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4 Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Japan

Bookmark the best locations to discover the most iconic and quintessentially Japanese postcard-perfect settings…

via Aomori Sightseeing Guide

As nowhere does cherry blossom season quite like Japan, it’s natural for nature lovers to gravitate there when the country starts to come colourfully alive. When sticking to Tokyo and Kyoto, however, it may be tricky timing a trip to see how everything turns pink due to the blossoms’ short life (the usual window being just a couple of weeks). But, if you’re willing to explore further than the modern and ancient capitals, there’s an array of spots where you can take in the quintessential scenes of Japanese beauty. Because of Japan’s geography, this means that sakura, as they’re known in Japan, can be enjoyed throughout a period of two months, starting from mid-March in Kyushu in the south, right up to mid-May in the north. What’s more, you can even travel through the country chasing the cherry blossoms during this time.

The Japan National Tourism Organization takes us on a journey of some of the very best places to enjoy seeing the small and dainty flowers that are symbolic of spring during peak bloom.

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Mount Yoshino, Nara Prefecture

Found in the Nara Prefecture, Mount Yoshino is one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots throughout the Kansai region. With the first trees reportedly planted along its slopes over 1,300 years ago, a staggering 30,000-odd cherry trees of many different varieties cover the mountain these days. Yamazakura (mountain cherry) is the pervasive type though, and it is characterised by the fact that its leaves come out at the same time as the flowers. 

Visitors to Mount Yoshino can revel in the pink spectacle from the beginning of April right through to the month’s end. And the best way to enjoy the mountains of flowering cherry trees is to take the transfer bus from the foot of the mountain to Naka Sembon (a stop located midway on the mountain), home of the best cherry blossom viewing spot. The view is so famous it is called “ichimoku-senbon”, quite literally “1,000 cherry trees in one glance”. Descending back down by foot is a fabulous way to relish the view.

Image via Japan Web Magazine

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