Residing in Washington, D.C., I used to affix the crowds circling the Tidal Basin each spring, neck craned and digital camera 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 nations.
So when my travels lastly took me to Japan, I used to be all in! I fell onerous for the tradition and have since spent months (and a number of 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 a good time the fleeting. And nothing captures that higher than the act of hanami: sprawling out below a confetti of petals with a bento, a bottle (or three) of seasonal sake, and some new buddies.
Not each sakura spot paints this peaceable image, although. In actual fact, the tourist-track cities are absolute mob scenes throughout sakura season, extra like being jostled round at Disneyland than the rest.
So if you happen to’re hoping to see cherry blossoms with out the chaos, listed below are 5 less-visited, underrated spots to catch the magic—every close to locations you may already be visiting in your journey to Japan.
1. Setoda Island, Hiroshima Prefecture
In the event you’re planning to go to Hiroshima or driving the well-known Shimanami Kaido biking route, Setoda, the “lemon island” of Japan, is a peaceable little island off the vacationer observe with ocean views, leafy palm bushes, and quietly lovely 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 type of place the place you’ll be able to sip citrus juice from a roadside stand below the petals and journey 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 presents coastal cherry blossoms with a non secular twist.
Additionally referred to 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 preferred day journey from Hiroshima, it’s nonetheless a lot much less crowded than main cities like Kyoto, Tokyo, or Osaka, particularly if you happen to 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 movement to the island is restricted 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 beautiful 5-Story Pagoda, and Momijidani Park. With wild deer roaming the island and mushy 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’ll be able to take pleasure in 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, stress-free ryokans, and old style attraction.
Beppu is thought for steaming onsens and geothermal options—but it surely’s additionally a significantly underrated spot for cherry blossoms. Most worldwide vacationers skip it completely (regardless that you’ll be able to entry it simply by way of a enjoyable in a single day ferry from Osaka), which makes it an important place to take pleasure in sakura like an area.
Why go: Beppu Park is the principle cherry blossom hub, with extensive 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
In the event you’re headed to Hokkaido within the spring for snow-capped mountains, you can even catch late-season blooms in Sapporo. Sure, Sapporo is the biggest metropolis in Hokkaido, but it surely’s nonetheless my private favourite place for a chill sakura expertise!
Sakura season in Sapporo is commonly near the annual Lilac Pageant in Odori Park, so if you happen to’re a flower lover, you received’t need to miss Sapporo in late April-early Could. Additionally, Hokkaido dairy is legendary for good purpose, so remember to attempt the particular sakura mushy cream for a novel 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 via 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, but it surely 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 distinctive cherry blossom viewing spots in all of Japan: the star-shaped Goryokaku Park. Add within the walkable red-brick warehouse district, coastal attraction, a surprisingly good craft beer scene, and a unusual mixture of Western and Japanese historical past, and also you’ve received a metropolis with severe individuality.
Why go: Goryokaku Park is a large, star-shaped fort stuffed with sakura. From the statement tower above, you will get a chicken’s-eye view of the blossom-dusted star define. Within the park, you’ll be able to stroll alongside the moat’s edge or hire a rowboat for a recent perspective. Whereas it’s not on the overly-beaten vacationer circuit, it’s nonetheless a preferred 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 whilst you go to Hakodate? These are the perfect finances, 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 manner via crowds in Tokyo or Kyoto whilst you’re having fun with your personal quiet, significant sakura expertise on your subsequent journey to Japan.
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