Cherry blossoms (桜 sakura) are synonymous with Japan for the spring season, so much so that the country can be regarded as the “country of cherry blossoms” itself. Cherry blossoms bloom almost everywhere throughout the country in spring, but there are selected areas for people to view them. Welcome to Sakura Series, where we’ll be bringing you on a journey to every picturesque location in Eastern Japan where you’ll be able to enjoy the natural beauty of sakura to the fullest!
1. Cherry Blossoms with Snowy Mountain Backdrops
Cherry blossoms with a snowy mountain in the background is an exceptionally contrasting view that can be enjoyed only in a few places. A perfect juxtaposition of the transition between winter and spring, check out our recommended spots where you’ll be able to enjoy the cherry blossoms with an epic feel here!
2. Cherry Blossoms with Castle Backdrop (Tohoku Edition)
Tohoku is home to some magnificent castles scattered throughout the region, remnants of the country’s rich history and culture, and to witness them with cherry blossoms all around is an experience that’s hard to put into words. Perhaps more interestingly, most of the following castles are also listed among the 100 Fine Castles of Japan (日本百名城) by the Japan Castle Foundation. Check out where you can find these majestic structures right here
3. Cherry Blossoms with Castle Backdrop (Shinetsu Edition)
In case you find the great expanse of the Tohoku region too daunting for your trip, fret not! There is no shortage of magnificent castles in the Shinetsu Region (信越地方), which is made up of prefectures Nagano (長野県) and Niigata (新潟県). If you’re looking for a castle visit that’s not too far away from Tokyo City, don’t want to miss this temporal opportunity and start checking off your list starting here!
4. The Lone Cherry Blossom Trees
Sometimes, there are a few odd cherry blossom trees that, unlike their usually grouped counterparts, stand on their own. These lone cherry trees (一本桜 ipponzakura) have withstood against the forces of Mother Nature, be it strong winds or heavy snow, and lived through generations that date back as far as 1,000 years. But to this day they are still standing strong and they remind people of their sheer strength, beauty, and even mysticism. Journey through East Japan to see how you can keep these lonely trees company in the last part of our series here.
Prepare for a picnic with JAPAN RAIL CLUB!
Now that you have a full laundry list of places to visit on your next trip, step two will be to prepare a basket of snacks and treats for a sakura-viewing picnic. While not quite made of wicker, we think our Omiyage Snack Box for April will be able to do just fine!
Aptly titled Sakura Picnic, this month’s box features a wonderful array of spring-flavoured snacks that would be the perfect accompaniment to a day of sakura-viewing.
Header Image Credit: PhotoAc
