Chasing Sakura at Hirosaki Castle Park

#cherryblossom25 Most tourists think that Japan's cherry blossom season is limited to the end of March, but it actually lasts much longer than many realize—running from late January all the way until mid-May. In fact, if you're willing to visit places like Hirosaki Castle Park in Aomori or Hakodate and Matsumae Castle in Hokkaido, you can see the iconic blossoms weeks after Tokyo's petals have fallen. If you're planning that Japan trip but want to dodge the worst of the crowds this year, consider heading north to Tohoku and chasing peak bloom!