KYOTO
Kyoto lets you experience the “spirit of Japan.” Dress in a traditional kimono while you explore the city’s ancient temples and shrines and taste the renowned, high quality Japanese-style cuisine.
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[Latest in 2024] The best time to see flowers is from April to May! 11 spots to enjoy flowers in Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe area)!
Spring is the season when all the plants and flowers that have been sleeping begin to move at once. Why don’t you go out to see colorful plants and flowers that give you a warm spring feeling? Here are some spots where you can enjoy flowers and plants in Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe. -INDEX- [Nemophila] Osaka Maishima Seaside Park, Osaka [Poppy] Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, Osaka [Aomomiji] Minoh Park, Osaka [Yamabuki] Matsuo-taisha Shrine, Kyoto [Kirishima Azalea] Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine, Kyoto [Peony] Otokunidera, Kyoto [Water Lily] Ryoanji Temple, Kyoto [Wisteria flowers] Nakayamadera, Takarazuka [Azalea] Sorakuen Garden, Kobe [Rose] Aramaki Rose Park, Itami [Japanese Primrose]Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, Kobe Nemophila is a small, lovely flower of clear blue. It is a popular flower in recent years because of its spectacular view of the whole area spreading out like a blue carpet. About 1 million nemophila plants are in full bloom on an approximately 44,000 m2 site along the sea overlooking the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge. On Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays, the opening hours are extended so that visitors can enjoy the orange flowers and the setting sun over the nemophila fields. There will also be limited-edition gourmet foods that can only be enjoyed here. The most popular item is the soft-serve ice cream, which is a lovely pale blue color like the nemophila flowers. It is recommended to take a picture of the soft-serve ice cream with the nemophila field in the background. The “Kitchen Car Fest in Maishima” will be held at the same time in the park. About 15 kitchen cars from all over Japan will gather to offer visitors the opportunity to taste a variety of Japanese gourmet foods. There is also an area in the park where visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms and tulips with nemophila, so if you are coming to Japan in spring, be sure to visit this area. Nemophila Festival: April 6, 2024 (Saturday) – May 6, 2024 (Monday, national holiday) Usual viewing time: early April to early May Poppy is a member of the poppy family that has long been cultivated for ornamental and medicinal purposes. The seeds are also used in cooking. The Expo ’70 Park’s Shizen Bunka-en (Nature Park) and Hana-no-oka (Flower Hill) are decorated with approximately 380,000 poppies. The contrast of colors between the yellow and orange poppies and the fresh blue nemophila can also be enjoyed. Usual viewing time: early April to early May Aomomiji refers to the leaves of maple trees that turn from young leaves in spring to increasingly darker green. You can enjoy the fresh and crisp leaves of ao-momiji until they turn red in the fall. Minoh Park is famous for its autumn leaves, but it is also very beautiful in the fresh green season. Enjoy forest bathing surrounded by the sparkling green maples in the sunlight while listening to the murmuring of a mountain stream and the chirping of wild birds. Usual viewing time: Late April to late May Yamabuki is a deciduous shrub in the rose family with beautiful, almost orange-yellow flowers. The flower has been familiar to the Japanese people since ancient times. Matsuo-taisha Shrine, known as a place of famous water, has about 3,000 yamabuki trees, which turn the shrine grounds yellow. The Yamabuki Festival is held every year when the flowers are at their best. Usual viewing time: mid-April to early May It is very familiar in Japan and is often planted as a roadside tree or garden tree. It is loved by many people for its very vivid flowers. Vivid Kirishima azaleas are in full bloom at Hachijogaike Pond at Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine. The crimson-tinged path surrounded by azalea plantings more than 2 meters high is magnificent. Usual viewing time: Late April – early May The peony is a plant that symbolizes beauty and has long been used as a design for crafts and paintings. It produces beautiful and large flowers like roses. There are 2,000 peony plants of about 30 varieties at Otokunidera Temple. Protected by white Japanese umbrellas for sun protection, the bright pink and red buttons bloom in large profusion. Usual viewing time: mid-April to early May Water lilies are striking aquatic plants with flowers that seem to float above the water. It is widely distributed in ponds and swamps. Kyoyoike Pond at Ryoanji Temple, a World Heritage site, is famous for its water lilies. Not only white but also red and pink flowers cover most of the pond. The flowers often open in the morning and close at noon, so the best time to see them is in the morning. Usual viewing time: Mid-May to late August The Japanese Wisteria flowers is a species endemic to Japan and is mentioned in the Manyoshu(Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves, refers to the extensive collection of poems compiled during the Nara period in Japan). The long, hairpin-like flowers hang down in a drooping manner. Purple flowers are common, but white and pink flowers also exist. At Nakayama-dera Temple’s Star Plaza, there is a magnificent wisteria trellis that stretches about 80 meters. The rows of white wisteria flowers look like “clouds floating in a blue sky. The sweet fragrance of the flowers can also be enjoyed. Usual viewing time: Mid-April to late April Sorakuen garden is Kobe City’s only Japanese garden, covering an expansive area of approximately 20,000 square meters, where visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the seasons. In early summer, approximately 4,000 brightly colored white and pink azaleas fill the garden. Every spring, an event called “Tsutsuji Yuusan” is held, during which important cultural properties are opened to the public, musical concerts, tea ceremonies, and other events can be enjoyed. Usual viewing time: Late April – early May Roses have long been cultivated for perfumery and medicinal purposes.” It is said to be “the flower that symbolizes love,” and is often used in arrangements and bouquets because of its gorgeous appearance and wide variety of types and colors. At Aramaki Rose Park in Itami, approximately 10,000 roses bloom in a stylish southern European-style garden. The view of the park, with its sloping terrain and colorful colors, is a must-see. Usual viewing time: Mid-May to mid-June Japanese Primrose is the largest member of the primrose family, with flower stalks that can reach 80 cm in length. It grows in clusters in wetlands at the foot of mountains. At the Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, numerous alpine plants bloom from May to June. The 5,000 or so Japanese Primrose that fill the wetlands are especially breathtaking. Usual viewing time: Mid-May to late May The colorful flowers that bloom in spring are a source of comfort and relaxation for those who see them. Why don’t you take advantage of the warm, sunny weather and visit some of the best places and spots for flowers in Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe?
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Seven famous places for wisteria flowers in Kansai. Spots with purple spring flowers.
Spring in Japan is the season of flowers! Many people may think of cherry blossoms when they think of spring flowers in Japan, but wisteria flowers is a spring flower that is familiar to Japanese people and has even been written about in waka poems. The best time to see isteria flowers is after the cherry blossoms have fallen. Even after the cherry blossoms are over, there are still some Japanese landscapes that we would like visitors to see! *Admission and worship fees are required to view some spots. For details, please check the official website of each spot. -INDEX- [Osaka, Fukushima-ku] Shimofukushima Park, etc. [Osaka, Higashisumiyoshi] Nagai botanical garden [Tamba-shi, Hyogo] Byakugou-ji Temple [Takarazuka-shi, Hyogo] Nakayamadera Temple [Kyoto,Uji] Byodoin Temple [Kyoto, Fushimi] Jounangu [Nara] Kasuga Taisha Shrine Wisteria flowers can be seen even in urban centers. The Fukushima-ku and Noda area, near the Umeda area of Osaka, has been known as a famous place for Fuji trees for about 600 years. This is also where the standard Japanese name for the wisteria flowers(Fuji) is “nodafuji”. Noda’s wisteria flowers were almost completely wiped out in an air raid during World War II, but have now been restored thanks to the efforts of local residents. The flowers bloom every year at 29 locations in the ward, including parks and public facilities. In particular, Shimofukushima Park has the largest number of wisteria trellises in the ward and is worth seeing. The plaza in front of Hanshin Noda Station is also picturesque, with its fantastic contrast between the purple hues of the wisteria flowers and the urban landscape. Usual viewing time: mid-April The collaboration of blue and light purple flowers at “Nagai Botanical Garden” looks great in photographs. Nemophila, a popular spring flower in Japan in recent years, blooms all over the Life Garden, which covers an area of about 2,000 square meters. Next to it, in mid-April, nodafuji (wisteria flower) blooms with light purple flowers, making this a spot where visitors can see all the popular flowers at once. The Nagai Botanical Garden is only one subway train ride away from Umeda, Shinsaibashi, and Namba. It is easily accessible from the center of the city, and visitors can encounter a wide variety of plants, trees, and flowers throughout the year. The permanent nighttime outdoor museum “Team Lab Botanical Garden Osaka” is also popular! ▼For more information, click here.▼ Highlights and things to do at teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka Usual viewing time: mid-April (Nemophila: mid-April to early May) There is no one who is not moved by the sight of the wisteria at Byakugou-ji Temple! It takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes from Osaka Station to Byakugou-ji Temple by train and cab, but the scenery is so spectacular that it will leave you speechless. The previous chief priest planted this variety of wisteria flowers about 30 years ago, and the flower clusters are over 1 meter long. The volume of the wisteria trellises is overwhelming, as they are set up in an L-shape over a vast area of 120 meters. The wisteria flowers pour down from overhead like a shower. At night, the area is illuminated. The illuminated wisteria flowers is like an aurora borealis trailing in the sky. Usual viewing time: early to mid May Nakayama-dera Temple is famous for its fertility and safe delivery. It is located in Takarazuka, where hot springs spring water gushes out. There is an 80-meter-long wisteria trellis in “Hoshi no Hiroba” in the precincts of the temple, and from mid to late April, the wisteria flowers are in full bloom. Purple wisteria are most commonly seen in Japan, but Nakayama-dera Temple is characterized by its white wisteria. If you visit on a sunny day, they look like clouds floating in a blue sky! The sweet fragrance of the wisteria flowers also wafts through the air. Usual viewing time: mid to late April Byodoin Phoenix Hall, built in 1053, is a famous landmark depicted on the 10-yen coin, and is a must-see spot if you are visiting Kyoto as a tourist. Byodoin Garden, with its seasonal flowers, together with the Phoenix Hall built on the middle of the pond and the view of the mountains on the other side of the pond, is an image of the Paradise that people envisioned when the temple was built. In spring, the pond is filled with blooming wisteria flowers, which harmonize beautifully with the gorgeous Phoenix Hall. This is truly a paradise-like setting with an elegant Japanese flavor that should not be missed. Usual viewing time: mid-April to early May Jonangu is a place where visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers. There are five gardens within the precincts of the temple, and every year the hues of wisteria flowers in the “Muromachi no Niwa” garden, a garden with a circular garden with a pond. In spring, there is much to see, as not only the wisteria flowers but also the Yamabuki and azalea trees on the grounds bloom around the same time. In addition, there is a “wisteria miko kagura” performance (free admission) in which a shrine maiden holding a wisteria branch in her hand and crowned with a cluster of wisteria flowers performs a kagura dance, and if you receive a “wisteria flower charm,” the shrine maiden will purify you with a kagura bell (1,000 yen per charm). This is a spot where visitors can not only admire the flowers, but also enjoy the “experience. Usual viewing time: Late April Wisteria Miko Kagura: twice a day at 10:00 and 15:00 on May 1-6, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, and 26, 2024 Kasuga-taisha Shrine is one of Nara’s major tourist attractions with its beautiful shrine pavilions painted in bright vermilion, and is designated as a World Heritage Site. The wisteria flowers is an important flower for Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and is even used in the shrine’s crest. The wisteria flowers grow wild throughout the shrine grounds, and the “Wisteria of Sunazuri” at the Main Sanctuary is known as a famous tree. In addition, about 300 varieties of flowers and plants related to Japan’s oldest anthology of poetry, Manyoshu, are planted in the Manyoshu Botanical Garden, where about 200 wisteria flowers of 20 varieties are grown, allowing visitors to learn about the differences in shape, size, and color of the flowers depending on the variety. Usual viewing time: mid-April to early May Since ancient times, Japanese people have been sensitive to the changing of the seasons. Don’t you think that the graceful and dignified impression of the wisteria flowers is linked to the Japanese image of harmony? Please visit a spot where you can see the Japanese-style scenery of the wisteria flowers.
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Cherry blossom sweets and goods to enjoy even after the cherry blossom season is over
Spring is the season of cherry blossoms. However, cherry blossom viewing under the cherry blossoms in full bloom can only be enjoyed during a short period from late March to early April. Here are some sweets and goods that allow you to enjoy the cherry blossoms even after the cherry blossom season is over. Why don’t you enjoy the cherry blossom season at home or on a trip? -INDEX- 1.Aroma of spring in one bite (comemari) 2.Spring Limited baumkuchen(Nenrin-ya) 3.Cherry blossom-themed sweets and cocktails(The Ritz-Carlton,Osaka) 4.Hanami Sweets(ANTENOR) 5.Spring and Summer Nail Colors(Ueba Esou) The “Sakura Mochi” flavor is now available at comemari, a brand of rice snacks sold at the Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store! It tastes just like eating Kansai-style sakura mochi itself. The slightly gentle pink appearance is cute and reminiscent of cherry blossoms. It goes well with sencha green tea, so you may be pleased to give it as a set with tea as a Japanese spring-like souvenir. 【Sales period】Until early April 2024 【Store】Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store “Spring Limited baumkuchen” is a spring-only product baked by Nenrin-ya only during this time of year. Please enjoy the taste and aroma of cherry blossoms carefully baked layer by layer. 【Sales period】Until mid April 2024 【Store】Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store At The Lobby Lounge on the first floor, you can enjoy “Sakura Afternoon Tea” inspired by cherry blossoms. At The Ritz-Carlton Gourmet Shop, you can enjoy “Sakura Sweets” such as Sakura Cake, Sakura Eclair, and Sakura Anpan at home or on the go, and at The Bar on the fifth floor, you can enjoy “Sakura Cocktails” in a high-quality space. Pretty cherry blossom-colored sweets and finger sandwiches will decorate the interior of the restaurant. Please enjoy a special afternoon tea that will enhance the mood of cherry blossom viewing, while feeling the comfortable arrival of spring. There are also cherry blossom sweets to take home and enjoy at home. This year, eight new cherry blossom-themed, eye-catching and beautiful sweets will be available, along with a wide selection of popular bakery items such as Sakura Anpan and Sakura Bread. “The Bar” will be offering a limited-edition cocktail during the cherry blossom season. This seasonal cocktail is reminiscent of the beautiful and hopeful skies of spring, expressed in a beautiful gradation reminiscent of cherry blossoms. 【Sales period】Until April 15, 2024 The Ritz-Carlton,Osaka Kobe-based patisserie “ANTENOR” will be offering a variety of colorful and gorgeous tasting sweets under the theme of “Hanami” (cherry blossom viewing) at its cake stores nationwide. These spring-like sweets include a cake combining cherry blossoms and black tea, a cherry blossom Mont Blanc, and a cake combining Nishio green tea and yuzu (a Japanese citrus fruit). This new spring cake, which is designed to look like cherry petals, is made with cherry blossom-scented glazes and encases a refreshing peach mousse, a refreshingly sweet cherry sauce with peach pulp, and a black tea crème brûlée. Enjoy this Hanami sweet at home, or go out and enjoy the cherry blossoms while viewing them. 【Sales period】Until April 19,2024 【Store】Hanshin Department Store Umeda Main Store Gofun Nail Polish is a water-soluble nail polish that is gentle to the nails and is the brainchild of “Ueha Eso”. Gofun is an important white pigment in Japanese painting made from the fine powder of scallop shells, and Gofun nail polish incorporates this natural material. Gofun nail polish was conceived with the desire to add color to nails just as one would paint a picture. The lineup includes a variety of Japanese shades that can only be expressed by a paint shop with colors that have been handed down for approximately 270 years. As a total of three colors to make your spring and summer even more and nicer, we have introduced “Hana-Kasumi”, a dull pink-beige color that will clothe you in elegance, “Hagoromo”, a mellow light pink color with an unprecedented translucence when applied to nails, and “Hisui-iro”, a bright blue-green color that will give you the freshness of early summer. Why not wear pink or blue-green nails and go out to see cherry blossoms? 【Sales period】Until August 31,2024 Ueba Esou Even though the cherry blossom viewing season has passed, there are many sweets and goods that will make you feel the cherry blossoms. Enjoy spring to the fullest with the aroma of cherry blossoms, the taste of cherry blossoms, and cherry blossom motifs!
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7 cherry blossom illumination in Kyoto, Osaka and Hyogo. Fantastic Japanese Spring Nights
Cherry blossoms are an essential part of the spring scenery in Japan. Many people choose the right time of year to visit Japan to enjoy the cherry blossom scenery. While it is nice to visit famous cherry blossom viewing spots during the daytime, the fantastic scenery of cherry blossoms illuminated at night is also very tasteful. This article introduces spots in Kyoto and Hyogo where cherry blossoms are illuminated at night. *Please note that the admission fees and charges for viewing cherry blossoms illuminated at night may differ from the regular admission fees and charges. *Please check the official website of each spot for details such as the time of the event. -INDEX- 【Kyoto】World Heritage Site Nijo-jo Castle/”NAKED Sakura Festival 2024: World Heritage Site Nijo-jo Castle” 【Kyoto・Higashiyama】Kodai-ji Zen Temple/Spring Night Special Entrance(illumination) 【Kyoto・Higashiyama】Jodo Shu head temple Chion-in 【Kyoto・Okazaki】Heian Jingu Shrine/Sakuraotoyo2024 【Osaka】Expo’70 Commemorative Park/Cherry blossom trees along Higashioji Street illumination 【Hyogo・NIshinomiya】Shukugawa Park/Sakura Illumination Kurakuen 【Hyogo・Himeji】Himeji Castle/Himeji Castle Night Cherry Blossom Viewing Party Dates: March 8, 2024(Friday) -April 7, 2024(Sunday) Nijo-jo Castle, a World Heritage Site, is home to approximately 300 cherry trees of 50 varieties. Cherry blossoms are usually short-lived, but the blooming period of cherry trees at Nijo-jo Castle differs depending on the variety, allowing visitors to enjoy them for as long as one month. A nighttime event, “NAKED Sakura Festival 2024: World Heritage Site Nijo-jo Castle” will be held at the same time. Cherry blossom projection mapping at the Kara-mon Gate, an important cultural property, and digital artwork featuring the painted barriers inside the Ninomaru-goten Palace, a national treasure, will appear. In addition to enjoying an artistic hanami experience, there will be cherry blossom-themed alcohol, drinks, and sweets for sale. *Illumination viewing areas will be limited. Dates: March 15, 2024 (Friday) – May 6, 2024 (National Holiday) Higashiyama is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kyoto. Kodai-ji Zen Temple is one of the most popular temples. During this period, the entire temple grounds, including the hall, garden, and bamboo grove, will be illuminated. The cherry blossoms in the Hashin-tei garden in front of the Hojo (main building) are especially wonderful when illuminated. The pink cherry blossoms standing alone in the white sand garden of Karesansui (dry landscape garden) are showered down like a shower. The dignified appearance of the cherry blossoms in the spotlight is a sight to behold. Dates: March 23, 2024 (Saturday) – April 3, 2024 (Wednesday) Jodo Shu head temple Chion-in is especially famous for the cherry blossoms in front of its national treasure, Sanmon. The beauty of the pretty pink cherry blossoms against the massive and powerful Sanmon is nothing short of impressive. In addition to the approximately 200 cherry trees, the National Treasure Mieido and Daishoro, an important cultural property, are also illuminated, making it a must-see. From Chion-in to Maruyama Park and Kodai-ji Zen Temple, famous for the “Gion-no- Yozakura” (cherry blossoms at night in Gion), and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, it is recommended to visit all the famous night cherry blossoms in Higashiyama, Kyoto, at the same time Dates: April 3, 2024(Wednesday) -April 7, 2024(Sunday) The Shinen of Heian Jingu Shrine is a Japanese garden representative of the Meiji era. Of the vast grounds totaling approximately 33,000 square meters, the red weeping cherry trees in the south and east shrine gardens are famous, and are illuminated at night. One of the most popular nighttime cherry blossom viewing events unique to Shinen of Heian Jingu Shrine is the annual concert held at the Higashi-Jinen-Kihinkan. This elegant event allows visitors to enjoy the fantastic cherry blossoms while listening to live gagaku and classical music performed on the banks of Seiho Pond. *Additional fee is required to view the concert. Dates: March 25, 2024(Monday) -April 3, 2024(Wednesday) Expo ’70 Commemorative Park is one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Osaka, selected as one of the 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots. cherry blossoms start blooming around mid-March and the park is dyed in beautiful pink. From March 25 to April 3 (Wed.), the cherry trees along Higashioji Street will be illuminated. The rows of lustrous cherry blossoms lining both sides of the road are a sight to behold. During the daytime, there will be special openings of the “Pan-an and Banri-an” tearooms in the vast Japanese garden, and tea ceremonies at the “Pan-an” (for a fee). Why not experience a typical Japanese spring scene with cherry blossoms and tea? ▼Check out this article too▼ Expo ’70 Commemorative Park is a great place to visit in Osaka! Highlights Explained! Dates: March 23, 2024 (Saturday) – April 7, 2024 (Sunday) (subject to change depending on blooming conditions) About 10 minutes by Hankyu train from Kobe-Sannomiya station, and about 20 minutes by Hankyu train from Osaka-Umeda station. The rows of cherry trees along the riverside, which can be seen from the platform of Hankyu Shukugawa Station, are one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Hyogo Prefecture, selected as one of the 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan! Approximately 1,660 cherry trees and 1,520 pine trees are planted along the riverside avenue. In particular, the view of Mt.Kabuto and the cherry blossoms from the bridge just outside Hankyu Kurakuen-guchi Station is spectacular. At night, “Nishinomiya Tourism Association” and “Kurakuen Stores Meeting”, a shopping association around Kurakuen-guchi Station, sponsor a illumination event, which can be enjoyed free of charge. The cherry blossoms are reflected on the surface of the river like a mirror, creating a spectacular scene. The area around Kurakuen-guchi Station is a residential area, so there are many families and unique restaurants scattered around the area. This is a spot where you can fully enjoy the charm of cherry blossoms from the perspective of everyday Japanese people. Dates: March 29 (Friday) – April 7 (Sunday), 2024 Himeji Castle, designated as a World Heritage Site and a National Treasure, is also famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot. A night cherry blossom viewing party will be held in Nishinomaru Garden. Himeji Castle is also called “Shirasagi-jo” (White Egret Castle) because it looks like a white egret with its wings spread. The collaboration of its majestic figure, which rises white in the darkness under the lights, and the cherry blossoms is a sight to behold. The cherry blossoms are illuminated only for a short period of time in spring! Enjoy the heart-stopping scenery and make it a precious memory of your trip.
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The latest in 2024 | 21 Cherry Blossom Spots in Kansai (Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo)
From famous cherry blossom viewing spots to hidden gems, here are some of the best places to view cherry blossoms by area for your reference in the spring of 2024. -INDEX- [KYOTO area] [KYOTO Arashiyama area] ・Togetsukyo Bridge, a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Arashiyama ・Randen (Keifuku Electric Railway) Cherry blossom Tunnel ・Tenryuji Temple, where you can enjoy cherry blossoms while overlooking the city of Kyoto ・Daikakuji Temple, where you can enjoy cherry blossoms reflected on the surface of water [KYOTO Higashiyama area] ・Keage Incline is popular for its rows of cherry trees in full bloom ・Kodaiji Temple, a popular cherry blossom viewing spot for its illumination ・Cherry Blossom Walk “Philosopher’s Walk” ・Heian Jingu Shrine, famous for weeping cherry blossoms [KYOTO Nishiyama area] ・Shobo-ji Temple to enjoy cherry blossoms at a temple called Ishi-no-tera ・Phantom Sengan Cherry Blossom, Oharano Shrine ・Commonly known as the Temple of Flowers, Shouji-ji Temple ・The entire mountain is dyed pink at Yoshimine Temple [OSAKA area] ・Japan Mint, Cherry Blossom Passage ・Osaka Castle Park with a spectacular view of the castle and cherry blossoms ・Osaka Sakura Cruise ・Ikeda Satsukiyama Ryokuchi, cherry blossom viewing spot for the whole family] [HYOGO area] ・The cherry blossoms along the river are magnificent at Shukugawa Park ・Oji Zoo where you can enjoy cherry blossoms even with small children ・Sumaura Sanjo Yuen Park, where you can enjoy the view overlooking the Seto Inland Sea and cherry blossoms ・Takarazuka Hana no michi, a beautiful walking path to Takarazuka Grand Theater ・Kokoen Garden, a Japanese garden in Himeji for cherry blossom viewing There are many picturesque cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto. You can never miss the famous spots! I want to go to a place where there are as few people as possible! Here are some cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto by area that will fulfill both of your wishes. Arashiyama is rich in seasonal changes. The clear Oigawa River and the graceful appearance of the Togetsu Bridge over it attract people’s hearts no matter what time of year they visit. In spring, the view of cherry blossoms, mountains, river, and bridge together is magnificent. The view of the Togetsukyo Bridge over the overflowing cherry blossoms and Arashiyama beyond is as beautiful as a picture scroll. ▼Click here for a model course that allows you to quickly capture Arashiyama sightseeing in half a day. Kyoto Arashiyama Sightseeing Half-day Model Course! Capture the bamboo forest, temples, nature, and major spots! A tunnel of cherry blossoms appears between Narutaki and Utano Stations on the Randen Kitano Line. Someiyoshino cherry trees line both sides of the line for about 200 meters. The retro trains that run through the cherry blossoms are also attractive. Tenryuji Temple was built by Ashikaga Takauji. It is a beautiful spot with cherry blossoms in the distance, such as weeping cherry trees blooming against the backdrop of Dahouden Hall and Mochikyo-no-oka overlooking Arashiyama in spring. Cherry trees are planted around Osawa Pond, the oldest man-made garden pond in Japan, and visitors can enjoy a 1-kilometer walk around the pond. The cherry blossoms reflected in the water mirror are also beautiful. Higashiyama is home to a concentration of Kyoto’s most famous sights. The area, which is easily accessible from downtown Kawaramachi, Kyoto, is dotted with cherry blossom viewing spots. Please enjoy the town of Higashiyama dyed in pink. A total of 582 meters of inclined railroad near Nanzenji Temple, and now visitors can freely walk on the rails. In spring, you can enjoy the romantic scenery amidst the rows of cherry trees that fill the area. This Zen temple was built by Nene to mourn the loss of Hideyoshi. In spring, weeping cherry trees in the Hojo Garden bloom beautifully, their bright pink color shining on the white sand of the garden. During the nighttime viewing, the Hojo front garden with weeping cherry trees will be illuminated. Friday, March 15, 2024 – Monday, May 6, 2024 (national holiday) 17:00 (light-up) – 22:00 (reception closes at 21:30) Wherever you go along the Philosopher’s Walk, there are cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms! The side trips to shrines and temples scattered along the way are also enjoyable and make you lose track of time. Most of the cherry trees that adorn Heian Shrine are red weeping cherry trees. As the name suggests, these cherry trees are bright red in color. The contrast with the vermilion shrine pavilions is magnificent. There’s even a spot away from the city center of Kyoto where you can enjoy the cherry blossoms! Enjoy the cherry blossoms in a relaxing atmosphere at this ancient shrine nestled in the nature of Nishiyama. ▼Kyoto Nishiyama is the next hot spot in Kyoto! For more information, please click here. Kyoto Nishiyama|An undiscovered sightseeing spot in Kyoto! The “Garden of Birds and Animals,” lined with stones that resemble animals and birds, is a beautiful spot where weeping cherry trees stand dignifiedly. The most notable cherry blossom on the grounds of Oharano Shrine is the “Sengan-zakura” (cherry blossom with a thousand eyes). It is said to be a phantom cherry blossom that blooms for only two or three days, and if you are lucky enough to see it, your wish will come true. At Shouji-ji Temple, commonly known as “Flower Temple,” about 100 cherry trees spread their branches spontaneously. The temple is famous for the “Saigyo Cherry Blossoms,” which are said to have been planted and loved by the monk Saigyo. Various varieties of cherry trees, including higanzakura (higan cherry), shidarezakura (weeping cherry), yamazakura (mountain cherry), and botanzakura (botan cherry), color the spring scenery in the precincts. The temple is also famous for its dynamic view. You can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Kyoto. There are many cherry blossom viewing spots in the Osaka area, including cherry blossoms to be enjoyed in the city and in parks. Japan Mint Bureau is a regular spot that is often voted No. 1 in the ranking of Osaka’s cherry blossom viewing spots. Although the grounds are not accessible during the day, they are open for a limited time only during the “Cherry Blossom Passage,” which is held when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. *In 2023, online pre-registration (first-come, first-served) was required, but no information is yet available for 2024. Cherry blossoms at Japan Mint are mainly late-blooming yaezakura, and many types of cherry trees can be enjoyed while walking along the 560-meter promenade. Each cherry tree is planted with a different variety of cherry blossom, so find the one you like best! This lush green park stretches around Osaka Castle and offers a spectacular view of cherry blossoms with the castle tower in the background. The Nishinomaru Garden, surrounded by important cultural properties, is famous for its approximately 300 cherry trees, mainly Someiyoshino. The castle tower and the pink-colored cherry blossoms are a spectacular view unique to Japan. ▼Check this article for recommended castle spots other than Osaka Castle! 5 castles in Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo. From World Heritage Sites to the Newest Castles, Places to Visit for Sightseeing The “Naniwa Tanken Cruise with Rakugo Storytellers,” which offers sightseeing in Osaka City with the entertaining guidance of Rakugo storytellers, will be operated as the “Cherry Blossom Special Cruise” for a limited time in spring. This is a very popular cruise every year, where you can enjoy the rows of cherry blossom trees that are slightly tinted with spring colors from the surface of the river. The cruise takes about 120 minutes and you can see the cherry blossoms along the Okawa River. Satsukiyama Ryokuchi, located in Ikeda, Osaka, is a popular spot where you can enjoy a free zoo, hiking, barbecues, and playground equipment all day long. On weekends during the holiday season, the park is crowded with families with children and hikers. From the entrance of the park to the Hinomaru Observatory at the top of the mountain, Someiyoshino and Yamazakura cherry trees are in full bloom everywhere. There are many places famous for cherry blossoms in the Hyogo area. Kobe, Takarazuka, Himeji, etc., offer a different atmosphere from Osaka and Kyoto. Shukugawa Park has a beautiful view of the cherry blossoms reflected in the river. It has been selected as one of the “100 Best Places for Cherry Blossoms” and is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing. The path lined with cherry blossom trees on both banks is a perfect walking course. You can also enjoy the cherry blossoms from the nearest station, Hankyu Shukugawa Station. At Hankyu Shukugawa Station, there’s a cute bench with a cherry blossom motif! Opened in 1951, Oji Zoo is one of the best leisure spots in Kobe where parents and children can enjoy a full day of close observation of animals. Oji Zoo is also a great place to enjoy cherry blossoms. There are about 480 cherry trees in the park alone, and nearly 800 cherry trees in the entire Oji Park. The collaboration of animals and cherry blossoms, including giraffes and elephants, is fascinating. Please enjoy the warm weather and be healed by the animals. Sumaura Sanjo Yuen Park is a popular amusement park for parents and children, where you can enjoy the view of the blue sky and the sea. You can get there by taking the Sumaura ropeway and gondola. You can see the collaboration of cherry blossoms with Osaka Bay and Akashi Strait. It is famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot in Kobe. The number of cherry trees in bloom here and there in the park is one of the largest in Kobe. The “Hana no michi” that leads from Hankyu Takarazuka Station to Takarazuka Grand Theatre is filled with cherry blossoms in spring. The tunnel of cherry blossoms in full bloom looks like a flower path on a stage. It is also popular among Takarazuka Revue fans. Kokoen Garden is a popular tourist spot when visiting Himeji. This is a Japanese garden with World Heritage “Himeji Castle” in the background. The garden area is large along the southwestern part of Himeji Castle. The gardens are approximately ten thousand tsubos (about 3.5 hectares). Those who come to visit Himeji Castle must not miss out to come and visit this garden. This garden consists of 9 separate strolling-style gardens of different sizes and landscaping themes in the style of the Edo Period. Various types of gardens such as hills and ponds, tea ceremony gardens, bamboo groves, or flower gardens are designed to allow us to enjoy the beauty of the four seasons in Japan. You can only enjoy the cherry blossom-colored scenery of Japan during the short spring period. Please check it out as soon as possible and use it as a reference for your travel plans.
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