As the season turns cooler and we prepare our precious annual leaves for the next year, many of us make it a point to visit Japan for the ever-elusive sakura blooming season.

While to us, the seas of pink is a breathtaking sight, there’s much more to the tradition of appreciating spring for the locals. Ohanami (or cherry blossom flower viewing) is one of them.

Though it seems straightforward enough to just have a picnic under the trees, there is a whole list of do’s and don’ts that you might not know about.

DAMAGE

It goes without saying that you shouldn’t damage the trees in any way at all. While it seems obvious and almost “duh”-worthy enough, it’s still important to reiterate that the trees are meant for everyone’s enjoyment. Do not hang or place any belongings on the trunks or branches, or even scratch or draw on any surface of the tree.

You’ve probably seen a few videos of terrible tourists that shake or even kick the trees and branches to create a petal shower, all for the sake of a few selfies. Some even break off branches to bring back as souvenirs.

DRINKING

With an amazing view and a generous spread of food on an easy-going afternoon, Ohanami makes for the perfect time to kick back and catch up with your friends. Chances are, you’re not the only one shares the same sentiment, as with the other hanami-goers. All it takes is for one person to have had too much to drink to ruin the atmosphere for everyone, so do control your alcohol intake.

LITTER

Japan’s clean streets are just one of the many reasons why we love them, and when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Littering is not just illegal, but downright rude as well. Most public areas in Japan don’t provide garbage bins either, so the most acceptable way to clean up is to bring the trash home to sort and recycle accordingly.

MATS

While certain popular spots such as parks might have blue tarps set up for hanami viewers, most areas don’t provide mats so it’s recommended to bring your own. A sheet or a blanket works just fine if you don’t plan on buying a picnic mat just for this.

PHOTOS

Rather than bringing home any physical souvenirs, the best memorabilia would be photos. Considering how it’s such a special event, it’s highly encouraged to take as many photos as possible. Though do keep in mind not to disturb the rest by obstructing the pathways.

PICNICS

It’s also common to see locals preparing picnic baskets just for ohanami parties. Most of them pack small bites such as karaage or sandwiches, but if you don’t have time to cook anything in advance, convenient shops are the perfect place to hit up for some last minute purchases.

RULES & REGULATIONS

Every province, town and park have their own specific set of rules and regulations to abide by. Do make it a point to research ahead, as some places might have additional clauses not present elsewhere. This is especially so if you’re planning on having a barbeque.

SPACE-HOGGING

No one likes hoggers. Sure, it’s nice to have a lot of space, but there’s a lot of people who need that space too. Take up only as much space as you need for the number of people you have with you, and though it’s alright to save a space in advance, don’t go overboard by reserving the same spot for longer than necessary.

TRANSPORT

Chances are, you’ll be travelling around by public transport. As ohanami parties can carry on into the wee hours of the night, we advise checking to see when the last train is, least of all you get stranded on the street. After all, taxis are extremely expensive, and who knows if you’ll even find one in the area.

TREE ROOTS

Perhaps one of the less obvious things to note is that Sakura tree roots are particularly fragile. While we might think it’s alright as long as we don’t pick flowers or break branches, by sitting on stepping on the roots of the tree, we damage it by giving it unnecessary pressure. Do your best to distance yourselves from the trees when enjoying the view, regardless of sitting or walking.

Every Spring, the world flocks to Japan for hanami (the act of cherry blossoms appreciation). The city will be coloured pink; cherry and plum blossom trees line the streets and the entire city is magically transformed into a flower paradise.

Tokyo, in particular, plays host to a big crowd of visitors from all over the world who bask in the beauty of the blooms. It is a phenomenal experience, and it is a sheer sight to behold. One cannot simply rely on pictures to see the beauty; being in Japan for hanami is essential to take in all the beauty and to witness the splendour of Spring.

There are many spots in Tokyo for hanami, and as much as there will be crowds, it will be worth your while. So if you’re heading to Tokyo this Spring, here are some popular spots where cherry blossom trees can be found in abundance.

SHINJUKU GYOEN NATIONAL GARDEN

This is undisputedly the most popular cherry blossom destination in Tokyo where cherry blossom trees can be seen at every corner. There is an entrance fee but it will be well worth the money spent.

Within Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, there are different types of sakura trees, and in Spring, the whole park is livened up with pinks of different hues. It is also a common spot for picnics and photoshoots.

YOYOGI PARK

Just farther up from Meiji-jingu is Yoyogi Park, another crowded cherry blossom spot during Spring because the locals love having picnics under the sakura trees. Expect over 600 sakura trees that boast mainly pale pink blooms. Food stands are also available within the park so you don’t have to bring your own.

Photo Credit: Tokyo in Pics

AOYAMA CEMETERY

Do not be spooked; this cemetery is actually a calm sanctuary and during Spring, it actually gets pretty crowded so you’d never be alone. There are hundreds of cherry blossom trees lining the straight road that cuts through the cemetery.

It is, after all, a graveyard so be mindful of your activity and noise level here. The locals usually keep their hanami activities quiet so as to respect the dead.

UENO PARK

Ueno Park is a family-friendly park in Tokyo that has more than just sakura. There is a whole row of street stalls where you can get a variety of Japanese snacks such as crab sticks, grilled octopus, takoyaki etc.

At the end of the park is a small pond where you can rent boats in the shape of swans. You’d see families peddling the boats and the kids really do love the sight of “swans” in the ponds against the hundreds of sakura trees!

CHIDORIGA-FUCHI

This is our favourite spot for hanami in Tokyo. Chidoriga-fuchi used to be pretty under the radar, but in recent years, it has gained popularity mainly from its boat rental. You might have seen pictures of people on the iconic blue boat, riding through the river that’s densely lined with sakura trees on both ends. It is a magnificent sight and we always return to this spot when we find ourselves in Tokyo for Spring. Be prepared to wait in line for hours for the boat, though.

Hanami doesn’t stop there. Take a stroll in the park where you find even more sakura trees, many of which are weeping kind where the cherry blossoms hang really low, making it the perfect backdrop for your selfies. But please do not pluck the flowers!

Photo Credit: Toshiro Gamo

KOISHIKAWA KORAKUEN

Koishikawa Korakuen is one of Japan’s most popular traditional Japanese landscape garden. It was built in the early Edo period (1600-1867). Koishikawa is the district in which the garden is located in, and the garden was named ‘Korakuen’ after a poem encouraging a ruler to enjoy pleasure only after achieving happiness for his people.

The garden features several early blooming weeping cherry trees around the garden’s entrance gate, most prominently a weeping cherry blossom tree that blooms a few days earlier than all the other trees.

Photo Credit: Ambassadors Japan

ASAKUSA

Asakusa is another extremely popular spot in Tokyo for hanami. The landmark Senso-ji has sakura trees lining the front of its Hozomon Gate at Nakamise Street. It is not uncommon to see locals strolling the streets of Asakusa in their kimonos. If you’d love to don one, there are several rental shops in the vicinity too.

With Tokyo Sky Tree just behind Asakusa, you can also get photos of cherry blossoms “draping” the famous Tokyo tower.

Photo Credit: Good Luck Trip Japan

SUMIDA PARK

Farther up from Asakusa is Sumida Park, a common spot for hanami for visitors to Asakusa. Sumida Park stretches for a few hundred meters along both sides of Sumida River and hanami can also be enjoyed from boats that cruise the river.

Food stands are also available within Sumida Park.

MEGURO PARK

This is another perennial favourite of ours. Meguro River is exceptionally stunning both in the day and at night, with more than 800 trees lining the canal that stretches a few hundred meters. The trees will all light up when night falls.

There isn’t a designated spot for hanami but there are many “intervals” along the canal where you can stop for photos.

Photo Credit: JW Web Magazine

ASUKAYAMA PARK

This hilltop public park is one of Tokyo’s oldest hanami spots. It is extremely popular among locals and today, several hundred trees dot the park, hence creating many picnic spots.

The trees here also light up in the evening.

Located on the island of Shikoku, Kochi is rather out of the way for many which are what deters tourists from visiting. But what this humble area in Japan treated us to was nature in its most pristine form and its fascinating yet exciting drinking culture.

Kochi is blessed with beautiful and abundant nature such as the Shimanto River, Niyodo River and the Kuroshio coastline. From clear-blue lakes to autumn leaves and silhouettes depicting a never-ending sea of mountains, Kochi truly impressed us from leaf to pebble.

And when it comes to eating and drinking, these folks are anything but simple. Drinking alcohol is a huge deal here and eating good food is more of a lifestyle here rather than a necessity—something we can definitely resonate with. Bonito, a close relative of tuna and mackerel, is also hugely popular here and can be found in literally every restaurant and izakaya.

We had a lovely opportunity to go on a 5D4N adventure through Kochi, seeing and experiencing all sorts of fun things, eating amazing food and even getting hands down to make our own paper and harvest our own sea salt. For the curious traveller, here are 12 reasons why Kochi has to be on your next Japan itinerary.

TOSAWO SHOTEN

Specialising in soba, Tosawo Shoten is an excellent place to begin your trip proper as their delicious yet modest bowls guarantee comfort that nicely combats the cold, and gives diners a proper introduction to some of the prefecture’s local delicacies.

Unlike the soba dishes we’re used to, we had ours in a soupy broth made using a light dashi and further intensified with whitebait—a predominant ingredient used in many of Kochi’s esteemed dishes—with a few slices of fishcake added. This type of broth is commonly used in udon rather than soba.

KOCHI CASTLE

Kochi Castle is one of the few remaining original castles in Japan to have survived both the Edo and Meiji eras and is worth a visit to gain a deeper understanding of Kochi’s history. Much of the castle itself has been demolished but it still remains pretty well preserved nonetheless, in fact, Kochi Castle is one of the only 3 castles left in Japan that still has its main gate fully untouched.

A rather interesting concept, the design of the castle isn’t in any way straightforward. Having been designed by the lord’s wife back in the day, the design of the castle was largely intended to confuse and mislead invaders, which explains its many awkward and random structural placements. Kochi Castle is located just a short walk away from Kochijomae tram stop.

HIROME ICHIBA MARKET

When visiting Kochi, it is paramount to pay a visit to Hirome Ichiba at least once (or thrice) for a meal. Similar to the hawker centres we have back home, this unique market located in Kochi’s city centre that houses over 60 stalls, many of which are either hole-in-a-wall restaurants or izakaya. The vibe and energy here is amazing and literally everywhere you turn, you’re likely to see locals socialising, eating, drinking (a lot) and having a swell time.

Many stalls there serve beer, sake, and shochu in addition to food, so having a drink together with your finger food of fancy is highly recommended.

The food options here are plenty with bonito being one of the more prominent items on display. We went for a pretty good selection of fan-favourites which included grilled Shimanto Pork, Bonito, Tuna Sashimi as well as a local river ebi that’s deep-fried and enjoyed as a beer accompaniment.

YASUI VALLEY – HIRYUU WATERFALL, NIYODO RIVER

A treat for the senses for any nature lover, the Niyodo River is something to definitely check out. The water takes on a blue-hue which is partly influenced by the naturally bluish rocks at the base of the river and the water itself is crystal clear.

Walking through the forest and toward the Hiryuu Waterfall, the experience was one filled with tranquillity and relaxation. Coupled with the autumn breeze on our backs and surrounded by the multicoloured autumn foliage, appreciating nature never felt better. During the summer, many people drive down here for picnics and barbecues and even make it a point to take a dip in the river.

MIYANOMAE PARK – COSMOS FESTIVAL

At Miyanomae Park during autumn, bask in a sea of pinkish beauty at the Cosmos Festival, a celebration of the flowers of the region in full bloom. During the festival, there are also food tents set up, allowing you to get your fill of some local cuisine as well as a series of performances for visitors.

Patronised heavily by young couples, this scenic spot is great for photos and would make for the perfect backdrop for a gorgeous couple photo for the ‘gram’.

TAISHO-KEN – UNAGI RESTAURANT

Just a short drive away from Miyanomae Park is 106-year-old unagi-centric restaurant Taisho-ken. The restaurant is currently run by 4th generation owner, Mr Masahiro Wada, who makes it his life mission to perfect the art of serving proper unagi cuisine the way his family has been doing it for over a century now. He claims that he is still far from achieving that, but we beg to differ.

Choosing the lunch set allows you to savour unagi in 3 different varieties—grilled, slathered with tare and served over rice, cooked within a tamago, and in a salad. Grilled to perfection and glazed in that perfectly balanced tare, we dare admit that their unagi is one of the best that we’ve had. Make no mistake, making the trip down for a meal here is well worth the journey, the time and the price.

HAMACHO – DINE AND BE ENTERTAINED BY A GEISHA

Geishas are a dying tradition in Japan and nowadays you can literally only find a number of actual ones that still exist—under the radar of course. Yet, over at Hamacho, a traditional Japanese high-class restaurant, a number of geishas are still allowed to perform, drink and interact with guests.

The food served here for 1 or 2 people is typically kaiseki, a massive platter of individual small components featuring a host of Kochi’s local delicacies and seasonal produce as well. But should you dine in a bigger group, they would serve a sawachi platter which is much larger.

Our behemoth of a platter comprised several types of fish, seafood and even whale. Fancy the opportunity to play games and drink with a real-life geisha? Feel free to express your interest to any of the staff and they will gladly come over to entertain you. However, language is a barrier so you may need an interpreter.

QRAUD: TOSAWASHI KOGEIMURA – PAPER-MAKING

Paper plays a big part in all of our lives—well, before computers and tablets anyway—but how often does anyone stop to wonder how the stuff is made? In Japan, paper-making is more than just a means of generating income, it’s an art.

If you’re someone artsy and enjoys getting hands-on, we reckon that paper-making will definitely be right up your alley. Over at hotel QRAUD Tosawashi Kogeimura Hotel, they offer a variety of workshops with paper-making being one of them.

KURE-TAISHO MARKET

Perhaps Kochi’s very own, smaller scale Tsukiji Fish Market, what this seafood market offers is truly a treat for any seafood or fresh fish lover. The concept is pretty much the same in that you go around selecting your item of choice and choose whether you wish to have it sliced in sashimi form or grilled with some light seasoning. There are also many other stalls selling grilled meat skewers and other types of tidbits.

Kure-Taisho Market has gained considerable popularity over the years with many people from all corners of Japan flocking over to have a taste of their bonito.

KUROSHIO TOWN – SALT HARVESTING

Salt is such a vital seasoning and is what makes food tasty. Yet, back home we never ever think about how salt is made since the majority of the time we depend on store-bought ones. Over at Kuroshio Town, residing along the vast and beautiful coastline are small family-owned facilities that devote themselves to the craft and art that is sea salt harvesting.

The particular place that we visited called Tosa no Shiomaru specialises in ‘sunshine salt’, which is naturally derived sea salt harvested using only sunlight and the coastal breeze—nothing else. The experience itself was a rather fascinating one as we were taught how about the fundamentals of salt as an ingredient and how different the effects and taste of salt can be depending on the amount of tampering it receives.

MUTEMUKA SAKE DISTILLERY – JAPAN’S FIRST CHESTNUT SAKE DISTILLERY

Everybody knows sake to be a rice-based wine and one synonymous with Japanese cuisine and Japan’s culture. At Mutemuka Sake Distillery in Kochi, they take a slightly different approach to making theirs, using locally grown chestnuts in addition to rice.

The flavour derived from Mutemuka’s chestnut sake is a lot more complex than regular, purer sakes in that it takes on a distinct nutty aroma coupled with a subtle savoury aroma. We had the pleasure of sampling a few varieties of their sake and of course, had to buy a few to take home.

CHIAKI NABEIYAKI RAMEN 

There are so many amazing flavours that one can unlock out of food simply by cooking it in a claypot. For one, its primary benefit is that it locks in heat in for a longer period of time, allowing food to stay hot longer and more importantly, lets the ingredients develop more intense flavours. The same can be observed in many Chinese dishes, and therefore comes as no surprise that cooking ramen in a claypot will guarantee one heck of a rich, multi-dimensional flavour profile.

You will find many places selling nabeiyaki (claypot ramen) all over Kochi but the one that we visited—which we strongly suggest you do too—is Chiaki Nabiyaki. The standard nabeiyaki comprises rather simply, tender yet firm egg noodles, bits of fish cake and an egg cracked over top right before serving.

As expected, the flavour was intense but balanced well enough such that it didn’t become difficult to gulp down and the egg stirred in not only thickened the broth but also added a heightened richness to the overall dish. A brilliant alternative to izakaya-style ramen and one that we highly recommend trying when in Kochi.

This post was brought to you by Kochi Tourism Board

Japan astounds in more ways than just its food and its people and wherever you choose to embark on your next adventure, we’re almost certain that you will not be disappointed. Our wanderlust brought us to Niigata, a coastal prefecture located north of bustling Tokyo. A lovely place untouched by time, and one that proves excellent for road trips.

Boasting the highest concentration of rice plantations and accounting for a majority of the country’s rice exports, there really is no wondering why Niigata is well-known for their excellent quality rice, rice wine (sake) and other rice-based products. Located close to the Japan Sea, fresh fish and seafood are often in abundance and of exceptional quality too.

Yet, as far as gastronomy goes, Niigata’s vast array of food choices come second only to the prefecture’s rich culture and a plethora of scenic views. Like lines in a sketch, the terraced rice paddies littered all over present a view like no place else. Each season brings with it a different ambience and having visited in Autumn, we were treated to stunning spectacles of technicoloured leaves and marvellous views wherever we were brought.

Brimming with breathtaking scenery, awesome food and inherently kind yet down-to-earth locals, you best believe us when we tell you that Niigata is a destination to consider if you crave adventure and new experiences. We’ve broken it all down for you, listing down how you can go about renting a car, where you should visit and what you should eat—you’re welcome.

RENT A CAR AT NIPPON DRIVE RENT-A-CAR IN MURAKAMI CITY

The journey toward Niigata prefecture takes about 2 hours via the Joetsu high-speed bullet train from Tokyo station—located 30 minutes from Haneda Airport. Our journey started at Murakami City, a castle township located just slightly north of Niigata City.

Located right outside Murakami Station, the Nippon Rental Car Depot is where you should first visit to kick-start your Niigata road trip proper. The staff may not be able to communicate in English effectively but they do have pamphlets available in multiple languages. Renting a car for a day is not very expensive either with a decent, standard car costing as little as 7000 yen (approx. S$85) for a day. It comes in mint condition with a navigational device in English.

STOP BY YURURI RESTAURANT FOR LUNCH

Once you’ve gotten your car settled, you could probably do with some grub and located just a short 5-minute drive away is Yururi Restaurant. Off their lunch set menu, you can find anything from rice bowls to soba, each of which features seasonal meat, fish and vegetables—a great way to taste a good variety of what Niigata can offer in terms of its products in just one meal.

We got ourselves the Tendon and Kaisen set, both of which came with a bowl of soba noodles in addition to rice. Fresh-tasting and decently priced, our first meal in Niigata kicked off pretty darn well at Yururi.

VISIT A SALMON SPECIALTY STORE (KIKKAWA)

If you’re a sucker for salmon, you’ll be thrilled to know that Murakami is famous for the stuff due to its proximity to Miomote River—a salmon hotspot basically. In fact, salmon has been a key element in sustaining the city’s financial backbone ever since the Edo period which explains why the people there are insanely proud of it.

Here in Murakami, there are over 100 different ways that the natives prepare salmon with the most common being salting and dry-curing, relying on the natural wind from the coastal breeze.

Don’t be alarmed at the number of salted salmon hanging in and around the houses here because it’s a norm, and scattered everywhere are little salmon speciality stores where you can find heaps of salmon-based products. Kikkawa is one such store and it truly is massive, selling anything and everything salmon-related from snacks, condiments to even salmon burgers which they make fresh daily

VISIT A TRADITIONAL TEA SHOP

The Murakami township is popular for their green tea and black tea varieties and you’re more than likely going to have no trouble finding a tea shop tucked in a corner somewhere. It might seem intimidating from the outside but don’t be shy and just waltz right in, the locals are extremely friendly and will do their utmost to serve you well despite the language barrier.

You can get the full tea-drinking experience with the added bonus of having your tea brewed over charcoal and an expert to prepare, serve and educate you about traditional Japanese tea and the art of tea-drinking.

SASAGAWA-NAGARE TOUR BOAT

For just a small fee, you get to go on a 45-minute boat ride meters away from the coastline to have a better view of the natural landforms as well as feed seagulls while you’re at it. Notable landforms include the Lion Rock, Eagle’s Nest and Dinosaur Rock.

Upon docking, be sure to stop by the fisherman’s wharf, where fresh fish is caught, treated and cooked fresh on an open grill. Fortunately for us, we arrived just in time to savour some fresh local ebi that was literally caught and carried off a fishing boat minutes prior.

DOYUNO: VEGGIE-TIME RESTAURANT

The thought of having a vegetarian meal in Japan might not appeal to many. In fact, some might find it a waste, but over at Doyuno Veggie-Time Restaurant, your impression just might change.

This is a proper as farm-to-table dining goes with all of the restaurant’s menu offerings coming straight from the farm. The experience starts off with a tour of the vegetable garden, of which guests will be educated on the different varieties of vegetables and herbs they grow, before letting you indulge in them all back at the restaurant.

Every recipe is designed specifically to the taste of each individual vegetable so depending on which season you visit, you just might have a different menu every other day.

As history has shown, the people of Tsuruoka have been and are, until today, incredibly reliant on vegetables for sustenance, largely because of their historical ascetic practice of Buddhism which disallows them to indulge in meat-based food.

FIVE-TIER PAGODA IN THE FOREST OF MT. HAGURO

Fancy a scenic trek through a thick cedar forest? The path leading toward Mt. Haguro is excellent and is a popular spot for both locals in search of a spiritual escape or simply just folks who’re looking to get some exercise in.

The lush greenery and the still, tranquil atmosphere is a pleasure to take in and is definitely a spot we recommend if you’re looking to get some solid portrait shots of yourself taken. The spiritual charm of the place comes in the form of shrines and little totems scattered all around the forest with a massive 5-tier pagoda located slightly deeper within.

KAMO AQUARIUM

The Kamo Aquarium in Yamagata Prefecture is in the Guinness Book of World Records for housing the world’s largest collection of jellyfish. Peculiar yet beautiful creatures nonetheless, a trip here will not be wasted. However, do note that the aquarium closes at 5pm so plan your time carefully if you do not want the drive down to be in vain.

LEARN THE WAYS OF THE SAMURAI AT THE UESUGI SHINTO SHRINE

If you’ve always had a fascination for Japan’s ancient warriors, the samurai, then perhaps a tour through the Uesugi Shinto Shrine should be right up your alley. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a quartet of samurai role-players, who, not only looked the part but also sounded and behaved like the proud samurai warriors of Edo-period Japan.

From learning to purify your body, to submit an offering to the Gods, the tour covers it all—if you dare to ask, they’ll probably even let you hold their weapons. The tour ends off with a 15-minute-long skit featuring the samurai warriors.

LOCAL DELICACY AT INAKAYA FURUMACHI OLD TOWN

Craving something authentic and exclusive to the Niigata prefecture, we were brought to try a local delicacy called Wappa Meshi at Inakaya Restaurant at Furumachi Old Town (basically the restaurant where the dish was born).

Wappa Meshi is a steamed dish consisting of steamed rice cooked using dashi that is topped with meat, or seafood cooked. It is steamed in a wooden box, similar to Chinese dim sum and the beauty of it is that the process allows for allows for the flavours of every component to marry well with one another.

The box itself, otherwise known as the ‘Mage-Wappa’ is a kind of container which was used as a lunch box by the folks who worked high up in the mountains and has been a tool of transporting food for over 600 years now.

We had a variety with some comprising chicken, salmon, ikura (salmon roe), local ebi and more. Every Wappa Moshi was cooked to utmost perfection and albeit looking simple, they each boasted incredible flavour.

PIA BANDAI FISH & FARMER’S MARKET

Anyone who’s anyone in the food industry would know of Japan’s highly acclaimed Tsukiji Fish Market—the home of some of the world’s best seafood. Well, in Niigata city, they have one similar called Pia Bandai.

The market stocks a considerable amount of Niigata speciality products such as rice, vegetables, fruits, sake, local fish, tidbits and more but its main appeal would be its wide array of fresh fish and seafood offerings. From unbelievably affordable uni (sea urchin) to thickly cut sashimi prepared fresh upon order, any seafood lover would be excited.

NORTHERN CULTURE MUSEUM + SAVOURING KOSHIHIKARI RICE

The Northern Culture Museum once belonged to one of the wealthiest family of landowners or ‘farmer lords’—as the local people refer to them as—in the Echigo area. However, it has long changed and while the massive complex astounds with its rustic, well-kept furnishings, perhaps one of the more interesting facts to note is that it is the only one in Japan that still stands.

You’d have to go on a tour for the full explanation but we promise you this is far more interesting than some mere museum walkthrough. The owners of the house were huge in the rice farming industry and provided rice of exceptional quality to all parts of Japan.

PONSHU-KAN – A SAKE LOVER’S HEAVEN

Located in Cocolo at Niigata Station, you’re bound to stumble upon a sake speciality store—Ponshu-Kan—right smack in the middle of it. The prefecture is known for their rice, so it is only natural that they’d be home to outstanding sake as well. Skilfully brewed with high-quality rice and spring water from the mountains, much of their sake take on a clean and refreshing taste.

At Ponshu-Kan, visitors can taste and sample their fill of all the major sake brands (¥500 for 5 samples) in Niigata and with more than a hundred labels to choose from, chances are you’ll be there for quite a while.

SHIRONE GRAPE GARDEN

It’s one thing to buy fresh fruits from the supermarket, let alone a farmer’s market, but to actually be able to pick your own fruits with your bare hands? That really is a killer experience. When in Niigata, you should definitely try your hand at fruit picking at the Shirone Grape Garden.

With grapes in the summer, pears in the fall, strawberries and more during winter through spring, this lovely fruit orchard allows you to enjoy fruit-picking all-year round. Their popular gelato is made using the seasonal fruits that they grow onsite too and if you’re a fan of Japan’s esteemed Kyoho grapes, you’ll be glad to know that you can pick those here too (or have them in gelato form).

UWASEKIGATA PARK – CHERRY BLOSSOM HOTSPOT IN SPRING

Considered Niigata’s national park, this vast and beautiful park is popular for numerous reasons. On weekends, the park is open for people to have barbecues and picnics and is also a great place for photographers and fitness gurus.

During the spring season, the park itself is said to boast spectacular displays of cherry blossoms but during other parts of the year, the park also plays host to a myriad of artistic sculptures and the ones that we were fortunate to see were the animal ones made using rice straws.

KOKAJIYA – ITALIAN-JAPANESE CUISINE

When in Japan, to eat any cuisine other than Japanese cuisine would not the most ideal, but we beg to differ, or at least at Kokajiya Restaurant. Fusing together Italian recipes and culinary techniques but relying heavily on local produce derived from Niigata itself. From their pasta to their mains, all of their food nicely tie together the best of both cuisine’s culinary disciplines and flair.

The result? Possibly one of the best Italian dishes we ever had. Period.

YAHIKOYAMA ROPE WAY – STUNNING VIEWS OF THE LAND BELOW

To round off your trip on an epic note, there’s nothing quite as majestic as a stunning sunset view a couple of hundred metres above sea level. At the Yahikoyama Rope Way, not only were we treated to a gorgeous 360-degree view of the land below, but the sunset—coupled with the mountain breeze—marked one heck of a solid end to our 5D4N adventure in the Niigata prefecture of Japan.

This post was brought to you by Niigata City, Murakami City, Tsuruoka City and Yonezawa City.

Our guide to Japan’s Cherry Blossoms 2019 forecast will provide you with details on when and where you can view cherry blossoms in Japan.

Come March every year, Japan plays host to throngs and throngs of tourists as it transforms into a visually arresting sea of pink that blankets the country in soft, beautiful splendour. Celebrated for many years, this iconic flower holds a very prominent position in Japanese culture. With over dozens of different cherry blossom varieties blooming together for just a few short weeks a year, it’s no wonder Hanami is such an important event.

If you’re planning a trip to have your breath taken away, it’s definitely important to take note of the flowering dates, least you have the unfortunate luck of them blooming just before or after your trip.

Sure enough, the winds and weather are ever-changing, and the dates an estimate, but it’s always good to know roughly when the cherry season will hit Japan in 2019 and where best to enjoy the views.

FUKUOKA

Kyushu’s largest and one of the most populated cities in Japan, Fukuoka sees to a rich blend of mainland Asian influence due to its geographical proximity.

Best Places In Fukuoka To View Cherry Blossoms:

1. Uminonakamichi Seaside Park — 811-0321 Fukuoka Prefecture, 18-25 Oaza Saitozaki, East Ward
2. Fukuoka Castle Ruins – 810-0043 Fukuoka Prefecture, Jonai, Chuo Ward

Flowering Period: 18th March – 4th April
Full Bloom: 27th March – 4th April

FUKUSHIMA

Fukushima is home to a range of spectacular volcanic landscapes, excellent hot spring waters, prominent castles and most notably, outstanding sakura and Momiji spots.

Best Places In Fukushima To View Cherry Blossoms:

1. Natsui River Senbonzakura – 963-3312 Fukushima Prefecture, Tamura-gun, Ono-machi, Natsui
2. Ogawa Suwa Shrine – 979-3123 Fukushima Prefecture, Miyanoushiro-67 Ogawamachi Shioda, Iwaki

Flowering Period: 30th March – 14th April
Full Bloom: 4th April – 12th April

HOKKAIDO

Unspoilt by mankind, Hokkaido attracts many outdoor nature lovers all year round, with skiers and snowboarders in winter and hikers and campers in summer.

Best Places In Hokkaido To View Cherry Blossoms:

1. Noboribetsu Onsen Sakura Tunnel – Nakanoboribetsu-cho, Noboribetsu Hokkaido
2. Arashiyama Koen – 071-1249 Hokkaido, Kamikawa District, Takasu, 9 Sen

Flowering Period: 1st May – 13th May
Full Bloom: 2nd May – 5th May

HIROSHIMA

Located in the southwestern part of Japan, Hiroshima is rich in the natural beauty of the Inland Sea and the Chugoku mountains that characterise Japan’s landscape.

Best Places In Hiroshima To View Cherry Blossoms:

1. Five Storied Pagoda – 739-0588 Hiroshima Prefecture, 419 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi
2. Shukkei-en – 730-0014 Hiroshima Prefecture, 2-11 Kaminoboricho, Naka Ward

Flowering Period: 20th March – 5th April
Full Bloom: 28th March – 5th April

KANAZAWA

The capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, the city is filled with many historical attractions such as restored residences and districts and is home to Japan’s best landscape garden.

Best Places In Kanazawa To View Cherry Blossoms:

1. Kenroku-en – 920-0936 Ishikawa Prefecture, 1 Kenrokumachi, Kanazawa
2. Kanazawa Castle – 920-0937 Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa, Marunouchi

Flowering Period: 29th March – 12th April
Full Bloom: 3rd April – 8th April

Photo Credit: Niindo

KOBE

Kobe is the capital of the Hyogo Prefecture and the sixth largest city in Japan. It is best known for its highly-coveted Kobe beef. Besides that, it has beautiful scenic landscapes and is considered one of Japan’s most attractive cities.

Best Places In Kobe To View Cherry Blossoms:

1. Egeyama Park — 3-1 Egeyama, Kobe, Hyogo perfecture
2. Gokoku Shrine — 4 Chome-5-1 Shinohara Kitamachi, Nada Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture 657-0068, Japan

Flowering Period: 21st March – 7th April
Blooming Period: 29th March – 7th April

Photo Credit: Travelcaffeine 

KYOTO 

Kyoto was once the capital of Japan and is still a hotspot for tourists who are love with its beautiful landscapes as well as its gorgeous traditional Buddhist temples, imperial palaces and gardens.

Best Places In Kyoto To View Cherry Blossoms:

1. Heian Shrine — Okazaki Nishitennocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 606-8341, Japan
2. Daigoji Temple — 22 Daigohigashiojicho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 601-1325, Japan

Flowering Period: 21st March – 3rd April
Blooming Period: 28th March – 3rd April

Photo Credit: Japan Travel 

NAGOYA 

Nagoya is Japan’s fourth most populated city as well as the capital of the Aichi Prefecture. This in-between place between Tokyo and Kyoto is a place full of beautiful shrines as well as the Majestic Nagoya Castle.

Best Places In Nagoya To View Cherry Blossoms:

1. Nagoya Castle – 1-1 Honmaru, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture 460-0031, Japan
2. Nagoya Peace Park – 1-3 Heiwakoen, Chikusa Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture 464-0022, Japan

Flowering Period: 19th March – 2nd April
Blooming Period: 27th March – 2nd April

Photo Credit: AnnainJapana

NARA 

The first thought that comes to mind when one mentions Nara is their adorable free-roaming deer in Nara Park. Nara was also Japan’s capital in the 8th century, and hence, it is home to a very rich culture and history.

Best Places in Nara To View Cherry Blossoms:

1. Nara Park – Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan
2. Yoshimizu-jinja Shrine – 579 Yoshinoyama, Yoshino, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture 639-3115, Japan

Flowering Period: 22nd March – 4th April
Blooming Period: 29th March – 4th April

Photo Credit: Flickr

OSAKA 

Osaka is Japan’s second largest metropolitan area after Tokyo and is one of the most popular cities in Japan. It is well-known for its amazing street food, culture and gorgeous scenic locations.

Best Places In Osaka To View Cherry Blossoms:

1. Expo 70 Commemorative Park – 1-1 Senribanpakukoen, Suita, Osaka Prefecture 565-0826, Japan
2. Osaka Castle – 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 540-0002, Japan

Flowering Period: 20th March – 4th April
Blooming Period: 26th March – 4th April

Photo Credit: Boredpanda

SHIZUOKA 

Shizuoka is sometimes referred to as Japan’s Rivera and is located along the Pacific coast in the south of Chuba Region. Their most famous product here is their delicious, fragrant tea.

Best Places In Shizuoka To View Cherry Blossoms:

1. Shizuoka Sengen Park – 3 Sengencho, Numazu, Shizuoka Prefecture 410-0886, Japan
2. Sunpu Castle Park – 1-1 Sunpujokoen, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture 420-0855, Japan

Flowering Period: 18th March – 4th April
Blooming Period: 27th March – 4th April

Photo Credit: Newscult 

TOKYO 

Tokyo is the capital of Japan and is a fast-paced city that is the perfect balance of modern and traditional. There is so much to do in Tokyo and it offers tourists unlimited choices with regards to shopping, entertainment, culture as well as food.

Best Places In Tokyo To View Cherry Blossoms:

1. Shinjuku Gyeon – 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan
2. Yoyogi Park – 2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0052, Japan

Flowering Period: 15th Match – 1st April
Blooming Period: 22nd March – 1st April

Read: 24 unique experiences that will make you fall in love with Japan.