Japan Cherry Blossom Travel Guide | Best Places & Hanami Tips

Oleh Amal

8 April 2026

Planning a spring trip from Malaysia to Japan? The sakura (cherry blossom) season is one of the most magical times to visit—but timing is everything.

This guide covers 2026 forecasts, best viewing periods, top spots, hanami tips, and more, specially tailored for Malaysian travellers.

🌸 2026 Cherry Blossom Forecast

Cherry blossoms in Japan move from south to north, typically from March to May.

📅 Key 2026 Forecast Dates (Estimated Peak)

Tokyo: Late March (around Mar 25–Apr 3)
Kyoto: Late March–early April (Mar 30–Apr 7)
Osaka: Early April (Apr 2–10)
Tohoku (Sendai): Early–mid April
Hokkaido (Sapporo): Late April–early May

👉 In 2026, blossoms are expected earlier than average due to warmer weather.

📶 Get a Japan eSIM or travel SIM before you land to stay connected!

🔥Japan in Bloom

Promotion period: From 00:00 on March 30, 2026, until 23:59 on April 26,2026 (GMT+8).

Travel to Japan

⏰ Best Timing to See the Blossoms

Cherry blossoms usually:

🌱 Start blooming (开花 / kaika)
🌸 Reach full bloom (满开 / mankai) in ~7 days
🍃 Last about 1 week before falling

🎯 Best Travel Window (for Malaysians)

Tokyo / Kyoto / Osaka → Late March to early April
Flexibility tip: Travel across cities to “chase sakura”

💡 Pro tip: Plan 7–10 days trip to increase your chances of catching peak bloom.

Book Cheap Flights to Tokyo

Book Cheap Hotels in Japan

📍 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan

🌆 Tokyo

Ueno Park
Shinjuku Gyoen

⛩️ Kyoto

Philosopher’s Path
Maruyama Park

🏯 Osaka

Osaka Castle Park

🌸 Other Must-Visit

Yoshino (奈良吉野山) – thousands of trees on mountains
Hirosaki Castle (青森) – late bloom & fewer crowds

These locations are among Japan’s most iconic hanami spots.

Cheap Hotels in Tokyo

5 star

Hotel New Otani Tokyo Garden Tower

9.3/10Great823 Ulasan

Central Tokyo Tokyo|2.87km dari pusat bandar

Hotel staff are friendly, helpful and attentive. The bell boy who helped me with bringing my luggages to the room was very friendly and helpful, spoke good English too. Though not all staff spoke good English, they tried their best to assist me. Their service standard is consistent throughout. The room and the toilet was spacious and clean. There were 4 restuarants that I could go to for breakfast. The Garden Lounge which served buffet breakfast has a wide selection of food and drink. Most importantly the food was yummy! I enjoyed looking at the beautiful garden with waterfall view as I was seated by the window during breakfast.

Dari€ 138

Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier

9.2/10Great1347 Ulasan

Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.49km dari pusat bandar

This is a brand-new hotel with an excellent location, very close to the subway station. Ginza shopping street is just a few minutes' walk downstairs, yet it's not noisy at all. Downstairs, there's also Kyushu ramen, two FamilyMart convenience stores, and a drug store, making it very suitable for business travelers. Lobby: The lobby is on the 16th floor and offers direct views of Tokyo Tower. There's also a thoughtful smoking room provided for family members. Room: The room has a bit too much furniture, so we had to move some pieces around to open our luggage. The bathroom also functions as both a shower and a bathtub. Breakfast: The breakfast selection is very rich, offering both Japanese and Western options, and the view is also great. Highly recommended; I'll definitely stay here again!

Dari€ 216

Imperial Hotel, Tokyo

9.5/10Amazing2332 Ulasan

Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.66km dari pusat bandar

The hotel's location is convenient, very close to the subway station, making travel easy. Taxis are always waiting outside the entrance. The public areas are incredibly 'grand,' and while the room facilities are a bit dated, they exude an old-class charm. The soundproofing in the main building isn't great, which is directly related to its age. The annex, being less occupied, has less noise from people, but the railway noise is unavoidable and quite noticeable at night. Although breakfast wasn't lavish (I only tried the second floor and the Japanese restaurant on the first basement floor), it was full of ceremony. The service exceeded expectations; the front desk and the one-on-one guides all spoke excellent English. Their responses were prompt and their attitude was wonderful, which was very impressive. However, the service staff at the popular first-floor lobby restaurant were just average (it seemed they were more enthusiastic towards locals?). Overall, I still recommend it; it offers good value for money.

Dari€ 172

Tokyo Dome Hotel

9.2/10Great3566 Ulasan

Suidobashi/Tokyo Dome Tokyo|3.75km dari pusat bandar

The room was incredibly spacious, and the elevators were very efficient. There are plenty of dining options nearby, and it's conveniently located close to both JR and subway lines, making transportation a breeze. The staff were very friendly, and the self-service check-in and check-out made everything super convenient. You can store your luggage after checking out, and there's a bus service to Haneda Airport.

Dari€ 60

The Prince Park Tower Tokyo - Preferred Hotels & Resorts, LVX Collection

9/10Great2180 Ulasan

Tokyo Tower Area Tokyo|2.41km dari pusat bandar

We booked the Tokyo tower side view room. When lying on the bed we are directly facing to the side of the Tokyo tower to enjoy the fantastic tower view. The room is with good size. There is a ventilation feature on the window bay where you can get some fresh air. The bathtub has the bottom massage function which I quite like it. The TV is a bit old and small though. The breakfast we chose is on the top floor where you can enjoy the city view around the hotel. Breakfast options are not too many but definitely enough, the taste is quite good I would say. There are many entertainment options in the hotel, such as public bath and bowling.

Dari€ 185

ANA InterContinental TOKYO by IHG

9.1/10Great153 Ulasan

Akasaka Tokyo|2.21km dari pusat bandar

Room and bed were very comfortable, immaculately clean and modern. 2 mins walk from train station, if you need lift access to train then a 6 mins walk, we had a stroller. Breakfast was a bit of a zoo, we went during Christmas, very busy! But tables were spacious so even though there were so many people you don’t feel cramped. Good variety of food selection. We had dinner at the Japanese teppanyaki restaurant. Delicious, especially the tuna salad. I found the lobby staff a little lack of personality, at check in, no mentioning of where breakfast will be, what time check out is. Just checked you in and that’s it, no personal notes in the room. When I expressed I’ve lost my phone at the shop in Tokyo, no sign of empathy (it was a western male staff) no gesture of helpfulness, very cold and robotic. This goes for concierge also, he is an older western gentleman, he needs to use Google translate also which is frustrating cause I could do exactly the same research with Google translate. Overall, hardware is solid, need to fine tune the staff, sprinkle a little bit of personality in them.

Dari€ 245

Hilton Tokyo Odaiba

9/10Great938 Ulasan

Odaiba Tokyo|5.01km dari pusat bandar

This hotel is super convenient, right by the Odaiba metro station – you can see it as soon as you exit! It was really easy to get to my exhibition, just a few stops away. The room was spacious enough, and for Tokyo, you get great value for your money at this price point. Plus, there's a mall nearby, so dining options are plentiful. They even have an airport bus service that you can book online, which is a big plus.

Dari€ 122

Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo

9/10Great473 Ulasan

Shinagawa Tokyo|4.74km dari pusat bandar

The hotel isn't right next to a subway station, but the shuttle bus service is super convenient, running every 15 minutes to and from Meguro Station. It pretty much covers all your transportation needs. It wasn't until after we checked out that we realized they'd upgraded our room type! It was definitely bigger, and we could easily spread out three 28-inch suitcases, which was really handy. The only downside was that the facilities felt a bit old. Even though it had been renovated, there was still an unpleasant smell from the sink drain in the bathroom.

Dari€ 271

Business travel

Hotel Gracery Ginza

8.8/10Very Good1168 Ulasan

Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.29km dari pusat bandar

Generally, it's like a typical Japanese hotel – the room is very small, but for a traveler who just needs a place to sleep, it's perfectly adequate. No frills, very clean and tidy, and the location is excellent. The value for money is truly outstanding!

Dari€ 74

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Ginza Premier (Renewal Opening on April, 2026)

9/10Great1104 Ulasan

Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.44km dari pusat bandar

The newly opened Daiwa Roynet Hotel Ginza is in a fantastic location, right in the heart of Ginza, making it incredibly convenient for shopping and dining. The rooms are spotless and tidy, and the non-smoking room we had was quiet and comfortable. The furnishings and amenities are all brand new, making for a great stay. The front desk staff were attentive and helpful, and check-in was very efficient. Overall, it offers excellent value for money. It's a top choice for couples, perfect whether you're there for a shopping trip or a relaxing getaway. I'd definitely stay here again next time I'm in Tokyo.

Dari€ 114

Hotel Keihan Tsukiji Ginza Grande

9.3/10Great1717 Ulasan

Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.89km dari pusat bandar

The staff were all friendly and polite, providing excellent service. The hotel's location is fantastic, just a 3-minute walk to the subway station. The breakfast spread was incredibly generous, offering both Western and Japanese options, including fish, fruits (even lychees!), and pastries. Having stayed at many hotels, I can honestly say this breakfast was the best. We booked a triple room, and it felt a bit small as the third bed took up a lot of space. The hotel's self-service laundry was good, though a bit pricey at 600 yen for washing and another 600 yen for drying. WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted.

Dari€ 116

DoubleTree by Hilton Tokyo Ariake

9.3/10Great662 Ulasan

Odaiba Tokyo|4.77km dari pusat bandar

Had a fantastic stay! The hotel's location is excellent, right next to the Rinkai Line, making it incredibly convenient for getting around, especially to Disney. The room facilities were well-equipped, and the cleanliness was top-notch; there were no unpleasant odors. Breakfast is served on the first floor. We stayed for five nights and went at different times, but on three of those days, we encountered a queue. If you're in a hurry, you might want to factor in some extra time.

Dari€ 91

Tokyo Prince Hotel

9.1/10Great1823 Ulasan

Tokyo Tower Area Tokyo|2.05km dari pusat bandar

The room was great! We were traveling as a family of three and the room was cleaned exceptionally well every day. The convenience store nearby was super handy for buying things, and we could see Tokyo Tower just a few minutes' walk from the hotel!

Dari€ 131

Quintessa Hotel Tokyo Ginza

9/10Great429 Ulasan

Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.34km dari pusat bandar

I had a great stay at Quintessa Hotel Tokyo Ginza. The location is excellent — very convenient for exploring Ginza, shopping, restaurants, and nearby train stations. The hotel was clean, modern, and quiet, and the room had everything I needed for a comfortable stay. The staff were also very friendly and helpful throughout my visit. Overall, it was a great balance of comfort, convenience, and value. I would definitely stay here again when visiting Tokyo.

Dari€ 87

Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Marunouchi

9.2/10Great685 Ulasan

Tokyo Station/Nihonbashi Tokyo|1.42km dari pusat bandar

• room is spacious, got everything you need. room and toilets are very clean. • located on high floors, view is great, can see multiple trains getting into station without hearing noises • location is great - basically just above JR station where you can enter the station without exposed to rain

Dari€ 153

Super Hotel Premier Tokyo-eki Yaesu Chuo-guchi

9.1/10Great686 Ulasan

Tokyo Station/Nihonbashi Tokyo|0.99km dari pusat bandar

The hotel is really close to Tokyo Station, which is especially convenient if you're taking the Shinkansen the next day, as it's right near the Shinkansen exit. You just cross the road, walk for about 2 minutes, and turn right. The room itself is quite small, but other than the room size, everything else was great! You can choose your own pillow, which is a fantastic touch! The hot spring bath was also relaxing, and breakfast was good, they even had ice cream.

Dari€ 89

Breakfast

Super Hotel Premier Ginza

9/10Great790 Ulasan

Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.31km dari pusat bandar

Though small, this hotel has everything you need. Its Ginza location is incredibly convenient, perfect for shopping or quickly getting to Narita Airport via the expressway. What truly impressed me is how many features are packed into such a compact space. They have a coin-operated laundry and a large public bath. The room, which I'd estimate at about 20 square meters, even managed to fit bunk beds (1.2m/1.5m), making it very family-friendly. A minor point is that since the hotel is directly above the subway, you occasionally feel vibrations as trains pass. This led to a funny moment when an actual earthquake hit at night, and I initially thought it was just another train going by!

Dari€ 67

HOSHINOYA Tokyo

9.1/10Great88 Ulasan

Tokyo Station/Nihonbashi Tokyo|1.84km dari pusat bandar

My overall experience with this stay was quite complex, feeling more like a test of service management capabilities. On the first day, the room cleaning quality was noticeably below expectations. The wash area, countertop details, and some amenities weren't clean enough, and the bedding wasn't tidied properly. From a housekeeping management perspective, this felt more like a failure in process execution rather than an isolated incident, and it definitely affected my first impression. However, after I raised the issue, the hotel's recovery actions were prompt. In the following days, the room cleaning was significantly more standardized, with noticeable improvements in detail. This indicates that the hotel is capable of good service, but the initial day's execution standards simply weren't met. In contrast, Trip.com's service experience during this incident left a deeper impression. The customer service proactively followed up, communicated efficiently, and handled the situation professionally. They were able to push for problem resolution from a customer experience perspective, demonstrating a mature platform service system. This level of after-sales responsiveness is quite high among current online travel platforms. Overall Rating: The hotel's hardware and positioning are fine, but there's room for improvement in service consistency, especially regarding the first-day delivery standards of housekeeping management. Trip.com's coordination and service performance in this incident, on the other hand, highlighted the professional value of their platform.

Dari€ 649

Agora Tokyo Ginza

9/10Great263 Ulasan

Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.36km dari pusat bandar

Pros: the duty manager Mai who is fluent in English and demonstrated outstanding attentiveness and a genuine dedication to hospitality. She took the time to truly understand my specific needs and thoughtfully arranged the perfect room for me. To be quite honest, this level of personalized care and attention to detail is something rarely encountered in the hospitality industry nowadays. I was both deeply impressed and delightfully surprised by this experience. Cons: regarding the housekeeping service during my stay, While I appreciate that the bedsheets were changed diligently, the overall cleanliness and attention to detail have been highly disappointing. Instead of clearing the room, the housekeeper consistently left trash behind after cleaning. Day1 The housekeeper actually stuffed a piece of paper waste into the room card slot. Day 2 The trash remained unclean. Day 3 The housekeeper even left their own dirty cleaning towel right next to the bathroom sink. （see the picture) As a guest, I expected a high standard of hygiene and professionalism, but these incidents have made my stay quite uncomfortable.

Dari€ 91

remm Roppongi

9.1/10Great1029 Ulasan

Roppongi Tokyo|3.16km dari pusat bandar

The room was clean and tidy, and the front desk service was very attentive, providing me with lots of guidance on transportation – really commendable! I stayed at this hotel two years ago and just spent another three nights here. The breakfast has definitely improved; I ate there on my check-out day because of the heavy rain, and it was quite good, definitely worth the price. Ironically, the trendy, long-queued bakery near the hotel that everyone raves about was actually quite mediocre.

Dari€ 58

The Royal Park Canvas - Ginza 8

9.2/10Great201 Ulasan

Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.41km dari pusat bandar

This hotel boasts an excellent location, just a few minutes' walk to major department stores and subway stations. Downstairs, you'll find convenience stores and pharmacies. The rooms are clean and dry, with a separated wet and dry bathroom area, and excellent soundproofing. The staff are gentle and attentive. It's the top choice for shopping and dining, and incredibly convenient for getting around. I'll definitely stay here again next time I'm in Tokyo. **Concise Version (approx. 70 words):** The hotel is situated in the heart of Ginza, offering convenient access to transport, luxury brand stores, and restaurants right outside. Rooms are clean and well-equipped, with soft and comfortable bedding, and the front desk service is patient. The only minor drawback is the slightly small room size, making large luggage placement a bit cramped. Overall, the value for money is decent, making it suitable for short shopping and sightseeing stays.

Dari€ 144

Hotel Monte Hermana Tokyo

9.2/10Great1107 Ulasan

Tokyo Station/Nihonbashi Tokyo|1.13km dari pusat bandar

Superb location. Just 3-5mins walk from Tokyo Station’s Central Exit (next to Daimaru). No early check in allowed. Strictly 3pm. Complimentary coffee and snacks available after 11am so remember that if you need coffee in the morning from the machine, you’ll be rejected. Room is clean. Everything else was similar to other Japanese Business Hotel standard.

Dari€ 84

HOTEL MYSTAYS Haneda

8.9/10Very Good890 Ulasan

Haneda Airport/Kamata Tokyo|13.45km dari pusat bandar

HND Layover Lifesaver! 🔥 HOTEL MYSTAYS Haneda | Free Shuttle + Huge Rooms + Self Check-in A must-stay for early morning/late-night flights! Super close to Haneda Airport with a free shuttle bus. Rooms are spacious and spotless, packed with amenities. Perfect for business or leisure travelers. I personally rate it a perfect 100! 💯 🏨 Hotel Basics - Full Name: HOTEL MYSTAYS Haneda - Address: 5-1-13 Haneda, Ota-ku, Tokyo - Transportation: 4-minute walk from Keikyu Anamori-Inari Station; Free shuttle bus to Haneda Airport (multiple departures morning/evening), approx. 10-minute ride. - Check-in/Check-out: 3:00 PM - 11:00 AM ✨ Key Highlights: Airport Commute + Top-notch Facilities 1️⃣ Stress-free Airport Transfers – A Godsend for Rush Travelers - Free Shuttle Bus: First departure at 5 AM, multiple late-night services, direct to Haneda T1/T2/T3. No need to squeeze onto the train, easy even with lots of luggage. - Public Transport: Keikyu Line to the airport in 10 minutes. Available even for late-night arrivals. No more waking up super early for early flights. 2️⃣ Guest Rooms: Unusually Large for Tokyo, Fully Equipped All rooms 18sqm+, significantly larger than typical Tokyo business hotel rooms. Super spacious for two people, plenty of room to spread out luggage. - Bedding: Medium-firm mattress, soft pillows. Excellent soundproofing on higher floors, no traffic noise. - Amenities: Microwave, mini-fridge, electric kettle, smart toilet, ReFa hairdryer. Some room types include a simple kitchen. - Bathroom: Separate wet/dry areas, consistent hot water, huge bathtub – perfect for unwinding after a flight. - Details: Spotlessly clean throughout, anti-fog mirrors, super fast free WiFi. 3️⃣ Service & Public Areas: Efficient Self-Service, Thoughtful Extras - Self Check-in/Check-out: Just scan your passport at the machine, no queuing. Super quick even for late-night arrivals. - 24-hour Front Desk: Staff includes Chinese speakers, so no communication barriers. Luggage storage and umbrella borrowing available. - Free Facilities: Gym, massage chair relaxation area (free). Great for unwinding after a tiring journey. - Breakfast (Optional): Served from 5:00 AM. Japanese + Western buffet, wide variety. You can still enjoy a hot meal even with an early flight. 4️⃣ Surrounding Amenities: Convenient Stores + Plenty of Food Options - 2-minute walk downstairs: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, 24-hour drug store. Super convenient for late-night essentials. - Nearby: Lots of authentic ramen shops, izakayas, and teishoku (set meal) restaurants. Easily eat well for around 800 JPY per person. - Attractions: Anamori Inari Shrine is a 5-minute walk away, easy to visit on the way. 💰 Value for Money Summary - Price: Top-tier value for money among similar hotels near Haneda Airport, 30%+ cheaper than on-site airport hotels. - Suitable for: Early/late flight travelers, business trips, families (extra beds available). - Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5, virtually no downsides) ⚠️ Small Reminders - No shuttle bus after midnight. Taxis are needed (approx. 2000 JPY, 10 minutes). - It's recommended to book breakfast in advance, as it can get busy during peak hours. Overall, if you're looking for a hotel near Haneda Airport with 'free shuttle, large rooms, and hassle-free cleanliness,' HOTEL MYSTAYS Haneda is definitely my top #1 choice. I'd rebook it infinitely! #

Dari€ 64

Hotel Comfact

7.9/10Good602 Ulasan

Ueno/Asakusa Tokyo|5.43km dari pusat bandar

This hotel was quite good overall. It is about a 10-minute walk to Iriya Gate at Ueno Station, which made it convenient for getting around Tokyo. One of the best things about this hotel is its location near a large open playground, only about 450 meters away. It was perfect for our kids to play and burn off some energy after a day of sightseeing. There are also halal food options nearby. A halal restaurant near Asakusa is just over 1 km away and can easily be reached on foot. In fact, Asakusa itself is within walking distance, making it easy to explore the area without relying too much on public transport. Overall, we had a pleasant stay. The location was family-friendly, convenient, and suitable for travelers looking for easy access to playgrounds, public transportation, and halal food options.

Dari€ 36

Book Cheap Flights to Tokyo

Book Cheap Hotels in Japan

🧺 How to Enjoy Hanami (花见)

Hanami = traditional Japanese flower viewing picnic 🌸

What Malaysians should do:

Bring snacks / bento / drinks
Sit under sakura trees with friends
Enjoy sunset or even 夜樱 (yozakura) – night viewing

💡 Popular spots can get crowded—arrive early!

🌺 Cherry Tree Varieties

Common Types:

Somei Yoshino (染井吉野)
→ Most common, light pink, blooms all at once
Shidarezakura (枝垂樱)
→ “Weeping” cherry trees, very photogenic
Yaezakura (八重樱)
→ Double petals, bloom later
Yamazakura (山樱)
→ Wild mountain cherry

👉 Different varieties = longer viewing season if you plan well

💡 Tips for Malaysians Visiting Sakura Season

✈️ 1. Book Early

Flights & hotels sell out fast during peak sakura season

📶 2. Stay Connected

Use eSIM / SIM for navigation & real-time forecasts

📅 3. Track Sakura Forecasts

Bloom dates change yearly—monitor updates

👟 4. Prepare for Weather

Spring is cool: ~8–20°C
Bring light jacket

🚆 5. Use Public Transport

Japan trains are the best way to travel between cities

📸 6. Go Early Morning

Avoid crowds & get best photos

🧘 7. Respect Local Culture

Clean up after hanami
Don’t shake trees

❤️Book flight tickets to Japan on Trip.com, get the best deals! Don't forget to get Flight Promo Code in advance.

Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Tokyo

Sehala
Pergi Balik

Book Cheap Flights to Tokyo

Book Cheap Hotels in Japan

🌏 Final Thoughts

For Malaysian travellers, cherry blossom season is a once-in-a-lifetime experience 🌸

Best time: Late March – Early April
Best strategy: Flexible itinerary + early booking
Best experience: Hanami under full bloom sakura

👉 Plan well, and you’ll witness one of the most beautiful natural events in the world.

Book Cheap Flights to Tokyo

Book Cheap Hotels in Japan

🔥 Hotel Coupons: Exclusive Hotels Deal for New Users

Discover the world with trip.com! Book the perfect hotel anywhere in the world and get an unbeatable 10% discount if you're a first-time user! If this is your second time using it, you will receive a 5% discount! Download our app now and start planning your next trip with ease.

Just click this link and download the Trip.com App, after successfully registering as a member, use it when you place an order!

Book hotels now!

🔥Save More with Up to 10% Off

Use our promo code to enjoy up to 10% OFF on your attraction tickets, tours and eSIMs! There is also a 5% OFF for new users!