Behold, the annual Sakura season in Japan – a time when the cherry blossoms bloom in all their pink glory, and the streets are filled with tourists left and right.
Picture this: millions of visitors from all around the world fight their way for the perfect cherry blossom selfie. It’s a beautiful sight, but also a crowded nightmare that even the most seasoned traveler might find overwhelming.
We all want to see these pink petals at their peak… which is why we made this guide just for you! It’s designed to navigate you through this sea of tourists and help you avoid the classic cherry blossom blunders. So, buckle up and learn what not to do to survive Japan’s Sakura season.
Japan and Overtourism
First, let’s address the elephant in the room: Japan is facing a looming overtourism problem. During Sakura season, Japan transforms into a pink cloudy paradise that attracts the largest population of tourists. Cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto become the major hubs of Sakura enthusiasts, with visitor numbers skyrocketing from late March and throughout April.
Overtourism in Japan has one simple cause: there are too many people in one place at almost any given time. It reaches a point where the influx of tourists has turned what used to be peaceful landmarks into bustling tourist attractions.
While it’s great that these foreign tourists contribute to the Japanese economy, oftentimes they unintentionally disrupt the everyday life of local people. Because of cultural differences, most overseas visitors, perhaps unknowingly, fail to recognize local customs and norms.
A Few Reports on Bad Tourist Behavior
It’s not uncommon to witness tourists in Japan act as if they own the place, which they do not. There have been a few reports about foreign visitors exhibiting misbehavior on the streets of Japan. To some, these actions may not seem like a big deal, but for the Japanese, they are actually considered offensive.
Common incidents of tourists misbehaving are being noisy on trains or leaving trash in sacred mountains, much to the dismay of Japanese locals who value respect and cleanliness. These cases of “bad tourist behavior” are so common that Japanese media has even coined a term for these tourists, meiwaku gaikokujin, which translates to “nuisance foreigner.”
There are even more incidents similar to these that will make you facepalm, like the time a foreign woman was caught doing pull-ups on a torii gate at a shrine in Japan. Other cases include a tourist chasing a maiko (geisha apprentice) in a street of Kyoto and an American man defacing the Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo by scratching letters on the shrine’s torii gate.
Truthfully, majority of the inappropriate behavior caused by tourists are unintentional since most of these foreigners are unfamiliar with Japanese customs and culture. However, that doesn’t give them the green pass to keep doing what they think is okay to do. After all, when in Japan, do as the Japanese do!
Tackling Overtourism in Japan
Government efforts have been made to combat overtourism. The Ministry of Tourism has been encouraging people to explore lesser-known cities instead of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. They are also implementing educational campaigns to inform tourists about respecting the customs and norms in Japan, hoping to reduce the impact on local communities.
If you’re second-guessing about visiting Japan during cherry blossom season, there’s no need to! The Japanese government is still more than willing to welcome you in – just remember to avoid these common mistakes during your visit.
Mistake #1: Choosing only Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto for Sakura Season
As mentioned earlier, millions of overseas visitors flock to Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto during Sakura season, so it will be your biggest mistake visiting these famous places during this time.
Image Credit: New York Post
Imagine the streets bustling with tourists as the noise levels rise and the crowds thicken, leaving you with no area to see the cherry blossoms perfectly. Why waste your time navigating through these mobs of tourists when you can still enjoy Sakura season in other cities of Japan?
Mistake #2: Not Including Other Regions in Japan in Your Itinerary
Let us guide you through the Sakura season across all regions. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider waiting until May for Hokkaido’s peak cherry blossom season, where you can enjoy the full bloom without the overwhelming crowds. You can also head to Okinawa from mid-January to mid-February so you can beat everyone else and see the Sakura flowers bloom first!
Image Credit: Savvy Tokyo
Other underrated Sakura destinations include Shinobuyama Park and Hakodate Park in Fukishima, or Sapporo’s Moerenuma Park. These beautiful places offer a more serene experience, allowing you to truly appreciate the beauty of Japan’s cherry blossoms without the tourist madness.
Mistake #3: Planning Your Entire Japan Trip Around Cherry Blossoms Alone
We get it – it’s not a trip to Japan without seeing those iconic pink flowers bloom. You may feel like you need to create an itinerary that focuses on viewing Sakura, but we think that will just leave you disappointed. Why? Well, it’s because the timing of cherry blossom season is incredibly unpredictable.
The bloom period varies each year, influenced by factors such as weather conditions and regional climate differences. This unpredictability means that even with careful planning, you might find yourself missing the peak bloom by a few days or arriving too soon.
Image Credit: Arigato Travel
And even though cherry blossoms still remain as the star of the show, don’t forget that Japan has other flowering tree seasons to enjoy. Plum Blossoms (Ume Blossoms) grace the land from January to March, apricots from February to April, and both peach and apple trees peak from April to June. It’s a fruity and floral frenzy!
Mistake #4: Neglecting Other Sakura-Based Activities
Here’s another reminder for you: there are other things to do during Sakura season. Why not indulge in Sakura-flavored foods and drinks? Or perhaps visit shrines and temples during the vibrant spring festivals? Local shops sell Sakura-themed products during this season as well, so don’t forget to bring some home some souvenirs.
Image Credit: Omatsuri Japan
While it’s tempting to schedule your entire Japan trip around the cherry blossoms, remember there’s a world of wonder waiting beyond those pink petals. You’ll find that Japan’s charm extends far beyond its famous Sakura flowers.
Mistake #5: Not Planning with Flexibility in Mind
So, let’s say that you don’t plan your trip around the cherry blossoms yet still add it to your itinerary. You dedicate one day to seeing them and when that day comes… you’re staring at flower buds! Not only does the blooming period change every season, but so do the timing of when they blossom each day.
Image Credit: Donnie Gladfelter
Many tourists make the rookie mistake of planning their entire Japan trip around a fixed schedule to catch Sakura bloom, only to find themselves staring at bare branches or wilted petals. The conditions change daily, as if these flowers have a mind of their own. One day they’re in full bloom, and then the next, they’re back to buds… just like that!
Mistake #6: Overlooking The Cherry Blossom Forecast
To avoid committing the mistake of following rigid itinerary, plan your trip with a flexible mind. Japanese news media outlets show “cherry blossom forecasts” to help locals and tourists figure out when and where to view the flowers.
Image Credit: Japan Weather Association (JWA)
Keep an eye on daily weather forecasts and cherry blossom updates you can find online. This way, you can always hit the Sakura jackpot and witness the best blooms during this season.
Another pro tip: seek out Sakura during off-peak times to dodge the large crowds. Avoid afternoons and aim for early mornings or later evenings. Trust us, seeing cherry blossoms at odd hours is still just as captivating.
Mistake #7: Misbehaving and Disrupting Public Etiquette
One of the main reasons why the Japanese government is enforcing strict policies on tourists is because of behavior that may offend Japanese locals. Even these actions are intentional or not, it’s your responsibility to not be that kind of tourist.
Image Credit: NurPhoto
In Japan, it’s important to be mindful of your surroundings and observe how the locals behave in public spaces. From here, you get to understand how public etiquette works in Japan, from bowing to walking on the left side of the sidewalk.
Bad street manners in Japan include eating while walking, cutting in line, and drinking on the street. Consideration towards the people around you is highly valued in Japan, so carry this reminder with you at all times to better understand etiquette.
Mistake #8: Ignoring the Do’s and Don’ts in Japan
Yes, it’s tempting to take pictures of the flowers from every angle, but let’s not turn the streets into an obstacle course for others. Do not block the pathways, especially if you have large suitcases. This is just one of the few dos and don’ts in Japan during cherry blossom season.
DO NOT touch or climb the sacred Sakura trees as well. They’re not ladders, and your Facebook feed will survive without that tree-hugging shot. Do throw your trash properly as Japan is a country that highly values cleanliness. Mother Nature will definitely appreciate that!
Image Credit: Kazuhiro Nogi
Talking loudly might be the norm in some big cities but do avoid loud and rowdy behavior that might disrupt the experiences of the tourists and locals around you. Sure, the Sakura season is exciting, but let’s keep our noise levels at a minimum.
As you explore the streets of Japan during Sakura season, keep in mind to respect the space of others so you can fully embrace the serenity that the Japanese people value.
Mistake #9: Not Participating in Hanami
Ladies and gentlemen, introducing to you the tradition of Hanami, or “flower-viewing!” Hanami is a Japanese traditional custom where people gather around the cherry blossom trees with family and friends and celebrate springtime together.
Image Credit: Richard Atrero de Guzman
As a tourist, you are more than welcome to partake in this lovely tradition. Set your large luggage aside and picture yourself sitting beneath the cherry blossom trees, watching the Sakura petals flutter way in the wind. This is your chance to truly discover why Japanese people hold the cherry blossom dear to their hearts.
Mistake #10: Forgetting to Truly Enjoy the Meaning Behind Sakura Season
Cherry blossom season is a highly anticipated time of the year for Japanese people as the Sakura holds great significance in their culture and history. However, some tourists simply see Sakura as a backdrop for their next Instagram story.
Image Credit: Rove.me
Although there is no harm in taking pictures of the cherry blossoms for your next social media post, ignoring the true meaning behind the Sakura is one of the greatest mistakes you can make during this season. Let’s remember that there’s more to these famous flowers!
Let Jetpac Make Sakura Season Easier for You!
As you embark on your Japanese spring journey, make a promise to yourself to dodge the Sakura tourists’ overkill and avoid committing the mistakes above. Remember, you can still revel in the beauty of Sakura flowers while being a responsible and respectful tourist. Stay updated with bloom forecasts, respect local etiquette, and maintain a flexible itinerary!
Jetpac’s Japan e-SIM: Your Japan Trip Planner Essential
Image Credit: 37 Frames Photography
To make the most out of your trips to Japan, stay connected on-the-go by purchasing pocket a fast and reliable e-SIM. Lucky for you, we have the perfect suggestion for you, and it’s none other than Jetpac!
Jetpac’s Japan e-SIM is designed specifically for travelers exploring Japan. With Jetpac, you can enjoy seamless connectivity across all regions of Japan, leaving behind the hassle of searching Wi-Fi hotspots or dealing with faulty SIM cards.
From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, Jetpac keeps you connected with ease. With reliable connection, you can stay informed 24/7 and discover more underrated spots of Japan.
For your next Japan trip, make the Jetpac Japan e-SIM your trusted travel companion. With Jetpac’s trustworthy e-SIM service, you are guaranteed a Sakura experience filled with unforgettable moments.
Join Our Newsletter
Sign up for the latest news & offers
