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Are you coming to Tokyo throughout peak Cherry Blossom season in March and April and need to take advantage of out of your time? This 7-day Japan itinerary targeted on Japan’s iconic flower will probably be your information! This information will deal with can’t-miss experiences with cherry blossom viewing in-between for an unforgettable journey. Get able to make some lovely and really pink reminiscences in Japan.
Heads up, this itinerary provides you many various choices. Relying in your tempo, you may take away or add locations to your Japan to-do record.
Day 1- Tokyo
Skytree 東京スカイツリー
The Tokyo Sky Tree®, which is 634 meters tall, is the town’s latest and tallest vacationer attraction. You may simply spend a complete day at this tower, whether or not which means gazing throughout the Tokyo skyline from the commentary deck or buying within the adjoining Tokyo Solamachi buying middle is as much as you. Inside Solamachi, you’ll find many spring-themed conventional Japanese treats, resembling strawberry daifuku or pink Lassi drinks. There’s additionally an aquarium and planetarium on the base of the construction.
Every of the 4 elevators Podium-Tembo Deck elevators at Skytree are themed after a special season. The ‘summer time’ carry is embellished with Edo aspects that present fireworks over the Sumida River. Try to match the elevator for the season through which you go to!
Asakusa 浅草
The oldest temple in Tokyo, Senso-ji Temple, shouldn’t be missed when seeing the town. The temple, which is popular with worldwide guests, is jam-packed with individuals trying to get footage in entrance of the massive paper lanterns of the Kaminarimon entrance.
Lengthy-established memento and Japanese confectionary shops, in addition to candy retailers supreme for consuming and strolling, alongside the Nakamise Road that leads from Kaminarimon. The best location to attempt ningyoyaki, an Asakusa specialty (doll-shaped pancakes). Evaluating the flavours of assorted companies is among the best methods to expertise Asakusa.
Sumida River 隅田川
Sumida River is a well-liked location for cherry blossom viewing that was named one of many prime 100 locations to see them. In keeping with legend, Tokugawa Ietsuna, the fourth shogun, ordered the planting of the primary cherry bushes throughout the Edo interval.
One other 100 cherry bushes have been planted by Tokugawa Yoshimune, the eighth shogun, in 1717, and right now there are about 300 cherry bushes on the Sumida-ku aspect and 600 on the alternative financial institution in Taito-ku. The area is close to the station, and chances are you’ll expertise the collaboration with the Tokyo Sky Tree as cherry bushes line each banks of the Sumida River for a couple of kilometre.
To see the rows of cherry bushes on each banks of the Sumida River, a houseboat cruise is suggested. The 2023 Sumizutsumi Sakura Pageant will happen in late March or early April. See the official web site for additional particulars.
Ueno 上野
Ameyokocho is a bustling buying district that stretches from JR Okachimachi Station to only earlier than Ueno Station. It’s a maze of about 400 shops that run alongside the viaduct’s edge and are guarded. Right here, chances are you’ll get something at extremely cheap costs, from clothes and sundries to contemporary fish and different meals. When sightseeing in Tokyo, be sure to cease right here as there’s additionally a broad vary of connoisseur meals.
The Tokyo Nationwide Museum is sort of well-liked in Ueno! It’s the most important museum in Japan, and the doorway is just 1000 yen—fully worthwhile! Ukiyo-e, Buddhist sculpture, calligraphy, Ainu folklore, samurai relics, and lots of different exhibitions are featured there. Additionally, the museum has a stunning tea home and a backyard the place chances are you’ll watch the cherry blossoms bloom.
A temple referred to as Ueno Toshogu is surrounded by cherry blossom bushes. It nonetheless glows a stunning gold regardless of having been constructed in 1627! You could want to go to the peony backyard when you’re there. You will note the beautiful flowers within the backyard after paying 700 yen! It’s an especially tranquil expertise.
Ueno Park 上野恩賜公園
One of the well-known locations to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo is Ueno Park. A widely known location the place chances are you’ll expertise nature in the midst of the town is the Shinobazu Pond, which is dwelling to quite a few geese and different waterfowl and blooms with clusters of lotus flowers in the summertime.
For the reason that Edo period (1603–1868), the mountains of Ueno have been famend for his or her cherry blossoms, and nature could be absolutely appreciated all 12 months spherical. Over 800 cherry bushes beautify the park, principally alongside Sakura-dori, and are alleged to have been transplanted from Mount Yoshino by priest Tenkai.
There’s additionally the Ueno Zoo within the park, and the cherry blossoms are in full bloom there. It’s actually worthwhile to go to as a result of they’ve beautiful gigantic pandas and massive turtles!
Meguro River 目黒川
The Meguro River empties into Tokyo Bay by the wards of Setagaya, Meguro, and Shinagawa. Upstream from Nakameguro Station, cherry bushes cowl the river in an arch from each side of the riverbank within the Meguro Ward space. These cherry bushes, principally Someiyoshino cherry bushes, border the river for about 4 km from near Ikejiri-Ohashi Station.
The Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Pageant and the Meguro East Space Cherry Blossom Pageant will each happen in 2023 on Sunday, March 26 and Saturday, April 1 and a pair of, respectively. From nightfall to 2:00 a.m. all through the flowering time, lights and bonbori lanterns will probably be lit.
Meguro 目黒区
There are quite a few temples and shrines in Meguro. The Ryusenji Temple is one in every of them. This temple is definitely the inspiration for the identify Meguro, subsequently you should go to! The serene environment of the temple itself have a soothing influence on everybody. For the reason that temple is located inside a park, there received’t be every other buildings to get in your manner; simply peaceable nature!
Day 2- Tokyo
Imperial Palace 皇居
Visits to the Tokyo Imperial Palace are extremely really useful. The Imperial Palace is the house of the Japanese Imperial Household. The Palace was rebuilt twice, however it nonetheless has historic structure. You could get essentially the most out of your go to by taking one of many free guided excursions of the Palace. The gardens are accessible as properly. Even those that are extraordinarily stressed can unwind in these gardens! The general public can solely entry the inside grounds twice a 12 months, on January 2nd and February twenty third.
Chidorigafuchi 千鳥ヶ淵
Probably the greatest spots in Tokyo for cherry blossom viewing, simply 5 minutes on foot from Hanzomon Station and Kudanshita Station. Yasukuni Dori to Kitanomaru Park is related by a 700-meter promenade that’s lined with 260 cherry bushes, together with Someiyoshino. There are 260 cherry bushes alongside the route, notably Someiyoshino, which blooms yearly in late March or early April. A number of individuals cease by the cherry bushes’ watery reflection day by day, together with enterprise of us passing by on their manner dwelling from work and {couples} taking within the cherry blossoms.
Shibuya 渋谷区
You need to attempt to stroll the Shibuya Scramble Crossing as a result of Shibuya is famous for its congested streets and lofty buildings. The Scramble Crossing is the busiest street crossing world wide. Even on weekdays, it’s actually crowded, however it’s an expertise you need to have! Attempt to make your solution to Shibuya Sky once you’re near the crossing. There, chances are you’ll get a improbable aerial perspective of the crossing!
You too can see a well known memorial for film buffs as quickly as you exit the station! You may see Hachi-memorial ko’s right here, the canine who waited for his proprietor. I counsel doing this a bit of early within the day as a result of it will get actually busy in a short time. There are many lovable retailers and entertaining areas in Shibuya.
The Sakura Frappuccino is a good selection for capturing the spirit of the Cherry Blossom season. These can be found at Starbucks, which additionally affords a stunning view of Scramble Crossing. The jelly used is created from precise cherry blossoms, which provides a nice contact to the extraordinarily candy beverage. The Sakura Macarons are the cherry on prime, giving it the proper of completion for a cool beverage!
Yoyogi Park 代々木公園
The fifth-largest city park in all of Tokyo’s 23 wards is split right into a plaza part that includes an athletics observe, an outside stage, and different facilities and a forest park half that spans the street. It creates a dense forest of greenery when mixed with the bushes of the close by Meiji Shrine, and the waterscape facilities, which embrace three giant and three tiny fountains in addition to a water hall, make the realm engaging.
There are 600 cherry bushes within the park, together with Someiyoshino, Oshima, and mountain cherry bushes, all of which peak in late March. The Cherry Blossom Backyard and the Central Plaza are vibrantly colored when the cherry bushes are in full bloom.
Harajuku 原宿
As a result of Harajuku is recognised as a buying space, you’ll undoubtedly uncover some lovable clothes right here!
Moreover well-known are the quite a few animal cafes in Harajuku. There are the standard ones, like cats and canine, however there are additionally distinctive cafes there! I notably liked the Hedgehog café! You could feed them and listen to the tiniest crunch, or you may cradle them and watch them go to sleep in your arms.
Additionally obtainable in Harajuku are lovable munchies! You will discover cotton sweet formed like bunnies or canine! Or some deliciously tasty crepes with contemporary strawberries.
Shinjuku Gyoen 新宿御苑
The backyard, which is thought to be a up to date Western backyard consultant of the Meiji period, is a deft mixture of a proper backyard with beautiful rows of aircraft bushes, a panorama backyard distinguished by extensive lawns and lilies, and a standard Japanese backyard. Over 10,000 bushes, together with lilies, aircraft bushes, Himalayan cedars, and rakusyo, make up the backyard’s distinctive surroundings. Round 900 cherry bushes of roughly 70 varieties are a serious springtime draw. It has not but been determined whether or not the cherry blossoms will probably be illuminated in 2023. For additional data, please go to the official web site.
Starting in January, the early flowering cherry bushes begin to bloom, and by late March, the Someiyoshino cherry bushes are at their peak.
Shinjuku 新宿区
Shinjuku space is a terrific location to rapidly discover all that Tokyo has to supply. All the pieces is out there in Shinjuku, from bars to neon lights, eating places to buying! even in artwork! Go to the Nishi Shinjuku space and be amazed by the magnificent sculptures which might be there.
For these film buffs on the market, the Toho Cinema constructing’s roof is dwelling to an enormous Godzilla head! Merely ascend to the highest and savour the feeling—you’ll suppose you’re a part of the present!
Day 3- Kawaguchiko
Kawaguchiko Ropeway 河口湖 富士山パノラマロープウェイ
This Ropeway is sort of 400 meters lengthy and it’ll take you previous Mount Fuji! Its panoramic sights are actually one in every of a sort. A spherical journey prices 900 yen, which is tremendous low cost in comparison with the superb expertise you’ll have.
Niikurayama Sengen Park 新倉山浅間公園
Niikurayama Sengen Park has graced the quilt of the Michelin Inexperienced Information Japon. The park is often much more crowded throughout the cherry blossom season when many individuals from all around the world come to {photograph} the collaboration of Mt Fuji, the five-storey pagoda and the cherry blossoms. A cherry blossom competition is held yearly when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.
Fuji-Kawaguchiko City Cherry blossoms on the north shore of Lake Kawaguchi / Fuji-Kawaguchiko
Probably the most well-known cherry blossom spot on Lake Kawaguchi. Fuji, the lake and the cherry blossoms could be seen from right here, situated to the north of Lake Kawaguchi! There are numerous services close by, such because the Kawaguchiko Museum of Artwork and the Orgel Forest Museum, making it a well-known sightseeing spot.
Katsuyama Sikkogo Park 勝山 シッコゴ公園 and
Fuji Omuro Sengen Shrine 冨士御室浅間神社
Slightly-known hole-in-the-wall for vacationers. The method to the historic Fuji Omuro Sengen Shrine is roofed with rows of cherry blossom bushes and is a sight to behold. Katsuyama Shikkogo Park can be situated on the southern shore of Lake Kawaguchi and is really useful for picnics as you may lie on the grass and watch the cherry blossoms.
Close by is Fuji Omuro Sengen Shrine, one of many World Heritage Websites of Mount Fuji, which is a really useful course for sightseeing round Lake Kawaguchi.
Non-compulsory:
FujiQ 富士急ハイランド
This theme park rests on the bottom of Mount Fuji. It’s primarily identified for its record-breaking curler coasters, extravagant rides, and different sights with an anime theme. The park constantly opens new rides and sights, together with Guinness World File-breaking curler coasters, in an effort to steer the theme park leisure trade. Admission to the park is free, however the person rides price between 400 and 2000 yen, and a one-day move for limitless rides is 6300 yen.
Gotemba 御殿場市
In Gotemba metropolis, you’ll find the preferred mall in Japan! This mall has round 300 shops and eating places and even has a scorching spring inside! There’s additionally a 50 metres Ferris Wheel and a complete meals court docket! Assured you may spend the entire day right here!
Day 4- Kyoto
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest 嵐山 竹林の小径
Probably the most well-known bamboo forest lies in Kyoto! The forest is open 24/7, so you may go discover everytime you need. It’s a stunning place to loosen up and take a look at the gorgeous bamboo bushes. Admission can be free, so it’s an ideal place for funds travellers! The encompassing district additionally has some enjoyable issues which might be value visiting.
Arashiyama, Togetsu Bridge 嵐山･渡月橋
Arashiyama is a scenic spot that has lengthy been a favorite of aristocratic dynasties for its cherry blossoms. The view of Arashiyama over the Watarigetsukyo Bridge, with its rows of cherry blossom bushes alongside the river, is postcard-perfect. The cherry blossoms on Nakanoshima Island are additionally lovely, and you may get pleasure from their blooms to your coronary heart’s content material below a transparent sky.
Tenryu-ji 天龍寺
Probably the most important temple in Kyoto’s Arashiyama neighbourhood is Tenryuji. It’s now listed as a world heritage website and was previously thought of the perfect of the town’s 5 main Zen temples. Among the many Japanese Buddhist Rinzai Zen sect, Tenryuji is the principal temple of its personal college. Tenryuji’s backyard has endured the ages in its authentic state, not like the temple buildings. The backyard is unquestionably value a go to.
Kōdai-ji Temple 高台寺
This temple is unquestionably value visiting, particularly in spring! Then, they’ll illuminate the gardens in lovely colors. They’ve a number of gardens, together with a rock and one with a pond. It’s positively going that can assist you loosen up after an extended journey!
Recognized for its maki-e lacquerware, Kodaiji Temple was based by Kitamasato, the spouse of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, to mourn Hideyoshi’s passing. For the reason that Edo interval, the temple has been a well-liked place for flower viewing. The weeping cherry bushes within the Hojo Backyard are notably lovely, and their drooping branches on the white sand remind one of many serene fantastic thing about Kyoto.
Kiyomizu-dera 清水寺
The “Temple of the Pure Water Spring,” additionally referred to as Kiyomizu-dera, is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. The situation is well-known for its spectacular viewing platform, three-story Koyasu pagoda, and the Otowa Spring’s therapeutic, pure waters. Entrance prices solely 400 yen, very low cost! I extremely suggest strolling by the Temple grounds.
The temple is legendary for the stage of Kiyomizu. After viewing the cherry blossoms beneath from the stage, head to the inside sanctuary. From there, you may see the stage surrounded by cherry blossoms. The temple grounds are mentioned to have round 1,000 wild cherry bushes and Someiyoshino cherry bushes in bloom. You may benefit from the ambiance as if you’re surrounded by a cloud of cherry blossoms.
Gion Shirakawa 祇園白川
This space is superb to only stroll round. There are a number of willows there, in addition to cherry blossom bushes! The world simply feels so zen, that you would be able to’t assist however loosen up. You too can lease a kimono and stroll round feeling the Japanese Fantasy!
The elegant Gion space close to Tatsumi Bridge. The stone-paved streets are lined with teahouses, adorned with elegant Someiyoshino cherry bushes and weeping cherry blossoms. The petals fluttering down the gently flowing Shirakawa River are like snow. That is a sublime spot the place you may get pleasure from cherry blossom viewing whereas feeling the Kyoto ambiance.
Maruyama Park 円山公園
When the cherry bushes are in full bloom within the first half of April, the park in Kyoto turns into essentially the most well-liked and crowded location for cherry blossom viewing occasions (hanami). A big shidarezakura (weeping cherry tree), which is illuminated at evening, serves because the park’s point of interest. It’s extremely really useful to go to this park to see the cherry blossoms!
The weeping cherry tree, often called the ‘Gion Shidare’, is essentially the most placing characteristic of the park’s cherry bushes in full bloom. The second era tree was planted some 90 years in the past after the 200-plus-year-old tree of the earlier era sadly died. It’s well-known for its cherry blossoms at evening, and the sight of the blossoms floating within the bonfire is a bit enchanting. Bronze statues of Ryoma Sakamoto and Shintaro Nakaoka additionally stand within the park, as if having fun with the cherry blossom viewing.
Day 5- Kyoto
Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine Fushimi Inari Taisha 伏見稲荷大社
That is in all probability the very first thing you appeared up once you have been pondering of coming to Kyoto. It’s a very talked-about sightseeing spot! It’s because the shrine has a gateway with greater than 1000 torii gates. The colourful crimson color makes them a sight to behold. I like to recommend going early within the morning, to keep away from the busy hours.
Kinkaku-ji: The Golden Pavilion 金閣寺
This temple known as the Golden Pavilion, and this isn’t for nothing. Virtually the entire temple is a shining gold. Every ground has its personal architectural fashion, which makes it a bit totally different from different temples. There’s additionally a gorgeous backyard, in which you’ll loosen up whereas wanting over the pond with many fish inside.
Hirano Jinja 平野神社
The shrine has been a spot of worship for greater than 1,200 years because the Heian interval. It has lengthy been often called a shrine of cherry blossoms, and right now, greater than 400 cherry bushes of about 60 varieties fill the shrine grounds. The Kaikazakura cherry bushes are on the prime of the record, in addition to Butterfly, Ichiyo, Nezame, Goromo, and Kinugasa, which originated with the corporate. You may get pleasure from them for an extended time period, relying on the variability. In the course of the evening cherry blossom season, a cherry blossom live performance, primarily classical music, is held within the corridor of worship.
Daihōon-ji Temple 千本釈迦堂
The temple is legendary for the story of Okame, a spouse who saved her husband’s life. A powerful weeping cherry tree referred to as Agamezakura blooms in entrance of the statue of Okame within the precincts of the temple. The tree is sleek, with its branches reaching simply above the bottom and stuffed with wonderful, fairly flowers. The calm ambiance, which appears to replicate Okame’s considerate character, captivates the hearts of holiday makers.
Ryuhonji Temple 立本寺
The temple was based by Nichizo Shonin, a grandson and disciple of Nichiren Shonin. A big Someiyoshino cherry tree proudly adorns the temple gate. From there, an impressive archway of cherry bushes surrounds the primary corridor, making it really feel as if you’re strolling by a cloud of cherry blossoms. There are round 40 cherry bushes planted within the grounds, and when they’re in full bloom, the corridor is stuffed with cherry blossoms.
Nijo Citadel 二条城
Nijo Citadel, the place the sunshine peach color of the cherry blossoms provides to the fortress’s bloom. Roughly 300 cherry bushes of fifty varieties are planted all through the fortress. Many species of cherry bushes could be loved, together with someiyoshino, yamazakura, shidarezakura and satozakura, and are a sight to behold.
Day 6-Kyoto & Nara
Nishiki Market 錦市場
This road is a meals market. It’s additionally referred to as Kyoto Kitchen as a result of it has greater than 100 eating places lined up on the street! For those who’re a foodie, you need to positively go to this road and go to the tastiest eating places and retailers! Virtually all the pieces they promote is regionally produced, you’ll not discover it anyplace else!
Nara Park 奈良公園
Nara Park has gained a variety of reputation currently. It’s a park the place wild deer are operating free. You may stroll round and take a look at the gorgeous creatures, perhaps they’ll even come to say hello to you! The park itself may be very fairly, it’s a excellent spot to hold round!
Todaiji Temple 東大寺
Todaiji Temple is a historic landmark. It has an infinite Buddha within the corridor, and the beautiful classical Japanese structure makes it a sight to behold. Right here as properly, you’ll find deer roaming round that escaped from the park.
Omizutori お水取り Todai-ji Daibutsuden
Probably the most famend and spectacular occasion that takes place throughout Omizutori is Otaimatsu. Each night from March 1 by 14 simply after sundown, huge torches measuring eight metres in size are carried as much as Nigatsudo’s balcony and held over the viewers. The blazing embers that fall from the balcony are mentioned to grant anybody watching a 12 months of security.
Day 6- Osaka
Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park 花博記念公園 鶴見緑地
This park is a 123 hectares tribute to the Netherlands. With the windmill, the blooming tulips and the barbeque area, you may really feel such as you’re on the opposite aspect of the planet! They even have over 100 sorts of birds and geese within the park. You may spend a complete day right here strolling round or go horseback driving, they’ve an all-season swimming pool and a sports activities centre that you would be able to go to!
Osaka Citadel 大阪城
Over two sq. kilometres of inexperienced area, sporting facilities, a multipurpose enviornment (Osakajo Corridor), and a shrine honouring Toyotomi Hideyoshi make up the whole thing of Osaka Citadel Park. Throughout cherry blossom season, the park is one in every of Osaka’s hottest hanami areas.
Shinsaibashi 心斎橋筋
Shinsaibashi is the best-known buying road in Osaka. The road, a 600-meter-long coated arcade, is lined with shops catering to varied pursuits. There are established kimono tailors, retailers promoting western clothes and footwear, eateries and quick meals joints, jewellers, and boutiques with the most recent developments.
Namba 難波
The visuals of Namba, Osaka’s most distinguished downtown neighbourhood, which is superbly lit by neon lights and billboards, are continuously used to signify Osaka as a complete. The Japanese pantry is the place chances are you’ll discover meals from all around the nation.
Common Studios ユニバーサル・スタジオ
This amusement park is one thing totally different than the temples and tradition of the times earlier than, however nonetheless a sight to behold. Discover your favorite recreation or film characters within the park and be a part of the cool rides! Stroll round and purchase a Mario Popcorn, take a look at Hogwarts and benefit from the nostalgic atmosphere.
Osaka Aquarium 海遊館
This Aquarium is among the greatest in the entire of Japan. It’s truly the world’s largest aquarium ever, so should you like sea animals that is the place for you! They actually have a whale shark, essentially the most beloved creature of the ocean. Admission prices 2400 yen per particular person, properly value your time right here!
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Did this 7-day Japan itinerary that includes cherry blossoms get you excited to your journey? Following this itinerary and even simply utilizing it as a reference is sure to point out you the perfect of Japan, whereas that includes the Japan nationwide flower, sakura. In fact, you may customise this itinerary as a lot as you need to match your preferences! Hope you benefit from the lovely pink spring season in Japan!
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