Cherry blossom season is something that comes every year in Japan and brings a new layer of color and wonder to the nation. In fact, it’s such a major moment that people travel from across the globe to witness it for themselves. Thankfully, these are the most magical places to enjoy cherry blossom season in Japan.
Hirosaki Castle Park
If you want a magical place to enjoy cherry blossom season in Japan, then it could be time to head to Hirosaki Castle Park, where the moats mean you can take to the water and enjoy them from your own boat. If water isn’t your thing, then there are plenty of places to stop for a picnic along the way, or you can simply stroll through the 17th-century castle and its gardens to see the cherry blossom from every angle.
Philosopher’s Path
Taking a walk down Japan’s Philosopher’s Path offers up a way to see the cherry blossom season with a difference. That’s because the path follows the Lake Biwa Canal that was built in the Meiji era. Legend claims the trail was named after philosopher Nishida Kitaro as he would practice meditation as he walked along the canal. Now, visitors love to gaze in awe at the cherry blossoms that line and overhang the water from beginning to end of the path.
Kyoto Botanical Garden
The name botanical garden might give a hint as to what to expect with a trip to Kyoto Botanical Garden. This is one of the most popular spots in Kyoto to view the cherry blossom season in Japan, thanks to the number of trees dotted throughout the gardens. Plus, the weeping cherry tree hidden in the center of it all is a view that’s unlike anything else in the world.
Maruyama Park
Being Kyoto’s oldest park means Maruyama Park has plenty of practice when it comes to bringing the blooms to life each year. Plenty of people are content to enjoy the bright colors and delicate petals in the daylight as they stroll through the park. However, a trip to Maruyama Park after dark offers up a new way to enjoy the cherry blossom season as the weeping tree, the shidarezakura, is lit up at night throughout the season.
Mount Yoshino
There are so many reasons that people flock to Mount Yoshino to enjoy cherry blossom season in Japan. The elevation means visitors can enjoy a host of the trees at the same time and take in some breathtaking views. However, the height means that the 30,000 cherry trees blossom at different times throughout the season. Amazingly, the first trees at Mount Yoshino were thought to have been planted around 1,300 years ago.
Thankfully, the most magical places to enjoy cherry blossom season in Japan offer up something new around every corner. From lit trees to canals and spots to take it all in from the water, there is never a shortage of magic when it comes to one of the most wonderful times of the year.
