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25 Mar 2020
Dream Now, Travel Later - Japanese Cherry Blossom
While COVID-19 and Government restrictions have us all grounded currently, we can't wait to get back up in the air, and we’re here ready to help you as soon as the restrictions are lifted. In the meantime we’ve created a series of Dream Now, Travel Later articles to help you keep your travel dreams

We never imagined that we'd all be in this situation. Grounded with all our holiday plans cancelled. This is unprecedented, but we know it will all turn around in time. So starting today, we're launching a series of positive articles. Sharing a few of our own favourite travel moments and some inspirational itineraries so we can all keep the travel spirit alive until we can take to the skies again. #dreamnowtravellater

Read below about visiting Japan to see the Cherry Blossoms.

Japanese Cherry Blossoms

Kyoto Botanical Garden

There is nothing quite like seeing a whole country in bloom and nowhere blooms quite like Japan during Cherry Blossom season. The whole country celebrates the season with festivals, special foods, and news reports. There is even a Japanese word “hanami” specifically devoted to viewing Cherry Blossoms. We've gathered below the best places and times of the year to see the trees in full bloom in Tokyo and Kyoto.

Tokyo

Trees in Tokyo start blooming around the 20th of March though to the end of the month and into early April, the whole city celebrates with picnics under the Cherry Blossom in Yoygi Parkm and Shinjuku Gyoen Parks. Another must see in Tokyo is the neighbourhood of Nakameguro which hosts the Nakameguro Sakura Festival, each night the Cherry trees are illuminated and the shops and restaurants sell themed wares including pink champagne!

Nakameguro Sakura Festival

Kyoto

The trees bloom in Kyoto from late March to early April and the city is full of popular spots to view the cherry blossoms, including Kyoto Botanical Garden, Philospher’s Path, and one of the oldest parks in Kyoto Maruyama Park. For the best photo opportunities look for the weeping cherry trees with hanging branches.

Kyoto Cherry Blossoms

Whilst Tokyo and Kyoto are going to give you the best Cherry Blossom viewing opportunities, trees bloom all over the country from the 20th of March through to the end of April, other hot spots for viewing the trees include Himeji Castle in Osaka and Lake Kawaguchiko in front of Mount Fuji.

Getting There

Japan Airlines Business Class

Japan Airlines flies direct from Australia to Japan daily, with a uniquely designed business class in a 2-2-2 configuration with all customers having direct aisle access. Read our review and take a closer look at Japan Airlines business class cabin and service here.