Cherry blossoms do not just signal the arrival of spring, they also serve as an apex of the literature and arts to depict the fragility and speed of the world itself. They have gained the admiration of people from all over the world who come to Japan’s shrines, temples as well as riverbanks and mountains to witness the blossoms.
Kema Sakuranomiya Park
Osaka Prefecture
Another gorgeous location you should add to your list is the magnificent Kema Sakuranomiya Park. The park is situated along the tranquil Ogawa River, this park extends over four kilometers and has approximately 4,500 stunning, large Sakura trees that line its banks.
An excellent way to explore this park is to leave Sakuranomiya Station and enjoy a 40-minute stroll towards Osaka Castle. The warm weather of April is an ideal opportunity to stroll through the breathtaking display of Sakura trees that are in bloom.
When you’ve finished your hike, you’ll be able to observe the way in which the surrounding landscape around Osaka Castle Park is transformed into a stunning ocean of pink in spring. The vast 106-hectare parkland is home to 3000 Sakura trees (some of which get lit in the Sakura time of year), which complement the turquoise, white as well and gold Osaka Castle. It’s the perfect backdrop for photographs or a picnic!
Discovering Japan’s stunning cherry blossom spots is an unforgettable journey, and the ideal way to appreciate its rich cultural history and natural splendor is with Japanese tours. These guided Japan tours provide a convenient and seamless way to see iconic locations such as Kema Sakuranomiya Park in Osaka, Maruyama Park in Kyoto, and Mt Yoshino in Nara.
Maruyama Park
Kyoto Prefecture
Maruyama Park is one of the top places to go to see Sakura in Kyoto Prefecture. It is among the oldest parks in Kyoto and is a favorite among tourists and locals alike. As the stunning blooms begin to appear, crowds of people gather to sit under the magical trees of the park, admiring stunning, photo-perfect views.
The park’s most notable feature is the magnificent old weeping sakura plant. It is a must to stop in the evening when it’s illuminated when the sun goes down, making an amazing spectacle. In the park, you’ll also find a stroll garden and rest houses, as well as small orchards and Japanese restaurants. Maruyama Park makes for a fantastic night or daytime out and is an ideal spot to experience the cherished practice of the hanami!
Mt Yoshino
Nara Prefecture
In the Omine Renzan mountains, you’ll find the holy Mt Yoshino which is which is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site and a natural area of undisturbed beauty. The hill is known for its beauty, and Sakura blooms in springtime with more than 3000 trees blooming over the upper, middle, and lower and upper sections. The four groves are believed to have been deliberately planted so that sakura could bloom at different times, extending the length for the viewing seasons.
Mt Yoshino has also been thought of as a sacred place of significance for those who practice the Shugendo religion. It is also where you can find various shrines and temples like Yoshino Mikumari Shrine, Kinpu Shrine, Kinpusenji Temple, and Yoshimizu Shrine. Take in the beautiful ephemeral splendor of the flowers while getting close to your spirituality, or soak up the stunning views.
