SINGAPORE, 1 April 2026: With the arrival of Japan’s cherry blossom season, digital travel platform Agoda notes a 36% rise in domestic accommodation searches for prime blossom-viewing destinations.
This increase, observed in February for check-ins during the peak blooming period from mid- to late March, suggested that many travellers preferred to finalise their plans closer to the bloom dates to ensure they capture the full splendour of the blossoms.
Hiroshima observed the highest growth in travel interest during the March cherry blossom season, with a 48% increase in accommodation searches, followed by Nagoya with a 42% increase. Other popular destinations include Kanazawa (+39%), Kyoto (+36%), Kochi (+31%), and Wakayama (+26%).
These locations offer prime viewing spots for the cherry blossoms, such as Hiroshima’s Shukkeien Garden and Kyoto’s Maruyama Park, where the iconic weeping cherry tree draws visitors for both daytime and nighttime viewing. Nagoya’s Tsuruma Park and Kanazawa’s Kenrokuen Garden provide picturesque settings with cherry-lined paths.
The allure of Japan’s famous cherry blossoms extends beyond its borders, attracting international travellers eager to witness this natural spectacle. Agoda’s data highlights that South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, and the Philippines are the top markets showing interest in visiting Japan during this season.
Agoda Regional Director, North Asia, Jay Lee shared: “Our data shows a clear growth in last-minute travel interest to experience Japan’s iconic cherry blossom season. We see travellers from all corners of the world eager to experience this fleeting beauty, and we’re thrilled to help them find the perfect spot to enjoy these breathtaking blossoms. Agoda’s easy-to-use platform and search filters provide the flexibility travellers need to seize these unique opportunities.”
Cherry blossom season (sakura) in Japan typically occurs from late March to early April for major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
(Source: Agoda)
