1 Goryokaku, Hakodate, Hokkaido
Hokkaido is the last island in the Japanese archipelago to experience spring. From now until mid-May, pink will dominate everything from Sapporo beer labels to department store window displays and news readers' ties as the island braces for another season of picnicking beneath the blossoms (hanami). Join the festivities under one of 1,600 cherry trees in the grounds of the Goryokaku, a pentagonal fort built during the Edo period (1600-1868). Admission: adults 630 yen ($45), children 310 yen.
2 Sumida Park, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
Hana means 'flower' and mi is 'to view', and it's been a city tradition as far back as any Tokyoite can remember to usher in spring with a glass of sake (or three) beneath the blooming trees of Sumida Park. In the park, east of the historic Asakusa district, you'll find cherry trees lining each side of the Sumida River for a kilometre throughout April. Take the Ginza subway line to Asakusa Station.
3 Ueno Oncho Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
When April arrives, Tokyo's news-papers start splashing their weather maps with tiny pink dots to pinpoint the best hanami spots, which is helpful for the city's sakura otaku - 'cherry-blossom maniacs' - who are generally retired people with money to burn and who like to jet around the country chasing the blooms as they appear. Not surprisingly, many otaku throw their first hanami parties in Ueno Park, where more than 1,000 cherry trees line the main boulevard that leads to the National Museum and Shinobazu Pond. Access is via JR Ueno Station, Uenopark exit.