Shinkansen Crowds in Cherry Blossom Season – Book Early!
This blog is brought to you by Hana, our Local Explorer — a travel-savvy voice from our team who specializes in uncovering Japan's seasonal and regional gems.
Spring in Japan means cherry blossoms, and millions of visitors travel to famous spots across the country to see them. This makes Shinkansen tickets sell out quickly during this season!
Avoid the disappointment of finding fully booked trains—secure your tickets in advance with our service.
🌸When Do Cherry Blossoms Bloom in 2025?🌸
Cherry blossoms bloom at different times across Japan.
Here are the estimated dates for major cities:
- Tokyo: March 23 (bloom) – March 31 (full bloom)
- Kyoto: March 29 – April 6
- Osaka: March 30 – April 6
- Hiroshima: March 29 – April 7
- Sendai: April 6 – April 11
- Kanazawa: April 6 – April 11
- Sapporo: April 27 – May 1
With these dates in mind, it’s clear that late March to early April is the peak season for cherry blossom viewing. This is also when Shinkansen tickets become hardest to find!
Why Are Shinkansen Trains So Busy in Spring?
- Cherry Blossom Tourism – Popular destinations like Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Tohoku attract large crowds.
- Spring Break Travel – Many domestic travelers take trips during Japan’s spring break from late March to early April.
- New School & Work Year – April marks the start of Japan’s academic and business year, leading to an increase in travel.
Book Your Shinkansen Tickets Now
Our service lets you book Shinkansen tickets online with ease.
✔️ Secure your seat early – No last-minute booking stress
✔️ No ticket pickup needed – QR tickets allow smooth boarding (on selected routes)
✔️ Wide coverage – Available for major Shinkansen and limited express trains across Japan
Cherry blossom season is one of the best times to visit Japan—but also the busiest. Ensure a smooth journey by booking your Shinkansen tickets today!
What is shinkansen-ticket.com?
Shinkansen-Ticket.com is a Japan-based travel agency specializing in booking Shinkansen and limited express train tickets—including high-demand routes that are often difficult to secure. With nearly a decade of experience, we’ve built a reputation for reliable, flexible, and traveler-friendly service.
We provide both QR code-based tickets for easy station access, ideal for last-minute bookings, and physical paper tickets, which can be delivered to your home abroad, hotel, major post offices, or even a friend’s residence across Japan—perfect for carefully planned itineraries.
Our expertise in Japan’s rail system allows us to offer customized support with a deep understanding of routes, connections, and seating options—including oversized luggage seats, scenic views, and group arrangements.
Trusted by thousands of repeat customers and partnered with numerous hotels and travel agencies, we regularly assist in arranging train tickets for hotel guests and tour clients across Japan.
© 2025 Shinkansen-Ticket.com.
Seat guide
Reserved Seat (Ordinary Reserved Seat)
Your seat is reserved and secured when you book your tickets, allowing you to head to the station with peace of mind.
Think of it as "economy class" seating.
Green Reserved Seat
Enjoy better seats and free blankets. Popular among Japanese business people, executives, and those who prefer a comfortable travel experience.
Consider it "business class" seating.
GranClass
Known as the "First Class" of Shinkansen seats.
Available only on the Hokuriku and Tohoku Shinkansen lines, these seats offer airline-like amenities and meals (only on select trains).
They are the most expensive option.
Unreserved Seat
You can take any open seat in the unreserved cars on the departure date (no departure time will be indicated on your ticket).
This is the best option if cost is your priority and you are traveling during less crowded seasons or times.
Hana
The Local Explorer
As a licensed travel services manager with over 10 years of experience in the industry, I’ve spent my career helping international travelers discover the charm of Japan’s regions, seasons, and cultural events.
From lavender fields to autumn leaves, I love showcasing Japan’s natural beauty and local festivals—especially those hidden gems you won’t find in every guidebook. My goal is to inspire your next unforgettable journey.