Image: Pixabay – Author: Giarda Nardi
It may not be as impressive as Kyoto when it comes to cherry blossom trees, but as the country's capital, Tokyo has a number of other advantages. Spring brings the reddish and pink tones of the cherry blossom trees, which contrast with the gray of the tall office buildings, breathing new life into the city.
It is at this time that Tokyo's parks become a must-see attraction. Yoyogi, the largest and most important park in the city, fills with music, street food and thousands of Japanese on picnics, celebrating the future. It's the place to be in spring Tokyo. Another highlight is Ueno Park, because of more than a thousand cherry blossom trees, which bloom at this height, creating the perfect setting for those who want to enjoy an outdoor walk in the middle of the city.
YOYOGI PARK
Entrance to the park is free
Address: 〒151-0052 東京都渋谷区代々木神園町２−1
Phone:+81334696081
Open Hours: Open 24 hours
Website: http://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/format/index039.html
Image: Pixabay – Author: Kanenori
The mountains of Yoshino, in Nara, are one of the main places in Japan for those who want to enjoy the cherry blossom trees and, therefore, could not be missing from this list. Legend has it that these trees were planted around 1.500 years ago, creating one of the most impressive forests in the entire country. It is estimated that, currently, there are more than 30 trees in Yoshinoyama, as it is known by the locals.
Being a popular tourist attraction, the advice is to avoid weekends. It is during this period that Yoshino is filled with visitors, both tourists and locals, who come to enjoy the view, but also to mark the beginning of spring. So if you can choose, opt for a mid-week day.
YOSHINOYAMA
Entrance to the park is free
Address: Japan, 〒639-3115 Nara-ken, Yoshino-gun, Yoshino-chō, Yoshinoyama, 県道15号線
Phone: Not included
Website: https://www.japan.travel/national-parks/parks/yoshino-kumano/
Photo by Ray Waller on Unsplash
For lovers of physical activity, get a bike and travel the more than 60 kilometers of Shimanami Kaido is an impressive ride, as well as a must. This path connects the island of Shikoku to Honshu and passes by an uncountable number of small islands and islets with clear and crystalline waters, which in spring create the most incredible landscapes.
Furthermore, this is a route that completely transforms itself from autumn to spring. As it is a very humid country, autumn and spring are also very different seasons. While the first is characterized by browns and ochres, the second is more luminous, full of reds and warm colors. And Shimanami Kaido is a great way to understand this contrast.
SHIMANAMI KAIDO
You can rent bicycles for varying prices, ranging from ¥1.100 to ¥15.000, depending on the type of plan.
Bike rental:
Shimanami Rental bike: https://shimanami-cycle.or.jp/rental/english
Giant Store Bike Rental: https://bicyclerental.jp/en/
Photo by Mak on Unsplash
It is known as the magical city of Japan. Matsuyama, Ehime is a town located between Honshu and Shikoku, known for its historic castle, but also for being the birthplace of Dogo Onsen, who inspired the Studio Ghibli classic, “Spirited Away”. In addition to being an excellent place for a walk, it is also great for those who want to relax in its thermal waters.
Matsuyama is where you can access the real Japan, with little influence from the western world. In addition, you can visit one of the last castles in the country, from where you have the best view in the surroundings. And in the spring it takes on a whole new range.
MATSUYAMA
Website: https://en.matsuyama-sightseeing.com
Photo by Aliexpress
In the city of Asago you can breathe and see the history of Japan itself. That's where you can visit the ruins of Takeda Castle, known as the Japanese Machu Picchu. It is a kind of fabled castle to be enchanted, especially on foggy mornings, when it seems to levitate by magic.
However, it is not just the castle that deserves a visit. The entire surrounding area of Hyogo is a feast for the eyes with its cherry blossom trees and of course another of Japan's most famous castles, Himeji.
TAKEDA CASTLE
Admission for adults is ¥500 (adults and high school students)
Admission is free for students up to the gym.
Address: 〒669-5292 Hyogo Prefecture, Asago City, Wadayama Cho, Higashidani, 213-1
Phone:+81-79-6723301
Open Hours:
From March to May: 08:00h ~ 18:00h
From June to August: 06:00h ~ 18:00h
From September to November: 04:00h ~ 17:00h
From December to January: 10:00 am ~ 14:00 pm (opening hours may change. Confirm before you go)
Website: https://www.city.asago.hyogo.jp/kankou/eng/TakedaCastle.html
Did you like the article? See more tour suggestions by clicking here
© 2019 - Ooizine Japan Guide. All rights reserved
This is another website made with care by Go Digital Japan Agency
Choose your language
click to access
