Ifah Sakinah“What a strange thing! To be alive beneath cherry blossoms.” – Kobayashi Issa.
Cherry blossoms – alluring, even though fleeting – has become a global fascination. As winter recedes, people from all over come together to celebrate the burgeoning of the small delicate pink flowers also known as Sakura marking the beginning of spring.
For many centuries, Japanese poets have attempted to evoke the experience of witnessing the cherry blossoms into words but it can only truly be discerned until one has stood under a Sakura tree blooming in its full glory. Its lavish beauty never ceases to amaze!
With that said, cherry blossom season is a coveted time to visit Japan. We have put together the best places and times to visit Japan this 2020 to experience the world-famous sakura phenomenon!
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Image Credit: Sora Sagano
1.Where to catch the cherry blossoms in Tokyo
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Image Credit: Yustinus Subiakto
Where: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Ueno Park, Chidorigafuchi, Sumida Park in Taito-ku, Inokashira Park, Meguro River (Megurogawa), Yoyogi Park, Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens
When: March 21 (flowering) – March 27 (full bloom)
2. Where to catch the cherry blossoms in Hokkaido
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Image Credit: Henry & Co.
Where: Matsumae Park, Goryokaku Park, Morimachi Oniushi Park, Noboribetsu Cherry Trees, Nijūkken Road Cherry Blossoms, Meguro River
When: May 2 (flowering) – May 6 (full bloom)
3.Where to catch the cherry blossoms in Hiroshima
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Image credit: Charlie Marshall
Where: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Castle, Shukkeien Garden
When: March 22 (flowering) – April 3 (full bloom)
4. Where to catch the cherry blossoms in Nara
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Image credit: Needpix.com
Where: Nara Park, Himuro Shrine, Mt Yoshino
When: March 29 (flowering) – April 5 (full bloom)
5. Where to catch the cherry blossoms in Fukuoka
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Image credit: Jim O’Connell
Where: Nishi Park, Fukuoka Castle Park, Shiranoe Botanical Garden
When: March 21 (flowering) – March 29 (full bloom)
6. Where to catch the cherry blossoms in Kobe
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Image credit: Joel Neff
Where: Ikutagawa Park, Sumaura Park, Egeyama Park
When: March 27 (flowering) – April 6 (full bloom)
7. Where to catch the cherry blossoms in Kumamoto
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Image Credit: Bady
Where: Isshingyo Park, Kumamoto Castle, Suizenji Koen
When: March 26 (flowering) – April 4 (full bloom)
8. Where to catch the cherry blossoms in Kyoto
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Image credit: Wikimedia Commons
Where: Philosopher’s walk, Takenaka Inari Shrine, Daigoji Temple, Heian Shrine
When: March 27 (flowering) – April 5 (full bloom)
9. Where to catch the cherry blossoms in Nagoya
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Image credit: Wikimedia Commons
Where: Nagoya Castle, Yamazaki river, Tsurumai park, Shiratori garden
When: March 22 (flowering) – April 4 (full bloom)
10. Where to catch the cherry blossoms in Osaka
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Image Credit: Chris Gladis
Where: Japan mint sakura passageway, Kema Sakuranomiya Park, Osaka Castle Park, Arashimaya
When: March 27 (flowering) – April 4 (full bloom)
Now that you are well-aware of the dates and locations to admire the exquisite flowers, what’s stopping you from planning your ‘hanami’ adventure beforehand? Just a heads up: flights to Japan during the Sakura season may incur serious peak prices when purchased closer to the date. You may want to plan your trip soon and tick it off your travel bucket list for the upcoming year!
Also read: The Ultimate Food & Sakura Itinerary That Maximises the JR East Pass (Tohoku)
