Residing in Washington, D.C., I used to affix the crowds circling the Tidal Basin each spring, neck craned and digicam able to see the cherry blossoms, or sakura, at peak bloom. These delicate, milky-pink bushes had been a present from Japan in 1912—a gesture of friendship between our international locations.
So when my travels lastly took me to Japan, I used to be all in! I fell arduous for the tradition and have since spent months (and several other sakura seasons) chasing cherry blossoms throughout prefectures like a determined flower groupie.
However sakura aren’t only a fairly backdrop—they’re a seasonal ritual, a reminder to decelerate and have fun the fleeting. And nothing captures that higher than the act of hanami: sprawling out beneath a confetti of petals with a bento, a bottle (or three) of seasonal sake, and some new pals.
Not each sakura spot paints this peaceable image, although. In reality, the tourist-track cities are absolute mob scenes throughout sakura season, extra like being jostled round at Disneyland than the rest.
So in case you’re hoping to see cherry blossoms with out the chaos, listed here are 5 less-visited, underrated spots to catch the magic—every close to locations you would possibly already be visiting in your journey to Japan.
1. Setoda Island, Hiroshima Prefecture
If you happen to’re planning to go to Hiroshima or using the well-known Shimanami Kaido biking route, Setoda, the “lemon island” of Japan, is a peaceable little island off the vacationer monitor with ocean views, leafy palm bushes, and quietly stunning cherry blossom viewing in spring.
Why go: Coastal sakura, temple paths at Kosanji Temple, hilly California-esque lemon groves, and quiet village streets. It’s the sort of place the place you may sip citrus juice from a roadside stand beneath the petals and trip freely on the bike paths with no tour teams in sight.
Greatest time: Late March to early April
2. Miyajima, Hiroshima Prefecture
Much more handy for guests to Hiroshima than Setoda, Miyajima Island provides coastal cherry blossoms with a non secular twist.
Additionally known as Itsukushima, Miyajima is greatest recognized for its iconic “floating” torii gate—however in sakura season, the island transforms into cherry blossom heaven. Whereas it’s a well-liked day journey from Hiroshima, it’s nonetheless a lot much less crowded than main cities like Kyoto, Tokyo, or Osaka, particularly in case you go early or keep in a single day at a ryokan: a standard Japanese inn recognized for tatami-mat rooms and onsens (public baths). Plus, customer circulate to the island is proscribed by ferry capability, which retains crowds smaller than at landlocked hotspots.
Why go: Cherry blossoms body the floating torii gate and line paths round Itsukushima Shrine, the gorgeous 5-Story Pagoda, and Momijidani Park. With wild deer roaming the island and tender petals draping the temple rooftops, it seems like one thing out of a woodland dream–there are many open areas, scenic trails, and tucked-away corners the place you may get pleasure from cherry blossoms with extra privateness.
Greatest time: Late March to early April
3. Beppu, Oita Prefecture
Vacationers heading to Kyushu or seeking to pair cherry blossoms with geothermal scorching springs of orangey-red and icy blue will love this Japanese spa city’s laid again environment, enjoyable ryokans, and old style allure.
Beppu is understood for steaming onsens and geothermal options—nevertheless it’s additionally a severely underrated spot for cherry blossoms. Most worldwide vacationers skip it solely (although you may entry it simply by way of a enjoyable in a single day ferry from Osaka), which makes it an amazing place to get pleasure from sakura like an area.
Why go: Beppu Park is the primary cherry blossom hub, with broad lawns and rows of bushes good for a laid-back hanami picnic. Seize snacks from a konbini and benefit from the petals. Minami-Tateishi Park has coastal views framed by sakura, and some scorching springs even allow you to soak with cherry bushes in view.
Greatest time: Late March to early April
4. Sapporo, Hokkaido
If you happen to’re headed to Hokkaido within the spring for snow-capped mountains, you may as well catch late-season blooms in Sapporo. Sure, Sapporo is the most important metropolis in Hokkaido, nevertheless it’s nonetheless my private favourite place for a chill sakura expertise!
Sakura season in Sapporo is commonly near the annual Lilac Competition in Odori Park, so in case you’re a flower lover, you received’t wish to miss Sapporo in late April-early Could. Additionally, Hokkaido dairy is known for good purpose, so make sure to strive the particular sakura tender cream for a singular seasonal deal with!
Why go: Blossoms at Maruyama Park and round Hokkaido Shrine bloom later than most of Japan, with wild-feeling trails that wind by bushes and shrines—not simply manicured parks. Hanami events in Odori Park are a good way to share meals, crack beers, and meet the stunning native individuals.
Greatest time: Early to mid-Could
Learn additionally: Foodie’s Information to Japan
5. Hakodate, Hokkaido
Hakodate doesn’t make it onto many spring journey itineraries, nevertheless it completely ought to (and never simply because it’s a handy halfway stopping level to or from Sapporo).
This underrated port metropolis has one of the crucial distinctive cherry blossom viewing spots in all of Japan: the star-shaped Goryokaku Park. Add within the walkable red-brick warehouse district, coastal allure, a surprisingly good craft beer scene, and a unusual mixture of Western and Japanese historical past, and also you’ve bought a metropolis with severe individuality.
Why go: Goryokaku Park is an enormous, star-shaped fort full of sakura. From the remark tower above, you will get a chook’s-eye view of the blossom-dusted star define. Within the park, you may stroll alongside the moat’s edge or hire a rowboat for a contemporary perspective. Whereas it’s not on the overly-beaten vacationer circuit, it’s nonetheless a well-liked viewing spot, and I like to recommend visiting early within the morning or within the night to see the sakura illuminated by lanterns. Questioning the place to remain when you go to Hakodate? These are the perfect funds, reasonable, and luxurious stays RANKED!
Greatest time: Late April to early Could.
One of many issues I like most about Japan is how seasonal magnificence is woven into every day life, and that’s by no means extra true than throughout cherry blossom season.
Belief me—you received’t miss elbowing your method by crowds in Tokyo or Kyoto when you’re having fun with your personal quiet, significant sakura expertise on your subsequent journey to Japan.
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