As spring arrives in Yokosuka, cherry blossoms begin to bloom, turning the city into a canvas of soft pink hues from late March to early April. The mild climate makes it an ideal place to enjoy the season, whether by strolling through tree-lined parks or taking in the coastal scenery.

During the day, visitors can relax under fully bloomed cherry trees, enjoying a picnic with family and friends at popular spots like Verny Park and Kinugasa-yama Park. As night falls, illuminated blossoms create a mesmerizing scene, especially at well-known spots like Verny Park, Kinugasa-yama Park, and Tsukayama Park.

Spring in Yokosuka is more than just a visual delight—it’s a time of celebration, marked by vibrant events like the Kinugasa-yama Park Cherry Blossom Festival and the Yokosuka Spring Festival at the U.S. Navy base, where locals and visitors gather to enjoy the season. Cherry blossom festivals and seasonal events fill the city with energy, bringing locals and visitors together in a lively yet peaceful atmosphere.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to see cherry blossoms, tips for making the most of the season, and where to experience Yokosuka’s famous nighttime illuminations.

✅ Best times to see cherry blossoms and ideal viewing conditions

✅ How to avoid crowds and what to bring for a perfect hanami

✅ Where to enjoy nighttime cherry blossom illuminations and spring festivals

Let’s dive into the best cherry blossom experiences Yokosuka has to offer!

🌸 Yokosuka Cherry Blossom Spot Guide 🌸

There’s something special about welcoming spring in a park filled with blooming cherry trees. Yokosuka’s parks offer scenic picnic spots, peaceful trails, and breathtaking coastal views, making them ideal places to relax and enjoy hanami.

Kinugasa-yama Park

One of Japan’s “Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots,” Kinugasa-yama Park boasts around 2,000 cherry trees, creating a breathtaking view. Situated on a hill, it provides panoramic views of Yokosuka, making it a perfect hanami picnic destination.

📍 Location: Koyabe, Yokosuka

Tsukayama Park

Sitting at an elevation of 134 meters, Tsukayama Park offers a stunning view of Yokosuka Port. Around 800 cherry trees bloom here, forming a beautiful cherry blossom tunnel along the park’s pathways.
📍 Location: Nishihemi, Yokosuka

Verny Park

This French-style garden park is known for its picturesque cherry blossoms set against the backdrop of Yokosuka Port and naval ships. Well-maintained walking paths and benches make it an ideal place for a relaxed hanami experience.

📍 Location: Shioiri-cho, Yokosuka

Funakoshi Nangou Park

Located near Keikyu Taura Station, this small yet charming park is a local favorite for cherry blossom viewing. It’s a quiet escape for those looking to enjoy hanami away from the crowds.

📍 Location: Funakoshi-cho, Yokosuka

Hashirimizu Water Source Park

Overlooking Tokyo Bay, this park is famous for its clear mineral-rich spring water and serene cherry blossom views. It’s an excellent spot for those seeking a peaceful hanami experience, with the sound of gentle waves in the background.
📍 Location: Hashirimizu, Yokosuka

Negishi Traffic Park

A unique park that serves as both a cherry blossom spot and a traffic education facility for children. The cherry blossoms bloom beautifully within the structured paths of the park, creating a lovely urban hanami setting.

📍 Location: Negishi, Yokosuka

Mikasa Park – Historic Battleship & Cherry Blossoms

Experience a unique hanami setting with cherry blossoms surrounding Mikasa, one of the world’s three great memorial ships. The contrast between the historic battleship and the delicate pink petals creates a striking and memorable view. With its waterfront location, the park offers a peaceful yet impressive cherry blossom experience.

📍 Location: Mikasa Park, Yokosuka

Nagai Seaside Park Soleil Hill

A large entertainment park with a variety of attractions, including seasonal flower gardens. Cherry blossoms bloom along the walking trails, offering a scenic view of Sagami Bay and Mount Fuji on clear days.
📍 Location: Nagai, Yokosuka

Kurihama Flower Park

Famous for seasonal flowers, Kurihama Flower Park also features a variety of cherry blossoms, including Somei Yoshino and Kanhi-zakura. The park’s Adventure Land, home to the iconic Godzilla slide, is a must-visit.
📍 Location: Shinmei-cho, Yokosuka

Walking Through Cherry Blossom Lined Streets

There’s nothing quite like walking under a canopy of blooming cherry blossoms. Yokosuka has several beautiful cherry blossom-lined streets, offering visitors a chance to enjoy a peaceful stroll through the delicate pink petals.

Tsuken-dori (Telecom Research Institute Street)

This long cherry blossom-lined road is one of Yokosuka’s most famous hanami walking spots. During peak bloom, the cherry trees create a breathtaking tunnel of pink and white petals, making it a favorite for both locals and visitors.

📍 Location: Nagasawa, Yokosuka

Hikari-no-Oka (YRP) & Iwato Junior High School Front

This area features a gently sloping cherry blossom-lined street, perfect for a springtime stroll. The cherry trees arch over the path, creating a peaceful and picturesque setting.
📍 Location: Yokosuka Research Park (YRP), Yokosuka

Hamayu Park

A small but easily accessible urban park, Hamayu Park features a mix of Somei Yoshino, Oshima, and Kawazu cherry blossoms. It’s an ideal spot for a quick hanami break in a tranquil setting.
📍 Location: Inuotori-cho, Yokosuka

Urago Park

This quiet park is known for its early-blooming Kawazu cherry trees, making it a great place to experience the first signs of spring in Yokosuka.
📍 Location: Urago-cho, Yokosuka

Shonan Takatori Cherry Blossom Avenue

A peaceful cherry blossom-lined street, loved by locals for its picturesque tunnel of blossoms. During peak bloom, the branches intertwine overhead, creating a stunning pathway filled with soft pink petals.
📍 Location: Shonan Takatori, Yokosuka

Kurihama Techno Park Cherry Blossoms

This hidden gem offers a unique hanami experience, surrounded by both urban and natural landscapes. The cherry blossoms bloom in harmony with the industrial backdrop, creating a striking contrast.
📍 Location: Kurihama, Yokosuka

Kaneda Fishing Port Cherry Blossom Path

Combining the beauty of cherry blossoms with the calm scenery of a traditional fishing port, this spot offers a uniquely tranquil hanami experience. The trees line the port’s promenade, where the gentle sea breeze enhances the spring atmosphere.
📍 Location: Kaneda, Miura

Ashina Cherry Blossom Avenue (Sakamoto Ashina Line)

A picturesque road lined with cherry blossoms, ideal for a scenic drive. Located near the entrance to the Okusu-yama hiking trail, visitors can enjoy both cherry blossoms and nature walks in this peaceful area.
📍 Location: Ashina, Yokosuka

Historic Temples with Stunning Cherry Blossoms

Manshoji Temple (Ōyabe)

A historic temple known for its grand entrance gate and exquisite Zen garden. The temple grounds are home to a variety of seasonal plants and trees, creating a beautiful natural setting year-round.
One of the highlights is the “Gion Shidarezakura” (weeping cherry tree), a distinguished tree nurtured by Kyoto’s famous cherry tree master, Tōemon Sano. Its graceful shape adds an elegant touch to the temple’s serene atmosphere.
In spring, visitors can also admire the azaleas planted by Minamoto no Yoritomo, offering a breathtaking combination of history and nature.

📍 Location: Ōyabe 1-5-10, Yokosuka
🔗 Official Website: manshoji.com

Tōgakuji Temple (Kumura)

Nestled in a peaceful setting, this temple features a 110-year-old weeping cherry tree that blooms in stunning contrast with the traditional temple architecture.
The best time to visit is around the spring equinox, when the cherry blossoms reach their peak. Visitors can enjoy the view from the base of the temple’s stone staircase, where the blossoms beautifully frame the main hall.
Every April 8th, the temple hosts the Hana Matsuri (Flower Festival), a celebration of Buddha’s birthday held amidst the blooming cherry trees.

📍 Location: Kumura 479, Yokosuka
🔗 Official Website: temple.nichiren.or.jp/0061063-tougakuji

Shōmyōji Temple (Nobi)

A temple with a calm and elegant atmosphere, where visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms in a tranquil garden setting.
The weeping cherry tree near the temple’s main gate creates a picturesque scene in spring. Located close to Tsuken-dori (Telecom Research Institute Street), this spot offers a quiet escape from the crowds, making it ideal for a peaceful hanami experience.

📍 Location: Nobi 1-32-15, Yokosuka

Special Public-Access Cherry Blossom Spots

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Yokosuka District Headquarters – Tado Dai Annex

A rarely opened historical site, this elegant Western-style building from the Meiji era creates a stunning contrast with the 40 cherry trees in its garden.
Originally used as the residence of the Commander-in-Chief of the Yokosuka Naval District, this site is normally off-limits to the public. However, during the cherry blossom season, it is opened for a limited time, offering a rare chance to admire the historical architecture alongside beautiful cherry blossoms.

📍 Location: Tado Dai 90, Yokosuka
(Open to the public only during special events)

United States Navy Yokosuka Base

A one-of-a-kind hanami experience that takes place during the Friendship Yokosuka Spring Festival, an annual cherry blossom event where the base is opened to the public.

📍 Location: Honcho, Yokosuka
(Open to the public only during special events)

🌸 These unique cherry blossom spots offer an unforgettable hanami experience, blending history, culture, and seasonal beauty. Whether you prefer the tranquility of a temple garden or the rare access to special sites, Yokosuka has something for every cherry blossom enthusiast. 🌸

Yokosuka’s Cherry Blossom Festivals & Spring Events

As spring arrives, Yokosuka transforms into a city of blossoms and celebrations, welcoming visitors with lively cherry blossom festivals and seasonal events. From traditional hanami celebrations at historic sites to cultural exchange events with the U.S. Navy, these festivals showcase the unique charm of Yokosuka’s spring season.

Each event features local food stalls, performances, and special activities, creating a festive and lively atmosphere. Enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms while immersing yourself in Yokosuka’s rich culture and history.

Major Cherry Blossom Festivals in Yokosuka

Friendship Yokosuka Spring Festival

Japan-US Friendship Yokosuka Spring Festival 2025” — A Special Springtime Event at the U.S. Navy Base!

📅 Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025
📍 Location: U.S. Navy Yokosuka Base
🎉 Event Details:
A special event where the U.S. Navy Yokosuka Base opens its gates to the public, offering a rare chance to enjoy cherry blossoms in an international setting. Visitors can experience cultural performances, food stalls, and exchange activities, making it a unique blend of hanami and cross-cultural celebration.

Chiyogasaki Coastal Battery Cherry Blossom Festival

📅 Date: Monday, March 24 – Sunday, March 30, 2025
🕒 Time: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Last entry at 4:00 PM)
📍 Location: Chiyogasaki Coastal Battery Ruins (Nishiuraga 6-5-1, Yokosuka)

Event Details:
With cherry blossoms blooming beside the remnants of a historic coastal battery, this festival lets visitors step back in time while enjoying the vibrant colors of spring. The festival offers a unique blend of history and seasonal beauty, making it a must-visit spot for both history lovers and hanami enthusiasts.
🔗 Official Website: city.yokosuka.kanagawa.jp

Funakoshi Nangou Park Cherry Blossom Festival

📅 Date: Saturday, March 15 – Saturday, April 5, 2025
📍 Location: Nangou Park (Funakoshi-cho, Yokosuka)

Event Details:
A lively cherry blossom festival featuring food stalls, stage performances, and community activities. The festival creates a fun, family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for hanami picnics.
🔗 Official Website: taura.yokosuka-kanko.com

Kitakurihama Cherry Blossom Festival

📅 Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025
🕒 Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Flea market: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM)
📍 Location: Negishi Park (Traffic Park) & Negishi Third Park (Negishi 3-17, Yokosuka)

Event Details:
A community-focused festival featuring a flea market, food stalls, stage performances, and bingo games. This event is a great way to enjoy cherry blossoms while experiencing local traditions and culture.
🔗 Official Website: ootsu.yokosuka-kanko.com

Kinugasa Cherry Blossom Festival

📅 Date: Thursday, March 27 – Sunday, April 6, 2025
📍 Location: Kinugasa-yama Park (Koyabe 4, Yokosuka)

Event Details:
Kinugasa-yama Park, one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots, hosts a vibrant festival with food trucks, pop-up stalls, and stage performances under its 2,000 cherry trees. This event is a must-visit for hanami lovers.
🔗 Official Website: kinugasa.yokosuka-kanko.com

Special Hanami at Military Facilities

JGSDF Kurihama Garrison Cherry Blossom Festival

📅 Date: Saturday, March 29 – Sunday, March 30, 2025
📍 Location: Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Kurihama Garrison

Event Details:
The oldest active garrison in Japan, Kurihama Garrison opens to the public once a year for this exclusive hanami event.
Visitors can enjoy over 65 cherry trees, historical exhibits, and local food stalls while exploring the base’s normally restricted areas. Originally established in 1939 as a former Imperial Navy Communications School, the garrison offers a unique historical experience along with its scenic cherry blossoms.

🔗 Official Website: mod.go.jp

🌸 Yokosuka’s cherry blossom festivals offer a variety of experiences, from historical settings to cultural exchanges. Whether you want to enjoy a lively local festival, explore a historic coastal battery, or experience hanami in a military setting, Yokosuka has something special for every visitor. 🌸

🌙 Yokosuka’s Best Cherry Blossom Illumination Spots 🌙

As the sun sets, the gentle glow of illuminated cherry blossoms transforms familiar parks into dreamy landscapes. Watching cherry trees bathed in soft lights creates an enchanting and surreal beauty—a completely different experience from daytime hanami.

Here are some of the best places in Yokosuka to admire the beauty of cherry blossoms at night.

Top Nighttime Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots

Verny Park – A Romantic Waterfront Hanami

📍 Location: Verny Park & Yokosuka Port area
💡 Highlight: Enjoy a romantic waterfront setting where cherry blossoms illuminate the French-style garden, creating an elegant and serene atmosphere. The soft lights reflecting on the water enhance the park’s dreamy night scenery, making it perfect for couples or a peaceful evening stroll.

Kinugasa-yama Park – Cherry Blossoms Overlooking the City

📍 Location: Kinugasa-yama Park
💡 Highlight: During the Kinugasa Cherry Blossom Festival, the park is beautifully illuminated, offering a breathtaking view of cherry blossoms against the backdrop of Yokosuka’s night skyline. Situated on a hill, this spot provides panoramic views of both the glowing cherry trees and the twinkling city lights below.

Tsukayama Park – City Lights & Glowing Blossoms

📍 Location: Tsukayama Park
💡 Highlight: As part of the Tsukayama Cherry Blossom Festival, the cherry trees are illuminated, creating a stunning contrast between the glowing blossoms and the surrounding city lights. This spot is ideal for photographers looking to capture the beauty of cherry blossoms with a cityscape backdrop.

Funakoshi Nangou Park – A Cozy Neighborhood Hanami

📍 Location: Funakoshi Nangou Park
💡 Highlight: A hidden gem for nighttime hanami, this park is beautifully lit up during the Funakoshi Nangou Park Cherry Blossom Festival. Nestled in a residential area, it provides a cozy and intimate atmosphere, making it a favorite among locals. This is the perfect spot for a relaxed, crowd-free night hanami.

🌸 Enjoy Spring in Yokosuka! 🌸

From tranquil temple gardens to vibrant festival streets, and from illuminated portside parks to historic military sites, Yokosuka’s cherry blossoms offer a truly unique hanami experience. This city blends history, culture, and breathtaking coastal scenery, creating a spring atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Japan. Whether you’re admiring the delicate pink petals under the warm afternoon sun or witnessing them glow against the night sky, Yokosuka in bloom is a sight that lingers in your heart long after the season fades.

🌿 Hanami Essentials for a Perfect Cherry Blossom Outing 🌿
✅ Bring a picnic mat and snacks to make your hanami more comfortable!
✅ Check illumination schedules in advance for the best nighttime cherry blossom experience.
✅ Dress in layers—spring temperatures can be unpredictable, so a light jacket or shawl is always a good idea.

As day turns to night, the cherry blossoms take on a new kind of beauty. Don’t miss this chance to experience Yokosuka’s spring in all its glory! 🌸✨

Need Assistance Before or During Your Trip?

If you need any help planning your trip or while you’re in Yokosuka, check out Useful Information for a variety of helpful travel resources.

For any further inquiries, feel free to contact us!

📍 Yokosuka Action Committee for Attracting Visitors and Promoting Appeal
11 Ogawa-cho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 238-8550, Japan
Office: Yokosuka City

📞 +81-46-822-9672
📧 to-ec@city.yokosuka.kanagawa.jp

We’re here to help make your visit to Yokosuka as smooth and enjoyable as possible! 🌸✨