We never imagined that we'd all be in this situation. Grounded with all our holiday plans cancelled. This is unprecedented, but we know it will all turn around in time. So starting today, we're launching a series of positive articles. Sharing a few of our own favourite travel moments and some inspirational itineraries so we can all keep the travel spirit alive until we can take to the skies again. #dreamnowtravellater
Read below about visiting Japan to see the Cherry Blossoms.
Japanese Cherry Blossoms
Kyoto Botanical Garden
There is nothing quite like seeing a whole country in bloom and nowhere blooms quite like Japan during Cherry Blossom season. The whole country celebrates the season with festivals, special foods, and news reports. There is even a Japanese word “hanami” specifically devoted to viewing Cherry Blossoms. We've gathered below the best places and times of the year to see the trees in full bloom in Tokyo and Kyoto.
Tokyo
Trees in Tokyo start blooming around the 20th of March though to the end of the month and into early April, the whole city celebrates with picnics under the Cherry Blossom in Yoygi Parkm and Shinjuku Gyoen Parks. Another must see in Tokyo is the neighbourhood of Nakameguro which hosts the Nakameguro Sakura Festival, each night the Cherry trees are illuminated and the shops and restaurants sell themed wares including pink champagne!
Nakameguro Sakura Festival
Kyoto
The trees bloom in Kyoto from late March to early April and the city is full of popular spots to view the cherry blossoms, including Kyoto Botanical Garden, Philospher’s Path, and one of the oldest parks in Kyoto Maruyama Park. For the best photo opportunities look for the weeping cherry trees with hanging branches.
Kyoto Cherry Blossoms
Whilst Tokyo and Kyoto are going to give you the best Cherry Blossom viewing opportunities, trees bloom all over the country from the 20th of March through to the end of April, other hot spots for viewing the trees include Himeji Castle in Osaka and Lake Kawaguchiko in front of Mount Fuji.
Getting There
Japan Airlines flies direct from Australia to Japan daily, JAL premium economy puts an emphasis on functionality and privacy, with even more personal space and luxury with extra wide seating. The seat includes a large leg rest with 3-step adjustable footrest and 12.1-inch personal touch screen filled with hundreds of hours of entertainment.