Touch the Samurai Spirit and Cherry Blossoms at Kakunodate, Akita
The town is famous for its well preserved samurai houses and traditional architecture, which have earned it the nickname of "The Little Kyoto of Tohoku". It is also one of Tohoku’s most popular cherry blossom spots with hundreds of beautiful shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) lining the streets of the historic samurai district.
Nagano's Bank of Deities – Timeless Reflections
In English, it means ‘Bank of Deities’. Though not as popular as the famous ‘Takato Castle’, Rokudō no Tsutsumi is arguably the better option for your ‘hanami’ or flower viewing party in the spring time. And, though access is granted all year round, it is in spring that this small and seemingly insipid pond really shines.
Plum Blossoms vs. Cherry Blossoms
What some may not be aware of, however, are the equally beautiful but less famous Japanese plum blossoms! Plum blossoms, like cherry blossoms are a signal for the beginning of spring, and though they are often overshadowed by the popular cherry blossoms, the flowers are stunning in their own right. Though they are similar in some ways they are also quite different in appearance, variations and blooming period.
Japan’s Late Bloomers: The Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Hokkaido
Happen to miss the cherry blossoms in Tokyo or Osaka this year? No worries, it’s not too late to see them in Hokkaido!
Hanami in Kintaikyo
Gathering with friends to enjoy the cherry blossoms, eat good food, and maybe even indulge in some sake is what spring in Japan is all about.
Enjoy Sakura Along the Shakujii River in Tokyo Today!
Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom in Tokyo now and there’s many famous areas to see the pink and white flowers across the city.
A Pink Explosion: Hanami in Yokkaichi, Mie
In Yokkaichi prefecture, along the river side and small bridge ways, these trees which are bare the whole of winter would sprout out their little buds at the beginning of April which is a sign the time for celebration.
Kawazu Sakura Festival: Enjoy Cherry Blossom Earlier Than Everyone Else
Most people don’t know that you can enjoy hanami (flower viewing) in late February to early March if you visit the Izu Peninsula.
Japan's First Cherry Blossom Bloom: Hanami in Okinawa
Thanks to Okinawa's southern location and warm climate, it enjoys the country's earliest hanami season, usually starting by the end of January and going into the first two weeks of February.
Sakuranomiya: The Osaka District Where Cherry Blossoms Bloom
In Osaka, there are many locations with beautiful cherry blossom viewing spots, such as the iconic Osaka Castle. This time, I would like to introduce a district where a huge part of it is covered in cherry blossoms, Sakuranomiya.
A Pink Wave Approaching: The Yamagata Cherry Blossoms
And there’s no better place to enjoy sakura than in Japan’s northeast, where you can take in the blooms with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
3 Cherry Blossom Hotspots in Saitama
The Prefecture just north of Tokyo is not only less crowded, but has more green spots that boast a great array of cherry blossom hotspots just waiting to be gazed at.