Although Tokyo and Kyoto seem to receive most of the attention, cherry blossom season is a country-wide phenomenon in Japan, with different regions of the country experiencing their full range of blooms at different times. As long as you can spare some time between March and May, there’s somewhere in Japan worth visiting. Check these suggestions for some more alternative destinations for your sakura journey…
Kagoshima
Located in the east of Kyushu, cherry blossoms in Kagoshima usually flower slightly earlier than other places in Japan due to higher temperatures. This year, they are predicted to flower from April 3 through April 13. As one of the best green cities in Japan, Kagoshima prefecture has a number of cherry blossom viewing spots of varying proximity to the city centre. The city itself hosts some lovely viewing spots of its own, albeit on a slightly smaller scale.
Tadamoto Park
Tadamoto Park is Kagoshima prefecture’s sole entrant in the official top 100 Japan Sakura Spots. Known for having its own species of cherry tree, the Tadamoto sakura, the park contains over a thousand trees in total, planted along the 2km-long ‘Sakura Avenue’. By day, a sea of pinkish white stretches out before you, while a nighttime viewing takes on an ethereal glow. At 90 minutes from Kagoshima city-centre by car, it’s a little further to reach when compared to some of the region’s other spots, but it’s definitely worth it.
Accommodation:
International Golf Resort Kyocera
If you’re looking for a relaxing Japanese getaway but don’t want to spend much time in transit, this hotel offers easy links to Tadamoto at a reasonable price. There are golf and outdoor pool facilities on-site, as well as hot springs and outdoor baths. It is just 26 minutes from the Okuchi bus station, where you can catch a bus to the park.
Kotsukigawa Riverside
Strolling from Terukuni-jinja Shrine to Kagoshima Chuo Station, you will meet the Kotsukigawa River, which runs across Kagoshima city. The riverbanks are lined with some 500 cherry trees. The perfect scene for either a leisurely walk along the river, or simply to sit and enjoy a relaxing, romantic view.
Accommodation:
Kagoshima Tokyu Rei Hotel
This hotel is located right on the riverbank, affording you a lovely view directly from your window. It is also near the Kagoshima-Chuo Station, with food and shopping options to spare.
Yoshino Park
The Yoshino Park is a sizeable city park located in the north of Kagoshima City, about a half-hour bus ride from Kagoshima-Chuo Station. There are around 630 cherry trees in 12 different cherry blossom species, including the rarely seen Kawazu Sakura and Izuno Odoriko Sakura. The park also offers excellent views of the smoking volcano Sakurajima as well as of Kagoshima city itself.
Accommodation:
Hotel Gate IN Kagoshima Tenmonkan
This stylish hotel is just 19 minutes away from Yoshino Park and a 5-minute walk away from the Tenmonkan shopping arcade. It’s also within easy reach of the Tenmonkan Dori Tram Station, giving you instant access to explore Kagoshima City. Select rooms also offer such amenities as a private open-air bath and terrace!
Other cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan:
Aomori – Hirosaki Park
If you have missed the cherry blossoms in March, Hirosaki Park might still be an option. Cherry blossoms there normally flower in April, with this year’s date forecast for April 21. With Hirosaki Castle looking over the park, nighttime viewing here is especially good, with the mesmerising lights of the castle giving the cherry blossoms an otherworldly glow. With upwards of 2,600 cherry trees, the millions of wilted petals falling into the river give the water’s surface the effect of a pink carpet of flowers.
Sapporo – Sapporo Maruyama Park & Hokkaido Shrine
Sapporo’s cherry blossoms are forecast to flower on May 4 and will reach full bloom on May 7. Maruyama Park is not just a great open space; the path from Maruyama Park to the Hokkaido Shrine is lined with up to 250 different kinds of cherry blossoms, all flowering at different periods. Try to time your visit to coincide with the Matsumae Sakura Festival for added entertainment, including samurai processions and performances.
Nagoya – Yamazaki River
Cherry blossoms in Nagoya are expected to flower from March 25 through April 4. Along the Yamazaki River is a 2.8km path lined with cherry trees. Known as the Shikinomichi, or ‘Path of Four Seasons’, the 600 cherry trees overlooking the pathway make it one of Japan’s best places for a romantic walk, earning it a highly-coveted place in Japan’s official Top 100 Sakura locations guide.
