Why are garden enthusiasts so eager to visit Japan from late March to mid-April? The country’s iconic sakura aka cherry blossoms, of course, that blanket the country in soft pink splendour!

Once the cherry blossom arrives in Japan, swathes of the country are bathed in pale pink light, with a heavenly scent and thousands of petals floating through the air. Depicted by countless artists and considered an emblem of the country, cherry blossom season is a magnificent sight and one of the best times to visit.

Though it’s tricky to predict exactly when the cherry blossom will reach full bloom (mankai), here are the most popular destinations for witnessing the sakura spectacle.

Kyoto

The cherry blossoms of Kyoto — a city of temples, sweeping gardens and resplendent imperial palaces – tend to bloom from the last week of March until the middle of April. Visit the huge, 70-year-old sakura tree weeping over the pond in Maruyama Park, a popular spot for ‘hanami’, the Japanese tradition of welcoming spring with food, drink, and music. Or walk The Philosopher’s Walk, a canal lined with cherry blossoms that cast dappled sunshine through their dazzling, light-pink canopy. Stay at Gion Oyado Kikutani, a charming ryokan just a few minutes’ walk from Maruyama Park.

Osaka

A city celebrated for its humming party scene, great restaurants and street food, Osaka is a fantastic place to be when the celebratory cherry blossoms arrive. With thousands of trees planted along the Okawa River, the riverside promenades and gardens are great spots for enjoying the view. And the Osaka Mint Bureau, the Japan Mint headquarters, opens its grounds on the banks of the O River to the public for one week during cherry blossom season. For a personalised experience, book a scenic guided tour rounded off with a picnic of Japanese delicacies. Stay just an 8-minute walk upriver from the Mint Bureau at the Imperial Hotel Osaka.

Tokyo

Japan’s enormous technologically advanced capital may seem an unlikely place to revel in nature. But its many Japanese gardens and the surreal sight of blossoms slowly floating through this fast-paced city make it one of Japan’s sakura hot spots. Check into the Westin Tokyo to be within walking distance of one of Tokyo’s top cherry blossom-viewing spots, the Meguro River.

Kanazawa

A castle town treasured for its well-preserved samurai and geisha districts, Kanazawa is made even more otherworldly with sakura petals dancing in the wind. You’ll also find one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens here, Kenroku-en Garden. With tea houses, groves of twisted ancient trees, ponds with rare species of fish, and flowers precisely planted for serene effect, this is a clear demonstration of the artistry in Japanese gardens.

Nara

Nara is the capital of Japan’s Nara Prefecture, and is a culturally rich city that’s full of greenery. When the cherry blossoms bloom, there are numerous parks, palaces, shrines, and even castle ruins that provide a delightful setting for enjoying the sakura. But the nearby Mt Yoshino, just south of the city, provides one of the most mind-blowing spring sights in all of Japan. Around 30,000 cherry blossom trees completely cover the hills in the Yoshino area, bathing them in pale pink light and giving off a heavenly, sweet scent. Stay within the elegant confines of B&B, Houtouji Temple, in the Yoshino area.

Fukuoka

Every spring, the ruins of Fukuoka Castle and the surrounding Maizuru Park become a magical place to see sakura. The cherry blossom trees here are illuminated in a variety of different colours at night, with visitors able to soak up the atmosphere wandering the ruined walls, turrets and gates (the festivities tend to run from late March to early April). Stay a couple of streets away from Maizuru Park at the highly rated Yagura Hostel.

Takayama

The historic city of Takayama boasts historic landmarks aplenty, all of which appear ever more spectacular in the springtime. Cherry blossom trees bloom on either side of the red wooden Nakabashi Bridge and fill the picturesque Miyagawa Ryokuchi park. Just a short walk from the park is the stylish Hotel Wood Takayama.