Off-The-Beaten Path Cherry Blossom Experiences

By Bold Souls Travel

Cherry Blossoms are a national obsession in Japan.  Every year from March to April, the entire country is blanketed with a variety of cherry blossoms and festivals to mark the occasion.  When I lived in Japan teaching English, I remember the excitement of waiting for the Japan Weather Association to  release its a highly-anticipated national forecast which predicts when the flowers will bloom in each region.   In 2024, the blossoms are expected to bloom ahead of their average date due to unseasonably warm weather.  The first major cities expected to see the blossoms are Fukuoka and Kochi on March 19, followed by Tokyo on March 20.  If you love nature, then this is the perfect time to visit Japan!

Bold Souls Travel can align your travel with the peak bloom period, while giving you tips on how to maximize your experience.  For example, we recommend you journey to a city off-the-beaten path in which you can view the trees like a local. Our favorite spots are Himeji Castle in Hyogo prefecture and Kanazawa Castle Park in Ishikawa Prefecture.  In these spots, you can enjoy hanami, or “flower-watching” by having a picnic with a delicious bento "boxed lunch" while you sit under the trees admiring their beauty.

Cherry Blossom Viewing at Himeji Castle
The city where I lived in Japan -- Himeji -- is known for a famous castle called Himeji-jo which has been in existence for nearly 700 years, and is the only castle to survive bombings during World War II.  Its nickname is Shirasagi-jo (White Heron Castle) because it looks like an elegant heron in the sky.  If you are traveling from Tokyo, you can stop at this UNESCO World Heritage castle on your way to Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima and other major cities via the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen.  Just drop your luggage in one of the convenient, safe lockers at Himeji station, and walk 20-minutes along the shopping street of Otemaedori where you can buy snacks, souvenirs, clothing and other items along the way.  Trust me, you'll love the stunning scene of the blossoms framing the castle as you approach.

Kanazawa Castle Park
When I traveled to Japan last year in 2023, I wanted to escape the hustle of Tokyo for a slower-paced city with beautiful landscapes and delicious food.  I chose Kanazawa, and it didn't disappoint!

While in Kanazawa, which is located in the north-western Hokuriku region and is bordered by the Sea of Japan, you can roam the vast castle grounds and admire the cherry blossoms.  The wide-open grounds are the perfect place to picnic as you bask in the warm sun and take in the beauty of the cherry blossoms.  Afterwards, you can wander the seafood stalls of Omicho Market and eat your fill of fresh fish, shrimp and other delicacies that have made the city a foodie's delight since the Edo Period (1603-1868).