During the sakura, or cherry blossom season (between late March and mid-May), the whole country of Japan is swept by the festival atmosphere that celebrates the beauty and the transient nature of life, symbolized by the short life of the precious cherry flower.
In the lovely weather, people flock to the most popular flower-viewing spots to enjoy the stunning view and eat, drink and be merry. The following locations are among the sweetest spots to marvel at Japan’s luscious spring.
Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen is a large park located right in the heart of Tokyo
that transforms itself into a scene from heaven during sakura season. It is
home to dozens of species of the cherry tree, totalling more than 1,000 trees.
Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji, one of the Japanese national icons, is surrounded by
cherry blossom, offering a spectacular view during sakura. There are numerous
places from which to enjoy it, with the Fuji Five Lakes region as a common
favorite.
Philosopher’s Path, Kyoto
The Philosopher’s Path is a lovely two-kilometer long stone-paved walking trail in Kyoto located along the canal. There are around 500 cherry trees lined on the path which explode into color in early April and create a magnificent pink tunnel when they fully bloom.