The key places and dates to keep in mind for sakura-spotting.
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From Washington, DC, in the US to Edinburgh in Scotland, there's no shortage of places to see the annual display of cherry blossoms, but when it comes to limitless expanses of pink, few countries can compete with Japan. It is estimated 63 million people travel to and within the country to see cherry blossoms between March and May. Want to join the crowds? Here's where you should go.
TOKYO
Be part of the seasonal spectacle as soon as you land in the Japanese capital by visiting the city's famous Ueno Park, home to more than a thousand sakura - or cherry blossom - trees. The pathway between Keisei Ueno Station and the Tokyo National Museum is particularly gorgeous, with long branches creating a tunnel of soft pinks. There is no way to escape the crowds here, so for a slightly less crowded setting, head to the Chidorigafuchi Park instead, where you can hire a boat and drift down the moat of the Imperial Palace, with mini-mountains of sakura cascading along the banks.
KYOTO
It is the very definition of a postcard - a flush of pink against the backdrop of striking blue skies and timeless temples. And if you want to see it for yourself make a beeline for Kyoto, which is not only one of the best preserved historical cities in Japan with ancient shrines and traditional teahouses, but has a high concentration of sakura trees, too. Whether you walk along the Kamo River or visit the Nijo Castle, wander through Kyoto Gyoen National Garden or end up at Kiyomizu Temple, dazzling views of cherry blossoms are guaranteed at every turn.
MOUNT YOSHINO
About 60 kilometres south of Osaka, Mount Yoshino in Nara Prefecture is home to more than 30,000 sakura trees, which means only one thing: valleys bursting with pink. It's best to book a day trip to the mountain with an experienced tour operator, leaving the logistics to the experts, so you can simply kick back and enjoy the scenery.
FUKUOKA
Want a splash of pink with a side of retail therapy? Make your way to Fukuoka on the northern shore of Japan's Kyushu Island, where in addition to Nishi Park - complete with more than 1300 sakura trees - you'll find some of the country's top malls, from Canal City to Tenjin Underground.
HIROSHIMA
There's beauty and history in equal measures in Hiroshima, particularly if you walk along the banks of Motoyasu River, from where you can view vibrant floral displays against the backdrop of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing of the Second World War. For the ultimate prize, though, make your way to Hiroshima Castle, where 450 trees, heaving with cherry blossoms await.
SHIZUOKA
Located between Tokyo and Kyoto, Shizuoka Prefecture is best known for offering staggering views of Mount Fuji. But go here in the cherry blossoms season and you can layer vistas of the snow-capped active volcano with lashings of pink. Head to Urui River in Fuji city, then look for the tree-lined path near Ryuganbuchi Bridge for the best aspects.
AOMORI PREFECTURE
It's not just about the number of sakura trees here (more than 2300); it's about the number of varieties, too (around 50). And if that's not enough, some of the trees are more than 300 years old. So, yes, it may take up to four hours to travel from Tokyo to Aomori Prefecture by bullet train, but once you're there at Hirosaki Castle, walking along the moat, under the cherry blossom tunnel, we bet you won't be complaining.
HOKKAIDO
Due to its location - the northernmost corner of the country - Japan's largest island is the last to witness the advent of cherry blossoms every year. But last doesn't mean the least - and most definitely not if you make your way to the Hokkaido Shrine next to Maruyama Park in Sapporo, where more than 1400 cherry blossom trees can transform the whole landscape into a soft-pink wonderland. Matsumae Park near Matsumae Castle, the star-shaped Goryokaku Park and Oniushi Park in Morimachi are some other excellent locations in Hokkaido for sakura-spotting.
It's all about the timing
Kyushu - in Japan's south - is the first place to experience the seasonal display. After a frigid winter, as temperatures begin to rise, delicate white and pink buds begin to burst with glee across the island. The spectacle then travels from south to north, ending up in Hokkaido in May. But we all know how fickle Mother Nature can be. Exact dates not only vary from region to region, but from one year to another year, too.
Thankfully, Japan National Tourism Organization's forecast is here to help. According to the latest report, updated on February 9, Fukuoka on Kyushu island will witness the first blooms on March 19; followed by Tokyo on March 20; Hiroshima on March 21; Osaka and Kyoto on March 22; Aomori on April 19; and Sapporo on Hokkaido island on April 27. Kushiro on Hokkaido island will be the last key location where the cherry blossoms will begin to bloom on May 12.
None of these dates are guaranteed, of course. The forecast will no doubt change as we edge towards the season, so your best bet is to home in on the region you want to visit, keep an eye on the forecast and be flexible with your travel plans. If you're in Tokyo and hear of cherry blossoms in Kyoto, remember it's only a couple of hours by high-speed bullet train. You will be following the crowds no doubt, but it would be worth the effort. Just don't forget to take your camera. See www.japan.travel/en/see-and-do/cherry-blossom-forecast-2024
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