 to 18:00 (entry until 17:30), 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.

Miyajima••

Early April

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