Secret cherry blossom spots in Japan！Every room in this hotel offers a view of sakura

By/Nathan Yung　Photos/Prince Hotels

The cherry blossom season in Japan has begun. Aside from Fukuoka, the blossoms in the Tokyo area have been slow to bloom due to days of rainy, cold weather—the buds are staying put on the branches, not yet bursting into full bloom. But the anticipation remains high. And if you choose the right accommodation, you might just get an unexpectedly spectacular view. For example, at the luxury hotel located in a prime spot near Shinagawa, every single room offers a view of cherry blossoms. Whether you’re inside your room or lounging by the window, you can enjoy the sight of sakura branches swaying gently outside, making your stay extra memorable.

Even the indoor dining area offers a glimpse of the soft pink of cherry blossoms. Sipping coffee comfortably here is truly one of life’s great pleasures.

The stunning cherry blossoms have painted the road leading to the hotel entrance in shades of pink. The Japanese garden on the hotel grounds, with its pavilions, flowing water, and small bridges, also features cherry blossoms. Paired with the sound of ancient bells, the scene decorates the earth beautifully in spring.

The Japanese garden also features a traditional hanami-style boat deck. Like the locals, have a picnic under the cherry blossoms, enjoy wagashi (Japanese sweets), and sip on matcha.

In the evening, you can also head to the garden to admire the night blossoms. Without the crowds, you can enjoy a peaceful hanami experience.

Prince Hotels is part of the Seibu Group, with over 50 properties across Japan, Taiwan, and Hawaii offering accommodations. These are divided into several brands: The Prince, Grand Prince Hotel, Price Hotel, Ryokan and others, as well as the specially premium The Gallery.

Aside from its prime location, the official website of “Shinagawa Prince Hotel, Takanawa, Sakura Tower Tokyo” is the only one that provides a photo gallery of cherry blossoms—highlighting hanami as a major attraction. There are also shuttle buses running in a loop between this hotel and the nearby Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa and New Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa.

For those traveling to nearby areas such as Hakone, the group also offers the “Tokyo-Hakone Express Bus: One Way for 1,000 Yen ”! SEIBU PRINCE CLUB emi Member Limited Price”, with tickets available at the Seibu Intercity Bus Ikebukuro Ticket Office. Buses run from 6:50 AM to 8:00 PM, departing from Omiya, passing through Ikebukuro, Shinagawa Prince, and arriving at Hakone-Yumoto Station in under two hours. The first bus departs at 7:20 AM, with the return trip at 4:00 PM. Combined with a one-day Hakone tour, the timing is very accommodating. Be sure to give it a try next time.

“Shinagawa Prince Hotel, Takanawa, Sakura Tower Tokyo”
108-8612 3-13-1 Takanawa, Minato City, Tokyo, Japan
Tel: +81-(0)3-5798-1111
http://www.princehotels.com/sakuratower/zh-tw/about-us/

“Tokyo-Hakone Express Bus” Information
http://dbcsbtkdwdgj7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2017/01/13160812/seibu-prince-club-emi-members-special-offers-on-hakone-line-single-tickets-tw.pdf

Nathan Yung, the leader of “Japanese Gourmet Travel Info,” has self-funded and invested millions since 2012. Based on Taiwanese taste preferences and inspired by Japanese cuisine, he has traveled across Japan with his remarkable sense of taste, sampling all kinds of Japanese food. In Taiwan, he also continuously reads extensively and practices cooking himself. He is currently working on compiling his experiences into a book, scheduled for release by the end of 2016.

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