Spring is a magical season in Japan. The cherry blossom flowers transform the country, making you feel out of this world. If you are traveling to Japan during spring, check out this article first! Here we present you 10 things to do in Japan during spring.
1. Stroll Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen is the biggest park in Tokyo and among the most visited ones in the city. The park features many spacious lawns, quiet alleys and is full of trees and flowers. It also represents one of Tokyo’s best cherry blossom and autumn leaf viewing spots. The park has three separate gardens: the traditional Japanese garden, the French garden and the English garden. Each has their own specifics and are worth visiting.
Information
- Access: outside Sendagaya Station
- Address: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0014
2. Go to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a train, cable car, bus and ropeway trail that goes through the heart of the Tateyama Mountain Range. From April, a certain section that is closed during winter is opened to pedestrians to enjoy the view of a snow wall that can go up to 20 meters.
Information
- Access: Tateyama Station
3. Visit Ueno Park
Ueno Park is a spacious public park in the center of Tokyo. Besides many attractions such as a zoo, a few temples and several museums, Ueno is also among the best cherry blossom viewing spots in the city. There are over 1000 cherry trees lining its long alleys, making it the perfect location for hanami picnics.
Information
- Access: outside Ueno Station
- Address: , Taito, Tokyo 110-0007
4. Take pictures of Mount Fuji together with cherry trees
Lake Kawaguchi is one of Mount Fuji’s five lakes, which was formed after the previous eruptions of the volcano. The area that surrounds the lake is very picturesque and is the best place to see Mount Fuji up close without actually climbing it. Lake Kawaguchi is also one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan. Few things can beat the views of Mount Fuji combined with cherry trees.
Information
- Access: kawaguchiko Station
5. Stroll the Philosopher’s Path
The Philosopher’s Path is an alley that runs along a river in Kyoto, connecting Ginkakuji Temple to Nanzenji Temple. The alley was named this way thanks to Nishida Kitaro, one of Japan’s famous philosophers who used to walk on it everyday on his way to university. The path is lined with thousands of cherry trees, which create quite a picturesque imagine combined to the flowing river.
Information
- Access: a 10 minute walk from Keage Station
6. Visit the Arashiyama area
Arashiyama is a mountain in the outskirts of Kyoto. The area is s very famous cherry blossom viewing spot, attracting many tourists in spring. Many cherry trees can be found at the base of the mountain, which turn the area into a pink paradise. The place is perfect for hanami picnics, especially in the area between the bubbling Katsura River and the cherry trees.
Information
- Access: a 5 minute walk from Arashiyama Station
7. Stroll Kema Sakuranomiya Park
Kema Sakuranomiya Park is a pleasant park in Osaka that is very visited during spring. The alleys that go along the Okawa River are filled with cherry trees. You can choose to have a picnic on one of the many lawns, or just walk under the flowers. There is also the option of going on a cruise on the river and observing the cherry trees from a different viewpoint.
Information
- Access: a 10 minute walk from Miyakojima Station
- Address: 2 Chome Nagarahigashi, Kita Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 531-0063
8. Visit Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle is among Japan’s most famous landmarks, located in the heart of the city. Surrounded by an attractive park, the castle is built on a tall stone foundation which creates a unique sight. In the surroundings, you can see citadels, turrets, stone walls and gates. The castle is very popular during spring when many people come to enjoy the cherry blossom trees.
Information
- Access: a 5 minute walk from Temmabashi Station
- Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 540-0002
- Opening hour: 09:00
- Closing hour: 17:00
- Price: 600 yen
- Holiday: December 28 to January 1
- Website: http://www.osakacastle.net/english/
9. Go to the Osaka Mint Bureau
The Osaka Mint Bureau represents the head office of the agency which supplies coins and medals. Their garden is famous for over 100 cherry tree species, most of which bloom a bit later than the usual cherry. Every year the organization allows visitors to see the trees for a few days during the full bloom period. The species in the garden have richer flowers, forming huge pompoms. Visiting this garden is something you definitely must do during spring!
Information
- Access: a 10 minute walk from Temmabashi Station
- Address: 1 Chome-1-1-７９ Tenma, Kita-ku, Ōsaka-shi, Ōsaka-fu 530-0043
- Opening hour: 09:00
- Closing hour: 16:45
- Price: free
- Holiday: Closed besides the special cherry viewing period
- Website: http://www.mint.go.jp/category/eng/
10. Climb Mount Yoshino
Mount Yoshino in Nara Prefecture is regarded as Japan’s most beautiful spot for cherry blossom viewing. Its slopes are covered in thousands of cherry trees and the views from the summit are absolutely astonishing. There are several temples along the trails and the summit is the perfect place to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Information
- Access: Yoshino Station
Have a good trip and travel!
