By MOOK Scenic Spots / Reported by Shun
In spring, as flowers bloom across the land, not only is Taiwan swept up in a hanami craze, but Japan also gears up for its magnificent cherry blossom season. On March 16, the Japan Meteorological Corporation once again updated its 2017 cherry blossom blooming forecast. The earliest blooming date is predicted to be March 21 in Tokyo, kicking off the cherry blossom season. Due to higher-than-usual temperatures in the Kanto region, blossoms are expected to open earlier than in previous years. Other areas will follow suit, with blooms progressing northward and arriving later—generally between April and May. Below is a list of famous cherry blossom spots recommended for travelers wishing to enjoy hanami in Japan. These stunning and popular destinations are must-sees for all cherry blossom enthusiasts.
Kyoto’s largest torii gate at Heian Shrine is one of the top cherry blossom viewing spots. Every spring, the Red Weeping Cherry Music Concert is held here, allowing visitors to enjoy beautiful music against the backdrop of night blossoms (Image source / お寺に泊まる)
Tokyo: Meguro River, Ueno Park, Asukayama Park
Tokyo’s Meguro River is ranked as a “must-visit” and “highly desired” cherry blossom destination in Japanese polls (Image source / Wikipedia)
Osaka: Osaka Castle Park, Mint Bureau, Momma Sakuranomiya Park, Expo '70 Commemorative Park, Katsuoji Temple
Osaka Castle Park is a renowned spot for cherry blossom viewing in Osaka. On a lucky day, you might even catch the iconic castle tower surrounded by cherry blossoms in a dreamlike scene (Image source / 大阪城パ0??互螗堪?)
Kyoto: Yawata City’s Yodogawa Riverside Park Uegaki Dike, both banks of the Kamo River, Heian Shrine, Hirano Shrine, Arashiyama, Daigoji Temple
Although Hirano Shrine isn’t very large, it has an exceptionally high density of cherry trees. During the day, the view from afar resembles a fantastical pink world—a favorite subject for many photographers (Image source / Hirano Shrine)
Kyushu: Fukuoka – Maizuru Park, Nagasaki – Omura Park, Kumamoto – Suizenji Garden, Saga – Ogi Park, Miyazaki – Motegi Park, Kagoshima – Senganen Garden, Oita – Okayama Castle Ruins
Maizuru Park is Fukuoka’s most popular cherry blossom spot. Every year from late March to early April, the Fukuoka Castle Cherry Blossom Festival is held, along with nighttime illumination events (Image source / Fukuoka City Green Town Development Association)
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