After a three-year long-distance relationship, a reunion with a beloved cherry blossom season is just around the corner. Are you one of those impatient people who start scanning the map of the country looking for the perfect spot to experience the passing scene? Japan, which has made the tree one of its symbols, is full of them. And as the area stretches in latitude, the bloom, though fleeting between the first buds emerging and the last petals flying, lasts about two months, depending on the region.
Starting in the south, the pink and white wave is born with the first blooms of Kyushu and Shikoku in mid-March, sweeps across Honshu until it reaches Tōhoku, then the northern island of Hokkaido, where it disappears into delicate green foliage in mid-March. may Because its pace can vary, the Japan Meteorological Agency publishes its first estimates at the beginning of the year, which it adjusts week by week. According to previous years’ calendar, here’s where and when to catch a wave next spring.
Kyushu in Fukuoka, yataiand the first outbreaks
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The southernmost of Japan’s main islands often has the privilege of declaring the season open; The first flowers in 2022. somei-yoshinostar species hanami, was spotted in the island’s largest city, Fukuoka. Once a major trading port with China and Korea, it is adorned with pale cumulus clouds that perfume the streets with their delicate perfume. in the night hours, yatai, mobile restaurants are taking over the city. An ideal gateway to exploring the island, Fukuoka can be seen from the castle ruins overlooking Maizuru Park. The city seems to be floating on a dusty sea.
Ideal period. in the second half of March
Get there. count 5h taking the fastest Shinkansen (Nozomi) from Tokyo, 2h30 from Osaka.
Shikoku. hanamion the Japanese Mediterranean coast
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The least populated of Japan’s four major islands, it is famous for its pilgrimage to 88 temples, which have become popular in best-selling tours. It is, however, protected from mass tourism despite its many charms. Kagawa Prefecture and its coast bordering the Seto Sea, nicknamed the “Mediterranean Sea of Japan” where olives and citrus fruits are grown, are part of it. Mount Shiude, planted with a thousand cherry trees, reveals the panorama at its peak, which is in perfect harmony with the pink lights of the setting sun on the sea horizon. In Takamatsu, the prefectural capital, plan a stroll through Ritsurin-koen, one of Japan’s most beautiful landscaped gardens designed during the Edo period.
Ideal period. end of March, first week of April
Get there. Take the Shinkansen to Okayama, then the local line connecting Shikoku via the Seto Grand Bridge (approx. 5h30 journey).
Kansai. hiking in 30,000 sakura mountain
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This UNESCO heritage site offers a dreamy view. when the wind blows on Mount Yoshino, it rains, swirling from the peak until the ground becomes confetti. A small village about forty kilometers from Nara, at an altitude of one thousand meters above sea level, makes the whole country move to think about its 30,000 cherry trees. Since the trees are planted at different height levels, the flowering lasts for a month and forms a changing impressionistic picture in pastel shades. Hanayagura Observatory, accessible by a narrow little path, offers a great view of the mountain and is the starting point for several hiking trails.
Ideal period. the first days of April
Get there. Yoshino-yama can be reached by cable car from Yoshino Station on the Kintetsu Line.
Canto. Cherry Blossom Festival at the Odawara Festival
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The closest castle to the capital, located a short distance from Sagami Bay, holds a joyous spring festival dedicated to the blossoming of the cherry trees that adorn its gardens. On the occasion, everything is found to celebrate the event on a plate. sakura mochi (a battered rice dumpling surrounded by a sour cherry leaf) sakura flavored ice cream and other photogenic sweets can be enjoyed with it sakuracha, salt cherry flower tincture. A number of routes starting from the castle allow you to discover the city’s other blossoming spots: weeping cherry trees, sakura tunnel, and on a clear day, a blooming view of Mount Fuji.
Ideal period. from the end of March to the first days of April
Get there. From Tokyo, count about thirty minutes by Shinkansen.
Tohoku. Poet’s Bay in Miyagi
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The famous descriptions of the poet Matsuo Basho, who made a pilgrimage to Tōhoku in the late 19th century, the far north, then considered a wild land, made the northern region of Honshu famous. Along the Pacific coast he will discover the magnificent Matsushima Bay, east of the city of Sendai, dotted with many pine-crowned islands, some of which are places of worship. One of Japan’s most beautiful landscapes, the site is even more impressive in spring from the observatory at Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park, covered in cherry trees.
Ideal period. the first two weeks of April
Get there. take the Senseki line from Senda (about 2 hours by Shinkansen from Tokyo). Allow an hour’s drive.
Hokkaido. the end of the bloom
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With vast natural areas, the island attracts the nostalgic and the late. There, the cherry blossoms at the end of the year bloom until the first days of May. The cities of Sapporo and Hakodate, where a trip to Hokkaido often begins, are a number of places that contribute name. Maruyama Park in the capital city of Sapporo is an ideal location bento box under the cherry trees, and while in Hakodate we will go to the gardens of the old Goryogaku Castle, with a star layout inspired by Wouban, for a stroll under the cherry trees. From there, the town of Matsumae, on the southern tip of the island, is only an hour’s drive away. The castle garden is one of the most beautiful places in the country to observe cherry trees according to the Japanese classification.
Ideal period. last days of April, first week of May
Get there. The Tohoku-Hokaido Shinkansen connects Hakodate from Tokyo (allow about 6 hours). Then take the Hokuto Line to get to Sapporo.
Source: Le Figaro
I’m Ashley Mark, a news website author for Buna Times. I specialize in writing articles about current trends and breaking news stories. With my passion for uncovering the truth behind every story, I strive to bring readers the most up-to-date information available.