I Fly Nonstop » cherry blossoms

Cherry Blossoms: Japan’s Springtime Specialty

Jamie Kerr — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:34:20 +0000

The winter season is upon us! For those of you who forgot that winter was coming, neglected to plan your vacation, and will be ready to take a break in the spring after a busy holiday season, Japan has got just the thing to refresh and rejuvenate your spirits. Leave the holiday poinsettias behind and look forward to a Japanese flower that will ring in the spring.

Japan is a nation filled with a unique cultural mix of modern society and ancient tradition. This small country is also home to some of the most spectacular natural sites in the world. This is no secret to visitors, and they flock to Japan in the summer for its mild coastal climate. However, while some areas in northern Japan are still snow-covered during the springtime, the early blooming of Japan’s flowers are the first sign that warm seasons are on the horizon.

The spring season means one color is loud and clear in Japan: pink. The spring season in Japan awakens millions of bright, vibrant cherry blossoms. If you stand in front of the average cherry blossom tree during the wintertime, its beauty is hibernating. Leafless, spindling branches trick you into overlooking the majesty the tree will bring in the springtime. The intense pink shades of these beautiful trees will inspire you come spring.

When should I go?

Generally, the best time to see these beautiful blossoms at their best is late February through May. This varies by region. In southern Japan and the Okinawa area, the best time is February until March. In the colder north nearby Hokkaido, April and May are best. Delta Air Lines offers nonstop flights from PDX to Tokyo to take you there.

Where should I go?

Areas around Mount Fuji: This beautiful area is complete with historic castles and rivers. It’s a must-see for every spring traveler.
Kakunodate Street: This remarkable street in Tokyo is world famous for its blooming cherry blossoms.
Ueno Park: One million people per day passing the 620,000 square-foot park all agree – the park turns into a natural paradise during the spring season.
Hirosaki Castle: 5,000 cherry blossom trees were cultivated in order to demonstrate the castle’s beauty every year around May.

For more information about Japan’s cherry blossoms, click here.

Photo credits: Cherry Blossoms Ueno, AlexanderMensa; Mt. Fuji, and Cherry Blossoms By Night, skyseeker; Sakura at Kumamoto Castle, JoshBerglund19.

Photo Diary: Welcome Spring

Allison Park — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 16:54:28 +0000

Yes, it is February, so why are we talking about spring’s arrival? It may be hard to imagine, but blossoming tulips and cherry blossoms are just around the corner in our favorite nonstop destinations, and Amsterdam and Tokyo are preparing for the colorful delights that spring brings. Tokyo’s cherry blossom festivals occur in April, but in Okinawa, the celebrations have already started. Unlike Tokyo, the cherry blossoms in Okinawa are a vibrant pink and blossom in late January to early February. In Amsterdam, the Keukenhof is known as one of Europe’s most spectacular attractions. It is the largest bulb flower park in the world, housing more than 4.5 million tulips. The park open on March 24 this year. Portland is famous for its roses, and the Pittock Mansion overlooking downtown is one of many ideal locations to look at the city’s stunning display of roses.

Photo credits: Okinawa Cherry Blossoms, Okinawa Steve; Pittock Mansion, Mike Krzeszak; Keukenhof, Patrick

Cherry Blossom Viewing Hot Spots

Allison Park — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:00:07 +0000

Spring has made its appearance uncharacteristically early this year, but Japan has welcomed the blooming cherry blossoms with open arms. The annual cherry blossom festivals typically kick off in mid- to late-March and continue through the end of April (check for this year’s anticipated schedules here), and if you’re looking for the best places to “ooh” and “aah” over the cherry blossoms trees, here are a few hot spots:

View Tokyo’s Cherry Blossom Hot Spots in a larger map

Ueno Park

As one of Tokyo’s largest and busiest parks, Ueno Park is a very popular destination to view the seasonal hanami or cherry blossoms. Host to approximately 1,000 cherry trees and some of Tokyo’s most revered cultural centers (Tokyo National Museum; National Museum of Western Art; Shitamachi Museum; Ueno Zoo; and Shinobazu Pond, a bird sanctuary), Ueno Park receives millions of visitors a year. Whether you’re interested in taking in the cherry blossoms before a business meeting, wanting to enjoy an outdoor picnic or experience some of Tokyo’s cultural icons, Ueno Park must make it on your itinerary list.

Shinjuku Gardens

The Shinjuku Gardens were created by fusing Eastern and Western landscape designs. The Gardens are home to over 1,000 cherry trees of 12 varieties, and with plenty of open space, it is perfect for lounging on a sunny afternoon.

Imperial Palace and Chidorigafuchi

While most of the Emperor’s Imperial Gardens are closed to the public, Kitanomaru Park and the Imperial Palace East Gardens are available for spectators to gather and appreciate the cherry blossoms’ display. The northeastern section of Kitanomaru Park is called Chidorigafuchi, and boats are available to rent close to the Hanzomon station.

Add a little more culture to your visit by touring the resident museums: Science Museum, National Museum of Modern Art & Craft Gallery and Nippon Budokan.

Meiji-jingu

One of Tokyo’s most famous Shinto shrines, Meiji-jingu, was erected in honor of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken in 1920. The shrine is centrally located in Tokyo’s largest park Yoyogi Koen, and is a gathering place to appreciate the surrounding cherry blossoms and pay homage to the divine spirits.

Photo credits: TiareScott, Ali San, Mrhayata, KimonBerlin