If You Have the Heart, Cherry Blossom Viewing Can Start This Month

In Japan, there are about 10 varieties of cherry blossoms. The cherries that bloom from late March to early April are mainly Somei Yoshino cherries, which probably sound familiar to cherry blossom fans. The most famous cherry blossoms that bloom from February to March are Kawazu cherries. As a backpacker and introvert, I prefer to enjoy natural scenery in uncrowded places. The following spots are perfect for those who like tranquility (laughs).

Late February – Best location: Tokyo - Along the small riverbank of "Kyu-Nakagawa" (Kawazu cherry blossom spot)

Tokyo: JR Sobu Line, "Hirai Station"

It takes about 10–15 minutes on foot from the station.

Enjoy early cherry blossoms with the iconic Tokyo Skytree in the background. Along the promenade of the small river called "Kyu-Nakagawa," about 30 Kawazu cherry trees and Ookanzakura cherry trees are planted. Although not many, there is a great backdrop of the small river and railway tracks. It's a rare photo spot. Remember to open Google Maps and set the destination to "Fureai Bridge" on the Kyu-Nakagawa to avoid getting lost.

Mid-to-late March – Best location: Nara: Mount Yoshino (white mountain cherry blossoms)

Take the Yoshino Mountain Cable Car (about 3 minutes) from Sengukuchi Station (in front of Kintetsu Yoshino Station).

Get off at Yoshino Mountain Station (Shimosenbon) and you will arrive at the Shimosenbon area, the foot of Mount Yoshino.

Mount Yoshino in central Nara Prefecture is home to 30,000 white mountain cherry trees. Every spring, starting around March, the cherry trees bloom in succession along the mountain slope from the foot, Shimosenbon, Nakasenbon, Kamisenbon, to Okusenbon, gradually opening their lovely and charming blossoms. During cherry blossom season, the scenery is praised as "one thousand cherry trees at a glance," attracting tens of thousands of visitors every day. There are many shrines and temples on Mount Yoshino. In spring, the most famous events are the Hana-kuyo Senho-e at Kinpusen-ji Temple and the Otaue Festival at Yoshino Mizu-no-miya Shrine, which draw many tourists every year.

Late April to mid-May – Best location: Hokkaido: Catching the tail end of cherry blossoms - Inside Matsumae-cho Matsushiro Park (Matsumae Park) in Hokkaido

Take a bus from JR Kikonai Station for about 90 minutes to "Matsushiro" Station.

Walk about 3 minutes to reach Matsumae Park.

Matsumae-cho is known as the hometown of cherry blossoms, with 250 varieties and over 10,000 trees. Every year, starting from late April, the "Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival" is held. It is said that there are over 250 varieties of cherry blossoms planted here. Because of the variety, the blooming periods differ, allowing for a month-long cherry blossom viewing.