Dwelling in Washington, D.C., I used to affix the crowds circling the Tidal Basin each spring, neck craned and digital camera able to see the cherry blossoms, or sakura, at peak bloom. These delicate, milky-pink timber have been a present from Japan in 1912—a gesture of friendship between our international locations.
So when my travels lastly took me to Japan, I used to be all in! I fell arduous for the tradition and have since spent months (and a number of other sakura seasons) chasing cherry blossoms throughout prefectures like a determined flower groupie.
However sakura aren’t only a fairly backdrop—they’re a seasonal ritual, a reminder to decelerate and rejoice the fleeting. And nothing captures that higher than the act of hanami: sprawling out beneath a confetti of petals with a bento, a bottle (or three) of seasonal sake, and some new mates.
Not each sakura spot paints this peaceable image, although. In actual fact, the tourist-track cities are absolute mob scenes throughout sakura season, extra like being jostled round at Disneyland than anything.
So for those who’re hoping to see cherry blossoms with out the chaos, listed here are 5 less-visited, underrated spots to catch the magic—every close to locations you may already be visiting in your journey to Japan.
1. Setoda Island, Hiroshima Prefecture
In the event you’re planning to go to Hiroshima or driving the well-known Shimanami Kaido biking route, Setoda, the “lemon island” of Japan, is a peaceable little island off the vacationer observe with ocean views, leafy palm timber, and quietly lovely cherry blossom viewing in spring.
Why go: Coastal sakura, temple paths at Kosanji Temple, hilly California-esque lemon groves, and quiet village streets. It’s the form of place the place you may sip citrus juice from a roadside stand beneath the petals and trip freely on the bike paths with no tour teams in sight.
Greatest time: Late March to early April
2. Miyajima, Hiroshima Prefecture
Much more handy for guests to Hiroshima than Setoda, Miyajima Island gives coastal cherry blossoms with a religious twist.
Additionally referred to as Itsukushima, Miyajima is finest identified for its iconic “floating” torii gate—however in sakura season, the island transforms into cherry blossom heaven. Whereas it’s a well-liked day journey from Hiroshima, it’s nonetheless a lot much less crowded than main cities like Kyoto, Tokyo, or Osaka, particularly for those who go early or keep in a single day at a ryokan: a conventional Japanese inn identified for tatami-mat rooms and onsens (public baths). Plus, customer circulation to the island is proscribed by ferry capability, which retains crowds smaller than at landlocked hotspots.
Why go: Cherry blossoms body the floating torii gate and line paths round Itsukushima Shrine, the gorgeous 5-Story Pagoda, and Momijidani Park. With wild deer roaming the island and comfortable petals draping the temple rooftops, it seems like one thing out of a woodland dream–there are many open areas, scenic trails, and tucked-away corners the place you may take pleasure in cherry blossoms with extra privateness.
Greatest time: Late March to early April
3. Beppu, Oita Prefecture
Vacationers heading to Kyushu or seeking to pair cherry blossoms with geothermal scorching springs of orangey-red and icy blue will love this Japanese spa city’s laid again environment, enjoyable ryokans, and old school allure.
Beppu is thought for steaming onsens and geothermal options—however it’s additionally a severely underrated spot for cherry blossoms. Most worldwide vacationers skip it completely (regardless that you may entry it simply through a enjoyable in a single day ferry from Osaka), which makes it an awesome place to take pleasure in sakura like a neighborhood.
Why go: Beppu Park is the primary cherry blossom hub, with large lawns and rows of timber good for a laid-back hanami picnic. Seize snacks from a konbini and benefit from the petals. Minami-Tateishi Park has coastal views framed by sakura, and some scorching springs even allow you to soak with cherry timber in view.
Greatest time: Late March to early April
4. Sapporo, Hokkaido
In the event you’re headed to Hokkaido within the spring for snow-capped mountains, it’s also possible to catch late-season blooms in Sapporo. Sure, Sapporo is the most important metropolis in Hokkaido, however it’s nonetheless my private favourite place for a chill sakura expertise!
Sakura season in Sapporo is commonly near the annual Lilac Competition in Odori Park, so for those who’re a flower lover, you received’t wish to miss Sapporo in late April-early Might. Additionally, Hokkaido dairy is known for good motive, so you should definitely attempt the particular sakura comfortable cream for a novel seasonal deal with!
Why go: Blossoms at Maruyama Park and round Hokkaido Shrine bloom later than most of Japan, with wild-feeling trails that wind via timber and shrines—not simply manicured parks. Hanami events in Odori Park are a good way to share meals, crack beers, and meet the stunning native individuals.
Greatest time: Early to mid-Might
Learn additionally: Foodie’s Information to Japan
5. Hakodate, Hokkaido
Hakodate doesn’t make it onto many spring journey itineraries, however it completely ought to (and never simply because it’s a handy halfway stopping level to or from Sapporo).
This underrated port metropolis has some of the distinctive cherry blossom viewing spots in all of Japan: the star-shaped Goryokaku Park. Add within the walkable red-brick warehouse district, coastal allure, a surprisingly good craft beer scene, and a unusual mixture of Western and Japanese historical past, and also you’ve obtained a metropolis with critical individuality.
Why go: Goryokaku Park is a large, star-shaped fort stuffed with sakura. From the statement tower above, you may get a chicken’s-eye view of the blossom-dusted star define. Within the park, you may stroll alongside the moat’s edge or lease a rowboat for a recent perspective. Whereas it’s not on the overly-beaten vacationer circuit, it’s nonetheless a well-liked viewing spot, and I like to recommend visiting early within the morning or within the night to see the sakura illuminated by lanterns. Questioning the place to remain when you go to Hakodate? These are the perfect price range, average, and luxurious stays RANKED!
Greatest time: Late April to early Might.
One of many issues I like most about Japan is how seasonal magnificence is woven into every day life, and that’s by no means extra true than throughout cherry blossom season.
Belief me—you received’t miss elbowing your method via crowds in Tokyo or Kyoto when you’re having fun with your personal quiet, significant sakura expertise on your subsequent journey to Japan.
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