There is no one ideal time of year to visit Japan, which is good news for those who love to travel. This can make it difficult to plan a trip to the beautiful country as each season in Japan has unique, amazing characteristics. The Land of the Rising Sun is a year-round destination,and each season is distinguished by its own specialties, foods, and celebrations. Cherry Blossom and Autumn Colours are two of Japan’s most renowned seasons and definitely ones not to miss out on.
Cherry Blossom
Visiting Japan in the Cherry Blossom season is an experience that should be on every traveller’s bucket list. The season usually lasts from late March to early May. During this time, the country is transformed into a sea of pink and white as the cherry blossoms, or sakura, bloom.
One of the most popular destinations for viewing the cherry blossoms is Tokyo. The city has numerous parks and gardens, like Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen, where visitors can enjoy the beauty of the blossoms whilst having a picnic or leisurely stroll. In the evening, the trees are illuminated, creating a romantic atmosphere.
Kyoto is also a great destination for cherry blossom viewing. The city’s historic temples and shrines, such as the iconic Kiyomizu-dera and the peaceful Philosopher’s Path, are surrounded by cherry blossom trees, creating a magical, serene atmosphere.
In addition to the spectacle of the cherry blossoms, visitors can also experience Japanese culture during this season. Many cities hold festivals and parties, such as hanami parties, where locals and tourists come together under the cherry blossoms to drink, eat and celebrate the arrival of spring.
Autumn Colours
The Autumn Colours season is another great experience for travellers. The season typically starts in late October and lasts until early December, depending on the locations and weather conditions. During this time, Japan is transformed into a colourful kaleidoscope of red, orange and yellow hues. It creates a breathtaking view.
A popular city for the autumn foliage viewing is Kyoto. Historic temples, such as the Kinkaku-ji, Tofuku-ji and Eikando Temple, are surrounded by maple and ginkgo trees that turn into vibrant colours during this season. They provide stunning backdrops for leisurely walks and photos.
In this season, visitors should venture to Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage site located north of Tokyo. This area is known for picturesque shrines and temples, like the Toshogu Shrine, which is surrounded by colourful trees.
There are many festivals during this time too. Guests can enjoy seasonal delicacies such as roasted chestnuts and sweet potato dishes. Autumn festivals like the Kurama no Hi Matsuri in Kyoto and the Jidai Matsuri in Tokyo are held during this season.
Both the Cherry Blossom and Autumn Colours seasons attract a lot of tourists and crowds. It is advisable to book travel, accommodation and viewing spots in advance.
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