Cherry Blossom 2022 (Top 5 Spots in Kansai-Wakayama, Kyoto, Nara, Shiga)
The weather is getting warmer and it finally feels like spring has arrived which means that Cherry Blossom (Sakura) season is approaching very soon!
Depending on which part of Japan, cherry blossoms are usually in bloom from the end of march until the beginning of April. The full bloom period is quite short, so don’t forget to plan your hanami (cherry blossom viewing) so you can get the best experience!
If you live in or are planning to visit the Kansai area such as Osaka, Kyoto, Nara etc., during cherry blossom season, this list is made for you!
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和歌山城
Wakayama Castle
(Wakayama)
Wakayama castle was used as residence by the Kishu Tokugawa families until the abolition of the Han system in the Meiji Era. The Okaguchimon Gate (important cultural property), and the stone walls which are built by stacking natural stones, are the same as they were from the old days.
The castle tower, which was restored after the the war, now holds an exhibition room of ridge-end tiles and armors. The view of Kinikawa River from the top is also a sight to not be missed.
Nishinomaru Teien Garden is designated as a place of scenery especially in the autumn season where the maple leaves are spectacular.
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郡山城跡
Koriyama Castle
(Nara)
Koriyama Castle is a loving symbol of Yamatokoriyama City built in 1580. With an aim to build magnificent walls for the castle, boulders and stones were collected from every possible source such as Buddhist statues. Even to this day, the remains of a Jizo statue can be found placed upside down among the pile of stones on the north wall of the foundation of the castle tower.
This Japanese castle was destroyed in the Meiji Period, but parts of the inner and outer trenches remain.
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海津大崎
Kaizu Osaki
(Shiga)
Kaizu Osaki is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot located on the northernmost part of Lake Biwa in Shiga prefecture. Around 800 beautiful Yoshino trees stretch along the the shore of Lake Biwa for around 4km! It is selected a one of the “100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan”.
What makes this spot special is the contrast of the color of the blue sky against the pink flowers that reflect on the surface of the lake creating an exquisite landscape.
There are cherry blossom viewing boats where you can hop on and relax above the peaceful ripples of the lake while enjoying the beautiful cherry blossoms!
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哲学の道
(Philosopher’s Path)
(Kyoto)
The philosopher’s path is a 2km promenade along the Lake Biwa Canal that flows past Kumano Nyakuoji Jinja Shrine in the south to Ginkakuji Temple in the north.
The path is named after Kitaro Nishida, a philosopher from Kyoto, who used to stroll along the path during his daily meditations. The footpath is framed with various plants such as flowering cherry blossoms, camphor and chestnut trees etc.
The promenade takes 30 min to walk and visitors can appreciate old temples, miscellaneous shops and cafés along the way.
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白川南通
Shirakawa Minami-dori
(Kyoto)
This street is a 200-meter stone-paved promenade where cherry blossom and willow trees line up along Shirakawa River. It is designated as one of the national important preservation district of historic buildings.
On the center of the street you can find the Tatsumi Daimyojin (Tatsumi-jinja Shrine), where maikos (apprentice geishas) like to visit.
At night, the area around Tatsumi Bridge is lit up t night creating a romantic atmosphere that’s unique to only Kyoto.
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