We all know the phrase “pics or it didn’t happen” and for most of us, it's practically our social mantra! So if you’re looking out for ways to boost your ‘IG-game’ this spring, we’ve got you covered with a cheat sheet on where to find the best places to flood your Insta feed with a splash of pink this spring, courtesy of the eternally spectacular, Japanese cherry blossom display.
- JAPAN: Tokyo -
1. Chidoriga-Fuchi Park
Situated between the Imperial Palace and British Embassy, this 700-metre-long walkway along the moat of the Japanese Imperial palace is home to approximately 260 cherry trees and is definitely one of the most spectacular blossom scenes in Tokyo! Take your Instagram picture and your Hanami experience to the next level when you book yourselves a traditional Yukata or Kimono for the perfect shot!
When: Early April Where: Kudan Minami 2-chome—Sanbancho, Chiyoda-ku Nearest station: Tokyo Metro Kudanshita Station Exit 2 (5 Min walk); Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Station Exit 5 (5 Min walk)
2. Shinjuku Gyoen
The Shinjuku Gyoen is one of largest and most beautiful parks located in the heart of Tokyo and has three different types of gardens - Japanese, French and English.
Source: Instagram If you’re worried you might not make it to Tokyo early enough to capture the first flurries of the pink phenomenon, don't worry! Believed to be one of the top spots to view cherry blossoms, the English garden has more than 1,000 trees that bloom at different stages from late March to Early April - making it easy for anyone who misses the main blooming season to still catch the annual extravaganza.
When: Mid March - Late April Where: 11 Naito-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Postal code:160-0014 Nearest station: Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station Exit 1 (5 Min walk) Sendagaya Station Exit 2 (5 Min walk)
3. Meguro River
Source : Instagram
Fancy a glass of wine under the lovely cherry blossoms? Then the Meguro River is your ideal spot! Running alongside the quaint little shops and cafes at the Meguro River, is a 4km stretch lined with a plethora of pink cherry trees (mostly Yoshino Cherry Trees) which, at their peak, makes it difficult to see the sky or the river, but still makes for a charming picture. p.s. If you’re planning to chase the Sakura and more around Tokyo, maximise your time and your money by getting yourself a Tokyo Subway Pass.
When: Mid March Where: 2-2 Naka-Meguro River, Meguro Ward, Tokyo Nearest station: Meguro Station (5 Min Walk); Fudomae Station (5 Min Walk); Nakameguro Station (2 Min Walk); Ohashi Station (2 Min Walk)
4. Sumida Park
For travellers that have limited time in Tokyo, this might just be the place that kills two birds with one stone! (Don't worry - no birds were harmed in the making of this article!)
Source: Instagram
Sumida Park, a popular spot that stretches along the Sumida River is well known for the row of beautiful, blooming cherry trees that line the river bank. It is also perfectly located near to Asakusa - a main sightseeing spot in Tokyo as well as the iconic Tokyo Skytree.
While you’re at it, why not snap a picture of the world’s tallest tower alongside the beautiful Sakuras before you head down for a visit!
When: Late March - Early April Where: Ukyō-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan Nearest station: Asakusa Station (5 Min walk)
- JAPAN: Kyoto -
5. Arashiyama
Seize a picture perfect moment in your Kimono as you make your way to one of the most well loved and famous districts in Kyoto. Arashiyama is one of the hot picks that retains its beauty through all seasons - this is especially so during Spring when the cherry trees along the Katsura River flourish and wash the already picturesque place in a sea of pastel colours.
Filled with much atmosphere, Arashiyama is the place to be if you’d like to get in touch with nature but not forsake the beautiful architecture and culture of Kyoto. Don’t forget to take the opportunity to take more pictures against the pink backdrop before you treat yourself to the large variety of seasonal snacks that are available only once a year. Heading out to more than one region of Japan this vacation?
Book yourself a Japan Rail Pass for a hassle-free experience and focus solely on bringing up the ‘insta-game’ this Cherry Blossom season.
When: Late March Where: Mukojima 1-chome, Sumida, Tokyo; Hanakawado 1-chome, Taito, Tokyo Nearest station: Saga-Arashiyama Station; Katsura Station
6. Maruyama Park
Source: Instagram
Famous for the huge weeping cherry tree with a rich history that is over 70 years old, Maruyama Koen is one of the best places to view Cherry Blossoms not just in the day, but at night as well. The glorious tree - called the Gion Shidare-zakura, is illuminated from the moment the sun sets till 1am and adds to the festive atmosphere amongst the numerous beer stalls and food stands that you are free to enjoy within the park (Source)
When: Late March Where: Maruyamacho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto Nearest station: Gion-shijo Station (10 Min walk)
- JAPAN: Osaka -
7. Osaka Castle Park
Home not only to the outstanding historical landmark, the Osaka Castle is surrounded by an extensive park planted with over 4000 cherry trees. Apart from the Nishinomaru Garden that is home to some 600 of these trees, the expansive park ensures you will have enough time and space to capture the perfect image of spring. For those not tied for time, it would be a good idea to wait for sun down when both the castle and trees are lit up, taking the atmosphere of the park to another level.
Be sure to make the most of your trip and boost your Instagram streak during your stay in Osaka when you Klook an Osaka Amazing Pass. Besides allowing you free entry into 30 of Osaka’s Top attractions (including the Osaka Castle), the pass provides you with unlimited use on the subway, tramway, and bus system within the city, giving you the opportunity to fly around the best Cherry Blossom locations in Osaka at the most amazing prices.
When: Early April Where: 540-0002 Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka City Nearest station: Osakajo-koen Station (10 Min walk); Tanimachi 4-chrome Station
8. Kema Sakuranomiya Park
Source: Instagram
If you only have limited travel time, one of the places you definitely have to visit when in Osaka during springtime would be Kema-Sakuranomiya park. Frequently visited by the locals themselves to admire the sakura, this park is known for having nearly 5,000 cherry trees that bloom during springtime. Accompanied by Okawa river and lush greenery, the Kema-Sakuranomiya park is probably one of the best locations in Osaka for that Instagram photoshoot.
When: Early April Where: 530-0025 1 Nakanocho, Miyakojima-ku, Osaka Nearest station: Temmabashi Station; Osakajo-kitazume Station; Sakuranomiya Station
- JAPAN: Nara -
9. Nara Deer Park
Source: Instagram
A must-see area in Nara City, famous for the adorable free roaming deer is the Nara Deer Park. Everyone already knows this popular park as the place to be when it comes to getting up close and personal and snapping best friend selfies with the shy yet cheeky creatures - But did you know that there are actually more cherry trees than deer in this wonderful park? Coupled with a number of famous temples in close proximity, this park definitely makes the perfect spot to take pictures for the gram.
Source: Instagram
P.s. Remember to grab a bag of deer crackers to bribe the deers into helping you to get the best shot.
When: Late March Where: Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan Nearest station: Kintetsu-Nara Station (10 Min Walk); Nara Station (20 Min Walk - Hop on a bus to get there faster)
- JAPAN: Okinawa -
10. Nakijin Castle
Source: Instagram
A UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Northern Okinawa, the Nakijin castle is a place with a unique blend of both nature and history. Instagram worthy moments are littered through the park - be it the castle ruins or the Cherry Blossoms that are of a darker pink than the ones in main Japan.
Take the chance to join in the fun at the Nakijin Cherry Blossom festival to wait for nightfall when the castle and the trees are illuminated and look right out the scene of a fairytale story.
When: Late January - Early February Where: 5101 Imadomari Nakijinson Kunigami-gun Okinawa Prefecture How to get there: Yanbaru Express Bus ( 2.5 Hours, Get off at Nakijin Joseki Iriguchi bus stop & 15 Min walk to location)
