It’s Nearly Time for Spring, the Perfect Season for Enjoying Japan. Introducing the Best Locations for Viewing the Cherry Blossoms.

Japan’s spring cherry blossoms are a must-see for visitors. In late March and early April, when temperatures begin to warm following the cold winter, cherry blossoms bloom in profusion across the country. In this edition of our newsletter, we introduce some of the best locations in Japan for making the most of the cherry blossom’s beauty.

■Nikko

Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park - 400 Year-old Weeping Cherry Tree and Traditional Japanese Architecture

The Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park, built in 1899, was a vacation home for the Taisho Emperor. It is the largest building of all of the Imperial Villas still standing, and has been designated as an Important Cultural Property. The building and the gardens offer insight into the architectural culture of Japan at that time, and the grounds feature a variety of seasonal flowers. The weeping cherry tree, which is more than 400 years old is particularly stunning in around mid-April. The combination of historical beauty and the elegant cherry tree make for a memorable and authentic experience of Japan. By using the “Nikko Pass all area”, visitors can easily add a visit to Nikko, and stop by such places as the Nikko Toshogu Shrine (entry to the Nikko Toshogu Shrine and the Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park requires a separate entry fee).

Park URL: https://www.park-tochigi.com/tamozawa/news/info/english

NIKKO PASS all area URL: http://www.tobujapantrip.com/en/ticket/nikko/

■Aizu

Illuminations Highlight a Magical Vista of the Castle Keep and the Blooming Cherry Trees – Tsurugajo Castle

Tsurugajo Castle (restored in 1965) is notable for being the only castle in Japan with a red-tiled keep. It is the symbol of Aizu Wakamatsu, attracting many tourists due to its historical significance. In spring, approximately 1000 Somei Yoshino cherry trees bloom at the castle which has been chosen as one of Japan’s 100 best cherry blossom viewing locations. Nighttime illuminations from April through to May add a fantastic atmosphere. The Yuttari Aizu Tobu Free Pass makes it easy for visitors to travel in comfort by train between Kinugawa and Aizu while also visiting other areas.

Tsurugajo Castle URL: http://www.tsurugajo.com/language/eng/city-tours

Yuttari Aizu Tobu Free Pass URL: http://www.tobu.co.jp/foreign/en/pass/aizu.html

■Saitama

Satte Gongendo Sakuratsutsumi (Prefectural Gongendo park) - A Beautiful Symphony of Cherry Blossoms

Satte Gongendo Sakuratsutsumi (Prefectural Gongendo park) includes approximately 1000 Somei Yoshino trees which form a kilometer long tunnel of cherry blossom. It is one of the most well-known cherry blossom viewing spots in the Kanto Region. The contrast between the blue of the sky, the pink of the cherry blossoms and the yellow of the rapeseed flowers is unforgettable. Nearby is the Tobu Zoo, which also includes an amusement park, another great cherry blossom viewing spot. At just under an hour away from central Tokyo, Satte City is an easy daytrip out from central Tokyo.

Satte Gongendo Sakuratsutsumi (Prefectural Gongendo park) website URL: http://www.gongendo.jp/en/

360-degree movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=649BLNR8tfw