Text / Compiled and reported by the MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department
Japan’s cherry blossom season begins to bloom gradually from late March. The cherry blossoms, symbols of spring, look romantic and poetic in their soft pink hues under the sunlight during the day; but at night, illuminated by various lights, the changes in color and shadow give the night blossoms an enchantingly gorgeous appearance. Below is a list of four major night cherry blossom spots where visitors can witness the unique beauty of cherry blossoms up close.
Japan’s cherry blossom season begins to bloom gradually from late March. The cherry blossoms, symbols of spring, look romantic and poetic in their soft pink hues under the sunlight during the day; but at night, illuminated by various lights, the changes in color and shadow give the night blossoms an enchantingly gorgeous appearance. Below is a list of four major night cherry blossom spots where visitors can witness the unique beauty of cherry blossoms up close.
Over 4,300 cherry trees are in full bloom within Osaka Castle, with blossoms blooming overhead, resembling romantic pink clouds in the night sky. (Image source / yakei-kabegami)
● Rikugien Garden (Tokyo)
Weeping cherry trees are the iconic feature of Rikugien Garden. Standing approximately 15 meters tall and 20 meters wide, they bloom gracefully like a flowing waterfall. Here, every year in conjunction with the cherry blossom season, the “Weeping Cherry & Daimyo Garden Illumination Show” is held, scheduled for March 19 – April 5, 2015. The daytime view bathed in spring light and the nighttime illumination showcasing the garden’s charm in the dark are both not to be missed.
Weeping cherry trees are the iconic feature of Rikugien Garden. Standing approximately 15 meters tall and 20 meters wide, they bloom gracefully like a flowing waterfall. Here, every year in conjunction with the cherry blossom season, the “Weeping Cherry & Daimyo Garden Illumination Show” is held, scheduled for March 19 – April 5, 2015. The daytime view bathed in spring light and the nighttime illumination showcasing the garden’s charm in the dark are both not to be missed.
The 2015 Rikugien cherry blossom event begins on March 19. (Image source / Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association)
During the illumination period, the “Cherry Tea House” in the zelkova tree area sells light meals, snacks, and merchandise; there is also a “Matcha Tea House” offering matcha and Japanese confectionery gift sets. The final ordering and sales time is around 19:30, so if you plan to dine, it’s recommended to arrive early. An additional admission fee is required.
【Info】
【Info】
Address: 6-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku
Access: A 7-minute walk from JR or Tokyo Metro Komagome Station
Admission: 300 yen for adults
Cherry blossom viewing period: 2015/03/19 – 2015/04/05 (Yoshino cherry and others)
Illumination period: Until 21:00
Giant weeping cherry trees bloom like waterfalls at night. (Image source / find-travel)
● Takeda Park (Niigata Prefecture)
Takeda Park is one of Japan’s three most famous night cherry blossom spots. During the cherry blossom season, about 3,000 paper lanterns are set up, and the 4,000 Yoshino cherry trees illuminated by lanterns and spotlights on the three-tiered castle tower cast a dreamlike reflection on the water of the moat. The illuminated cherry blossom-lined street known as the “Cherry Blossom Avenue” is also a popular attraction.
Takeda Park is one of Japan’s three most famous night cherry blossom spots. During the cherry blossom season, about 3,000 paper lanterns are set up, and the 4,000 Yoshino cherry trees illuminated by lanterns and spotlights on the three-tiered castle tower cast a dreamlike reflection on the water of the moat. The illuminated cherry blossom-lined street known as the “Cherry Blossom Avenue” is also a popular attraction.
The 2015 Takeda Park cherry blossom viewing event begins on April 3. (Image source / Joetsu Tourism Convention Association)
A view capturing cherry blossoms in the foreground alongside Takeda Castle. (Image source / Joetsu Tourism Convention Association)
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