Japan by Spring

Osaka in Spring Here are five places you should consider including in your itinerary when visiting Osaka in April to see cherry blossoms (sakura): 📍Osaka Castle Park: Osaka Castle Park is one of the most iconic spots in the city for cherry blossoms. The park is filled with hundreds of cherry trees, and you can enjoy hanami (cherry blossom viewing) while exploring the historic Osaka Castle. 📍Kema Sakuranomiya Park: This riverside park offers stunning views of cherry blossoms along the Okawa River. You can take a leisurely stroll, rent a boat, or have a picnic while surrounded by the beautiful sakura. 📍Katsuo-ji Temple: Located in the hills just outside Osaka, Katsuo-ji Temple is a hidden gem for cherry blossoms. The temple grounds are adorned with cherry trees, creating a tranquil and picturesque atmosphere. Minoo Park: While primarily known for its waterfall, Minoo Park is also a fantastic spot to see cherry blossoms. You can enjoy a scenic hike through the park while admiring the sakura along the way. 📍Expo '70 Commemorative Park: This park was the site of the 1970 World Exposition and features various attractions and beautiful cherry blossoms in April. It's an excellent place to combine history and nature during your visit to Osaka. These locations offer a mix of urban and natural settings, providing a well-rounded cherry blossom experience during your visit in April.

Kyoto Kyoto is famous for its stunning cherry blossoms in April. Here are five places to include in your Kyoto itinerary for sakura viewing: 📍Maruyama Park: Maruyama Park is one of Kyoto's most popular spots for hanami (cherry blossom viewing). The centerpiece is a weeping cherry tree that is illuminated at night. The park's atmosphere and food stalls make it a lively place to enjoy the cherry blossoms. 📍Philosopher's Path (Tetsugaku-no-michi): This scenic walkway along the canal in the Higashiyama district is lined with hundreds of cherry trees. It's especially beautiful when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, creating a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere. 📍Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: While known for its bamboo forest, Arashiyama also offers cherry blossoms in the spring. The Togetsukyo Bridge area is a great spot to see sakura and take a stroll along the river. Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Kiyomizu-dera is an iconic temple in Kyoto, and its large wooden stage offers fantastic views of cherry blossoms in the surrounding trees. The temple and its grounds are beautifully illuminated at night during sakura season. 📍Heian Shrine: Heian Shrine features a large garden with numerous cherry trees. The weeping cherry tree in the garden is particularly famous and worth visiting. The shrine often hosts illuminations in the evenings, creating a magical atmosphere. These places offer a variety of settings to enjoy the cherry blossoms in Kyoto, from historic temples to scenic walkways and lively parks. Enjoy your sakura-filled visit!