Gifu City is a fantastic place to see cherry blossoms on display, and one of the best perks is that you can visit a wide range of gorgeous, easy-to-reach sites for cherry blossom viewing in a single day.

Motosu City is in the countryside of Gifu, and the main attraction is the Usuzumi cherry blossoms. At the park, there is one very large, old tree on display. The explanation next to the tree, in all Japanese, explains that Usuzumi is over 1500 years old and is considered one of three great cherry blossom trees in Japan.

Cherry blossom season is here again, and I’m gearing up for my annual pilgrimage to Yuza, a small town on the Sea of Japan at the base of Mount Chokai. The pink flowers, the gentle curve of the river, the hanging koi fish decorations blowing in the wind, the blue sky – all of it makes for an idyllic scene.

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.

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.

Happen to miss the cherry blossoms in Tokyo or Osaka this year? No worries, it’s not too late to see them in Hokkaido!

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.

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.

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.

Most people don’t know that you can enjoy hanami (flower viewing) in late February to early March if you visit the Izu Peninsula.

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.

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.