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Written by Savi, 94 Comments

This is Part 1 of our 5 part series on planning the ultimate trip to Japan during cherry blossom season. We will cover every aspect – itinerary, accommodation, packing – of planning an unforgettable trip to Japan during cherry blossom season

Read Part 2 – A Guide to Tokyo during Cherry Blossom Season (opens in new tab)

Read Part 3 – Choosing Accommodation for your trip to Japan (opens in new tab)

Read Part 4 – Packing for a trip in Japan during Cherry Blossom Season (opens in new tab)

Read Part 5 – Budgeting for a trip in Japan during Cherry Blossom Season (opens in new tab)

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You know that dialogue from Alice in Wonderland:
Alice “how long is forever?”
Rabbit “sometimes just one second!”

That’s how we felt on leaving Japan. Our tryst with Japan during Cherry Blossom Season was fleeting and got over all too quickly but it will tug at our heartstrings for a lifetime.

A trip in Japan during cherry blossom season offers everything a tourist could possibly want from a country – sumptuous panoramas, bustling marketplaces, delicious food, safe and efficient public transport, and helpful locals. Add to this entire by-lanes and gardens full of powder-pink sakura petals and it becomes hard to argue with the prospect of planning a trip in Japan during cherry blossom season. Here’s an overview of a suggested itinerary and all the information you need to plan a trip to Japan:

  • Days 1-4 Absorb the chaos in Tokyo
  • Days 4-6 Visit Lake Kawaguchiko for Mt. Fuji
  • Days 6-8 Enjoy city life in Osaka
  • Days 8-11 Explore historical treasures in Kyoto
  • Days 11-13 Relax in Arashiyama Park (optional)
  • Day 13-16 Stroll by ski slopes in Hakuba 

 

Mt. Fuji in cherry blossom season
Gorgeous vistas that await you in Japan

 

Useful Tips for visiting Japan:

  • www.hyperdia.com is an extremely useful website for figuring out the best way to travel between cities and within them. We found ourselves using it frequently. So make sure you bookmark it for your trip to Japan during Cherry Blossom Season.
  • Download a good translating app that can be used offline on your phone. It will help you navigate labyrinthine supermarkets, shops, and local restaurants. Google translate has a cool feature where you just need to hover your phone over text and it gets translated automatically. It’s amazing, especially in a country like Japan.

 

Pros and cons of visiting Japan during cherry blossom season

Pros

  •  Gorgeous scenery
  • Panoramas laden with iconic cherry blossoms
  • Perfect spring weather – warm afternoons, chilly evenings

Cons

  • Hotels aren’t readily available and expensive
  • Needs pre-planning as most hotels and tours are booked months in advance

 

Getting To Japan

Try to fly into Haneda Airport as it is much closer to Tokyo. We flew with Cathay Pacific for our trip to Hong Kong, Korea, and Japan as it offers great connections in Asia and worldwide. We had heard a lot of good things about Cathay Pacific before booking the flight but it was our first time flying with them. True to its reputation, the flight was comfortable and seat pitch and width quite generous for standard economy cabins. The in-flight entertainment was top notch and kept us busy throughout the flight. We enjoyed the meals on board but what made our flight memorable was the service of the staff – both on and off the ground – plenty of smiles and laughs going around 🙂

We loved the Cathay Pacific Lounge at Haneda which offers Japanese meals and a range of drinks but it’s the view that is the pièce de résistance here – grab a seat by the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the runway. Needless to say, this was Vid’s favourite part and he sat transfixed by the windows 😉

We suggest checking Cathay Pacific website for current offers and promotions to Japan.

Economy cabin seats in Cathay Pacific
There’s always time for some tomfoolery 😉

 

Cathay pacific lounge at Haneda airport
Getting some work done in the lounge – can’t complain about the view 🙂

 

Getting around Japan

We would highly recommend investing in a Japan Rail Pass for the length of your trip in Japan. This will allow you to travel between cities. It also allows you to board all Japan Rail trains in bigger cities such as Osaka and Tokyo, so you can get by without buying a single subway ticket. Make sure you get your Japan Rail Pass activated on landing at Tokyo Airport. Don’t worry if you forget – you can also get it activated at several locations in Tokyo. A 14 day economy pass costs approximately £280.

Do keep in mind that JR passes are not valid on some of the private railways so make sure you enquire in advance. In these cases, you must buy a separate ticket. For instance – we only paid £8 for the private train that goes to Mt. Fuji and £20 for a couple of subway tickets in Osaka and Tokyo over the period of 14 days.

JR train from Tokyo to Hakuba
Commuting between cities on JR trains

 

Absorbing the commotion in Japan 😀

 

 

Best time to visit Japan for cherry blossom season

Cherry blossoms usually bloom only for 2 weeks of the year in a particular region. The peak bloom is supposed to start during the end March/first week of April and lasts almost till the end of April/May in certain parts of Japan. Spring comes later in  the mountains and it is  possible to see cherry blossoms in bloom in mountainous places such as Hakuba during May. However like all natural phenomena, this varies every year. You can check Sakura forecasts, readily available online, for information on best times to visit.

 

couple enjoying Cherry blossom in tokyo's parks
Chilling on a bed of pale pink sakura petals 🙂

 

Itinerary for a trip in Japan during Cherry Blossom seasons

 

I) Days 1-4 Exploring Tokyo

 

Getting to Tokyo

Chances are you will land in Tokyo wherever in the world you are flying from. Tokyo has 2 airports (Haneda and Narita) – try choosing a flight that lands at Haneda as it is much closer to the city. Getting to downtown Tokyo is fairly simple as public transport is efficient and punctual. A direct train from the airport takes visitors to the centre. It costs 540 yen (approx. £4).

 

Accommodation in Tokyo

There is no dearth of accommodation to suit every budget in Tokyo. We chose Park Hotel Tokyo for the incredible view from the hotel and loved our stay there. Read a detailed review in our article on choosing accommodation in Japan. (link in the beginning of the article).

Dragon artist room in Park Hotel Tokyo
Beautifully painted room with equally stunning views 🙂

 

Exploring Tokyo during Cherry Blossom Season

Cherry blossom trees are everywhere in Tokyo but Shinjuku Goeya Park, Yoyogi Park, and Ueno Park are a few of the best places to catch Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo. Other than that, don’t forget to explore the quirky markets of Harijuku, urban chaos in Shibuya, temples in Asakusa, shopping malls in Ginza, and local eateries in Shimbashi and Ueno.

Read our detailed guide to exploring Tokyo during Cherry Blossom season here

Cherry blossom trees and petals in Tokyo
Sakura in Tokyo!

 

We loved everything about Tokyo <3

 

II) Days 4-6: Visit the iconic Mt Fuji

 

Getting to Mt. Fuji

Irrespective of where you are coming from, you will have to switch to a private train at Otsuki station to get to Kawaguchiko, which is the station ideal for viewing Mt. Fuji. If you have a Japan Rail pass, then tickets cost is 1140 yen (£8) for the regular train and 1540 yen (£11) for the Express train from Otsuki to Kawaguchiko station.

 

Accommodation in Fuji

We stayed in a hotel near Lake Kawaguchiko and one that offers shuttle service to/from the train station. – Fuji Premium Resort because it offers a stunning view of Mt Fuji at breakfast. Read more in our article on accommodation in Japan.

view of Mt. Fuji at breakfast from Fuji Premium Resort
Breakfast with a VIEW!

 

Exploring Mt Fuji during Cherry blossom season

There are a few places in the world that actually live up to the hype surrounding them. Mt Fuji is one of them. Lake Kawaguchi is the easiest and most accessible point to view Mt. Fuji. The mountain stands tall and lords over the Yamanashi Prefecture. On a clear day, you’ll spot it the second you get off the train – it’s hard not to be overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of it.

I recently read about Yūgen – an important concept in traditional Japanese aesthetics.  It roughly translates to an awareness of the beauty of the universe that triggers profound and deep emotional responses. That’s the kind of response Mt Fuji evokes. And its beauty is amplified manifold during sakura season. There are many viewpoints from where one can absorb the Beauty of Mt. Fuji during Cherry blossom season but here are some of our favourite viewpoints:

 

Free viewpoints:

  • Ohashi Bridge – a short bus ride from Kawaguchiko station or a 20 minute pleasant walk, Ohashi bridge offers a splendid view of Mt Fuji, standing tall against Lake Kawaguchiko. Continue to walk past the bridge and you’ll see a couple more viewpoints.
  • North shore of Lake Kawaguchiko: The alleys here are laden with cherry blossom trees by the dozen. Drop by for a gorgeous stroll along the shores of the splendid Lake Kawaguchiko
  • Churieto pagoda: A short train ride from Kawaguchiko train station will get you to Shimoyoshida train station. Churieto Pagoda is a 15 minute easy uphill walk away. Entry is free and the pagoda complex is dotted with cherry blossom trees. The Churieto Pagoda offers one of the most magical views of Mt Fuji. We suggest visiting mid afternoon and hanging around till sunset. The pagoda and its surroundings are beautiful in the evening light.

 

Paid viewpoints:

  • Shibazakura festival: Imagine acres upon acres of bright pink moss and flowers against the backdrop of Mt Fuji. The Shibazakura festival runs from 19 April-20 May (approx) and attracts thousands of visitors each year. However it’s best to check whether flowers are in full bloom before booking your tickets to the festival. We suggest getting to Kawaguchiko and checking with locals before booking your tickets. We were supposed to visit the festival but couldn’t because of the late bloom this year – blame the vagaries of nature!
  • Cable car – The other viewpoint that offers panoramic views of Mt Fuji and the surrounding areas is Mt. Kachikachi Ropeway. Tickets cost 800 yen (£5.5). It can be a bit underwhelming if you’ve visited all the viewpoints listed above. We suggest visiting the free points of view before hopping on the cable car.
Mt. Fuji from Ohashi bridge Kawaguchiko
Mt. Fuji as seen from Kawaguchiko Ohashi bridge – Majestic!

 

 

 

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Mt. Fuji from the North shore of Lake Kawaguchiko

 

Mt. Fuji seen from Chureito Pagoda
Mt. Fuji from Chureiti Pagoda – doesn’t get better than this

 

III) Days 6-8 in Osaka

 

  • Getting to Osaka

Arriving to Osaka from Mt Fuji is quite a challenge. You’ll have to change a few trains before finally arriving in Osaka. Consult www.hyperdia.com for the exact route you will have to take

 

  • Accommodation in Osaka

We ended up at Sunnystone Hotel due to good reviews on Tripadvisor but our room was extremely cramped and we hated the experience! We’d suggest looking elsewhere – check out AirBnB (get $30 off your first booking using this link) if you can’t find a hotel to suit your requirements?

 

  • Things to do in Osaka during Cherry Blossom Season

Since you are in Osaka just for a couple of days, use your time wisely.

  1. You will want to take it easy on the first day after the long train ride from Lake Kawaguchiko. Head to Dotonbori, the flamboyant dining and shopping district of Osaka. There are lots of high street stores, designer boutiques, and tax free stores if you want to shop. Dotonbori is also the best place for a self guided food tour of sorts. People in Osaka take their food very seriously. Consequently there are lots of stalls, kiosks, and little food markets selling a range of Japanese delicacies.  Try gyoza dumplings and takoyaki (octopus and flour balls) to kick start the night. Have dinner at a sushi or ramen restaurant for a typical Japanese experience. If you enjoy conveyor-belt sushi then visit Genrokozushi or Isonoryotaro – both restaurants are popular but it’s easy to find a seat at the latter because it isn’t on the main road. Round off your meal with a portion of matcha ice cream or Osaka’s characteristic fish-shaped waffles.
  2. Sakuranomiya Park – this is the perfect place place to catch Cherry Blossoms in bloom on a clear day.  You will spot tons of locals spending time with their friends and lots of kids playing with each other. Make sure you pack a picnic and take your camera along – you will want to take photographs of Sakura flowers every 5 minutes.
  3. Osaka Castle – Combine your trip to Sakuranomiya park with Osaka Castle. No trip to Osaka is complete without a visit to the Osaka Castle. The Castle grounds are the perfect place to see vlossoms in full bloom. But the complex is equally special without Blossoms too – the approach to Osaka Castle is bound to make you feel like Royalty. We suggest visiting during the early hours of the evening. The Castle closes at 5 pm and most  tourists leave. But hang around for sunset – the castle is lit and makes for a gorgeous scene.
  4. Osaka Mint bureau – Yet another place see the sakura in bloom, Osaka’s Mint Bureau is perfect if you are a keen photographer – expect cherry blossom trees laden with pink flowers and alleys strewn with powder pink petals.

 

Dotonbori night scenes in Osaka
The madness in Dotonbori – this place is perfect for Japanese street food!

 

Sakuranomiya park in Osaka perfect for cherry blossom viewing
Beautiful flowers in Sakuranomiya Park

 

Couple enjoying Sunset at Osaka castle
Enjoying a gorgeous sunset at Osaka Castle

 

IV) Days 8-11 in Kyoto

 

Kyoto is one of the busiest tourist destinations in Japan, so expect crowds wherever you go. But don’t let that dissuade you from exploring the city because it’s a historical and cultural treasure

  • Accommodation in Kyoto 

We stayed in Machiya Maya Gion, a 100 year old house that has recently been refurbished into 2 luxury apartments and loved it. Read more in our article on accommodation in Japan.

traditional and luxurious Machiya Maya in Kyoto
Beautifully furnished traditional Machiya

 

  • Things to do in Kyoto

  1. Explore Gion – Time seems to stand still in the historical streets of Gion. Quaint Japanese houses and shrines dilly dally with cherry blossom trees and Japanese eateries. Rent a kimono, try some ramen, and photograph  historical doors. Gion is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Japanese culture for a day
  2. Hokan-ji Temple for sunset – If you’re in Gion, we’d recommend heading to Hokanji temple during the evening. The temple is the perfect place to watch the sun set- it’s quite popular with photographers, so expect a few people at sunset. 
  3. Kiyomizu Dera – Kiyomizu Dera is another popular shrine in the area. The bright orange doors, perched on top of a hilltop beckon hundreds of tourists each day. Stick around for sunset if you get a chance – it’s pretty spectacular 
  4. Inari Shrine – the iconic shrine that frequently makes an appearance on Instagram is close to Kyoto. Run your fingers along its bright orange facade or spend a couple of hours walking through hundreds of iconic Torii Gates that are over 1300 years old. The Inari Shrine tends to get very crowded. Just keep going higher if you want to escape the crowds and try getting there early in the day.
  5. Arashiyama Park and Bamboo Forest – Arashiyama is a special place. Visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Togetsukyo Bridge early in the morning and you’ll know what we mean.

 

Spotting Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto 

You never have to go far to spot blossoms in Kyoto, especially if you’re staying in the Gion area. You will find them on sidewalks, at street corners, and in most parks. But here are a couple of places to hit if you visit Kyoto at the peak of the Cherry Blossom season: 

  • Maruyama Park is home to hundreds of cherry blossoms and one of the few places in Japan where blossoms can be seen lit up in the dark. Make sure you visit Maruyama late in the evening.
  • Combine your trip to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest with a stroll along Kamogawa River. You will spot hundreds of sakura trees. Make sure you click a few photos at the scenic Togetsukyo Bridge
  • Philosopher’s Path and Heian Jingu Shrine are located in close proximity and both locations are home to hundreds of cherry blossom trees

 

Sunset at Hokan-Ji temple in Gion Kyoto
Beautiful evening light in Gion (Hokan-Ji temple)

 

Girl in Inari shrine in Kyoto
Inari Shrine – a photographer’s delight!

 

Sunset at kiyomizu Dera
Kiyomizu Dera – perfect for a gorgeous sunset!

 

V) Days 11-13: Wind down and indulge

You will be chasing Cherry Blossoms, moving hotels, photographing, and taking a dozen trains and buses on your trip in Japan. So we strongly recommend to take a couple of days time to just wind down, relish nature, and truly relax after all that moving around in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. If you have 2-3 extra days at hand, spend it in the lap of nature in the countryside around Kyoto.

We chose Suiran Kyoto, which is located in the heart of the legendary Arashiyama Park and loved our experience – the hotel is historical, scenic, and special in so many ways.

Japanese high tea at Suiran Kyoto overlooking Hozu river
Traditional Japanese high tea with arguably one of the best views 🙂

 

Spend your days exploring the Arashiyama Park, relaxing by the river, and discovering little eateries. The Park is also home to the legendary Arashiyama bamboo forest. Did you know that in Japanese culture Shinrin Yoku i.e. the practice of “Forest bathing” is actually recommended as therapy? Shinrin Yoku is not about hiking, burning calories, or accomplishing anything. It’s about letting the trees soothe your soul as your mind meanders- it’s about taking a step back. It’s a magical practice and we could all do with a bit of that in our lives 🙂

Arashiyama bamboo forest behind Suiran Kyoto
The Arashiyama bamboo forest is all kinds of gorgeous 😀

 

boat on Hozu river in Arashiyama
Hozu river and the lush Arashiyama forest

 

VI) Days 13-16 Enjoy the ski slopes at Hakuba

 

  • Getting to Hakuba

It is a bit of a trek getting to Hakuba but it’s totally worth it. This will expose you to a side of Japan ignored by most tourists. There is a direct train that leaves Shinjuku, Tokyo at 7.30 am every morning. Check www.hyperdia.com for information on getting to Hakuba from your point of departure.

 

  • Accommodation in Hakuba

We chose to stay in a chalet by Morino Lodge. Since we were visiting  during off season, we got upgraded to one of their largest chalets – Alps View Chalet – and loved our stay. Read more in our article on accommodation in Japan.

 

Night sky with millions of stars in Hakuba
Both of us admiring the night sky right outside our Chalet

 

  • Exploring Hakuba in Cherry Blossom season

Spring arrives late in the mountains. So we suggest scheduling the trip to Hakuba towards the end of your holiday in Japan. Cherry blossom trees start blooming in the Hakuba area only by the second week of May. Having said that, Hakuba is truly sensational during most times of the year. Its alpine scenery is reminiscent of the Swiss and German Alps. Hakuba’s pristine beauty is even more special because it is off the beaten path and doesn’t feature on most itineraries of Japan. Spend your days taking long walks In the countryside, skiing on the slopes, picnicking by the river, or exploring its quaint city centre.

 

If you’re spending a significant amount of time in Hakuba, then make sure you plan a day trip to the historic villages of Shirakawa-Go and Gokayama. These mountain villages are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and make for a memorable outing.

Gorgeous scenery all around

 

Snow capped mountains in Hakuba
Loved the landscapes near our chalet in Hakuba!

 

That’s it – the itinerary for an epic trip during cherry blossom season. Japan is an incredible country and there is nothing quite like seeing entire landscapes covered in pale pink sakura blossoms- hope you love it as much as we did!

94 thoughts on “Visiting Japan during Cherry Blossom Season: An Itinerary

      1. Hi i am planning a trip to japan this summer but i am very skeptical as i have heard language and vegetarian food is a major issue there.
        Hope you could throw some light on this to clear the air in my head.
        Thank you

        1. Hi Vinita,
          Yes, language and veg food can be difficult, but nothing that should prevent you from exploring this beautiful country. Use Google translate for communicating when need be. As for vegetarian food, you’ll always find options in all restaurants.

  1. Wow. This is such a detailed and well articulated article on planning a trip to Japan. So it looks like a minimum of 15 days should be spent in Japan. Am going to refer to these.

    1. Hey Deborah – the Japanese people actually consider the fall of cherry blossom petals sacred. That’s how gorgeous it is 🙂

  2. I would absolutely love to visit Tokyo and I think cherry blossom season is an especially beautiful time to do it. I hope one day I will be able to make it myself.

    1. Hey Sarah – hope you make it to Japan during Cherry Blossom Season. It is truly special during spring time 🙂

  3. Isn’t it amazing how you can go from one part in Japan and be in the city but the next be transported back in time to the more rural part of Japan. I would love to go during Cherry Blossom season x

    1. Anna that’s so true – it’s so easy to leave the hustle bustle behind in seconds. That’s what we loved about it 🙂

  4. I’ve been staying at your photos for far longer than I should have this afternoon. My goodness, they’re as pretty (if not prettier) than postcards! My brother and his wife went to Japan a few years ago to see the cherry blossoms and some of their stories as similar to yours. They loved the train, seeing the city, and the cherry blossoms in all of their glory. They’ve said they would jump at the chance to go back. Can’t wait to read Part II

    1. So glad you enjoyed going through them – Japan is a gorgeous country and lends itself well to photographs 🙂

    1. Hey Rhian,

      That’s right. And even with such a short window the Cherry Blossom can be difficult predict. We got really lucky in Korea and Japan with the Sakura this time 🙂

    1. Hey Melanie,

      We had the time of our lives in Japan – it was such an awesome trip and we can’t wait to return 🙂

  5. Guys..love your pictures and descriptions.. my bucket list keeps growing everytime i visit your site… who takes pics which have both of you? Tripod n timer or anyone passing by?

    1. Hey Vandana,

      Thanks a lot 🙂 Happy to hear that!!!

      We use a tripod and a timer to click our photos. The odd one here or there is taken by a friend/guide who is with us but 99% are on the tripod 🙂

    1. Thanks a lot Emily 🙂 Japan lends itself well to photography 🙂 We had a great time moving around the country and exploring different cities and landscapes!!

    1. Hey Jemma,

      You must 🙂 you won’t regret it. Although it can be a bit crowded and expensive during Cherry Blossom, but the scenes make up for it 🙂

  6. Definitely added Japan to my buckelist as the cherry blossom season looks and sounds absolutely amazing and you guys did a lot

  7. Superb post… U guys are simply awesome… U were in Mumbai recently and I missed a chance to meet you guys… :(. I hav a question.. Out of all the cities and countries that u have visited which one is ur most favorite?? vid and Savi this question is to both of you.

    1. Hey Amrutaa,

      Thank you so much for all the love 🙂 We would have loved to meet you in Mumbai!

      Right, to answer your question:

      Savi: Peru
      Vid: Iceland

      🙂

    1. Hi Abbi,

      Glad to know you found this itinerary useful 🙂 Japan is a great country to explore over a couple of weeks and you won’t be disappointed 🙂

  8. This is such a helpful article, and the pictures are absolutely breathtaking. Pushing Japan to the top of my list!

    1. Thanks a lot Adele 🙂 You’re always so supportive of us – can’t thank you enough 🙂

      Hope you get to visit Japan soon 🙂

  9. Your photographs are some of the best I have ever seen! I would love to know what you take them on. Going back to the post, the info you have shared is amazing. I have a friend who is travelling to Japan next spring, so I will be passing this on to her for the lowdown. Thank you x

    1. Hey Tanya,

      Thanks a lot for recommending our article to your friend 🙂

      We click our photos using a Nikon D610 and (mostly) the 24-70 f2.8 lens 🙂

  10. Such a detailed and a well articulated itenary, was just curious u guys didn’t take a Hiroshima or Nagasaki tour?

      1. Me n my husband r plannin a trip to Japan n v just have 10 days so wat all should v cover, v don’t want to run n want a relaxed trip as well. Please advice

  11. Great itinerary and beautiful photos. Can I ask, when did you start planning for your trip? We want to go in April of 2018.

    1. Hey Joanne,

      Thanks 🙂 If you want to visit during cherry blossom season in 2018, we’d say start planning at least 6-9 months in advance. Good hotels get sold out early on.

  12. Hello Savi and Vid,
    First things first, I stumbled upon your website (and insta account) just a couple of hours back, and I have already become a fan of your articles!! You stories are beautiful and your Photos are just awesome.

    I had stayed in Japan for 4years and during that time I travelled a lot..!!
    I have been to ALL the places that you mentioned above!! 🙂

    I must admit that I am still in awe of your photos!! Initially I thought that you take a photographer with you when you travel, but then after reading the “who we are” page….I am just stunned..!! So, just to clarify myself, can I ask — “are all the couple shots taken by Vid by keeping the camera on a tripod” ?? (if the answer is ‘yes’, then you guys must write a tutorial on that!!)

    Cheers to your awesome travel stories!!

    Mainak
    (your new fan)

    1. Hey Mainak – yes over 99% of the shots are by us. Sometimes a friend or tour guide will help click the photo under Vid’s direction 🙂 Glad you enjoyed going through our photos and stories – thanks for your kind words 🙂

  13. Hey, can you share the exact dates of your travel? Every blog has a different Cherry Blossom forecast dates for 2018, plus I have friends who traveled to Japan Apr end – May beginning and saw Cherry Blossom too… I want to book tickets soon but very confused about the dates to book so that we see Cherry Blossom for sure….

    1. Hello Bakul,

      We were in Korea in first week of April and in Japan in the second – fourth week of April. At the end of the day Sakura is a natural phenomenon so there’ll never be an exact time when you’ll see Cherry Blossom. That said 1st-2nd week of April are said to be the best 🙂

      Have a great trip

  14. Thanks guys, this is such a helpful article! But can you tell me if it is better to do Tokyo-Osaka-Kyoto or Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka, since Kyoto does not have an international Airport.

    1. Hey Niyati,

      Sure, if you’re thinking of flying out of Osaka, then tokyo – Kyoto – osaka might make more sense. We were flying out of Tokyo so didn’t really make much of a difference for us 🙂

    1. Hi yes – you can cut out Osaka and Hakuba from the itinerary above and visit Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, and Kyoto 🙂

  15. Hi Savi Vid !!!

    Love to read your articles .
    For a week in Japan esp to see cherry blossom would you stick to Tokyo , Mt Fuji and Kyoto as mentioned in previous comment or Any other recommendation or this period ??? Am considering 8th -15th April…..

    1. Hey Punya,

      Will definitely include Mt. Fuji – if you’re up for an adventure, head to the alps and you can see some gorgeous sakura on the way there

    2. After reading your article got inspired to visit Japan. My only concern is will I get vegetarian food in Japan?

      1. Hey yes – there are many vegetarian restaurants and you can always shop at supermarkets as well 🙂

  16. Hello there!
    We plan to go for our honeymoon to Japan since my husband is very keen on going somewhere completely offbeat.
    I’ve thoroughly read your itinerary, and have a couple of questions.
    1. Does JRP include any bullet train travels?
    2. Is 13th March to 2nd April a good time to visit? Or would you stress for April mid for Cherry Blossom
    3. Tokyo , MT Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe & Hiroshima are the places we are looking at.
    4. Hassles for Veg Food?
    5. How bad is the communication there? Is English used often or will communication be a problem?

    Can I do the above within 4 lakh incl flights travel accommodation food and sightseeing!
    Would be very kind of you to help me out!

    Kind Regards,
    Saloni Vadalia

    1. Hey

      JRP does include some bullet trains. 13th March to 2nd April is a good time to visit for Cherry Blossom. The places you’re looking at are great. There shouldn’t be an hassle for vegetarians. You can easily get by with English and a smile 😀

      Your budget might be a bit tight for an almost 3 week long trip.

  17. Hey guys,

    Great itinerary. We are planning a 2 week trip to Japan in 1st week of April and came across your blog and its very helpful. We plan to go to Tokyo ..>Kyoto–>Hiroshima –> Hakone. We have a 2 year old so and would like to take things easy. So not sure if this will be a lot for 2 weeks? Not sure if you could help me with some questions:
    Does your itinerary include travel time?
    Did you guys go to Hiroshima as well?
    We planned to go to Hakone but really like the idea of going to Lake Kawaguchiko instead. I see the that its not that easy to get there. What do you recommend?
    We also wanted to do the alpine route but hopefully thats for next time as I don’t think within 2 weeks we could do that.

    Thanks much!!!!

    1. Hey our itineraries usually include travel time. No your itinerary looks fine for 2 weeks although we would highly recommend going to Lake Kawaguchiko – it’s beautiful and honestly not difficult to get to at all 🙂

  18. Hi Savi & Vid,

    I am planning to go to Japan in september. I know there wont be cherry blossom. But would-be it be just as beautiful as your pictures, Nice and green.

  19. Hi Guys. Thanks so much for this awesome review – my wife and I looking for a trip exactly like this. The only thing that I wanted to ask was about the cherry blossoms. We are planning to go April 27th starting off in Tokyo. DO you think that’s too late to see the cherry blossom. Since you guys were in Japan for about 2 weeks did you notice the flowers disappear/fall? Thanks!

    1. Hi Jay,

      Yes, from our experience it will be too late. Over the period of 2 weeks that we were there we saw many Sakura trees wither

  20. Hi,

    Great post. What would you change about your trip if you weren’t going during cherry blossom?

    Lets say you were going over Xmas, New Years for a total of 15 days. Which parts of Japan would you visit during this time?

    Rajiv

  21. Hi Guys,
    Great details in the blog. We are going for 10 days starting 28th Aug- 9th Sep . We are flying to Tokyo and flying out from Osaka. Please share: what can I leave out from this itinerary?
    any area that you think you would have covered but were not able to make it or you think it is not required? (Like Nara, Koyasan etc)
    Osaka: Any other hotel accommodation and area where to stay?
    Any tips for visiting in summers?

    1. Hey Vani,

      Very subjective questions 🙂 We would have loved to add Koyasan but we would have also hated to remove something from our existing list 😉 It’s always like that, so don’t worry. Whichever place you visit will be amazing. Sorry don’t have any other hotel recommendation for Osaka 🙁

  22. Hi Guys… I am a huge fan and love your posts and blogs.. your picture are such post card worthy…
    Had a quick question for Japan…
    I am planning about 3 weeks in Japan over end of Dec to Jan.. and i intend following the route you have outline…
    i understand… it will be cold and definitely no cherry blossom.. which is ok..
    Would you still recommend the same route or would you suggest changes…
    I intend going solo as well.. so any tips for solo travel… ??

    1. Hi Deeps,

      Yes that itinerary will be great for solo travel in Dec/Jan too 🙂 Japan is very safe but that said always let common sense prevail 🙂

  23. This is an amazing blog! Although I’m confused how you managed to catch cherry blossoms in both Tokyo and Chureiti Pagoda in a span of a week. Doesn’t Chureiti Pagoda get cherry blossoms two weeks after Tokyo?

    1. Hey Natasha,

      No hard and fast rule like that. When we were in Tokyo, Sakura was almost over and a week later it was in full bloom around Chureito 🙂

  24. Hello, you have mentioned that reaching to Hakuba is via Shinjuku, Tokyo. But the previous day is at Surian Kyoto. We are planning to follow the same itinerary so could you please advise us how to reach Hakuba from there ? Thank you

  25. Hey read your full itinerary. Can u suggest itinerary for December. I am more interested in visiting natural wonders and how to reach from Tokyo.

  26. Any view on onsen village ( hot springs ) near kyoto ? or better alternative for hot springs ? Been to himeji castle ?

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