In Japan, now that the new year has arrived it's time to begin thinking about spring, which means Sakura season. In April, when temperatures begin to warm following the cold winter, cherry blossoms appear in profusion across Japan. The nature-filled areas north of Tokyo, offer some stunning opportunities to view this floral fantasy with fewer crowds. Here are a few recommended settings for the Sakura spectacle.
Nikko
Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park and a 400-Year-old Weeping Cherry Tree
Nikko, is less than two hours north of Tokyo and is an easy, comfortable train trip along the Tobu Railway line. From Tobu Nikko Station, take a short taxi ride to Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park. Here you can behold a 400-year-old weeping cherry tree amongst traditional Japanese architecture. This former vacation retreat for the Taisho Emperor was built in 1899 and present an interesting juxtaposition of Japanese and Western design traditions. It is Japan’s largest imperial villa still standing and has been designated as an Important Cultural Property. In addition to the historic cherry tree, the grounds feature an array of seasonal flowers.
Kinugawa Onsen
Someiyoshino (Yoshino Cherry) Illumination at Gokoku Shrine
Not far from Nikko is the hot spring resort of Kinugawa Onsen. Here, from Saturday April 6 to Sunday April 14, visitors can participate in the Kinugawa Onsen: Night Cherry Blossom Festival in the area surrounding Gokoku Shrine (and neighboring local shrines). The fully-bloomed cherry blossoms will be illuminated, suffusing the trees and the shrine precincts in a beautiful, fairy tale-like glow. On weekends, special performances will take place, featuring Japanese musical instruments and traditional dances. Specific event details (Japanese only).
Kinugawa Onsen's Sakura-Namiki Street
Sakura-Namiki-dori is a 300-meter-long thoroughfare lined with around a hundred cherry trees. It is not only the most attractive street for sakura viewing, but it’s quiet, authentic, and away from the crowds. (The Nikko Passes provide unlimited use of trains between Nikko and Kinugawa.)
Aizu Wakamatsu:
Illuminations of Tsurugajo Castle’s Keep and the Blooming Cherry Trees on its Grounds
Tsurugajo Castle (restored in 1965) is the only castle in Japan with a red-tiled keep. The symbol of Aizu Wakamatsu, it draws tourists for both its architectural and historical significance. In springtime, nearly a thousand cherry trees bloom around the castle, and nighttime illuminations from April through May enhance its beauty. It is on the list of Japan’s hundred best cherry-blossom viewing locations. (The Yuttari Aizu Tobu Free Pass makes it easy and comfortable for visitors to travel by train between Kinugawa and Aizu and visit other are attractions as well.)
Gongendo Park in Satte City, Saitama Prefecture
In springtime, Satte Gongendo Sakura-tsutsumi is a picturesque symphony of rosy cherry blossoms and sunny rapeseed flowers. Approximately a thousand Somei Yoshino trees form a kilometer-long cherry blossom “tunnel” with their arched branches. The contrast between the azure sky, the pink cherry blossoms, and the yellow rapeseed flowers conjures up the image of a real-life artist’s palate. This is one of the most popular sakura viewing spots in Greater Tokyo. Nearby is the Tobu Zoo, which also includes an amusement park and another great cherry blossom viewing locale. At just under an hour away from central Tokyo, Satte City is an easy daytrip. (Here is more information from the Prefecture, and check out this 360-degree movie.)
About Tobu Railway Company Ltd.
TOBU Railway Company, Ltd. is a major Japanese corporation consisting of approximately 90 companies. The Tobu Railways cover the longest operating distance in Metropolitan Tokyo and lead to numerous tourist attractions including: Asakusa and Tokyo SKYTREE TOWN in Tokyo; Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen, famous its world heritage sites and hot springs; the Tatebayashi and Ashikaga area, known for beautiful blooming flower fields; and Kawagoe, where the atmosphere of the old Edo era lives on. Tobu is also invested in numerous hotels, including the highly anticipated luxury properties: Nikko Fufu Resort (http://japanpropertycentral.com/2017/06/luxury-onsen-reso...) and The Ritz Carlton Nikko (http://news.ritzcarlton.com/2018/04/the-ritz-carlton-announces-first-resort-slated-to-be-set-amidst-a-unesco-world-heritage-site-in-japan/), both of which will open in 2020, in time for the Tokyo Olympics.
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