Wintertime closure draws close, and soon the cherry blossoms (sakura in Japanese) will be in full bloom in Japan.
Today, we will take a look at last year’s regional data for Japan’s cherry blossom front.
*Source: Japan Meteorological Agency
Visit Okinawa to see the cherry blossoms bloom early from January
Okinawa’s cherry blossom season runs from January through February. The hikanzakura flower is one different from the Japan’s mainland cherry blossom and glares a deep pink colour like peaches and Japanese ume. Its characteristic is its tendency to bloom downwards.
Hanami in Okinawa is celebrated differently than mainland Japan. You won’t see people setting up chairs to eat picnics and drink sake in Okinawa. Enjoy your Hanami in Okinawa by strolling through the tunnels of cherry blossom trees and taking photos.
2016 – First Bloom: January 14th | Full Bloom: February 8th
2017 – First Bloom: January 18th | Full Bloom: February 4th
The nation-wide peak bloom time in Japan is March.
Fukuoka
The Kyushu region of Japan has warm weather, so fully bloomed cherry blossoms appear earlier there than in Tokyo. “Nishi Park” in Fukuoka is a recommended spot by locals to enjoy Hanami where almost 1,300 cherry blossom trees stand beautifully. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that every Fukuoka citizen has been to Nishi Park at least once.
2016 – First Bloom: March 25th | Full Bloom: April 5th
2017 – First Bloom: March 23rd | Full Bloom: April 1st
Kyoto
Kyoto is generally more crowded during the sakura season because of tourists and sightseers. The streets of Kyoto have a deep-rooted history, and the spectacular view of them lined with cherry blossom trees is a popular sight to see. You can also enjoy the cherry blossoms at night, a completely different Hanami experience, as temples and such are lit up as night falls.
2016 – First Bloom: March 31st | Full Bloom: April 7th
2017 – First Bloom: March 28th | Full Bloom: April 5th
Osaka
Each year, the cherry blossoms in Osaka bloom around the same time as in Kyoto. Osaka Castle Park was chosen as one of the 100 best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan, where you can encounter a fascinating sight of both a castle and cherry blossoms in the same place.
2016 – First Bloom: March 30th | Full Bloom: April 6th
2017 – First Bloom: March 28th | Full Bloom: April 5th
Nagoya
There are many Hanami spots to visit in Nagoya, from inner-city parks to tree-lined streets and avenues. There are also food stalls set up so you can enjoy food and flowers to your heart’s content.
2016 – First Bloom: March 28th | Full Bloom: April 6th
2017 – First Bloom: March 26th | Full Bloom: April 3rd
Tokyo
Tokyo is absolutely brimming with fantastic Hanami spots, a lot of which are very close to train stations, making them easily accessible. The hugely popular Meguro River and Inokashira Park are always bustling with people around this season.
2016 – First Bloom: March 21st | Full Bloom: April 2nd
2017 – First Bloom: March 26th | Full Bloom: April 3rd
Flowers bloom from early April in the Tohoku region
The cherry blossoms come out much later in the Tohoku Region compared to other regions around Japan. In places where the sea level is high, you can also enjoy the flowers in May. One of the most famous locations is Miharu Takizakura in Fukuoka Prefecture. Recognized as one of Japan’s 3 biggest cherry trees and a designated national treasure, the tree stands at a towering 12 meters tall, and the cherry blossom bloomed branches stick out almost double that on each side. This 1,000 year old tree is a must-see.
2016 – First Bloom: April 10th | Full Bloom: April 14th
2017 – First Bloom: April 11th | Full Bloom: April 16th
Cherry blossoms appear late April in Hokkaido
In Hokkaido, you can look forward to seeing a variety of different sakura, from the nation-wide Yoshino Cherry to the deep-pink Sargent’s cherry and chishimazakura, whose colour changes across the cherry blossom season from the first bloom to full bloom. And if you’re lucky enough to be there when snow falls out of season, you’ll have the amazing opportunity to see a magical scene of snowy sakura.
2016 – First Bloom: April 28th | Full Bloom: May 3rd
2017 – First Bloom: May 3rd | Full Bloom: May 7th
Did you enjoy this list? If you’re travelling to Japan for Hanami then be sure to use this article for reference.
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[Channel47] Inbound Travel Product Allowing Visitors to Experience the “Real Japanese Countryside” in Iida, Nagano Prefecture Now on Sale
As part of the ongoing Channel47 project, which uses the power of local resources and entertainment to share Japan and its local culture with the world, a new travel experience titled ‘DEEP EXPERIENCE THE INAKA -TENRYUKYO・IIDA CITY-’ is now on sale, taking visitors to Iida, Nagano Prefecture. Iida City in Nagano Prefecture will be the location for the tour, with the city selected by the Japan Tourism Agency in 2024 for its ‘Project to Promote Expansion and Quality of Inbound Tourism by Providing Special Experiences for Visitors.’ The Minami Shinshu Tourism Bureau helped to create the tour for inbound travelers to experience the “real” Japanese countryside found in the Tenryu Gorge area of Iida City by funding farmhouse homestays in the area. By creating a travel experience that takes advantage of the local resources of Tenryu Gorge in Iida City, we aim to promote sustainable tourism activities by communicating the charm of the region to people in both Japan and abroad, revitalizing local production, passing on traditional culture, and strengthening cooperation between local communities.Information
■Tour Name
DEEP EXPERIENCE THE INAKA -TENRYUKYO・IIDA CITY-■Tour Summary
This is a special tour that allows inbound visitors to experience the traditional culture and beautiful landscapes of Minami-Shinshu. By participating, guests can leave the hustle and bustle of the big city behind, appreciating the true essence of Japan by spending time in the quiet region of Tenryukyo, Iida City, Nagano Prefecture.◼︎Main Points
・A Three-day, two-night all-inclusive tour departing from JR Toyohashi Station with time spent in the Tenryukyo area in Iida City, Nagano Prefecture
・An exclusive train car on the JR Iida Line
・Special snacks and drinks supervised by Yukimoto, a famous restaurant in Iida that was awarded Gold on Tabelog.
・Various experiences in nature in each of the four seasons (such as rafting on the Tenryu River, scenic sky walk, agriculture and livestock farming experiences, etc.)
・Experience traditional Japanese culture (mochi pounding, Fire Festival, Wayuraku, Ningyo Joururi, etc.)
・Stay in a farmhouse homestay to experience real life in the Japanese countryside◼︎Dates
① January 10-12, 2025
② January 12-14, 2025
③ January 17-19, 2025
④ January 19-21, 2025
⑤ January 24-26, 2025◼︎Optional Menu
Dinner at ‘Yukimoto’
*Courses and drinks are not included in the tour price.◼︎Details/Contact
Minami Shinshu Tourism Bureau Sales Page: https://www.mstb.jp/gentei/deepexperience_the_inaka/
Official Tour Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inaka_tenryukyo/ -
The cities of Hirosaki and Hakodate in Hokkaido have announced that they will team up with Hatsune Miku’s popular iteration Snow Miku to promote tourism in the area this winter. A number of activities will begin in December 2022. [Snow Miku x Hirohako] Collaboration Project■Hirohako Winter Tourism Campaign Poster Featuring Snow Miku・Period: Mid-November~February 28, 2023・Locations: Facilities in both cities, tourist facilities, hotels, shopping areas ■Snow Miku Illustration Contest Exhibition EventOver 50 illustrations have been submitted under the theme of Snow Miku and Hakodate / Snow Miku and Hirosaki. These will be on display through the winter! ・Running: December 1, 2022 - February 28, 2022 ・Venues: Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center (Hirosaki) Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse (Hakodate) ■Snow Miku Photo SpotSnow Miku panels featuring shamisen and apples from Hirosaki will be on display, while the Hakodate version will include references to squid fishing and footbaths. ・On Display: December 1, 2022 - February 28, 2022・Locations: JR Hirosaki Station, Chuohirosaki Station (Hirosaki) JR Hakodate Station, Hakodate Airport (Hakodate)
■Digital Stamp Rally Using the Mikunavi AppA number of panels will be installed at five checkpoints in Hirosaki and Hakodate. A total of 1,000 people–500 in each city–will win original merch including a Snow Miku mask case and decorated masking tape. All you need to do is check in!・Available: December 1, 2022 - February 28, 2022・Locations: (Hirosaki) Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center, Hirosaki City Machinaka Information Center, Hirosaki Tourist Information Center, Hirosaki Castle Information Center, Tsugaru-han Neputa Village (Hakodate) Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, Yunokawa Hot Spring Footbath, Goryōkaku Tower, Hakodate Green Plaza C Block (Hakodate Lumi-Pop), Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward ■Hirohako Winter Tourism Campaign Theme Song and Music Video The tourism theme song will get a new music video that will be broadcast on YouTube, at local tourist facilities, and on TV and radio!・On Air: December 1, 2022~・Theme Song: Mahou no Keshiki (Lyrics/Composition: ryuryu) ■Snow Miku Welcome Announcements to be Broadcast at Tourism Facilities, etc. A one-minute welcome announcement by Snow Miku will air at tourist facilities!・Running: December 1, 2022 - February 28, 2022・Locations: Tourist areas in both cities ■Snow Miku Filters Using ARWhen each barcode is scanned with a smartphone, Snow Miku will appear on the screen! Visitors can take pictures with Snow Miku to commemorate their winter trip to Hirosaki and Hakodate.・Available: December 1, 2022 - February 28, 2022 Information
Hirosaki x Hakodate x Snow Miku Tourism Campaign
Beginning December 2022
Details: https://www.hirosaki-kanko.or.jp/edit.html?id=hirohako
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Gujo Hachiman Villa, Limited to 1 Couple Per Day (Gifu)
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JR Tokai Tours has released a new travel plan for fans of Laid-Back Camp Season 2, which aired from January to March 2021. The tour will take place in the Izu area, which was heavily featured in episodes 10, 11, and 12. Guests can enjoy a travel plan with single lodging and original goods starting May 23 until June 29, 2022.
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The slice-of-life series Laid-Back Camp is currently serialized in COMIC FUZ. Set in Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures, Laid-Back Camp is a relaxing series following a group of high school girls going camping and enjoying their daily lives. The series is based on the author Afro’s personal experiences and interviews, and since serialization in 2015, the series has attracted fans from around the world. The original comic has sold over 7 million copies. In 2018, the first anime series premiered, inspiring a spin-off Room Camp in 2020 and a second season in 2021. Four years after it was announced in 2018, a Laid-Back Camp animated film will arrive in theaters this summer.Information
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