The cherry blossom, also known as sakura, is one of Japan’s most enduring cultural icons and often part of traditional Japanese tattooing.

The cherry tree blooms over a short period and is celebrated with blooming parties (ohana-mi), where locals and tourists sit under the blossoms to enjoy great company and the fleeting beauty of the pink or white flowers.

The gentle flower is often etched in fine detailed pink and yellow tones, nuanced black and gray, or even vividly bright neo traditional ink to symbolize fresh beginnings.

In traditional Irezumi, sakura were depicted as a secondary (keshoubori) motif to signify the short life of samurai, or as a symbol of feminine beauty evening up a hyper masculine design, such as a tiger, dragon, or the fierce Hannya Mask.

These 101 best cherry blossom tattoo ideas showcase the amazing variety in sakura design and tattoo inspiration. No matter your attachment to style or technical application, there’s a tattoo to help you with your next ink decision.

See more about – The Top 121+ Best Japanese Tattoo Ideas

See more about – The Ultimate 150+ Best Flower Tattoo Ideas

1. Japanese Traditional Cherry Blossom Tattoos

2. Contemporary and Watercolor Sakura Tattoos

3. Japanese Traditional Sakura Chest and Arm Tattoos

4. New Wave Cherry Blossom Tattoo Ideas

5. Black and Gray Sakura Tattoo Ideas

6. Realistic Cherry Blossom Tattoo Ideas

7. Pink Sakura with Tattoo Gradation Designs

8. Japanese Cherry Blossom Full Sleeve Tattoos

9. Cherry Blossom and Crane Tattoo Ideas

10. Japanese Hannya Mask and Cherry Blossom Tattoo Designs

11. In Progress Japanese Cherry Blossom Tattoo Art

Japanese Cherry Blossom Tattoo FAQs

What is an Irezumi?

Irezumi is the Japanese word for tattoo. While ostensibly referring to “inserting ink” in Japanese tattooing, it is also used as a blanket term to describe various tattoo styles originating in Japan.