That's awesome! we went during the last few days of April (I think around the 28th). The hard part is going when they've fully bloomed, but haven't completely fallen yet. I'd say the last week of April is always a good time though - if you're going to Hirosaki. They bloom at different times around Japan, so you can also check other areas if your trip doesn't line up with that week. For example, in Okinawa (I know it's far from northern Japan) they are almost completely done blooming and already falling.
@@FreedomSprout My tentative schedule as of now in Hirosaki is April 20-22 (can still change as I haven't booked my flight, only reserved hotels). I feel like the best/safest time to come based on last 2 years is around 23-25 but flight is too expensive.. it's also falls on a weekend which I am trying to avoid. Btw, thank you for the reply and great video! It's surely helpful in my planning
@@katrinapineda6873 My pleasure! Looks like this year the festival is 21 April to 5 May, so you'll be here right at the beginning. The only downside I could see to that is you won't get to see as much of the cherry blossoms falling, which is many people's favorite part. Are you coming from outside of Japan or within?
@@katrinapineda6873 Just a quick tip: don't forget about the Shinkansen when traveling around Japan. You qualify for some special JR passes since you'll have a tourist visa, so be sure to check those out so you can ride unlimited trains in the area(s) you're going to.
I hope I get to see them in person, too!
What exact dates did you go in 2022? Planning my trip this April
That's awesome! we went during the last few days of April (I think around the 28th). The hard part is going when they've fully bloomed, but haven't completely fallen yet. I'd say the last week of April is always a good time though - if you're going to Hirosaki. They bloom at different times around Japan, so you can also check other areas if your trip doesn't line up with that week. For example, in Okinawa (I know it's far from northern Japan) they are almost completely done blooming and already falling.
@@FreedomSprout My tentative schedule as of now in Hirosaki is April 20-22 (can still change as I haven't booked my flight, only reserved hotels). I feel like the best/safest time to come based on last 2 years is around 23-25 but flight is too expensive.. it's also falls on a weekend which I am trying to avoid.
Btw, thank you for the reply and great video! It's surely helpful in my planning
@@katrinapineda6873 My pleasure! Looks like this year the festival is 21 April to 5 May, so you'll be here right at the beginning. The only downside I could see to that is you won't get to see as much of the cherry blossoms falling, which is many people's favorite part. Are you coming from outside of Japan or within?
@@FreedomSprout Outside Japan. Great point about the falling blossoms! Will see how much I can adjust my trip
@@katrinapineda6873 Just a quick tip: don't forget about the Shinkansen when traveling around Japan. You qualify for some special JR passes since you'll have a tourist visa, so be sure to check those out so you can ride unlimited trains in the area(s) you're going to.