A Comprehensive Guide to Cherry Blossom Viewing in Japan

Japan is chosen as a cherry blossom viewing destination because of its unique cherry blossom culture. From Kyushu to Hokkaido, cherry blossoms bloom gradually, with a long flowering period. In the ancient temples of Kyoto and on the streets of Tokyo, cherry blossoms blend with the cityscape, creating beautiful scenes. The grand flowering season is full of poetry and romance, fulfilling all fantasies of spring. Below is a comprehensive guide to cherry blossom viewing: 1. Pre-trip Preparations • Visa: Choose a single-entry, three-year multiple-entry, or five-year multiple-entry visa based on your travel needs. You can find online agencies to handle the application process. • Airfare: Book in advance. Pay attention to Trip.com or the official websites of major airlines or air ticket booking platforms. You can choose direct flights to major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka. • Clothing: Spring temperatures in Japan are relatively low, with large temperature differences between day and night. Prepare warm clothing such as coats and scarves. 2. Understanding the Blooming Season and Locations • Kyushu Region: Blossoms begin around mid-March. Kumamoto Castle is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, where the castle and cherry blossoms complement each other, creating a magnificent view. • Kanto Region: From late March to mid-April. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in Tokyo has many varieties of cherry blossoms. The cherry blossoms along the Meguro River form a beautiful tunnel. At Nikko's Toshogu Shrine, weeping cherry blossoms complement the golden architecture. At Lake Kawaguchi in Hakone, cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji complement each other. • Kansai Region: From late March to mid-April. Kyoto's Philosopher's Path is romantic with cherry blossoms, and the ancient architecture of Daigo-ji Temple creates a stunning landscape with the cherry blossoms. At Lake Biwa in Shiga, cherry blossoms bloom along the lakeshore, creating a fairyland-like scenery. At Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara, deer stroll under the cherry blossom trees. • Tohoku Region: From mid-April to the end of April. Hirosaki Park in Aomori has more than 2,600 cherry blossom trees of various varieties, creating a pink ocean when in full bloom. • Hokkaido Region: From late April to early May. Hokkaido Shrine in Sapporo and Goryokaku Park in Hakodate are good places for cherry blossom viewing. 3. Transportation Guide • JR Rail Pass: Suitable for intercity or inter-regional travel, allowing unlimited rides on JR lines within a specified period. • Shinkansen (Bullet Train): Fast and suitable for long-distance travel between cities, such as from Tokyo to Osaka. • Inner-city Transportation: In cities like Tokyo and Osaka, you can choose convenient and efficient public transportation such as subways and trams. 4. Food Recommendations • Kyoto: As the birthplace of *kaiseki* cuisine, you can visit Michelin-starred restaurants such as Mankamerou and Kinofu to taste dishes made with fresh seasonal ingredients. • Osaka: While enjoying cherry blossoms at Osaka Castle Park, you can try local specialties such as *takoyaki* and *okonomiyaki*.