There are many people whose eyes are set on Japan as a travel destination for its gorgeous cherry blossoms in springtime. There are dozens of famous locations across Japan where spring gives life to spectacular scenery.

Let’s take a look at some of the best travel destinations in Japan where spring is the best season!

Akita , Japan , ♂さん(@tmk.yeaaahhh)がシェアした投稿 – 4月 12, 2015 at 7:18午前 PDT

“Sashimaki Shitsugen” – Akita Prefecture

Sashimaki Shitsugen is home to a 3-hectare wetland filled entirely with Asian skunk-cabbage. There are walkways erected across the wetland, offering the opportunity to freely admire the green carpet of vegetation. The best time to see the flowers is from the middle of April to the beginning of May, during which the “Sashimaki Mizubashou Matsuri” festival is held where local cuisine and local specialties are sold. We recommend seeing it together with Nyuto Onsenkyo, a famous hot spring village.

“Hanami in Koriyama” – Fukushima Prefecture

Koriyama is located in the center of Fukushima Prefecture, the most southernly prefecture of the Tohoku area. The city of Koriyama is known as an economically developed city since the Tohoku Shinkansen stops here. It takes about 80 minutes (7,680 yen – non-reserved seat) from Tokyo on the bullet train. It’s a suitable spot to feel Japan’s four seasons and during spring (early April to late April), cherry blossoms bloom in many places. There are places where you can view 400-year old Shidarezakura (weeping cherry trees) and along Kaiseizan Park’s cherry tree-lined road you can view almost 1,300 cherry trees in bloom including the oldest Someiyoshino (Yoshino cheery tree) in Japan.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/93861

Masahiro Ohataさん(@nagipin)がシェアした投稿 – 2月 19, 2018 at 4:29午後 PST

“Isumi Railway” – Chiba Prefecture

The Isumi Railway in Chiba is popular because the track is surrounded by lush greenery. The entire length of the railway extends 26.8km, around 15km of which roll past expansive rich flower beds. You are sure to get your fresh fill of spring either by gazing from the train window or looking at the railroad off the train together with the yellow plants that line the track.

コ ト ク ア ン ナさん(@annax06)がシェアした投稿 – 3月 7, 2018 at 3:02午前 PST

“Mother Farm” – Chiba Prefecture

Mother Farm is a flower and animal theme park in the Bōsō Peninsula, Chiba Prefecture. The seasonal plants and contact between the cute animals can be enjoyed anytime throughout the year, but when spring arrives the flowers roll out in all directions. This is a recommended destination if you’re traveling with kids!

むらすけさん(@ntmurasuke)がシェアした投稿 – 3月 6, 2018 at 1:33午前 PST

“Toyama Bay” – Toyama Prefecture

From March to early June, countless firefly squids rush to Toyama Bay for egg spawning. April is the most active period for spawning, during which the firefly squids radiate their magical lights. You can admire the spectacle onboard a boat tour. The fairytale-like display of the firefly squids is a sight to behold, so roll up in April for the best viewing.

老後は京都で！さん(@kyocafe2018)がシェアした投稿 – 3月 8, 2018 at 3:57午前 PST

“Kyoto Botanical Garden” – Kyoto Prefecture

Kyoto Botanical Garden will hold an event titled “Sakura Light Up 2018” (March 25^th—April 8^th) and another titled “Sakura Sanpo” (April 13^th—April 16^th) where the staff of the garden will guide visitors through the garden. Enjoy numerous varieties of cherry blossoms at Kyoto Botanical Garden where 250 cherry trees will bloom inside a 7,000㎡ space. The garden is also home to a range of rare plants, so be sure to visit.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/89824

こげみけさん(@kogemikephoto)がシェアした投稿 – 3月 10, 2018 at 4:07午後 PST

“Huis Ten Bosch” – Nagasaki Prefecture

March at Huis Ten Bosch is the time when tulips are in full bloom where they hold the “Tulip Matsuri” festival. In the daytime, you can admire Japan’s many varieties of tulips – 700 kinds in fact – and at nighttime, there is a show where the tulips are lit up with an organic EL display panel. Whether you’re there during the day or at night, you will enjoy an enchanting display of flowers.

Did you enjoy our pick? Be sure to tick each one off your list during your travels to Japan in spring.

Have you decided where you’re going to see Japan’s cherry blossoms this year?

If not, then we have you covered. Here are 5 hanami events happening this year that are a little different from usual – from more traditional festivals to others using technology like AR and projection mapping.

Aqua Park Shinagawa – “SAKURA AQUARIUM by NAKED”
“SAKURA AQUARIUM by NAKED” is an experience-based hanami event that will use the latest in Tokyo’s cutting-edge entertainment to combine Japanese traditional culture, digital art, cherry blossoms and the world of the sea. NAKED is a leading creative company in Japan who will use projection mapping and artwork to depict illustrations of vividly coloured cherry blossoms using all parts of the room including the ceiling, walls and floor. Guests will be completely surrounded by cherry blossoms upon entering the aquarium.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/92366

Gotenyama Cherry Blossom Festival

From the Edo period, Gotenyama was used for many activities and gatherings, such as a place where successive shogun engaged in falconry, and where formal tea parties were also held. It’s an area that has bred elegant culture and has even come to become a famous place to view cherry blossoms ever since the common people of the Edo Period used it as a popular retreat. This year, the festival will combine Edo, art and technology to host a range of events and activities, such as a cherry blossom light-up show, a Gotenyama tea party, a cherry blossom bar, an AR experience, and more.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/95179

Takato Sakura Matsuri
Takato Sakura Matsuri is held every year in Nagano Prefecture, bringing in almost 200,000 people during the cherry blossom season. There are about 1,500 cherry trees planted inside the park, which is known as one of the 3 most famous spots for hanami in Japan. This year, the festival has teamed up with famous confectionery store Ina Sweets! They are also holding a campaign where you can get your hands on some limited-edition collaborative spring sweets.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/94437

Nihonbashi Sakura Festival　　　　
You can look forward to enjoying an artistic hanami at this event. This year marks the 5^th run of the festival, where there will be cherry blossom inspired food, a music festival, an art exhibition and much more. The main highlight of the festival is the “SAKURA TUNNEL” that will run along the road to Fukutoku Shrine where around 100 cherry blossom lanterns will illuminate the entire street in a magical pink colour.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/88158

Kichijoji Yozakura

The dining bar “Kichijoji SUN Tama Bar” is now holding a limited spring event where the interior of the bar is decorated with 8,000 cherry blossoms and 1,500 illuminations. Tuck into some original sweets such as the “Horoyoi Parfait” and enjoy a strawberry cocktail. Sounds nice for a girls-only get-together.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/93129

Sakura Train
Tokyo Metro are holding a campaign where you can hop on board their trains to go and see the cherry blossoms. During the campaign, the interior of Tokyo Metro 1000 series trains on the Ginza Line will be decorated in cherry blossoms. A guide to hanami in Tokyo will be displayed at each Tokyo Metro station recommending spots and places to drop by to view the cherry blossoms. There are also spots where you can receive special bonuses by presenting the booklet.

Did you enjoy our list?

Get involved in lots of cherry blossom events in Japan and have an unforgettable spring!

At last the warm rays of spring are gradually trickling through, and already the news is rolling in for the cherry blossoms in Japan.

If you’re in Japan this spring, then take a look at some of these great hotel plans you can look forward where you too can enjoy Japan’s pink season.

HOSHINOYA Kyoto
HOSHINOYA Kyoto, the luxurious resort operated by Hoshino Resorts where every room has a view of the river, is holding four exciting activities for hanami, the traditional Japanese custom of flower viewing. The activities are themed on a hanami sojourn deep in Arashiyama.

Activities include Sakura Fune (Cherry Blossom Boat), where you can enjoy hanami from a boat; the Sakura Chakai (Cherry Blossom Tea Party) where you will be seated in view of the mountain’s cherry blossoms; and Yozakura Dinner (Evening Cherry Blossom Dinner) where you can enjoy a meal amongst the lit-up cherry blossoms. Each activity offers an engaging hanami experience courtesy of Arashiyama’s spectacular cherry blossom scenery.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/85392

Kichijo CAREN – Hokkawa Hot Spring, Higashiizu

Kichijo CAREN is a place where you can enjoy many kinds of cherry blossoms while inside a hot spring.

The view from “Izu Kitagawa Onsen Moon Road” which was chosen as one of Japan’s 100 famous views is absolutely gorgeous. Enjoy a romantic view from either the guest room or hot spring.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/87911

Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu

For a limited time only, you can relish in a special hotel plan and get your fill of cherry blossoms, Japan’s signal flower for spring. Gaze at the rows of cherry trees while feeling the sea breeze against your cheeks from your room balcony and enjoy a hanami experience the Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu way.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/94598

Hotel Okura Kobe

This hotel is offering a special one-day stay plan where guests can stay in a suite decorated entirely in cherry blossom artwork and décor. Everywhere from the entrance to the living room and bedroom is dotted with cherry blossoms, enabling you to experience Japanese hanami from inside your room. The hotel’s café/restaurant Camelia also sells sweet cherry blossom bread.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/93145

Hoshino Resort KAI Kinugawa

Kinugawa River in Tochigi Prefecture is about a 2-hour train or car journey from Tokyo. It’s immensely popular as an onsen, or “hot spring” site, and is close to World Heritage Sites and places of scenic beauty.

The KAI Kinugawa hot spring resort at Kinugawa Onsen is offering a limited-time “Yozakura Dining” plan from April 11th to April 20th. For one night, two people can enjoy a banquet while gazing at the cherry blossom trees in the evening. You can also experience “Hanami Roten” and admire the cherry blossoms in full bloom from the site’s famous open air hot springs.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/93077

Did you like our pick?

Spring is coming, so be sure to use this list on your holiday trip this year.

At first glance, Tokyo Metropolis may not look very green, but did you know it actually has a lot of popular spots where people go to celebrate Hanami (flower-viewing)?

Let’s take a look at some of those locations. All of this places in this list are within 5 minutes of a station, so they’re easy to get to! You can use this as reference for when you’re in Tokyo.

Inokashira Park

Inokashira Park is popular throughout the entire year for outings. There are around 500 cherry blossom trees that line the park, 250 of which sit along the pond. You can even get inside a boat and enjoy the cherry blossoms from the water. The west side of the park is home to various types of cherry blossoms, including early flowering ones that bloom from the beginning of March. The average annual time to see them come out is between March 20^th and April 10^th.

Meguro River

During Hanami, 800 beautiful cherry blossom trees roll 4km along the Meguro River. We recommend taking a leisurely stroll down the river while looking at the flowers. There’s plenty of stylish shops along the river too, so you can even do a bit of shopping on your walk.

Mori Garden – Roppongi Hills

Mori Garden is a Japanese style garden located in the skyscraper district of Roppongi Hills. It’s also another place where you can see the cherry blossoms. The garden is also lit up at night, creating a magical and memorable scene: beautiful cherry blossoms lit up in a traditional Japanese garden. Try looking out over the garden from a high place for a collaborative view of Tokyo Tower and cherry blossoms.

Ueno Park

One of the most popular spots for viewing the cherry blossoms is Ueno Park, drawing in tourists every year. There’s a direct connection to the park via train services. With around 800 trees, expect to see varieties including the Yoshino Cherry and Yamazakura. There’s even a zoo and a museum in the park, so you can make it a day trip.

Yaesu Sakura-dori
If you take the Yaesu Exit at Tokyo Station, you will find Yaesu Sakura-dori. Despite being in the heart of the city, this place is famous as a cherry blossom location where you can see around 150 Yoshino Cherries. You can see them lit up beautifully at night, making it a popular spot for Hanami among salary men and office workers on their way back from work. The “Sakura Matsuri” is also held in April every year, a bustling cherry blossom festival with street stalls and alcohol.

Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden was listed as one of Japan’s 100 most famous cherry blossom spots. The park is home to 1,100 cherry blossom trees spanning 65 types, allowing you to enjoy a lush selection. Part of the park’s charm is how long Hanami lasts there: because there’s so many different varieties of trees there, the bloom times are different, so it usually lasts from the end of March to the end of April.

Did you enjoy your list? When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom there are lots of festivals to be enjoyed around Tokyo, so be sure to check them out.

Enjoy springtime Japan by getting involved with Hanami♩

Japan holds many traditional festivals and events every year. Today, we will take a look at some of the traditional springtime omatsuri and events happening in Japan from March to May.

Omizutori

ないとう たけるさん(@takeru7110)がシェアした投稿 – 3月 7, 2017 at 7:08午前 PST

Omizutori, or the sacred water-drawing festival, is an annual event that takes place in the Todai-ji temple’s Nigatsu-do in Nara for 2 weeks starting on March 1^st. It’s a Japanese Buddhist festival that has continually taken place since the 8^th century where people confess their sins before Buddha and pray for things like world peace. It’s known as the “festival that tolls the spring” as the temperature starts to get warmer once omizutori ends.

Hinamatsuri

Celebrated on March 3^rd every year, Hinamatsuri is also known as “Doll’s Day” or “Girls’ Day.” During the festival, people pray for the sound health and growth of girls which is marked by putting dolls on display wearing traditional imperial court attire from the Heian Period. Households with girls in them are decorated with peach blossoms and the family enjoy a traditional meal together. The “Hokyoji Temple” in Kyoto is also known as the “Doll Temple” as every year, between March 1^st and April 3^rd, dolls of women from the imperial family are displayed.

Hanami

Towards the end of March, news about the opening and full bloom of cherry blossoms begins to roll in, beginning from the hot south region of Japan. This is known as the “Cherry Blossom Front.” Generally, hanami is a time when Japanese people go to view the cherry blossoms. There are many famous cherry blossom sites around the whole of Japan all of which are bustling with people every year. When the cherry blossoms, known as sakura in Japan, are in full bloom, you will see many people sat under the trees with friends and family enjoying food and drinks.

Entrance Ceremony

Makikomiさん(@mkomi51)がシェアした投稿 – 4月 6, 2016 at 3:36午前 PDT

The school entrance ceremony (nyuugakushiki) is one of the main events of April in Japan The ceremonies are held across schools in Japan to welcome incoming students to their new schools. April is also the beginning of Japan’s fiscal year when the nyuushashiki is held, or welcoming ceremony for new employees. Companies welcome new staff who have just graduated school. You could say that April being the start of everything is unique to Japan.

Children’s Day

Until 1948, May 5^th was known as Tango no Sekku and was a day to celebrate the growth of boys. It was renamed Kodomo no Hi, or “Children’s Day,” by the Japanese government to include boys and girls and became a national holiday. On this day, koinobori carp flags are raised outside people’s houses as the Japanese carp (koi) is a symbol of vitality and success.

Kanda Matsuri

折野さん(@orino0507)がシェアした投稿 – 12月 21, 2017 at 4:18午後 PST

Kanda Matsuri is held annually for 6 days from the middle of May at Kanda Shrine in Chiyoda, Tokyo. The festival stands alongside Yasaka Shrine’s “Gion Matsuri” and Ōsaka Tenman-gū’s “Tenjin Matsuri” as one of 3 biggest festivals in Japan. One of the main events of the festival is the Shinkousai held from morning to night where a huge parade and gorgeous portable shrine is taken around Kanda, Nihonbashi, Marunouchi, Akihabara and more. Lots of tourists attend to see the spectacle.

Did you enjoy our list? There are so many festivals and events to enjoy in Japan. If you’re coming here in spring, then make sure to experience one of the traditional ones to really get a feel for the culture.

Hoshino Resort is an accommodation brand which has more than 30 accommodations throughout Japan including “onsen” accommodations called, “Kai,” resort hotels called, “Resonale,” and Japanse-style resort hotels called “Hoshinoya.” In this article, I will introduce to you some experience-based plans to enjoy the spring season produced by “Hoshinoya.”

Hoshinoya Karuizawa “Datsu Digital Taizai 2018”

“Hoshinoya Karuizawa” located it Nagano Prefecture, Karuizawa will hold a three-day and two-night program of enjoying the nature in Karuizawa without carrying any digital gadgets called “Datsu Digital Taizai 2018” from the 1^st of March, 2018 to the 20^th of July. Most people in this modern age are using PCs and smartphones daily and some of them are building up stress inside their mind. This program offers an experience of enjoying the nature of Karuizawa and playing with horses so as to release the stress of the participators.

Detailed information:

https://hoshinoya.com/karuizawa/experience/datsudigital-2018/

Hoshinoya Tokyo “Tokyo / Yozakura Fune Asobi”

“Hoshinoya Tokyo” will hold an activity titled, “Tokyo Yozakura Fune Asobi” where participators can enjoy the night view of cherry blossoms while riding on a boat and going on a night cruise from the 25^th of March to  the 10^th of April. The boat will depart from Nihonbashi (bridge) which is 5 minutes by car from Hoshinoya Tokyo and pass Sumida River, Tajima Coast and Oyokogawa where they can view beautiful cherry blossoms. This is a 60- minute boat tour. The contrast between cherry blossoms and the night view of Tokyo is magical and superb. Also, participators can wear light-colored clothes and do up their hair. Let’s enjoy the night view and the cherry blossoms viewed from a boat while eating a bento box-lunch of “Shin Kaika” and drinking nihonsyu (Japanese sake).

Detailed information：https://hoshinoya.com/tokyo/

Detailed information：https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/86754

Hoshinoya Fuji “Haru no Syuryoniku Dinner”

“Hoshinoya Fuji” located in Yamanashi Prefecture will offer “Haru no Syuryoniku Dinner” which is an experience based on a “Dutch-oven dinner” course from the 16^th of March 2018 to the 30^th of June. This dinner is a spring version of the dinner course that uses “venison” and “brawn” and other spring ingredients. The course is very healthy since it uses lots of wild vegetables and spring vegetables.

Detailed information：https://hoshinoya.com/fuji/dining/

Hoshinoya Kyoto “Takeno Yusan”

“Hoshinoya Kyoto,” an accommodation located in Arashiyama, Kyoto with a beautiful river-view, will hold a program called, “Takenoko Yusan” where you can harvest takenokos (bamboo sprouts), then learn how to cook them and eat them from the 25^th of March 2018 to the 15^th of April. In this program, you can enjoy harvesting takenokos in mountain bamboo groves where you cannot normally enter. After harvesting takenokos, you can enjoy eating dishes using the takenokos you harvested at your evening meal at Hoshinoya Kyoto. Then, on the next day, you can participate in the workshop held by the head chef of Hoshinoya Kyoto and learn how to cook takenoko. It is a program where you can enjoy learning about the harvesting of takenoko which is a standard ingredient of Kyoto cuisine.

Detailed information：https://hoshinoya.com/kyoto/experience/takenoko/

Hoshinoya Kyoto “Okuarashiyama no Hanami Toryu”

This is also a program offered by Hoshinoya Kyoto. Four cherry-blossom viewing activities will be held from the 25^th of March 2018 to the 15^th  of April. You can enjoy the view of Okuarashiyama by participating in the event called, “Harutsuyu no Noyusan,” an early-morning hiking where you can enjoy the view of Okuarashiyama from the observation deck, “Sakurabune” where you can enjoy the view of cherry blossoms while riding on a boat, “Sakura Chakai” where you can enjoy a tea party in front of Yamazakura and “Yozakura Dinner” where you can enjoy eating dinner in front of the lit up cherry blossoms of Okuarashiyama.

Detailed information：https://hoshinoya.com/kyoto/

Hoshinoya Kyoto “Mizube no Kojitsu / Haru”

They will hold an accomodation-based spa program “Mizube no Kojitsu / Haru” from the 1^st of March 2018 to the 31^st of May. “Mizube no Kojitsu” is a two-day and one-night personal spa program” based on Eastern medicine. Also, this program includes another program of learning how to make healthy Japanese desserts from artisans. Moreover, they will offer a time where the  participants can refresh their body and mind by offering herb roots/tree bark teas, acupuncture treatment and a lecture on body exercise.

Detailed information：http://hoshinoyakyoto.jp/#/spa/spa01

Hoshinoya Taketomijima “Iriomote Jungle Butler / Haru”

“Hoshinoya Taketomijima” located on Taketom Island, Okinawa will hold an activity tour which a jungle guide of Iriomote Island (a person who knows well about the island” will guide the participants around the island. The content and schedule of the tour can be decided at will with the jungle guide. You can experience the tropical jungle of Iriomote Island while staying at Taketomi Island where the traditional culture of Okinawa still remains such as red tile, shiisa (lion shaped monuments) and white sand roads.

Detailed information：https://hoshinoya.com/taketomijima/

Let’s enjoy the gorgeous accommodation plans of Hoshino Resort.