Most readily useful time and energy to see: March 27 to April 3, 2019
For first-timers within the Kinki area, Kyoto and Osaka are both good bases from where to explore the surrounding areas. Kyoto usually takes about 2-3 days to explore, while Osaka has an even more location that is central you want to consult with the neighboring towns. Note, however, that tourism in Kyoto peaks during springtime – either eally book your accommodations early, or start thinking about residing in Osaka rather. The Wakayama prefecture nearby also provides amazing cherry blossom spots and it is well well well worth at the very least a 2-day stay, particularly if you love hiking.
Wear your preferred footwear and bring additional camera batteries once you visit Kyoto. This town is most beneficial explored gradually as well as on foot, although a coach or subway pass may come very handy. The greatest spots for the cherry blossoms consist of Arashiyama, while the the Ninna-ji and Daigoji temples. Don’t skip the star of springtime in Kyoto: the Maruyama yard. In springtime, 800 cherry woods bloom, the essential famous one being the shidarekazura or weeping cherry tree. Through the night, the woods are illuminated, providing a wonderful night watching experience.
The city that is neighboring of possesses its own share of cherry blossom-viewing spots. Spend the early morning during the Osaka Castle Park, eat your path through Dotonbori into the afternoon, then check out the Osaka Mint Museum to understand tunnel of cherry blossoms illuminated by paper lanterns at night.
From Osaka or Kyoto, time trips to nearby towns and cities are effortless, particularly aided by the Shinkansen. Invest just about every day in Himeji castle, a nationwide treasure and Japan’s most stunning one. In springtime, the cherry blossoms frame the white castle, which makes it the most gorgeous places in Japan.
Nara is yet another great tour from Osaka. Nara park has over one thousand cherry woods and an excellent destination if you like researching culture. The region houses shrines that are several temples. For latecomers, a uncommon cherry that is ancient called the Narano-yaezakura blooms when you look at the Nara Park through the end of April to very early May.
Additionally in Nara, Yoshino hill is regarded as a sacred place of cherry trees in Japan. The blooms spring from bottom to the top of the mountain from early to late April, covering the mountain with over 30,000 cherry trees. As you’re able to imagine, this will make for a fairly spectacular view.
When you have more hours in Nara, see Koriyama Castle Park to see a thousand trees that are cherry across the castle moats.
Arrange your day at Osaka/Kyoto – Osaka and Kyoto will be the gateways to Kansai and both great bases whenever checking out the area for the time that is first. The more relaxed and affordable base during spring, however, Kyoto absolutely bursts with local and foreign tourists, making Osaka. Here’s where you should stay static in Osaka. From Osaka, you will get to Kyoto, Himeji, and Nara utilizing the trains – use Jorudan, Hyperdia, or maps that are google find a very good paths. A train pass such as the Kintetsu pass or perhaps a JR Kansai Pass will save you money and time in the event that you plan to visit a great amount of locations around Kansai.
From Osaka, go your sightseeing to Wakayama. There is early-blooming cherry trees in the Kimiidera temple grounds, where in actuality the cherry blossoms declare the arrival of springtime within the Kansai area. It is a place that is good go to in the event that you occur to come early (end of March to very early April).
Additionally look at the Negoro-ji temple situated into the southern root of the Katsuragi hill number. With around 7000 cherry woods bloom in springtime, the temple grounds become covered in pink blossoms.
The Shichikawa dam lake is a dream for photographers – during spring, 3000 cherry trees complement the views of the green mountains and the deep blue lake in southern Wakayama.
Hokkaido: Sapporo and surrounding areas
Most useful time for you to go to: May 4 to 8, 2019
Hokkaido could be the perfect location for nature-lovers, specially those that desire to interact regarding the cherry blossom craze but not particularly partial to jostling with all the crowds. Beyond the cherry blossoms spots, Hokkaido has plenty to provide when it comes to scenery, road journey locations, meals, and culture, you spend at least a full week in the area so I suggest. Sapporo may be the most readily useful base, especially if you want to drive around.
There are numerous spots to take pleasure from the cherry blossoms, also within Sapporo. Maruyama Park and Hokkaido Shrine are a couple of adjacent locations ideal for picnics and part that is taking hanami parties. In Nakajima Park, you can view many different cherry trees and ride a ship round the main pond. For everyone remaining in downtown Sapporo, Odori park could be the closest cherry blossom spot. For everyone belated 
towards the (hanami) celebration, Moerunuma Park has trees that are late-blooming.
Hokkaido is good for road trips and excursions outside of the town, therefore remember to allocate a few days to see these other spots. See Matsumae, a castle city into the part that is southernmost of with lots of historic web internet sites and landmarks. Be sure to feast on seafood while there. See additionally the Goryukaku Park in Hakodate, additionally the Noboribetsu Onsen Flower Tunnel – a flower tunnel extending 8 kilometers, set in just one of Japan’s spring that is hot. It’s perfect for a driving journey, and undoubtedly, remain a bit and plunge in on a single associated with the onsens ( public bathrooms).
Drive through the Shizunai Nijukken path, a Hokkaido history site with cherry blossoms across the road reported to be the row that is best of cherry trees in Japan. Expect a little bit of a traffic jam when you do click here, therefore begin early. The location can also be house to horse that is many so you may wish to always always check those out too.
Finally, go to the Seiryuji Temple in Nemuro if you’re coming belated to Hokkaido. The cherry blossoms in Nemuro will be the last to bloom in Japan, so that it’s ideal for latecomers that would nevertheless such as a glimpse of this ephemeral cherry blossoms (annual averages are May 16-22).
Arrange your day at Hokkaido – Three airports provide Hokkaido ( brand brand New Chitose, Asahikawa, Sapporo Okadama) so look into flights as an alternative to access the region. Otherwise, it is possible to achieve Sapporo by shinkansen also. Whilst it’s feasible to bypass Hokkaido with the general public transport, it is significantly more comfortable and convenient to travel around by vehicle. You are able to book a leasing vehicle right here.
Remain in Sapporo – because of its main location in Hokkaido, Sapporo may be the most readily useful base for traveling all over prefecture, particularly if you may be leasing a motor vehicle. Remain in Hotel Mystays Sapporo Aspen (double spaces start at USD 80) or Sapporo Grand resort (twin rooms begin at USD 100). For the budget option, take a look at Social Hostel 365 (beds begin at USD 22).