The Japanese cherry blossom, or sakura, has long been adored by people across the globe. It is regarded as a symbol of renewal, vitality, and beauty. During the spring season of each year, thousands travel to Japan to view the wondrous spectacle of these white or pink flowers blooming en masse.
This article serves as your guide to the 2025 cherry blossom season, including forecasted bloom dates and the best spots to enjoy the flowers.
For anyone who is getting ready to explore Japan, train passes are a convenient and cost-saving option to get the most out of the country’s rail network. Two popular options are the Seishun 18 Kippu and the Japan Rail Pass, each suited to distinct travel needs.
Planning a trip to Japan? Visit Japan Web simplifies the steps required for immigration and customs declarations, allowing you to complete them online before your journey.
On this page, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Visit Japan Web, from a step-by-step guide to registration to assessing its benefits.
Traveling by train is more prevalent in Japan than in most other countries around the world. Statistics from the OECD showed that in 2021, 28% of passenger kilometers in Japan were traveled by rail, compared to just 0.25% in the United States and 5% in the United Kingdom.
A large part of this frequent use is due to the excellence of their railway system—particularly evident in the iconic Shinkansen or bullet train—which puts many others to shame.
Planning to travel in Japan with a Hokuriku Arch Pass? At a cost of 30, 000 yen (less than 200 USD for 7 days), the Hokuriku Arch Pass is worth it if you’re planning to extensively explore the Hokuriku region and take in key cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
Following on from the success of the Disney Magical Journey Shinkansen, a new Disney bullet train is set to take to the rails of Japan’s high-speed rail network.
The Wonderful Dreams Disney Shinkansen, a collaboration between JR Central and Tokyo Disney Resort, launches on February 21, 2025 and runs for a limited time only. It commemorates the opening last June of Tokyo DisneySea’s “Fantasy Springs” area.
Anime fans, prepare for an unforgettable journey! The One Piece Shinkansen is set to debut in spring 2025, transforming the iconic Sanyo Shinkansen line into a moving tribute to Eiichiro Oda’s legendary series.
Following the success of themed trains like the Hello Kitty Shinkansen, this collaboration between JR West and the beloved One Piece franchise brings the vibrant world of Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates to Japan’s high-speed rail network.