9 places to see cherry blossoms in Japan

9 Best Sakura Spots in Japan March-May of every year is the Golden Time to admire the beauty of Japanese cherry blossoms. 1. Osaka Castle Osaka Castle is considered the number one landmark of this city. The castle itself is beautiful, but the surrounding area during spring is even more amazing. The area around Osaka Castle is full of over 4,000 cherry trees. There is also Nishinomaru Park, located to the west of the castle, which is a picnic area and a place to enjoy the castle's beautiful lights at night. It is beautiful during the day, but it is also charming at night. 2. Togetsukyo Bridge Many people know it as the Moon Crossing Bridge, an important symbol of Arashiyama. It has a long history and the beauty of the bridge with an amazing backdrop. From the back, you can see tall mountains and a river with rows of cherry trees along both sides of the river. I must say that spring is incredibly beautiful. This is another popular cherry blossom viewing spot. 3. Pontocho Pontocho is super chill in the evening and is a popular place for Kyotoites to eat and drink. The long walkway runs parallel to the Kamo River, with many restaurants, pubs, and bars on both sides, especially barbecue restaurants. On the opposite side of the Kamo River is a park with cherry trees lining the entire length of the river, perfect for taking selfies with beautiful cherry blossoms or taking group photos. 4. Hirano- Shrine Hirano-jinja Shrine is located in Kita-ku, Kyoto, and is famous for its cherry trees. Cherry blossom trees were planted since the Heian period and symbolize the vibrancy of life. There are 400 cherry trees of 60 varieties at this shrine, so you can enjoy a variety of beautiful cherry blossoms from late March to early May. When you see cherry blossoms in the shrine grounds, don't forget to try the cherry blossom candy "Hirano Ouro", which is sweet red beans coated in sugar, and "sakura-yu", which is a drink poured through “Kaiunzakura” (cherry blossom) 5. Uji City Uji, a small city nicknamed the city of green tea. Although some people may not plan to travel there during the cherry blossom season, when they do, they will fall in love with it. Walking among the cherry blossoms Uji is a small city located along the Uji River that flows from Lake Biwa. This small and peaceful city has many places that are registered as world heritage sites, such as temples and shrines. In addition, Uji is also known as a famous green tea production area throughout Japan. 6. Himeji Castle A world heritage castle that is considered the most beautiful castle in Japan. Around the castle is a large cherry blossom garden. It is a cherry blossom viewing spot in the city with its charm and magnificent backdrop of this old castle. During the annual cherry blossom festival in April, there is a cherry blossom festival (Himeji Sakura Festival-Himeji Cherry Blossom Festival) and traditional music performances in the cherry blossom garden, which are the characteristics of the cherry blossom festival at Himeji Castle. 7. Okayama Korakuen Garden is a garden located around Okayama Castle. Within the park, there are over 300 cherry trees and 200 castles. Each spot may not look so magnificent, but believe me, it is much more beautiful than you think. Plus, this place gives a classic feeling that cannot be found anywhere else. I must say that this is an important landmark of the city that you must visit, otherwise, it is considered a mistake. 8.Randen in Sakura Blossom – Renden Tram in the Sakura Tunnel The Renden Tram is a tram that provides service between Arashiyama and Kyoto. There are 2 terminal stations in Kyoto: Kitanohakubaicho Station. This Randen train line runs through the Cherry Blossom Tunnel, which is between Narutaki (B3) and Utano (B4). This is a spot where many people like to take pictures of the train with the cherry blossoms. If you have time, get off at the station mentioned and walk down to see it. If you are just on the train like us, you will see it passing the cherry blossom trees and people waiting to take pictures. It is the most magnificent in the world!!! 9. Kema Sakuranomiya Park A famous cherry blossom viewing spot along the riverbank that is about 4 kilometers long, from Kema Arai Weir of Okawa River to Tenma Bridge downstream. Near the row of about 4,500 cherry trees along the riverbank, there are also retro buildings lined up, such as the Mint, Senpukan Building. The cherry blossom viewing spots that can be said to be the most popular in Osaka, these 3 places, start the morning at Kema Sakuranomiya Park and walk to Osaka Castle, see the cherry blossoms around the castle area, and take the train to end at Expo'70 Park and see the evening illuminations. #Sakura2024 #TravelJapan #JapaneseSakura