JAPAN’S 5 TOP PLACES TO SEE CHERRY BLOSSOM

This is it. Your bucket list item. Japan Cherry Blossom season is your chance to travel to one of the most exciting and unique places.

The trees are only in full bloom for 10 days. How can you get sakura in bloom and capture that one-of-a-kind shot when you’ve never been to this country before? Fear not. We’ve got you covered!

Before we go the places, it is important to breathe. It is easy to enjoy this beautiful part of Japanese culture. Relax and feel at ease. Soon, you will have seen the blossoms yourself, taken the shot, and enjoyed hot bowl ramen at a traditional izakaya (read Japanese bar) while immersed in the culture of the land of the rising sun.

As a Japanese guide, I often get questions from visitors who haven’t yet arrived in Japan. This is the most important information I have that people don’t know: Cherry Blossom trees can be found all over Japan. This is true; these trees can be seen everywhere if you visit Japan during the right season.

However, if you don’t know when the full bloom will occur and lasts only 10 days, how can you decide the best time to book your Japan guided trip?

The first week in April is when full bloom generally occurs. It was April 4, 2020, and March 29, 2019. In 2019, it was March 29. Sakura season in Japan is the best! The cherry blossoms are most prolific in warmer climates. Because Japan has different climates, cherry blossoms don’t always bloom in the same spot at once. You have more flexibility and better chances of seeing them if they are in different parts of the country. You may get up to a week between full bloom in Osaka and full bloom in Tokyo.

What does this all mean? If you are desperate to see them, you can see Cherry Blossoms all around Japan, from February in the south to April in the north. We recommend planning your trip to Japan for at least two weeks. This will allow you to enjoy the most amazing journey on the Japanese mainland, from Tokyo to Osaka/Hiroshima and to see the full beauty of Japan.

We’ve made your mind easier, now let’s discuss the best places to look for them!

NARA – MT YOSHINO

Nearly 1300 years ago, the first cherry trees were planted on the mountainside here. There are thousands of them. 30,000! Osaka, the nearest major city, is easily reached by train. It takes approximately 90 minutes to get there and is quite affordable.

LAKE KAWAGUCHIKO

This is one of the most beautiful shots near Mt Fuji. Kawaguchiko can be reached from Tokyo by bus or train. It is approximately two and a quarter hours from Shibuya station.

KYOTO – PHILOSOPHERS’ PATH

Hundreds of cherry blossoms follow this path for nearly 2km. It is only 45 minutes from our Kyoto accommodation. This is one of the most stunning spots in Kyoto. Avoid the crowds by arriving early.

TOKYO – SHINJUKU GYOEN

This famous park is located in Tokyo’s Shibuya. It has around 1000 cherry blossoms that bloom in a 50-hectare area. There are tea houses, ponds and beautiful viewing areas. Many Japanese families visit Hanami to enjoy picnicking and relaxation under the trees. It will be busy, but you won’t regret it. Traditional Sakura Season hanamis are a beautiful Japanese culture that you shouldn’t miss.

OSAKA CASTLE PARK

Osaka castle is a stunning sight as it is. But add 3000 cherry blossom trees, and you have a picture of perfection. Osaka castle is famous for its plum blooms. It’s a must-see.

It’s there! These are some of the most beautiful spots to see the rising sun.

These cherry blossom spots are beautiful, but I want to remind you that the best spots may be in your backyard. The trees are everywhere, as I mentioned earlier. There are likely to be a couple of trees right next to a river, where the light hits it so well that you forget even to take your camera. You might even stumble upon a Japanese moment, where local children are running around the cherry blossom trees laughing and enjoying it.

My favorite spot is Nara. I was lucky enough to see a deer under a tree while a breeze blew and the petals flew past our faces. There were only my guests and me. It was a moment that I will never forget.