Cherry Blossoms in Setouchi: When and Where to See Sakura in Hiroshima and Shikoku (2027 Guide)

Quick answer: In Hiroshima and Shikoku, cherry blossoms usually open in the last week of March and reach full bloom in the first days of April — a few days earlier or later each year. My picks: Hiroshima’s Peace Park and Hijiyama, Shiudeyama in Kagawa for blossoms above the sea (car entry needs an advance ticket), Marugame Castle, and Mt. Bizan and Seibu Park in Tokushima. Also famous: Senkoji Park in Onomichi, Miyajima and Matsuyama Castle. Watch the forecasts from early March and book hotels early.

I live in Tokushima and my family is from Hiroshima, so spring hanami (cherry-blossom viewing) for me means Hiroshima, Kagawa and Tokushima. I’ve seen the blossoms in Hiroshima’s Peace Park and Hijiyama, at Shiudeyama and Marugame Castle in Kagawa, and on Mt. Bizan and in Seibu Park in Tokushima. Here’s how to time your trip and where to go.

When do the cherry blossoms bloom?

The Japan Meteorological Agency’s averages (1991–2020):

In short: aim for late March to early April. Full bloom lasts only about a week, and rain or wind can end it early. Forecasts are published from early March — check them before you lock in your dates. Hilltop and mountain spots bloom a little later than the cities.

Hiroshima

Peace Memorial Park and the riverbanks

Cherry trees surround the A-Bomb Dome and line the rivers through the city centre. I’ve enjoyed hanami here myself.

• Rules: no fires or barbecues in the Peace Park or around Hiroshima Castle. Take your rubbish home.
• See Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum.

Hijiyama Park

A hill just east of the centre with about 1,300 cherry trees and views over the city. I’ve been for the blossoms here too.

Hiroshima Castle and Shukkeien

• Hiroshima Castle: the blossoms reflected in the moat are lovely. (The castle keep itself closed to visitors in March 2026; the grounds are open.)
• Shukkeien Garden (¥350) holds a night light-up for the blossoms in late March and early April.

Miyajima

About 1,900 cherry trees around the island’s temples and shrine, usually at their best in early April. See Miyajima: Day Trip or Overnight?.

Onomichi: Senkoji Park

One of Japan’s official Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots: about 1,500 trees of around 20 varieties on the hill above the town, with lanterns in the evening. Entry is free; the ropeway runs up the hill. I haven’t seen the blossoms here myself, but it’s one of the most famous spots in the region. See Onomichi Guide.

Kagawa

Shiudeyama (Mitoyo)

A 352-metre hill with about 1,000 cherry trees looking out over the islands of the Seto Inland Sea — blossoms and sea in one view. I’ve been here for the blossoms myself.

Important — it’s very popular, so access is controlled in season:

• In 2026, from late March to mid April, private cars (including rental cars) needed an advance “car entry ticket” (about ¥1,750 on weekdays, ¥2,300 at weekends, booked online).
• A weekend shuttle bus ran from JR Takuma and JR Kan’onji stations, with a stop at Chichibugahama beach.
• You can walk up for free (about 90 minutes from the port below).
• It’s in a national park: no fires, and no drones in the blossom season.

Check the 2027 rules on the Mitoyo tourism website from February. Combine it with Kagawa in 2 Days and the Chichibugahama sunset.

Marugame Castle

During the Marugame Castle Sakura Festival (late March to about 10 April in recent years), there are food stalls and lanterns, and the castle is lit up until 21:00. I’ve seen the blossoms here myself. The stone walls are still being repaired after a 2018 collapse, so parts of the grounds may be fenced off.

Ritsurin Garden and Konpira-san

• Ritsurin Garden (Takamatsu, ¥500) holds a spring light-up for about ten days around full bloom.
• At Konpira-san, the spring cherry-blossom festival is held on 10 April. See Climbing Konpira-san.

Tokushima

Mt. Bizan and Seibu Park

Mt. Bizan, right behind Tokushima city, has about 1,500 cherry trees, lit up in the evenings in the blossom season (26 March – 8 April in 2026). At the foot of the mountain, Seibu Park has about 500 trees and is one of the Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots. I’ve been for hanami at both.

• Seibu Park: cars can’t enter on weekends in the blossom season, and its small car park is closed. Come by taxi or on foot.
• Take the Bizan Ropeway from the Awa Odori Kaikan. See One Day in Tokushima City.

Tokushima Central Park

The castle ruins next to JR Tokushima Station have about 250 trees, lit up until 22:00 at full bloom — the easiest hanami spot if you’re staying near the station.

Ehime

Matsuyama Castle

About 200 cherry trees around the castle on its hilltop — another Top 100 spot — with a night light-up in late March and early April. Several varieties bloom at slightly different times, so the season here is a little longer. Note: two of the castle gates are being repaired until about March 2027; check access before you go. See Dogo Onsen and Matsuyama.

Hanami tips

• Go early for a good spot at popular parks, especially on weekends.
• Don’t take more space than you need, and never break branches.
• Take your rubbish home — bins are scarce.
• No barbecues or fires in most city parks.
• Book your hotel early. Late March and early April is also Japan’s school holiday season.

See Best Time to Visit Setouchi for the rest of the year.

FAQ

When is the best time to see cherry blossoms in Hiroshima?
Usually late March to early April. In 2026, full bloom in Hiroshima was on 30 March.

Do I need a reservation for Shiudeyama?
In 2026, private cars needed an advance entry ticket in the blossom season. Walking up was free. Check the 2027 rules.

Are there night illuminations?
Yes, at places like Shukkeien (Hiroshima), Marugame Castle, Matsuyama Castle, Ritsurin Garden and Mt. Bizan.

Where can I see cherry blossoms with the sea?
Shiudeyama in Kagawa, with views over the islands of the Seto Inland Sea.

Bloom dates from the Japan Meteorological Agency. Spots, rules and 2026 dates checked on official city, prefecture and park websites on 25 October 2026. 2027 dates had not been announced.

Kaz

Tokushima local with family roots in Hiroshima

I live in Tokushima and my family is from Hiroshima, where I also used to live. I still go back several times a year. The guides here come from places I have actually been. Where I haven't tried something myself, I say so.