A new season has come, inviting us to gaze upon the Mother Nature’s beauty. As flowers pop in every corner, it’s time to emerge from under our blankets and do some fun activities. Here’s a guide to make the most out of this colorful season.
These early-blooming flowers are often overlooked because of the more popular Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms in spring. Another reason is that they bloom in late winter, meaning tourists visiting in April miss out on seeing them.
What sets these three flowers apart is their unique characteristics. They have their own distinct shape and hues. Kawazu-zakura flowers are brighter, with a more saturated pink color. Peach blossoms feature pale pink, pointed petals with a deep magenta center. And plum blossoms have five rounded petals that come in white, pink, deep red, and yellow colors.
Bask in the mesmerizing beauty of the vibrant rapeseed flowers, complemented by the delicate cherry blossoms. Enjoy this breathtaking scene at the following locations:
– Located in Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture (about 1 hour and 12 minutes from Tokyo), this wonderland offers a vast space for picnics and photo ops. During the cherry blossom festival, food stalls selling local delicacies can be found nearby.
– Gongendo Park is another popular tourist attraction located in Saitama Prefecture. It can be accessed by bus from Satte Station with a travel time of 11 minutes. According to its official website, the park is comprised of four areas and spans a total of 35 hectares. One notable area in this park is the Gongendo Sakura Tsutsumi, which is famous for its 1,000 Yoshino cherry trees.
For all the foodies out there, spring is the best time to try new seasonal offerings. Kick off the season by visiting three of the most popular coffee chains in Japan—Starbucks, Tully’s, and Doutor. Every year, these coffee chains serve delectable sakura-infused pastries and drinks including cakes, doughnuts, frappuccinos, and coffee blends. Here are their offerings this year:
If you prefer a more immersive experience, then go to a cherry blossom festival. Not only can you enjoy the sakura trees adorned with lanterns but also watch free performances, all while savoring your yatai (food stall) faves. While not every city in Japan hosts a sakura matsuri, many cities and towns do. So, check the announcements on your city’s official homepage.
Sit back and relax as you admire the beautiful sakura trees lining the railway tracks. Here are some famous train lines where you can enjoy this picturesque sight:
– This local railway provides tourists with a journey featuring gorgeous views of the
countryside.
Oigawa Railway – Ieyama Station (Shizuoka)
– Hop on a steam train for a blast from the past.
Spring isn’t just about sakura; there are many other beautiful flowers to admire, and what better place to visit than a flower garden or park. One of the most popular destinations is the Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi Prefecture, known for its stunning wisteria trails. It also features other flowers like lupines, tulips, azaleas, and poppies.
If Tochigi feels far-off, there are many other flower parks closer to Tokyo. The Keisei Rose Garden in Chiba is home to over 10,000 rose plants across 1,600 varieties.
Another gorgeous park in Chiba is the Sakura Furusato Square which showcases over 600,000 tulips of around 100 different varieties. The Dutch windmill in the background adds an extra charm to the
scenery.
Rekindle the joy of childhood as you glide down a slide beneath a canopy of lush kawazu-zakura trees. Nishihirabatake Park in Matsuda, Kanagawa Prefecture, offers a unique opportunity to relive those carefree moments while taking in the beauty of nature.
If you find yourself in or around Tokyo, be sure to go on a boat ride at Chidorigafuchi Moat, located just northwest of the Imperial Palace. There are three types of rental boats to choose from: swan, pedal boat, and rowboat. While paddling through the water, admire the cherry blossoms as their delicate petals swirl in the air and land on the water.
If you’re looking for cute, spring-themed items that won’t break the bank, head to three of Japan’s most popular 100-yen stores: Daiso, Seria, and Can-do. You’ll see a range of items that will make your heart flutter. From stickers and postcards to pouches, plates, and chopsticks—these stores have something for everyone, whether for yourself or as gifts for your friends!
Want to pamper yourself with sakura-scented products? Head to the nearest department store and scour for spring-limited edition goods like hair products, skin products, home fragrances, and laundry essentials.
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