Campervan Cherry Blossom Road Trip in Japan: Best Routes & Spots
#rv-vanlife
Campervan cherry blossom road trips in Japan give you more freedom and fewer crowds. They also make it easy to visit beautiful sakura spots outside the cities. In this guide, we share campervan-friendly routes, top viewing locations, and overnight tips.
JAPAN ROAD TRIP has campervan rental locations throughout Japan. You can start your cherry blossom road trip from the route that suits you best.
Here are three routes to choose from:
Route 1: Tokyo → Mt. Fuji → Izu Peninsula
Best for: First-time visitors to Japan
Duration: 4–6 days
Cherry blossom timing: Late March to early April
Why this route is perfect
This route starts close to Tokyo, making campervan pickup quick and easy. It combines famous Sakura views with Mount Fuji and finishes with relaxed coastal driving. There are many Michi-no-Eki (roadside stations) and campsites along the way, which makes overnight stays simple for campervan travelers.
Best Sakura Spots
Chureito Pagoda
One of Japan’s most iconic cherry blossom views. You can see Mount Fuji framed by Sakura and the pagoda. Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and limited parking.
For more information:
https://fujiyoshida.net/en/see-and-do/27
Location:
Lake Kawaguchi
Cherry blossoms line the lakeside, with beautiful reflections of Mount Fuji on clear days. The area is well set up for campervans, with nearby parking and easy access to walking paths.
For more information:
https://fujisan.ne.jp/en/pages/380/
Location:
Izu Peninsula coastal roads
This area has early-blooming cherry trees and stunning ocean views. The roads are scenic and less crowded than major cities. It’s a great place to enjoy Sakura at a slower pace.
For more information:
https://siz-road.or.jp.e.nd.hp.transer.com/delay/
Location:
Overnight Tips
Michi-no-Eki Kawaguchiko
A convenient roadside station near the lake. Good for overnight stops and early morning Sakura viewing.
Campsites in the Izu Peninsula
Many campsites offer hot springs (Onsen) nearby. These are perfect for relaxing after a day of driving and sightseeing.
Route 2: Kyoto → Nara → Wakayama (Kii Peninsula)
Best for: Culture and nature lovers
Duration: 5–7 days
Cherry blossom timing: Late March to early April
Why this route is perfect
This route is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy traditional Japan while avoiding heavy city crowds. Starting from Kyoto allows easy access, but traveling by campervan makes it simple to escape busy areas. The route combines historic towns, mountain roads, and quiet coastal scenery.
Best Sakura Spots
Yoshino Mountain (Nara)
One of Japan’s most famous cherry blossom areas, with thousands of sakura trees covering the mountain.
Stay outside the main town and drive in early to avoid traffic and parking congestion.
For more information:
https://yoshinoyama-kankou.com/
Location:
Asuka Village (Nara)
A peaceful countryside area with open fields, small temples, and cherry blossoms. Parking is easy, and the area is much quieter than central Kyoto or Nara Park.
For more information:
Location:
Kumano River (Wakayama)
Cherry blossoms line the riverbanks, creating beautiful views with mountains in the background. This area is perfect for relaxed driving and photography.
For more information:
https://www.tb-kumano.jp/en/kumano-kodo/nakahechi/kumano-gawa-river/
Location:
Overnight Tips
Michi-no-Eki Yoshinoji
A convenient roadside station for overnight stays near Yoshino.
Campsites near Kumano and Nachi
Several campsites are located close to nature and walking trails. Some areas also have nearby hot springs.
Route 3: Fukuoka → Aso → Kumamoto
Best for: Nature lovers, open roads, and fewer tourists
Duration: 5–8 days
Cherry blossom timing: Late March to mid April
Why this route is perfect
This route offers wide roads, open landscapes, and fewer tourists compared to Honshu. Driving through Kyushu is relaxed and scenic, making it ideal for campervan travel. The volcanic scenery around Aso adds a unique backdrop to cherry blossom viewing.
Best Sakura Spots
Aso Caldera roads
Cherry blossoms appear along wide grasslands with views of volcanic mountains. The open space makes driving easy and enjoyable for campervans.
For more information:
https://www.asocity-kanko.jp/en/
Location:
Kumamoto Castle Park
One of Kyushu’s top cherry blossom spots, with Sakura surrounding the historic castle grounds. The park is large, which helps spread out crowds and parking areas.
For more information:
https://castle.kumamoto-guide.jp/en/
Location:
Shirakawa River area
A local favorite with riverside cherry blossoms. This spot is calm and less crowded, offering a more relaxed hanami experience.
For more information:
https://kumamoto.guide/en/spots/detail/219
Location:
Overnight Tips
RV parks near Aso
Several RV-friendly parks offer large parking spaces and beautiful natural surroundings.
Michi-no-Eki Aso & Ozu
Easy overnight stops with good facilities and access to main roads.
Summary
Cherry blossom road trips are even better by campervan. You can avoid crowds, change plans easily, and visit scenic sakura spots beyond the cities. These three routes offer a mix of nature, culture, and relaxed driving across Japan.
Start your cherry blossom adventure from anywhere in Japan with JAPAN ROAD TRIP campervan rentals. We also offer seasonal campaigns, including Sakura Campaign, Repeater Discount, Early Bird Discount, and Long-term Discount, making your road trip more flexible and affordable. Enjoy the freedom to travel at your own pace while getting the best value for your journey.
If you want more recommendations or are ready to rent a campervan, you can contact us via mail, WhatsApp, or Messenger.
