The Japan Weather Association’s 2018 cherry blossom forecast is out, and you can almost hear the flurry of excitement as travellers excitedly plan their trips to see Japan's enchanting sakura. If you still haven’t decided where to go, we've listed nine places in Japan to catch these beautiful blooms.

1. Kawazu

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Above Photo: Kawazu Tourist Association/Facebook

When: March 23—April 4

Where: Kawazu city holds a unique appeal as far as cherry blossoms go: some 8,000 cherry blossom trees in this region have blossoms that bloom for up to a month (most varieties of cherry blossoms typically bloom for just one to two weeks).

Tour operators like Walk Japan help travellers traverse this lovely landscape to view the unique blossoms and exploring the natural beauty of the surroundings.  

2. Tokyo

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Above Photo: Courtesy of All About Japan

When: March 24—April 4

Where: Come spring, the scene at the Chidorigafuchi Ryokudo walkway transforms into picture-book perfection. This 700-metre stretch of lush greenery flanks the moats and waterways along the Imperial Palace, and lining these historic waterways are more than 200 cherry trees.

For an amazing view of the trees over the water, hop in a rented boat and bring your camera. By night, the trees are illuminated, creating a stunning tunnel of glowing flowers and branches perched at the water’s edge.

See also: Travel By Design: Top 5 Places In Tokyo For Design Lovers

3. Himeji

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Above Photo: Courtesy of Japan Deluxe Tours

When: March 31—April 14

Where: Take a walk through the famed Himeji Castle, a restored heritage structure built in the 1600s that’s every bit as majestic as it is beautiful.

When the 1,000 cherry trees on the castle grounds start flowering in Spring, they create a wondrous sight to behold against the sparkling waters of the surrounding moats. It’s no wonder cherry blossom viewing festivals are held at this UNESCO World Heritage site every year.

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4. Nara

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Above Photo: Courtesy of Yokoso Japan Tours

When: April 6—14

Where: For a glimpse of undisturbed natural beauty as far as the eye can see, consider heading to Mt. Yoshino, a pristine UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s blossomed faithfully since ancient times. In springtime, the mountain is aglow with different shades of pink, covered by a stunning spread of 30,000 cherry trees in approximately 200 varieties.

Even if you grow weary of snapping photos of boundless sakura blankets (is that even possible?), there’s still more to be explored in the form of nearby heritage buildings like the Yoshini Mikumari Shrine and the Kinpusenji Temple.

5. Kyoto

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Above Photo: Courtesy of Fast Japan

When: April 3—11

Where: Kyoto is home to many cherry blossom viewing hotspots. Tetsugaku No Michi, also known as Philosopher’s Path, is one of them. This two-kilometre-long stone path bursts with character and a decadent endowment of cherry trees lining the canal that runs parallel to the footpath.

It starts from the Ginkakuji Silver Pavilion and ends in Nanzenji neighbourhood, and is walking distance from the Keage Subway Station as well as nearby sacred sites like Nonen-in Temple, the Kumano Nyakuoji Shrine and others.   

See also: 10 Most Instagrammable Destinations In The World

6. Kanazawa

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Above Photo: Courtesy of Inside Japan Tours

When: April 8—16

Where: Kenrokuen Garden in the city of Kanazawa is widely considered one of the top landscaped gardens in Japan. It’s especially stunning in the spring, when its numerous plum blossoms begin to open. The flowers complement the surrounding vistas of Kanazawa Castle and two large ponds, one of which boasts a small waterfall.

The grounds of Kenrokuen are pretty extensive, so prepare for a lengthy stroll. Be sure to stop for a snack in the garden’s tea houses or at the restaurants along the cherry tree-lined pedestrian path outside the gates.         

7. Osaka

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Above Photo: Courtesy of Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau

When: April 3—11

Where: If you have a soft spot for cherry blossoms, restored castles and lush parks, you’ll find all three at Osaka Castle Park, a must-visit spot to catch before spring leaves Japan. Distinct white, gold and teal hues make Osaka Castle a stunning backdrop to over 4,000 cherry trees spread out across the park.

The gentle glow of street lamps and the hum of the surrounding cityscape also add to the ambience at this favourite cherry blossom viewing site.

Read also: 24 Hours To Dine: 7 Must-Visit Places In Osaka For Food Nirvana

8. Hakodate

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Above Photo: Courtesy of Travel Hakodate

When: May 3—10

Where: Goryokaku Fort is Hakodate’s star when it comes to cherry blossom-viewing in this city. That’s right—it’s literally a massive star-shaped fort that’s peppered in shades of light pink when its 1,600 cherry trees blossom in the spring.

Locals and tourists flock to this historical site every year to feast their eyes on amazing views of the blossoms, whether close-up from the ground or from the observatory deck of the 107 metre-high Goryokaku Tower.

9. Kiso Valley

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Above Photos: Courtesy of Walk Japan

When: March 26—April 16

Where: The Nakasendo trail is one to try when you’re looking to see cherry blossom season against the old-world vistas of Japan that the Kiso Valley is known for.

Laying aside glossy modern structures and fancy streets, this trail will take you through quiet rural villages and mountain passes covered with blooming cherry blossom trees. 

See also: 7 Luxurious Wellness Retreats In Asia

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