Bucket List Destinations - April - Japan

This trip is sat firmly at the top of my bucket list, as I would love to see the cherry blossom in Japan. This can start in mid-March depending on whereabouts you are and will only last a couple of weeks but with different varieties flowering at slightly different times, early April is peak season. The most popular ‘sakura’ spots tend to be close to the cities, with Kyoto considered to be the prime spot. Of course, this makes for lots of tourists, so it is worth doing some research and seeking out potentially quieter places.

The Japanese, as with so many things, have turned cherry blossom viewing into an art-form and it’s known as ‘hanami’. In general this consists of a picnic under the blossom in parks, often lake-side or within castle grounds, such as Himeji Castle in Hyogo prefecture or Fuji Five Lakes area. Bento boxes are often themed for the season and you can expect to find special editions of various food and drink, from pink Kit Kats to flavoured Pepsi.

While you’re here it would be rude not to see the sights – your visit is likely to start and/or end in Tokyo and this metropolis of over 35 million people has to be seen to be believed. It’s a vertical city, with hotels, restaurants and shopping malls on top of each other. The number of experiences here are endless – whether you’re interested in the past, present or future, be it food, karaoke, sumo wrestling or manga, there’s enough happening here to keep you busy for weeks.

Next on the itinerary might be to head to Kyoto, especially for cherry blossom as the city is the heart of everything traditionally associated with Japan, from imperial palaces to teahouses to geisha, so where better to observe sakura. Despite the 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites it is still possible to find secluded gardens and secret shrines – just make friends with the locals or ensure you have a great guide booked through me, of course!

If you time your visit to coincide with the cherry blossom you may also be able to reach Takayama in time for their twice-yearly festival but even if you miss it this place is well worth a visit; located in a beautiful riverside setting the town dates back to the late 17th century and features wooden houses now boasting sake breweries, craft shops and museums galore. If you miss the festival, you’ll find some of the floats on display in one of the museums.

Depending on your interests and the time of year may well dictate what else you do – if it’s winter you could ski in the Japanese Alps or head up to Hokkaido. If you like food then Osaka is known as the epicentre of Japanese cuisine and if you’re fascinated by the idea of onsen (hot baths) then Kinosaki is the place to go – the town has seven onsen and you’ll often find people walking between them in kimono and sandals. History buffs have centuries to choose from, whether it’s the age of the Samurai right up to Hiroshima and even the Fukushima disaster, there’s plenty to explore. For nature lovers there are hikes, trails and even pilgrimages to be made or visit the deer in Nara or the snow monkeys in Yudanaka.

With such a diverse culture and environment don’t be too surprised if one visit isn’t enough!