Tag: cherry blossom season
Set Sail on a Cherry Blossom River Cruise in Tokyo
Springtime in Japan means one thing, and one thing only: cherry blossoms. The trees transform into dreamy pastel clouds, parks come alive with picnickers, and brands everywhere release their pink seasonal merchandise. While you may think of heading somewhere like Ueno Park...
A Contemplative Stroll Along Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path
The Philosopher’s Path, or Tetsugaku no michi, is a 2 km-long pedestrian pathway along a canal in the Northern Higashiyama area of Kyoto. It’s said that Kyoto-based philosopher Nishida Kitaro would walk this path on his daily contemplative strolls, and it seems...
Sakura Jingu Shrine: Pretty in Pink Cherry Blossoms and Ribbons
There are plenty of places to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo, but Setagaya’s Sakura Jingu Shrine has a unique edge: ribbons. Visitors to this small shrine can purchase pink ribbons from the shrine office before filling them...
The Most Stylish Buddha in Japan gets a Fashionable Upgrade during Sakura Season
The 18m tall Great Buddha (daibutsu) statue in Konan, Aichi prefecture is somewhat affectionately known as the “Great Buddha with Sunglasses”. That’s because when viewed from just the right angle from behind the Nagoya’s Railway Co.’s Inuyama Line train crossing, the Great...
Aomori’s Takayama Inari Shrine: Senbon Torii and Cherry Blossoms
Takayama Inari Shrine, in the northern Prefecture of Aomori, is famous for its Senbon Torii gates, framed with cherry blossoms in spring.
Since ancient times the shrine has been a popular place for local people who pray for a...
Hanami in Inokashira Park: A How To Guide
It would be a shame to be in Japan during cherry blossom season and not partake in a hanami! While the word “hanami” simply means “flower viewing”, to most people this brings to mind a picnic on a blue plastic sheet under...
Somei Yoshino: The Ageing King of Cherry Blossoms
Known as the 'king of cherry trees', the Somei Yoshino variety have delighted hanami goers for generations. But despite their beauty, they are slowly being replaced by other varieties. Read on to find out why.
Ueno Park: One of the Best Places to see Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo
Come springtime in Japan, there’s one thing on everybody’s mind: cherry blossoms. People watch the forecasts, scrutinise the buds and, when the time is right, head to the parks to lay down their picnic blankets and crack into the snacks. It’s all...
Tokyo’s Plum Blossom Season: Where and why you should go
While much ado is made about Japan's cherry blossom season, winter-weary travellers should also consider Tokyo’s magnificent plum blossom season. With blossoms opening throughout February and lingering until early March, it offers all of the festivals, springtime splendour, and photo-ops that cherry...
Heading North? Check Out This Massive 6-Pointed Star Fort: Goryokaku in Hakodate
Ah, Hokkaido. Japan’s great white north. The country’s mysterious, Northern-most island draws skiers and ice sculpture enthusiasts from all corners of the world. (It's a hotspot for ice cream lovers, too.) Furthermore, the island has some truly intriguing points of interest to...
