cherry blossom in Japan Archives

In Chugoku Region

Riverside Cherry Road

One of the most famous spot for viewing cherry blossom in Okayama is the one kilometer long riverbank of Asahigawa (Asahai River) in the city. More than 200 cherry trees along the river creates a wonderful road for people and drivers. It is conveniently located near Okayama Castle and the famous Kōraku-en, one of the top three Japanese gardens in Japan. So you may visit all three sites at the same time! Transportation: By bus: around 10-12 minutes from Okayama Station to Kōraku-en. On foot: around 25 minutes from Okayama Station. The river is a C-shape and you may start from Okayama Castle and finish at Kōraku-en Garden. Enjoy!

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In Chugoku Region

Cherry Blossom at Okayama Castle

Okayama Castle is one of the best places to see cherry blossom in spring. There are more cherry trees around the outer moat or the “river”, making it a pleasant place to visit. The castle is conveniently located in the city, near many museums and Kurakuen Koen. Transportation from Okayama Station: By bus: Take the Okaden Bus bound for “Okaden Takaya” or the Ryobi Bus bound for “Saidaiji” via “Higashiyama”(Higashiyama-keiyu Saidaiji). Get off at “Kencho-mae”. The castle is five minutes by walk from the bus station. By tram: Take a tram bound for “Higashiyama”. Get off at “Shiroshita”. The castle is about 10 minutes on foot.

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In Japan

Cherry Blossom in Yoshinoyama

Mount Yoshino (or Yoshinoyama 吉野山）is the most famous site for viewing cherry blossom in Japan. It is part of the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range which has been designated as a World Heritage Site. “Senbon”, meaning 1,000 trees, has been used to describe the abundance of cherry trees in sight at different areas of the mountain, from the lower level called Shimo-senbon (下千本）at around 250 meters, middle level Naka-senbon （中千本）at around 400 meters, upper level Kami-senbon （上千本）at 600 meters, to the top level Oku-senbon （奧千本）at around 800 meters. The variance of altitude offers an extended period of cherry blossom viewing starting early April. If you start early, you may visit 3 (lower, middle and upper “senbon”) out of 4 cherry blossom areas in Mount Yoshino in one day, including some hikes. Plus a quick visit to a couple of shrines. Of course if you drive, you may always stop over more places but you may miss some of the hiking paths which offer magnificent viewing spots.

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In Japan

Cherry Blossom at Wakayama Castle

Just a little over one hour away from Osaka, Wakayama is one of the nice places to view cherry blossom with Wakayama Castle on the top of the list. There are 600 cherry trees planted in the castle park. Comparing to the very popular Nara neighboring city, Wakayama is relatively less crowded with foreign tourists yet beautiful in its own way.

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In Japan

4,700 Cherry Trees on Riverside Osaka

Just two JR stations away from Osaka on the loop line, Kema Sakuaranomiya Station is right at the riverside where the magnificent 4,700 cherry tress are planted. It’s beautiful during spring time and you can see it on the JR train.

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