Walking the streets and taking the local trains will allow you to interact more with the locals and appreciate what everyday life in Japan is like. Experience the cultural aspects of Japan by having the opportunity to see the Miyako Odori in Kyoto or enjoy the festivities of the Takayama Spring Festival. Because cherry blossoms are beautiful and fleeting—the blooms often last no more than two weeks—they have become symbolic of the impermanence of beauty. Festival vendors sell a wide range of delicious foods and sweets for patrons during the flowers' celebration. Tokyo is famous the world over as a hyper-modern metropolis packed with high-rise buildings and flashing neon lights, and whilst this is true - there is also a surprising wealth of green spaces where you can take time out from the hustle and bustle of the city to relax. Other lovely sakura spots in the city include the Imperial Palace Gardens, Hamarikyu Gardens and Ueno Park - so be sure to try out a few. You may withdraw your consent at anytime. Fully re-opened this year after a five-year facelift, Japan's largest and most impressive castle is also a wonderful place to see the cherry blossom. Comprised of 83 buildings, it is one of the best examples of 17th century Japanese architecture. The coronavirus outbreak is having a large impact on travel to and within Japan. Select from a unique range of luxurious cultural experiences that are limited to smaller groups, which is why the maximum group size is 6 guests. What makes Japanese Cherry Blossom so amazing? The tradition of hanami has a history stretching back over many centuries, thought to have begun during the Nara Period (710-794), so by getting involved you will be joining in one of Japan's best-loved and most time-honoured rituals. The transience of the blossoms, the exquisite beauty and volatility, has often been associate… Japanese Cherry Blossom by Body Fantasies, 3 Piece Set for Women. An InsideJapan trip always will. Our tours range from 7 to 21 days, to various regions of Japan. View, Mix & Match: Buy 3, Get 3 Free Entire Store, Do Not Sell My Personal Information (California). Group Tour | Deluxe          Book Now & Save $100, Group Tour | Deluxe    Book Now & Save $100, Group Tour | Classic          Book Now & Save $100, Group Tour | Classic    Book Now & Save $100, Pre or Post Cruise Tours & Shore Excursions, Download Credit Card Authorization Form (PDF). The dates of these festivals vary depending on the blooming period of the cherry blossoms. Tour 2021 - 3/30, 4/12, The Golden Triangle of Japan: Autumn Leaves & Cherry $30 Special Christmas Box with $30 Purchase! accommodations, and the most exclusive cultural These tours combine enrichment, enjoyment, and education with time to truly absorb and appreciate your surroundings. Japan. cultural experience than you will find in the big city, Discover the culture, countryside and “must see” sights of Fully re-opened this year after a five-year facelift, Japan's largest … Southern Japan, For travelers wishing to go beyond the typical Japan Each city will feature an expert local guide who will be able to share in-depth information on the featured attractions and sites, and provide assistance or recommendations if needed prior to your free time. Stroll through the lovely pedestrian way just outside of the garden, another cherry blossom spot lined with cherry trees, shops, and restaurants. The tradition of Japan's cherry blossom festival, hanami, appeared during the Heian period (794-1185). Not only are there blossom-themed events and festivals going on up and down the country, but even the products in the supermarkets reflect the coming season - with limited edition, sakura-flavoured foods and drinks on the menu for a fleeting time only. You might want to consider joining a tea ceremony held under the cherry trees; it can be quite the memorable experience. 95 West Main Street, Covered in over 30,000 cherry trees, it's the most famous sakura viewing spot in Japan and has been for hundreds of years. If you're planning a trip to the country in the spring, here's what you need to know about the hanami tradition. Some older Japanese still gather to view the plum blossom (ume) today, as a more sedate alternative to the sometimes raucous hanami gatherings. To add to the experience of seeing the beautiful sakura trees, there are frequent festivities that take place in various areas of Japan. The Japanese cherry blossoms and the tradition of flower gazing, or hanami, has inspired poets for centuries. Tours including Himeji Castle, #9 Miyajima Island (Hiroshima) How can we contact you about your inquiry? Festival dates are usually determined with reference to cherry blossom forecasts and vary from year to year. It has been celebrated for many centuries and holds a very prominent position in Japanese culture. If you're in Japan during hanami season, it can seem as though the country has gone a little sakura-mad. Tours including Matsumae Park, #2 Hakodate (Hokkaido) 12-day itinerary including Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Nara, Known as hanami in Japanese, cherry blossom festivals are an important custom and are held all over Japan during the spring. This makes an excellent spot to enjoy the blooming season. Blossom Tour 2021 - 4/6, The Golden Triangle of Japan: Cherry Blossom Tour 2021 Known as hanami in Japanese, cherry blossom festivals are an important custom and are held all over Japan during the spring. The Japanese cherry blossom (sakura) has been a distinguished symbol of Japan for many centuries. What is your preferred length for a travel report video on YouTube? China and Japan, Route of history and cultural imagination through the Tours including Kanazawa, #5 Miho Museum (Koka) specialist guide and have the exclusive opportunity to While, a park in Newark, New Jersey, has Washington, D.C., beat with a larger number of blooming cherry trees than the nation's capital. Having a hard time finding a tour, please check our Group Tours Calender: If you already know which tour you would like to join or what you want to do, please fill out our inquiry form to give you more detailed information. These trees are also called somei-yoshino trees or yedoensis in botanical circles. Looking for some inside knowledge? Last but certainly not least on our list is the Takato Castle Ruins Park in Nagano Prefecture, the last of the official top three cherry blossom spots in Japan (along with Mount Yoshino and Hirosaki Castle). Both are lovely, but we particularly enjoy the blossoms at dusk when lanterns hang in the trees, turning the canopy a glowing pink. The blooming season for cherry blossoms beings in the south and makes its way to the north. Himeji Castle, Hyogo Prefecture. We will send some suggestions based on your needs. In areas of high altitude, the blossom also arrives rather later than in low-altitude regions. - 3/21, 3/28, 4/3, The Golden Triangle of Japan (Reverse): Takayama It would be great to have the chance to speak on the phone so we can get the best possible understanding of what you're looking for (and because we all love talking about Japan!).