Arriving in Japan before cherry blossom season begins in earnest? Japan’s early spring flowers, from delicate plum blossoms to brilliant tulips, are so beautiful you won’t feel like you’re missing out on anything!

Japan’s Early Spring Blooms

While Japan is world-famous for its breathtaking cherry blossoms, arriving before peak “sakura” season doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the country’s traditional flower-viewing traditions entirely. In fact, Japan’s gardens and parks come alive with vibrant colors well before the cherry trees bloom. From rich pink petals that rival the beauty of sakura to sprawling fields bursting with color, there are plenty of floral spectacles to enjoy from late winter into early spring. Visit during February and March to watch as Japan transforms from winter’s muted tones into a kaleidoscope of flowers!

① Canola Flowers at Narita Dream Farm, Chiba

Canola flowers, also known as rapeseed blossoms, are more than just a source of vegetable oil – these versatile plants also create stunning golden fields that brighten up Japan’s landscape from February through May! Unlike cherry blossoms, which bloom fleetingly before their petals drift away, canola flowers remain vibrant for months, making them a reliable floral attraction in the early spring.

While small patches of canola can be found across Japan, Narita Dream Farm in Chiba is one of the best places to see these yellow blooms on a grand scale. This picturesque farm, located in the same city as Narita International Airport, allows visitors to walk through vast fields of glowing canola blossoms. It’s the perfect spot for anyone who’s ever dreamed of running through fields of flowers like a scene from a movie! As a working dairy farm, Narita Dream Farm also offers a chance to meet cows, sheep, and goats, with delicious fresh milk soft-serve ice cream available on-site.

▷ See more of Narita Dream Farm here!

Narita Dream Farm (成田ゆめ牧場, Narita Yume Bokujo)
730ｰ3 Nagi, Narita, Chiba
Official Website (jp)

② Plum Blossoms at Kairakuen Garden, Ibaraki

Long before cherry blossoms became Japan’s beloved symbol of springtime, it was the plum blossom that captivated the hearts of the Japanese noble elites. These delicate flowers resemble cherry blossoms to the extent that it can sometimes be hard to tell the two apart without a close study, but plum blossoms appear in a wider spectrum of colors than cherry, from pure white to deep magenta. They also bloom earlier in the season, with buds often appearing as early as January, and lasting through February or even March.

For one of Japan’s most impressive displays of plum blossoms, visit Kairakuen Garden in Mito, Ibaraki. Recognized as one of Japan’s “Three Great Gardens,” this historic site boasts an astonishing 3,000 plum trees in more than 100 varieties. Thanks to the staggered blooming periods of different species, visitors can enjoy waves of new blooms throughout the end of winter and early spring. Many travelers time their visit to the park to coincide with the Mito Plum Blossom Festival, where food stalls sell plum-infused treats and umeshu (Japanese plum wine) to enhance the experience.

▷ See more of Kairakuen here!

Kairakuen Garden (偕楽園)
1-2 Tokiwacho, Mito, Ibaraki
Mito Plum Blossom Festival 2023: February 11 ~ March 19
Official Website (jp)

③ Tulips and More at Hamamatsu Flower Park, Shizuoka

Although tulips are often associated with the Netherlands, Japan has embraced these vibrant flowers, creating spectacular gardens filled with every color imaginable. While tulips were first introduced to Japan during the late Edo period (1603–1868), it took time for them to gain popularity. Today, however, they are a beloved feature of many Japanese gardens, with fields of red, yellow, pink, and purple tulips signaling the arrival of warmer days.

For an unforgettable tulip display, visit Hamamatsu Flower Park in Shizuoka Prefecture. This botanical paradise features not only expansive tulip fields but also daffodils, camellias, and a vast greenhouse showcasing rare black irises. If you’re lucky, you might even catch some of the park’s early-blooming cherry blossoms! The Lake Hamana Flower Festival is the perfect excuse to visit, offering a chance to experience a dazzling array of seasonal flowers throughout the park’s beautifully curated landscapes.

▷ See more of Hamamatsu Flower Park here!

Hamamatsu Flower Park (はままつフラワーパーク)
195 Kanzanjicho, Nishi Ward, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
Lake Hamana Flower Festival 2023: March 21 ~ June 11
Official Website (jp)

Experience Japan’s Early Flower Viewing

With so many stunning flower varieties coming into bloom even before sakura season, there’s no need to wait until April to experience the beautiful flowers of Japan. Whether you choose to stroll through the plum groves, wander through golden fields of canola, or admire vibrant tulips, these breathtaking spots will make your early spring visit just as magical. So step outside and soak in the colors of Japan’s transition from winter to spring – the flowers are waiting!

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