I wish to plan my diary for the Japan trip.
Probably, I am a little early in the day for this post but I will appreciate some tips to make the best of viewing Cherry Blossom in Japan. I have some business in Tokyo & Osaka which I have the liberty to schedule in Marh / April. I wish to add few days to my trip to view Cherry Blossoms in different regions. Suggestions are welcome as to the approximate dates to block and recommendation of the 'must do' destinations. Thanks.
Reply to this Hi Prakash,
It depends very much on how early the spring is that year, as to when the sakura bloom, and they only have about a week at their best. How late can you leave scheduling the trip details?
There's heeeaps of places - make that the whole country - everyone goes crazy over them. The news reports and newspapers have 'sakura front' maps the same as for the weather.
You'll have no trouble finding a good place, but keep in find the 'must see' sakura places are also 'must see' for thousands of locals too.
I have a couple of cherry blossom entries, I think this years is about 2nd most recent if you're interested.
Reply to this Hi Jo,
I could be flexible with my dates. The only issue is that I need to plan at least a month in advance. Does that make sense? What do you think would be the safest time to land in Osaka - my entry point? And what should be my typical route thereafter? I wouldn't mind going off road a bit to avoid the 'thousands of others'.
I see from your blogs some lovely pictures shot in Shamane & Kyota. I guess you were there in April 1st week this year.
Thanks for your help.
Prakash
Reply to this I was living there for the 3 years til mid-july this year.
I would say probably the first week of April, but if you can hold off booking until a month in advance you'll have an idea at least (or it will be possible to check) how warm the temperatures have been until then.
What the longest time you can be over there?
Reply to this Right. I will plan my trip in March with eyes set on the temperature in Japan. I could be in Japan for about 8 days.
Reply to this Hi,
The cherry blossom naturally start in the south (island of kyuushuu) and head north (main island - honshuu). As Jo said their forecast of the cherry blossom front (sakura-zensen 桜前線) fills the weather section of the news at the time, but theres a fair amount of variability in the timings. One of the most famous places to see it (special word for seeing the blossom is hanami 花見) is in Ueno park in Tokyo. If you go there on the main weekend youll find both sides of all the main paths are sectioned off and booked by the locals for all-day bbqs to sit under the cherry trees. But don worry theres plenty of room for everyone else to walk through. If the winds blowing itll seem like its snowing blossom!
Every town has its places to see it, usually along the banks of the rivers (most of the river banks are concreted up though). I also liked seeing the blossom at Himeji castle.
The other time spectacular time to go to Japan is for momiji (or kouyou 紅葉) which is the turning red of the autumn leaves. Some places around Osaka they deep fry the maple leaves. Surprisingly tasty!
Nick
Reply to this Thanks Nick. Appreciate your help. I will be keeping an eye on the Sakura Calendar 2010.
Prakash
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