Japan's Cherry Blossom Season: Lost in a Sea of Pink

📍 Tokyo · 👁 10 reads · ❤️ 2 likes

It's cherry blossom season again. After longing for it for so long, I finally got to go to Japan to enjoy the cherry blossom scenery again. As everyone knows, Japan is the land of cherry blossoms, and every year from February to May, the cherry blossoms bloom from south to north.

Although I've been to Japan many times and experienced the spectacular cherry blossoms in various seasons and regions, how could I ever get tired of them? Following Jun Jun, I continue to charge ahead, embracing this pink romance to the fullest during the best cherry blossom season.

For cherry blossom viewing in Tokyo, Meguro River is a must-see, after all, it was voted by the Japanese as an "absolute must-go" cherry blossom spot. So, when you come here to enjoy the blossoms, be prepared for a sea of people. The cherry blossoms at Meguro River feel completely different during the day and at night. Due to my schedule, I chose to visit Meguro River at night.

Sure enough, even at night it was packed. The 3.8-kilometer-long riverbank was almost shoulder-to-shoulder. Along the banks, more than 800 cherry trees were planted. The lush branches extended all the way to the middle of the river, dense like clouds, pink and tender, forming a long corridor that was truly captivating.

The cherry blossoms at Meguro River are all Somei Yoshino, the most famous and authentic variety. The flowers bloom in full before the leaves emerge, and they are larger than ordinary cherry blossoms, pure white with a faint touch of pink, like snow and clouds, truly extraordinary.

Despite the crowds, looking up to see the intensely blooming cherry blossoms filled me with happiness. Illuminated by rows of lanterns, the gentle fragrance of cherry blossoms and the sky full of petals heightened the romantic atmosphere to the maximum. Standing there, the joy and excitement in my heart were beyond words.

Around Meguro River, there are many snack shops and sake stores. Enjoying food accompanied by cherry blossoms is also a joyful thing in spring.

However, I encountered an awkward situation while taking photos today—my roots had grown out black. Since this trip to Japan was rushed, I didn't have time to dye my hair, so I wasn't very satisfied with the photos. Because a patch test is required 48 hours before dyeing, I hurried to a drugstore to buy hair dye.

Japan has many drugstores with a wide variety of hair dye products. A local friend recommended Liese bubble hair dye, as it is a hair brand under the Kao group and is considered one of Japan's top hair dye and styling brands. Both the quality and colors are excellent.

Facing rows and rows of products on the shelf, I really didn't know which to choose. Fortunately, Liese thoughtfully developed a dedicated color trial app. After uploading a photo, I could choose a suitable color. That night, I returned to my friend's place and did the patch test. I'll see the result after 48 hours.

For cherry blossom viewing in Tokyo, Chidorigafuchi is also a highly recommended spot because you can take a boat ride and drift on the moat, enjoying the cherry blossoms from a 360-degree perspective. It's a very unique experience.

Chidorigafuchi is one of the top three cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo, along with Shinjuku Gyoen and Ueno Park. The more than 800 cherry trees along the riverside road and embankment were all planted in 1955 (Showa 30), more than 60 years ago. They still bloom luxuriantly, presenting a visual feast here every year.

The bright and vivid yamazakura and the pinkish-white Somei Yoshino bloom side by side along the path, looking like clusters of pink cotton candy. With lush branches and dense flowers, the pink of the blossoms, the green of the trees, and the blue of the water—as the boat weaves through the cherry trees, it's a perfect photo opportunity.

The night cherry blossoms here are also a highlight. At night, lights are set up around the cherry trees, and the various poses of the cherry blossoms are reflected on the water's surface, creating a feeling as beautiful as a fairy tale world.

As Japan's first and largest park, Ueno Park has a long history and beautiful scenery. Naturally, it is also a popular cherry blossom spot. At this time, Ueno Park becomes an ocean of cherry blossoms. Thousands of cherry trees create a magnificent sight. Not only was the "Somei Yoshino" variety discovered in Ueno Park, but Lu Xun also wrote, "When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom in Ueno."

The cherry blossom avenue is bustling with people—tourists, locals, families with children and pets. Everyone is marveling at the beauty of the cherry blossoms. Moreover, in some areas on the east side of the avenue, you can enjoy the blossoms while having meals and drinks together, which is quite comfortable.

Every year during cherry blossom season, Ueno Park also holds a grand "Cherry Blossom Festival" event. People come cheerfully and enthusiastically, creating a lively atmosphere. In addition to the beautiful scenery, delicious food is also abundant. You can buy various Japanese snacks at Ueno Park—a wide variety to satisfy every need.

Ueno Park is vast. Besides cherry blossoms, there are many other attractions to visit, all of which are great photo spots. Don't miss them.

Compared to the crowds at Meguro River and Ueno Park, Kandagawa is a good place to quietly enjoy cherry blossoms alone.

It's close to residential areas, with only occasional passersby. Although fewer people come here, the cherry blossom scenery at Kandagawa is in no way inferior to other places; instead, it has more of a living atmosphere. Branches intertwine, flowers bloom freely, and petals fall onto the river surface—it's a scene straight out of a manga.

When taking photos at Kandagawa, you can try to capture the Toden Arakawa Line tram passing through the cherry blossoms. The fresh and elegant color palette reminds me of "5 Centimeters Per Second."

Because there were few people, I took several portrait shots. I brought a cherry blossom umbrella specially. Whenever a breeze blows, it creates a cherry blossom shower, romantic beyond compare. If I'm lucky enough to catch a complete falling bloom, it also makes a great photo prop—but don't deliberately pick flowers.

48 hours have passed. Liese is very gentle, and I felt no discomfort. I started DIY hair dyeing at my local friend's place, hoping to take a few good photos at the tail end of the trip. Although the patch test was done, it's still important to protect the skin before dyeing. Use barrier cream to protect the skin around the face, ears, and arms.

The process is very simple: Pour all of liquid 1 into liquid 2, then close the cap of liquid 2. Tilt the bottle up and down and flip it 5 times to mix the dye evenly.

Before dyeing, comb your hair neatly so the foam dye can be applied easily. Remove the cap of liquid 2, replace it with the nozzle cap, put on gloves, and squeeze the dye onto your hands.

Apply it evenly to your hair and gently massage. Wait for 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water, and blow-dry your hair. The foam dye is rich, easy to apply, and very gentle. The whole process is simple and convenient—I recommend it to all the lovely ladies.

In the morning, I couldn't wait to check the dyeing result. Let me know if it looks good! Here's a comparison photo.

Since my return flight was booked from Osaka, I stayed at OMO7 in Osaka for the last night. "OMO7 Osaka by Hoshino Resorts" is the 11th facility of the urban sightseeing hotel brand "OMO" under Hoshino Resorts. It's close to Shinsekai and Shin-Imamiya Station, making it convenient for eating and shopping.

The decor of OMO7 uses a lot of natural wood tones, combined with bright colors and cute elements—lively, playful, yet artistic.

The various cat paw prints are my favorite photo spots—so cute and adorable. You can read and relax at OMO Base, take photos, leave messages, and enjoy the Osaka cityscape through the large floor-to-ceiling windows.

When in Osaka, you must visit Shinsekai. It has an authentic and rich Osaka atmosphere, with various Osaka delicacies and characteristic elements. It can be considered the iconic spot of Osaka tourism. If time permits, I also recommend checking out Tsutenkaku.

It's a pity that after the Osaka itinerary, I need to return home. I can't fully chase all the cherry blossoms in Japan with my newly dyed beautiful hair. Well, let's meet again next year.

Travelogue Contents:

1. Preface

2. Tokyo Meguro River: Flower Corridor, Famous Cherry Blossom Spot in Tokyo

3. Tokyo Chidorigafuchi: A Great Place for Boat Cherry Blossom Viewing

4. Tokyo Ueno Park: Best Cherry Blossom Spot in Japan

5. Tokyo Kandagawa: Walking the Flower Path Alone

6. Osaka Hoshino: End of the Itinerary, Non-Stop Excitement

7. Afterword

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