Japan South to North: 1-Month Cherry Blossom Viewing Experience from Kagoshima to Hokkaido

Japan is already a stunning country as it is but the cherry blossoms blanketing the country from North to South during spring season makes it all the more breathtaking. During this time, locals and visitors alike hold cherry blossom viewing parties or hanami, celebrating the end of the harsh winter and welcoming the warmth of spring. Gardens are adorned with many varieties of flowering cherry trees and are usually packed with locals and visitors enjoying a picnic under the tree canopies. 

On this 1 month tour from Kagoshima to Hokkaido, you have the flexibility to customize your itinerary, visiting cultural landmarks, fashionable neighborhoods, diverse shopping districts, and of course, the best places for cherry blossom viewing.

Kagoshima

Start your tour at Kagoshima, a stunning seaside city on Japan's Kyushu Island, and well-known for its Sakurajima volcano. If you want to enjoy hanami or cherry blossom viewing with the enchanting volcano as the backdrop, then Senganen Garden is the place to be. You may also enjoy a picnic at Kotsukigawa Riverside that has over 500 cherry trees or the family-friendly Sakurajima Dinosaur Park or Hirakawa Zoo. 

Nagasaki

The historic city of Nagasaki, a port city on the island of Kyushu, is another hotspot for cherry blossom viewing. Enjoy your sake while savoring the views of the city at Tateyama Park, where about 700 cherry trees are planted. Then, spend some time at Nagasaki Peace Park, a tranquil space that commemorates the atomic bombing of Nagasaki in 1945 during World War 2. While you're here, you may also swing by the Atomic Bomb Museum and the memorial hall for the atomic bomb victims next to it. Other notable places are Saikai Bridge Park, Shimabara Castle, and the City Sports Park.

Fukuoka

Boasting one of the best food scenes in Japan, Fukuoka becomes even more of a favorite among locals and visitors during its cherry blossom season. Perhaps the best viewing spot is Maizuru Park where thousands of cherry trees are planted among the ruins of Fukuoka Castle. If you wish to see fields of various seasonal flowers aside from cherry blossoms including mustard and poppies, you can also visit Nokonoshima Island Park. And while you're at one of the culinary capitals of the country, might as well try some cherry blossom flavored delicacies including sakura mochi, sakura ice cream, sakura-flavored chocolate and so much more.

Hiroshima

If you wish to have a historical tour while enjoying the spring season in all its glory, then Hiroshima is the place to be. Stop by Itsukushima Shrine, where the view of the flowers in full bloom with the vermilion Itsukushima Shrine as a backdrop is simply breathtaking. You may also enjoy a serene stroll at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which is near the place where the first atomic bomb was dropped in 1945 during World War II. And of course, Hiroshima Castle, where you can also visit a museum and learn about Hiroshima’s history.

Matsuyama

There's more to Matsuyama than its famed Dōgo Onsen Honkan, a luxurious 19th-century public bathhouse built over ancient hot springs. In the center of the city is Matsuyama Castle, which towers over hundreds of cherry trees during the spring season. Love to have barbecues while enjoying a picnic under the cherry trees? Try Dogo Park that offers many attractive spots for holding hanami parties.

Osaka

Osaka may not be as picturesque as its neighbor Kyoto but the beauty of spring and cherry blossom can transform even the most urban of places. A great place to start your sightseeing is Osaka Castle grounds that's filled with over 3000 cherry trees and other seasonal blooms. If you wish to escape the city buzz especially during this busy time, then head out to Daisen Park, a luscious 35-hectare park with a large Japanese garden. The park also has a few varieties of cherry trees including Prunus speciosa or Oshima and mountain cherry. You can also visit Kema Sakuranomiya Park, Japan Mint Bureau, and the Expo 70 Commemorative Park.

Kyoto

The ancient city of Kyoto is already impressive as it is but it becomes even more so during the cherry blossom season. Rent a kimono and take snapshots beneath the canopy of cherry blossoms in Shinbashi Geisha District, the flagstoned and teahouse-lined area around the Shirakawa River right in the center of Gion. Then, experience the tunnel of cherry blossoms at the Testugaku no Michi, which look stunning against the backdrop of small temples and tiny bridges that line the canal. If you're up for a hike, then visit Ninnaji Temple that's framed with a frill of white and pink flowers during springtime.

Nagoya

Continue to Nagoya, the heart of the country's automobile industry. Visit the city's most iconic symbol, Nagoya Castle, which is surrounded by several weeping cherry trees and small numbers of less commonly seen cherry tree varieties. Then, stroll by cherry tree-lined Yamazakigawa Riverside, which is justifiably one of the best cherry blossom spots in Japan. You can also spend some time at Tsuruma Park which offers many food stands and ample space for cherry blossom viewing parties.

Shizuoka 

Located in Shizuoka Prefecture is the onsen resort town of Kawazu which houses some of the earliest blooming cherry trees in the country. Here, you can enjoy a quiet cherry blossom view experience at Okuni Shrine or Hamamatsu Castle Park. You may also hop on a small locomotive train and journey through fragrant aromas and gradient shades of pink.

Tokyo

Tokyo is not the usual first choice of travelers for cherry blossom viewing. But the city capital has several spots perfect for the event. You can go for a walk at Meguro Riverside which is entirely lined by the famed trees, Shinjuku Gyoen Park which boasts over 1000 cherry trees of different varieties, or Inokashira Park where you can take a boat ride and enjoy the stunning view from the lake waters.

Niigata

From endless seas of flowers to cherry blossoms, Niigata is one of the best places to enjoy spring. The former Niigata Customs House that has largely remained unchanged since the Edo and Meiji eras is surrounded by a profusion of cherry blossoms, perfect for history buffs out there. Then head out to Takada Park in Joetsu City, a park centered around a beautiful castle which has roughly 4000 cherry trees that are illuminated at night during the season - a world-class experience visited by millions every year.

Sendai

The largest city in the Tohoku Region, Sendai is a must-visit, especially during the spring season. The city offers some of the best sites for cherry blossom viewing including Mikamine Park, Tsutsujigaoka Park, and Nishi Park. Sendai is also known as a shopping district so if you have some spare hours, go for a stroll at the shopping arcade where you'll find unique and affordable goodies. If you wish to break out of the city confines, head out to Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park, a mountainside park where you can enjoy the view of cherry blossoms against the Matsushima Bay backdrop. 

Aomori

Aomori is known as a snow country, where world-class skiing and snowboarding await during winter. In springtime, the city is covered in cherry blossoms, apple blossoms, canola, azaleas, and more. The best place to enjoy the season is on the grounds of Hirosaki Castle, one of Japan's most beautiful castles. The castle offers 2600 cherry trees, petal-filled moats, night lighting, and picnic areas perfect for hanami parties. You may also enjoy a stroll at the street of Komakaido and Ashino Park, a natural park with a lake, a hanging bridge, and a rail line.

Hokkaido

Just like Aomori, most people think that the best season to visit Hokkaido is winter, but the cherry blossoms and other flowering plants blanketing the island during spring is also a sight to behold. Popular spots in Sapporo include Hokkaido Shrine, Maruyama Park, Nakajima Park (site of some historical buildings), and the cherry tree forest of Moerenuma Park. And since you're here, might as well try the famous Sapporo Beer and visit Sapporo Beer Museum, an absolute must even if you are not a beer-drinker.

Inclusions

• Flexibility to customize your tour
• Private tour vehicle
• Hotel accommodation for 1 month

Exclusions

• Personal expenses
• Entrance fees
• Tips and gratuities
• Foods and beverages

• Tour schedule is dependent on the cherry blossom blooming season and dates could not be determined until weeks before the annual event. Cherry blossom season could be anytime from mid-March to mid-May, depending on the location.