The most popular time of year to travel to Japan is spring, when the stunning cherry blossoms bloom all over the nation. However, spring in Japan offers a wealth of other breathtaking sights. I’ve chosen today some of Japan’s most breathtaking springtime views for you to experience at least once in your lifetime. Here are the top 10 best places to visit in Japan in spring.
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Top 10 best places to visit in Japan in spring
The stunning cherry tree blossoms known as sakura are without a doubt the most well-liked springtime attraction. Beautiful cherry blossoms have long been a favorite of the Japanese people. They are a symbol of spring and the start of warmer weather. Depending on the area and the weather, the cherry blossom season lasts around 2 weeks and usually begins at the end of March. Many popular locations for sakura viewing will be jam-packed with people around this time. However, other flower gardens in Japan display a wide variety of springtime blooms, which is a lovely sight. There are several tourist attractions in Japan that provide breathtaking landscape in the spring.
Here is a list of the best places to visit in Japan in spring.
1. Sounkyo (Hokkaido)
Numerous hot springs are spilling out in the Ainu tribe’s uncharted territory.
Hokkaido’s Sounkyo Gorge is a well-liked tourist destination where visitors can engage in prolonged spring skiing. Let’s head to the slopes of Mt. Kurodake, which has a reputation for skiing in mountains with good snow quality, for those who still wish to enjoy skiing in the spring.
After the excursion, you may warm up at the hotel in the hot spring town and savor delectable crab dishes from Hokkaido. Why are you unable to sense the presence of nature in this revered area known to the Ainu as “Kamui Mintara” (the garden where the gods play)?
Location: Japan-Sounkyo, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
2. Kyoto
When the cherry blossoms bloom in the spring, visit the historic capital.
How about a vacation to Kyoto for the adult school? Visit world heritage-listed shrines, temples, and castles like Kinkakuji, Ginkakuji, Kiyomizudera, and Nijo Castle to gain power. It’s a great complement whether you’re traveling alone, with girlfriends, as a relationship, or with a family.
When cherry blossom viewing is added in the spring, your trip is made even more beautiful. The Philosopher’s Path, Togetsukyo Bridge, the Kyoto Botanical Garden, and other locations offer breath-taking views that are perfect for Instagram. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom there. Let’s savor the sakuramochi, a typical spring treat from Kyoto.
Location: Japan – Kyoto Prefecture
3. Naha
Enjoy embracing Okinawan culture.
The entrance to Okinawa is in Naha. Visit the towns and beaches in the spring to experience the distinctive Ryukyu culture and delectable regional cuisine. You have a lot of choices besides hotels and inns, like cottages, villas, and condominiums, so you can stay in the design you choose.
Naha’s Kokusai Street and Makishi Public Market are also popular tourist attractions. Take a day excursion to a secluded island where you may unwind if you have the time. From the “Tomarin” passenger terminal building, it is conveniently accessible. The incredibly translucent sea will welcome you with a host of tropical species.
Location: Japan – Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
4. Sunlight
Cherry blossoms provide a beautiful backdrop for Tokugawa history.
There are many world-famous temples and shrines in Nikko, including Nikko Toshogu. Visitors from all over the world visit to observe the activity. Along with learning about Tokugawa history, the area around Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji is full of sightseeing opportunities.
The cherry blossoms are in full bloom in the spring and the altitude is higher than the city center, so mid-April is the best time to visit. You may enjoy the entire month of April if you take into account Irohazaka, which is renowned for its fall foliage, and Oku-Nikko, which reaches beyond the mountains.
Location: Japan-Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture
5. Kawazuzakura
In Shizuoka Prefecture, the Kawazu region on the Izu Peninsula is home to a particular variety of cherry blossoms known as kawazuzakura. It is a type of cherry blossom that blooms early, and its lovely flowers begin to open up in early February. The flower features broad petals that are a rather dark shade of pink. The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival, which takes place along the Kawazu river from early February to early March each year, is attended by millions of people. Visitors are mesmerized by the event’s popularity as 800 cherry trees bloom along the river!
Location: Shizuoka, Kawazu, Izu Peninsula
6. Isumi Railway
The 26.8 km Isumi Railway runs through the eastern portion of the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture. Since its debut in 1988, it has provided a serene rail journey that travels through stunning scenery and connects Ohara Station and Kazusa Nakano Station. Many people travel there to take in the view of rape blossoms, also known as Nano Hana in Japanese, which begin to bloom in the middle of March and early April, even though it doesn’t receive as many passengers as main railway lines in big towns. You can also savor the stunning contrast that them and cherry blossoms make starting in late March!
Location: Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture
7. Kawachi Wisteria Garden
We advise visiting the Kawachi Wisteria Garden in Fukuoka Prefecture if you’d want to see spring flowers besides cherry blossoms. The garden welcomes guests with a magnificent landscape made of countless Wisteria flowers. They come in a variety of hues, such as purple, white, and pink, which contrast exquisitely with the surrounding natural beauty. The 100-meter-long Wisteria tunnel transports you to a magical setting where you may capture priceless photos with the lovely blossoms. The garden is a popular destination for tourists in the fall because it is one of the best places to visit in Japan in spring to see the changing leaves!
Location: Fukuoka
8. Fuji Shibazakura Festival
Shibazakura, also known as moss phlox in English, is a kind of pink flowering ground plant that resembles sakura in both appearance and color. As a result, the name shibazakura, which roughly translates to “lawn cherry blossom,” was created. Shiba means lawn and zakura means cherry blossom. From April through May, the event takes place in Yamanashi Prefecture close to the foot of Mt. Fuji, with a stunning view of the well-known peak in the distance. Typically, there are food stands where you may purchase your preferred foods and beverages while taking in an incomparable view.
Location: Yamanashi Prefecture, Mt. Fuji
9. Poppy Festival
The Poppy Festival, which takes place in Saitama Prefecture every year from mid- to late-May, is just one hour distant from Tokyo. Poppy Happy Square, which is over 125,000 square meters in size and contains over 30 million poppy blooms, is referred to as Japan’s largest poppy fields. Poppies come in many different varieties, including the typical red version and the California variant. While strolling through the beautiful poppy fields, if you’re fortunate enough to attend the festival on a nice day, you’ll enjoy a magnificent view of Mt. Fuji.
Location: Saitama Prefecture, Mt. Fuji
10. Yugawara
A journey to a hot spring where you can freely do day trips and overnight stays
Yugawara is a hot spring town that is convenient for visits for students and girls because it can be reached from both Yokohama and Tokyo. Couples and senior citizens are advised to stay at luxury inns that are rated in the Michelin Guide and have guest rooms with outdoor bathtubs. Hakone and Odawara are major tourist destinations.
The Chitose River, which shares a border with Shizuoka Prefecture, is well-known for its Yoshino cherry trees, making it a popular springtime destination. It is preferable to visit them from early April onward. The Minamoto no Yoritomo flag-raising warrior parade is a highlight of the Doi Festival, which is conducted on the first Sunday in April.
Location: Japan – Yugawara Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture
Conclusion
When visiting Japan in the spring, you’ll get the chance to take in some of the country’s most breathtaking countryside and blooming exotic flowers. They carry with them the fragrant scent of a new season, which softly and peacefully welcomes us. With favorable weather, you can visit other well-known tourist destinations, which will make your stay in Japan exceptional. Hope you were able to find some best places to visit in Japan in spring that interest you!
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