Below is a list of Nagoya's most popular spots for cherry blossom viewing (hanami), including the typical timing for best viewing in the average year and japan-guide.com ratings. See also our nationwide list of famous cherry blossom spots.

Yamazakigawa Riverside Early April  10 minute walk from Mizuho-Undojo-Higashi Station  Admission: Free The Shikinomichi ("Path of Four Seasons") along Nagoya's Yamazaki River is justifiably designated as one of Japan's 100 best cherry blossom spots. The river is lined by hundreds of cherry trees for nearly a kilometer.

Nagoya Castle Early April  Short walk from Shiyakusho-mae Station  500 yen, 9:00 to 16:30 (entry until 16:00) Many somei yoshino trees, several weeping cherry trees and small numbers of less commonly seen cherry tree varieties are planted around the pleasant park and along the moats of Nagoya Castle.

Tsuruma Park (Tsuruma Koen) Early April  Tsurumai Subway Station  Admission: Free Tsuruma Park is probably Nagoya's most popular city park for cherry blossom viewing. The public park in central Nagoya offers many food stands and space for cherry blossom viewing parties under the trees.

Nagoya Peace Park (Nagoya Heiwa Koen) Early April  20-25 minute walk from Higashiyama Koen Station  Admission: Free A small forest of cherry trees and two ponds provide pleasant space for cherry blossom viewing picnics in the Cherry Orchard (Sakura no En) section of Nagoya Peace Park.

Inuyama Castle Early April  45 minutes north of Nagoya  500 yen, 9:00 to 17:00 The celebrated Inuyama Castle outside of Nagoya is surrounded by hundreds of cherry trees. Trees are found both around the castle keep on top of the hill, and around the base of the hill and Urakuen Garden, another of Inuyama's sightseeing spots.

Ratings:     best of the best     best of Japan     outstanding