Spring is Japan's most stunning season, when thousands of Sakura (cherry blossom trees) explode with marvelous wonder during what is undoubtedly the highest travel season. Many people enjoy viewing the cherry blossoms or partaking in blossom festivals.
There are countless locations for viewing cherry blossoms throughout Japan. Cherry blossom festivals most usually coincide with an array of food and traditional events. This makes it a great opportunity to experience the blooming blossoms and local specialties all at once.
If you are lucky to be in Japan during the spring season, here are some of the popular Cherry blossom festivals you should not miss.
Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival (Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture)
(End-April till early May)
Hirosaki city is located in the southwest section of the Aomori prefecture located one hour from the Aomori airport by bus. The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival attracts visitors from across the country every year. Hirosaki Park is home to the ruins of the 17th century Hirosaki castle and one of the most spectacular cherry blossom sites in Japan. Wander through about 2,600 blooming cherry trees of over 50 different varieties. Rent a boat to appreciate the blossoms reflecting on the water. Sample local specialties from hundreds of vendors and stay late to experience the spectacular night time illumination of the trees. There is a service package providing exclusive lunch boxes with an advanced booking. Enjoy a lavish assorted meal box consisting of delicious local ingredients while local groups perform traditional entertainment right beside you.
For more information, please visit here.
Aomori Travel Tips: Resort Shirakami Train and Furukawa Fish Market
Picture a Japanese train in your mind and you’ll likely see a shinkansen bullet train, the racing rail-gliding marvel. But in Tohoku, there's joy to be had in the slow lane as well. The Resort Shirakami train leisurely threads its way between the shore and the Shirakami mountains (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Additionally, there’s no pre-train pre-game breakfast spot anywhere in the world quite like the Furukawa Fish Market in Aomori.
Kitakami Tenshochi Sakura Festival (Kitakami city, Iwate Prefecture)
(Mid-April till early May)
Kitakami, located in the Iwate prefecture, is 2.5 hours by Tohoku Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo. It is famous for its 10,000 plus cherry trees and well known as one of the top 100 cherry blossom spots in Japan. The Kitakami Tenshochi Sakura Festival may well be one of Japan’s most romantic cherry blossom festivities, with a memorable river cruise or winding waterside strolls to celebrate the beauty. The Cherry trees planted alongside the Kitakami River in the park offer breathtaking scenery. Indulge in the experience of a horse drawn carriage through a tunnel of cherry blossoms along the park's walkway, or enjoy a panoramic view of the blossoms from a boat along the river. During the festival period, you can witness a symbol of Japanese Children’s day, carp-shaped flags. Hundreds of colorful carp-shaped cloth flags are displayed across the river. When the wind passes through them, the carp appear to be swimming upstream, a symbol of strength and perseverance.
For more information, please visit here.
Iwate Travel Tips: Tohoku Shinkansen Bullet Train and Wanko Soba
The beauty of the shinkansen is that it puts all of Tohoku within reach, allowing savvy travelers to stop off in towns and cities for a quick visit or a specific meal before moving on to their final destination. Exhibit A: Morioka, a mid-sized city known for its specialty of wanko soba, a tradition of serving buckwheat noodles in an endless flood of small bowls, a symbol of the generous nature of the local population. Empty your stomach and clear your schedule: you’ll need to eat at least 100 bowls of soba if you want to earn the respect of the locals.
Fuji Shiba-Sakura Festival (Yamanashi Prefecture)
(Mid-April till end-May)
Lake Motosuko Resort Park is approximately 2 hours from central Tokyo. The scenery is majestic with the backdrop as Mt. Fuji exhibiting its peak crowned with remaining snow. Over 800,000 stalls of spectacular Shiba Sakura or moss phlox are on display at the base of Mt.Fuji. This annual festival is unsurpassed in offering both splendid scenery as well as selected impeccable local gourmet foods. During the Sakura festival, the Mt. Fuji "delicious food festival" can also be enjoyed in the park. Sample a variety of local meals from the Mt. Fuji region. Admire Japan's symbolic icons, Mt. Fuji together with a "pink carpet" of Shiba Sakura in bloom this coming spring. No doubt the visit will provide you with unforgettable memories.
For more information, please visit here.
"Yozakura" - Cherry Blossoms at Night in Tokyo
(Mid-April till end-May)
During the season, many parks extend their hours into the evening hours. Cherry trees are often lit up, creating a glorious effect and attracting people even in the dark. Walk along the Meguro River or Chidorigafuchi Moat surrounding the Imperial palace where lined cherries are softly lit. Additionally, take in the glowing cherry blossoms from a different perspective like a romantic restaurant or a bar near Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi. You may also want to visit Rikugien, a beautiful historic Japanese garden, to enjoy a spectacular view of an illuminated grand weeping cherry against the night sky.
