Something is blooming here - in the truest and most beautiful sense of the word: In spring, Japan beckons with its famous cherry blossoms. In these 10 places, from south to north, travelers can experience the natural spectacle in all its glory.
It is a unique spectacle: Scattered all over Japan, the Yoshino cherry tree flowers Parks, streetscapes or romantic city canals into a spectacular pink color play. The invitation of the sea of blossoms to simply let oneself drift is gladly accepted here. (Pssst: If you can't make it to Japan this year, just visit the Almond blossom in Mallorca.)
For 10 to 14 days the trees are in bloom. During this time one celebrates the traditional Japanese Hanami, the cherry blossom festival, outdoors - with Bentō, sake and good friends.
What many people don't know is that sakura doesn't start everywhere in Japan at the same time. Middle till end of March the first Yoshino trees in the southwest, in Kyūshū, begin to show off their pink splendor. A little more than a month later, Beginning of May, it has finally arrived in the northeast, at Hokkaidō. This process is called the cherry blossom front.
Kumamoto Castle, Kyūshū
Die Reise beginnt auf Japans südlichster Insel Kyūshū: In Kumamoto wartet die Umgebung rund um Burg Kumamoto mit der ersten Blüte auf. Rund 800 Yoshino-Bäume säumen den Weg zu den Toren der Festung.
Maruyama Park & Yamashina-ku, Kyōto
Urige japanische Teehäuser, Frauen in Geisha-Tracht, alte Holzhäuser mit Pagodendächern – ein Hauch Vergangenheit liegt in der Luft. Die ehemalige Kaiserstadt Kyōto ist das Epizentrum der japanischen Kirschblüte; dementsprechend bevölkert sind die Straßen ab Mitte März.
Zur Sakura unternimmt man hier lange Spaziergänge über den Philosophenpfad oder besucht den ehrwürdigen Kirschbaum im Maruyama Park. Etwas weniger rege geht es in Kyōtos Stadtteil Yamashina-ku zu, wo die Bäume den Kanal säumen – ein echter Geheimtipp! Übernachtungen in einem authentischem Ryokan komplettieren den Kyōtō-Trip – besonders luxuriös: das Nanzenji Sando Kikusui.
Himeji Castle, Hyōgo
The Himeji Castle is one of Japan's national cultural treasures and dates back to the 17th century. Around the white walls, travelers will find a sea of 1,000 white and pink trees.
Ueno Park & Yoyogi Park, Tokyo
Urban flair meets natural oasis: In Japan's capital Tokyo, the Ueno Park with over 1,000 cherry trees, numerous museums, ponds and places of worship to stay. During the flowering period from March 23 - April 10 one walks from 17:00 to 21:00 o'clock whole 4 kilometers by brightly illuminated flower avenues. For a Hanami picnic it is best to go to the Yoyogi Park, which boasts extensive parking areas. At night you can lie down in the Boutique Hotel Gajoen between luxury and tradition.
Yoshino-yama, Nara
Named after the cherry tree itself, the Yoshino-yama mountain region of over 30,000 of the flowering specimens covered. According to legend, in the 7th century the first Yoshino was planted. A walk through the pink avenues is worth your while in any case - the highlight is a huge cherry tree, which is illuminated at night.
Fujiyama & Fujigoko, Yamanashi
Sakura season with volcano views and tranquility by the lake: At the northern foot of the impressive, 3,700 meter high Fujiyama are the five famous Fuji lakes, called Fujigoko. The combination of flower dance, crystal clear water, cities steeped in history and snow-capped Mount Fuji is a must-see. Travelers find themselves in the Fufu Kawaguchiko Japan where a view of the volcano and all the comforts of a luxury home await them.
Miharu, Fukushima
She is the City of the three springs: In the off-the-beaten-path town of Miharu, the path leads to the over 1,000 years old Miharu Takizakura - one of the most beautiful trees in Japan.
Shizumine Park, Ibaraki
Immerse yourself in an ocean of flowers: In the city Nakashi in the Kantō region hides the Shizumine Park, in which 2.300 double flowered cherry trees stand. An insider tip among Sakura aficionados!
Hinokinai River & the Samurai District, Kakunodate
In Akita Prefecture, yoshinas do not bloom until late April, popular here is the town of Kakunodate with its authentic Samurai District as well as the blossoms on the Banks of the Hinokinai. Hotel highlight: The past is brought back to life in the renovated, historic luxury warehouses (such as: The Nishinomiyake Bushigura).
Ōdōri Park, Hokkaidō
Sakura reaches last Hokkaidō im Norden, Japans zweitgrößte Insel. Die Präfekturstadt Sapporo überrascht trotz ihrer Größe mit entspannter Atmosphäre und Gastfreundlichkeit. Auf der Suche nach Blüten stolpert man über den Ōdōri Park, where you can cozy up with a sticky rice ball under canopies of flowers.
Okinawa
Dieses Jahr ist die Blüte auf dem idyllischen Archipel zwar bereits vorbei – man sollte die Insel für kommende Reisen dennoch im Gedächtnis behalten. Denn neben tollen Stränden und satter Natur blüht hier die sehr seltene Kanhi-Zakura-Kirschblüte.
