April 11, 2018

The most beautiful time of the year has once again arrived and no, we’re not talking about Christmas. We’re talking about the explosion of pale pink, delicate flower petals filling every inch of the tree branches as they bloom in full blast, creating a splendid sight of glistening beauty.

Although Cherry Blossoms can be found in various countries such as Korea, Taiwan, China and America, Japan is however, the most famous for it. Famously named as “Sakura” by the Japanese, the iconic Cherry Blossom has clenched the title of being the country’s national flower and also holds great significance as it represents fragility and the beauty of life. As a token of appreciation for this marvellous creation of nature, here is a list of some of the best places in Japan to get that perfect kodak moment. 

Chidorigafuchi Moat, Tokyo

Guide-to-this-Cherry-Blossom-Season-Art-2Source: Japan Monthly Web Magazine

If you think that nothing will be more romantic than viewing cherry blossoms on a park bench with your partner by your side, then Chidorigafuchi Moat will definitely change your mind. Located at the northwest of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Chidorigafuchi allows visitors to rent a boat and row themselves merrily down a stream while being surrounded by an unrealistically beautiful landscape of towering sakura. This sweet imagery holds an uncanny resemblance to the popular American movie, The Notebook, and is definitely an ideal location for lovers to visit.

Sagano Scenic Railway, Kyoto

Guide-To-This-Cherry-Blossom-Season-Art-1Source: Sagano Kanko

If boats aren’t really your cup of tea, take a leisure ride on the Sagano Scenic Railway instead. The Sagano Scenic Railway, also known as the Sagano Romantic Train or Sagano Torokko is a retrofied, old-fashioned steam sightseeing train line that transport passengers down a mountain at a relatively slow speed, while passing through Arashiyama, followed by the Hozu River, the forested ravine and into the rural Kamueoka. This leisure train ride is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and venture into the underrated natural beauty that western Kyoto has to offer.

Utsubuki Park, Tottori

No matter day or night, be sure to expect an enchanting day ahead as one steps through the gates of Utsubuki Park. Located at the base of Mount Utsubuki, this park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, which includes 4,000 Cherry Blossom trees and 40,000 Azaleas. In the day, one can witness a cluster of pink coloured flowers against the backdrop of Tottori Castle ruins and the historical Jinpukaku buildings, all while petting precious animals at the small zoo and monkey pen. When it turns dark, 500 lanterns will all be lit up simultaneously, creating an illusion of a fairytale.

Philosopher’s Path, Kyoto

Situated in the northern part of Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, the Philosopher’s Path is a fusion of nature, cultured history and modernisation, offering visitors the best of everything. A walkway is built in between a canal and hundreds of Cherry Blossom trees exploding with remarkable colours from the topography—making it a photographer’s paradise. Furthermore, restaurants, cafes, boutiques and even temples and shrines are all positioned a stone’s throw away, which is a juxtaposition of past and present.