My World Trip... Japan

April 29, 2025

Cherry blossom viewing spots in Greater Tokyo -- (2) Mount Fuji area

By SHApril 29, 20251 comment

In Spring 2025, I did a road trip for cherry blossom viewing (hanami) in the Greater Tokyo area.

Below are the places I visited in the Mount Fuji area. (For places in the Kanto region, refer to the previous post link) The views here are more impressive, thanks to Mount Fuji and the good weather!

1. Yamataka Jindai Sakura（山高神代桜）in Yamanashi prefecture（山梨県）

One of the "Three Great Sakura Trees of Japan", the Yamataka Jindai Sakura (Edohigan variety) is said to be 2000 years old. It is in the grounds of Jissoji temple（実相寺）, which requires a small entrance fee, but the view of the tree from outside the temple is nicer.

2. Oboshi Park（大法師公園）in Yamanashi prefecture（山梨県）

The only place in Yamanashi prefecture chosen as "Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots", Oboshi Park on a hill top has 2000 Sakura trees, mostly Somei Yoshino variety（染井吉野）, and it is possible to see Mount Fuji from here if the weather is good. Many locals enjoy hanami/picnic here. The festive mood is strong due to the yatai (food stalls) and Japanese music.

3. Fuji Cemetery（富士霊園）in Shizuoka prefecture（静岡県）

One of the top 100 spots, it has 3500 Sakura trees, comprising mostly Somei Yoshino and yamazakura（山桜）. The highlight is the 800m stretch near the entrance. Unfortunately, the peaceful vibe is affected by the sound of racing cars, probably from the nearby Fuji Speedway.

4. Sakura no Sato（さくらの里）in Shizuoka prefecture（静岡県）

Also one of the top 100 spots, this park is like a "Sakura museum", with 1000 trees of 40 varieties, blooming from late September to May. Although the trees are not particularly old/huge/dense, I like that each tree's variety is labeled clearly, and some of them are listed on a panel (in English too!) at the entrance. It also has varieties from other regions, such as Akita and Sendai.

5. Ryuganbuchi（龍巌淵）in Shizuoka prefecture（静岡県）

Although not one of the top 100 spots, it is possible to capture Sakura + Mount Fuji here. I like how the trees are huge and dense, not pale in comparison when placed alongside Mount Fuji.

However, do note that it is more difficult to see the whole Mount Fuji from the Shizuoka side compared to the Yamanashi side such as Kawaguchiko（河口湖）. Given that it is also harder to see Mount Fuji in spring compared to winter, I am really thankful for the great weather conditions the day when I visited.

6. Taisekiji（大石寺）in Shizuoka prefecture（静岡県）

Also not one of the top 100 spots, Taisekiji is a huge temple complex with 5000 Sakura trees. The trees are not particularly large/dense, but it is possible to capture Sakura + Mount Fuji + Japanese garden here. I also like the peaceful and zen vibe. Note that some areas are closed on weekends and April 6 & 7 every year.

Another place to see Sakura with Mount Fuji would be Kawaguchiko, which I had visited previously. In 2025, the cherry blossoms there were actually late by two weeks although those in other parts of the prefecture were in line with usual years.

Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Greater Tokyo - (1) Kanto Region

10 Impressive Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots

Top Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Tokyo

Night-time Cherry Blossom Viewing

South Hokkaido for Cherry Blossoms

Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Central Japan (Nagoya, etc.)

Cherry blossom viewing spots in Greater Tokyo -- (1) Kanto region

By SHApril 29, 2025No comments

2025 was the 10th year I was in Japan for cherry blossoms. This time, I did a road trip around the Greater Tokyo area. Although I had visited several spots in Tokyo for cherry blossom viewing (hanami) previously, I have yet to check out most of the places in the prefectures surrounding Tokyo.

2025 appeared to be a challenging year for hanami at first, as the earlier blooming Kawazu-zakura（河津桜）variety was two weeks late, and it was snowing in most parts of Japan on 19 March. Fortunately, the temperature shot up to 20+ degrees Celsius on 22 March, hence the bloom timing ended up generally in line with usual years.

Below are the places in the Kanto region I visited this trip, in no particular order. My favorites would be 7 & 10. (Places around Mount Fuji will be covered in another post.)

1. Shimizu Park（清水公園）in Chiba prefecture（千葉県）

One of the three "Japan's top 100 cherry blossom spots" in Chiba prefecture, Shimizu Park has around 2000 Sakura trees. This place is huge, comprising a water park, temple, shrine, camping and barbeque area, etc. It reminds me of Takaoka Kojo Park（高岡城址公園）in Toyama prefecture（富山県）. The highlight is the 100-year-old tree in the temple grounds, as well as the rows of Somei Yoshino（染井吉野）trees along the roads, forming a tunnel.

2. Izumi Nature Park（泉自然公園）in Chiba prefecture（千葉県）

Also one of the three top 100 spots in Chiba prefecture, this place has 1500 Sakura trees of 20 varieties. The premise is quite big and there are also sections with other flowers.

3. Mobara Park（茂原公園）in Chiba prefecture（千葉県）

The remaining of the three top 100 spots in Chiba prefecture, Mobara Park is said to have 2000 trees (mostly Somei Yoshino), but the scale looks smaller. What makes it special is the red bridge and shrine in the middle of the pond. Personally I find the other two spots more impressive.

4. Kinugasayama Park（衣笠山公園）in Kanagawa prefecture（神奈川県）

In 1907, a monument was erected here and around 2000 cherry trees were planted to commemorate those who died in the war with Russia. The park is on top of a hill and along a hiking route. This place is highly inaccessible, considering that it is not near a train station and that there is no place for parking.

5. Mitsuike Park（三ッ池公園）in Kanagawa prefecture（神奈川県）

Also one of three top 100 spots in Kanagawa prefecture, Mitsuike Park has around 1000 Sakura trees of different variety. It reminds me of Inokashira Park（井の頭公園）in Tokyo, but with less people and tourists. The vibe here is peaceful and relaxing. Kanagawa prefecture has another top 100 spot called Odawara Castle Park（小田原城址公園）which I visited a few years ago.

6. Koganei Park（小金井公園）in Tokyo prefecture（東京都）

This is the only one out of the five top 100 spots in Tokyo that I did not visit previously as it is located in the outskirts of the prefecture. Koganei Park is the second largest park in Tokyo, with 1400 trees of 50 varieties. It is a pity that some parts of the grounds are cordoned off to prevent overcrowding.

7. Omiya Park（大宮公園）in Saitama prefecture（埼玉県）

Also one of the top 100 spots, Omiya Park is similar to Ueno Park, but much nicer as it is more spacious and less crowded/touristy. The 700 Somei Yoshino trees are large and dense, forming a pink sky/ceiling. Locals (and some tourists) enjoy having a picnic/hanami here, and there is no need to compete and reserve a spot thanks to the abundance of space. Many yatai (food stalls) line the park circumference.

Omiya Park is quite easily accessible from Tokyo, so I highly recommend coming here instead of Ueno Park for those who have half a day to spend.

8. Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi（熊谷桜堤）in Saitama prefecture（埼玉県）

This place is rather popular even with foreign tourists due to its proximity to Tokyo and to a train station. The highlight here is the yellow canola flowers beside the row of 500 Somei Yoshino trees over a stretch of around 2km. There are also some yatai at the other side of the narrow road. However, this place can get quite congested and it is not the best spot for those who are looking for a relaxing hanami experience.

9. Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine（川越氷川神社）in Saitama prefecture（埼玉県）

This shrine is popular for the hanami boat ride along the Shingashi river（新河岸川）at the back of the shrine. It is necessary to make reservations online in advance. This spot is popular with tourists due to its close proximity to the Kawagoe old town.

10. Seiunji Temple（清雲寺）in Saitama prefecture（埼玉県）

This place in Chichibu city（秩父市）of Saitama prefecture is not well-known and not one of the top 100 spots, but it is actually impressive and deserves a spot. Although there are only about slightly more than a dozen trees, they are mostly the weeping type, and the trees are huge and old (such as a 600-year-old Edohigan). It reminds me of the impressive Miharu Takizakura（三春滝桜）in Fukushima prefecture（福島県）, one of the "three great cherry trees of Japan".

11. Nagatoro（長瀞）in Saitama prefecture（埼玉県）

This area has a few rows of Sakura around the town, such as the one leading to the Hodosan shrine（宝登山神社）. The trees here (Somei Yoshino, Yaezakura) bloom slightly later than the other parts of the same prefecture. There are also other attractions such as Iwadatami Rocks, boat ride along the Arakawa river（荒川）, etc, making it a suitable day trip from Tokyo.

12. Sakurayama Park（桜山公園）in Gunma prefecture（群馬県）

This place on top of a mountain has 3000 Somei Yoshino trees and 7000 Winter Sakura trees, with a picturesque Japanese garden. A pity the flowers have yet to reach full bloom when I visited, but judging from the scale, views and vibe, it should be nicer than the similar Kinugasayama Park. Gunma prefecture has another more popular top 100 spot called Akagi Nanmen Senbonzakura（赤城南面千本桜）which I visited a few years ago.

For cherry blossom viewing spots around the Mount Fuji area, refer to the next post link.

Tips on cutting transportation costs in Japan

By SHJuly 04, 20241 comment

(Updated in October 2024)

Since the drastic price increase from October 2023, the nationwide JR pass is no longer cost effective for many travelers to Japan. The luggage regulations introduced from May 2020 also made traveling on the Shinkansen slightly more troublesome after the pandemic. Below are some alternatives and tips on cutting transportation costs when traveling in Japan:

1. Rental car

Renting a car is highly cost effective and convenient for two or more travelers when traveling outside of the cities.

During my Spring 2024 trip, I rented a car for 7 days, probably my 4th road trip in Japan. From Nagoya, we drove up in a clockwise direction around central Japan (Gifu, Fukui, Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures). We rented a hybrid with Toyota, costing 67738 yen after 10% member discount. Even though it is slightly more expensive to rent a hybrid, we saved much on petrol. We only pumped petrol three times, amounting to 8634 yen in total.

We also paid another 11730 yen for the Central Nippon Expressway Pass (CEP) and Nagoya Expressway Pass (NEP) for 7 days. In the end, our total toll fee was 21420 yen, hence the passes helped us save 9690 yen. The total cost for the road trip was 88102 yen (excluding parking fees which are free or inexpensive outside of the cities).

There are a few expressway passes for the different regions, such as Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kyushu, etc. (There used to be a nationwide Japan Expressway Pass, but it is no longer available.) It is necessary to request for the passes at the car rental shop when collecting the car (not when booking online). Also, remember to bring along your driving license and International Driving Permit for renting a car.

Update: From October 2024, the prices of several expressway passes have been revised up significantly by 50% or more, and some passes (including CEP) are no longer available.

2. Regional train pass

There are also price increases for the regional JR passes, but not as much as the nationwide pass. As long as you are making a long-distance round-trip on the Shinkansen in one region within a few days, it is highly likely that the regional pass will still pay off. Of course, use a JR or Shinkansen Fare Calculator online to calculate the costs in advance to ensure that getting a pass is cheaper.

3. Local bus tours

For those interested in visiting famous spots outside of the cities but do not drive or are traveling alone, many foreign or local tour agencies, such as JTB, HIS, Klook and KKday, offer day tours by buses. There are also seasonal tours such as fruit picking. A one-day tour for one pax usually costs around 11000 yen, inclusive of lunch and admission fees.

4. Highway bus

Many cities are linked by highway buses run by companies such as JR and Willer Express. For traveling between Nagoya and Osaka, or between Nagoya and Tokyo, taking highway buses is highly recommended. It takes around 3 hours and costs 3000 yen to get from JR Nagoya station to JR Osaka station. This is about double the time but half the price of taking the Shinkansen. The bus stops once in the middle of the journey for a 15-minute break.

5. Domestic flight

For further distances, such as between Tokyo, Kyushu and Hokkaido, domestic flight will be the obvious choice. Besides JAL and ANA, there are other airlines such as Peach, Skymark and Solaseed. Book early or with the international flight to save costs.

Cherry blossom viewing spots in central Japan (Nagoya, etc.)

By SHApril 21, 20244 comments

2024 is a strange year for Hanami (花見) (cherry blossom viewing) in Japan. Cherry blossoms are generally much later than usual in southern Japan and earlier than usual in northern Japan. As such, instead of gradually blooming from south to north, Sakura in many parts of Japan reached full bloom together on around 10 April.

I had expected to miss full bloom in Nagoya (名古屋) by the time I reached Japan in early April, but surprisingly, Sakura there just started blooming. It would usually take about 5-10 days to reach full bloom. In any case, my focus for this trip was Hanami spots in other parts of the Chubu (中部) region, and it would be the first time I am "chasing" Sakura by car! Below are the places I covered this time, in order of prefecture:

1. Asahi Funagawa Spring Quartet (舟川四重奏) in Toyama prefecture (富山県)

This is actually the place I looked forward to most this trip, based on online photos. It did not disappoint, and I have added it to my list of impressive Hanami spots. Surprisingly, it is not in the top 100 spots chosen by Japanese Cherry Blossom Society, yet.

What makes this place special is being able to capture Sakura, canola flowers, tulips and snow-capped mountains together. It is also extremely spacious with no tall buildings around, similar to the flower fields in Hokkaido. Truly feels like paradise~ Entry and parking are actually free of charge!

2. Takaoka Castle Park (高岡城址公園) in Toyama prefecture

This is my second time here for Hanami, one of the top 100 spots in Japan. The Sakura trees and views here are not particularly impressive, but the premise is extremely spacious, comprising a small free entry zoo and a shrine, etc.

3. Matsukawa Park (松川公園) in Toyama prefecture

This highly accessible place in Toyama city is also in the top 100. What makes this place special is the Hanami boat cruise, which is rather pricey at 2600 yen in 2024. Unfortunately, the views here are hindered by buildings at both sides and blue sheets covering up the grass here and there.

4. Kenrokuen (兼六園) in Ishikawa prefecture (石川県)

This is my third time to Kenrokuen (first time for Hanami), one of the top 3 Japanese landscape gardens, also in the top 100. It was extremely crowded as I went on a weekend. Nevertheless, the Sakura (many varieties) and the views here more than made up for it. I have added it to my list of impressive Hanami spots. Admission is free during the Hanami period.

5. Asuwa River Cherry Blossoms (足羽川桜並木) in Fukui prefecture (福井県)

Together with Asuwayama Park, it is one of the three places in Fukui prefecture in the top 100. The two rows of seemingly endless (2.2km to be exact) Somei Yoshino (染井吉野) trees are impressive. As the compound is huge, it did not feel crowded even though I went on a weekend. This place is highly accessible and festival vibes are strong here.

6. Kamagatani Valley (霞間ヶ渓) in Gifu prefecture (岐阜県)

One of the three places in Gifu prefecture in the top 100, what is special about this spot is the valley views, and the variety of Sakura-- 1500 trees comprising not just Somei Yoshino, but also Yamazakura (山桜), Oyamazakura (オオヤマザクラ), Shidarezakura (枝垂れ桜), and even Shibazakura (芝桜) (moss phlox), which is rather uncommon. However, this place is quite inaccessible, even if you drive.

7. Shinsakai Riverside Cherry Blossoms (新境川堤の桜並木) in Gifu prefecture

Also one of the three places in Gifu prefecture in the top 100, the 1000 Somei Yoshino trees here are donated and named after a kabuki actor who was born here. Although the views are not particularly impressive, they are near the citizens' park, where local residents hang around with their children and dogs. The vibe here is very different from other places.

8. Iwakura Gojo River Cherry Blossoms (岩倉五条川の桜) in Aichi prefecture (愛知県)

For "row of cherry tree" (桜並木), this place is impressive as the 1300+ Somei Yoshino trees are dense enough to form a tunnel across the river, and the canola flowers provide some contrast. It is also possible to go down to the river and enjoy the views from below. Naturally, it is in the top 100, and should definitely be on the list for Hanami if in Aichi prefecture.

9. Okazaki Park (岡崎公園) in Aichi prefecture

Okazaki Park was structured around Okazaki Castle where Ieyasu Tokugawa, the first shogun of the Edo period, was born. As with many other castles, it is a good location for Hanami due to the Japanese architecture and old cherry trees (around 1000). It is less crowded than the more accessible Nagoya Castle and adjacent park, and more famous for cherry blossoms (in the top 100).

10. Yamazaki River Cherry Blossoms (山崎川四季の道の桜) in Aichi prefecture

Also in the top 100, I did not find the two rows of 720 Somei Yoshino trees here particularly impressive, but I liked how the place was quite empty, with some local residents strolling with their dogs.

11. Okuyamada's Weeping Cherry Tree (奥山田の枝垂れ桜) in Aichi prefecture

The weeping cherry tree here was planted 1300 years ago and designated as a national treasure. It blooms much earlier than other cherry trees in the region, good for those who are in Japan in late March.

12. Nabana no Sato (なばなの里) in Mie prefecture (三重県)

This is the fourth time I visited this place, a paid flower park highly accessible from Nagoya. This time, due to the late cherry blossoms, I actually managed to see tulips, nemophila and Sakura together! It was not crowded when I went on a weekday. The panoramic views are spectacular~

Of course, for those who do not want to go out of the way to see Sakura, Nagoya Castle and Tsuruma Park (鶴舞公園) in Nagoya city would be the place to go (refer to post on Aichi prefecture). However, they are more crowded with tourists.

Top Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Tokyo

Night-time Cherry Blossom Viewing

South Hokkaido for Cherry Blossoms

Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Greater Tokyo - (1) Kanto Region

Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Greater Tokyo - (2) Mount Fuji Area