How & Where to Make the Most of Sakura Season
Sakura Season
In Japan, springtime is near-synonymous with cherry blossoms, or sakura. Sakura season sweeps across the nation in tandem with the changing temperature — typically beginning in tropical Okinawa in January and finishing on the northernmost island of Hokkaido in early May. Along the way, streets, walkways, parks and gardens bloom with admiring revelers, as locals and tourists alike turn out in droves to savor the view. There are two distinct ways to enjoy sakura season:
- Hanami – Friends, families and colleagues all set out to have themselves a proper picnic. Blankets are spread out on a nice spot of grass underneath a tree, spring-themed bento boxes are shared (ankake meatballs, inari sushi, strawberries and red bean mochi are typical favorites) and a merry time is had by all.
- Yozakura – Hanami, but make it nightlife. Yozakura is when the cherry-blossom viewing takes place in the evening. Simple lights and lanterns adorn the branches, creating the effect that the flowers seem to glow. Evening picnics can still be a thing, though you’re far more likely to find revelers sipping sake in the moonlight.
Yozakura in Tokyo, Japan.
With that being said, where you choose to enjoy sakura season is the bigger choice. With an entire country full of cherry trees, you’re not at a loss for choices … but if you trusted Google to be the definitive expert on this, it would seem that most of the best spots are in Tokyo. We’ve taken the liberty of compiling some options for those looking to explore outside of one singular city.
Yoshino, Kansai
This city is arguably Japan’s most famous cherry blossom destination. Some 30,000 sakura trees blanket the Kii Mountains surrounding the town, creating the illusion that a giant pink cloud has rolled across the mountainside. You can typically expect to find blooms beginning in late March.
Cherry blossoms cover the hills of Yoshino, Japan.
Nakijin Castle, Okinawa
Nestled on the subtropical island of Okinawa are the Nakijin Castle Ruins, remnants of the Ryukyuan empire from the 15th century. From late January to early February, the surrounding grounds become speckled with pink blossoms. The resulting scene is postcard-pristine — any combination of the castle walls, blue sky and ocean accentuates the vibrancy of the flower.
The ancient walls of Nakijin Castle provide a sharp contrast to the brilliant cherry blossoms.
Jousenji’s Weeping Cherry Tree, Miyazaki
Home to Gokase’s oldest weeping cherry tree, the Jousenji Temple cherry tree is a national monument. Estimated to be roughly 300 years old, this gentle giant has witnessed decades pass the way we witness seasons. The tree’s blooming is a spectacle: From late March to early April, you’ll find the tree illuminated from sunset to 9 p.m. — a brilliant monument of ethereal pink seemingly cutting against the night sky.
Get a close-up view of the cherry blossoms at Makino Botanical Garden.
Makino Botanical Garden, Kochi
Kochi is home to several prime spots for stopping to smell the flowers, but if you had to pick one, pick the Makino Botanical Garden. There are about 30 varieties of cherry trees spread out across the garden (not to mention other flowering plants), and because of this spread, there’s never a wrong time to visit in the spring; at least one species is always hitting peak bloom.
Holland America Line's Nieuw Statendam is a luxury palace at sea.
Entranced by the possibility of seeing Japan’s fabled cherry blossoms for yourself? An ideal way to visit is on a Southern Japan cruise with Holland America Line. Not only will you have plenty of time to experience the sights and flavors listed above, but you’ll also enjoy all the trappings Holland America Line is known for — refined fine dining, engaging activities onboard that are bound to delight and entertain, and of course, elegant staterooms equipped with their signature Mariner’s Dream™ beds. You might think it’s funny to place such emphasis on the mattress, but trust us, after a long day spent soaking up the sights (and all the walking that entails), a good night’s sleep is essentially priceless — and these mattresses feel like literal clouds. Our agents know Holland America Line well, so we can help you choose, plan and book your cruise vacation to perfection.
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