Shojuin is a small, but impressive temple hidden in the mountains of Ujitawara, Kyoto Prefecture. It has a lot to offer and is especially enjoyable to visit when it holds its wind chime festival. … More Hidden Treasure of Kyoto Prefecture: Shojuin Temple
Kawazu-zakura are unique hybrid cherry trees that bloom earlier, and for much longer, than the famous Somei Yoshino species. For an entire month, usually from around February 10 to March 10, a festival showcases 8,000 trees that line the Kawazu River in Southern Izu. Although it takes about 2 – 2 1/2 hours to reach … More Izu’s Kawazu-zakura Festival – Early Blooming Cherry Blossoms
Filled with impressive sightseeing spots, both natural and man-made, Aomori and Akita prefectures are perfect for anyone wanting to ‘get away from it all’. Even during Golden Week, crowds are minimal and cherry blossoms are often still in bloom. This is a recommended 4 day, 3 night trip that can easily be adapted or shortened. … More 3 Nights/4 Days in Northern Tohoku
There are many places in the Tokyo area where one can view azeleas (つつじ, tsutsuji) in bloom. The flowers are usually at their most beautiful in mid-April to mid-May; and at higher elevations, into early June. Below is a list of some of the best locations to see them. CENTRAL TOKYO 1). Nezu Shrine, Bunkyo … More Azelea Viewing in Tokyo & its surroundings
Every year, from mid-September to mid-October, a park in Koma, Saitama Prefecture turns vivid red when approximately 5 million red spider lilies spring up from the ground in a forested area cris-crossed by walking paths. It is a wonderful day trip from Tokyo and is easy to access by mass transportation. Use hyperdia.com to find … More Kinchakuda Red Spider Lily Festival, Saitama Prefecture
Kawasaki is only ten minutes by train from Shinagawa Station, but it seems worlds away. As one of the largest industrial areas of Japan, the city is not known for its sightseeing spots. However, the area around Kawasaki Station is well worth visiting, especially for anyone who enjoys bargain shopping. In addition, famous Kawasaki Daishi, … More Day Trip: Environs of Kawasaki Station
There are a number of gardens in the Tokyo area where one can view Japanese water irises (花菖蒲, hanashobu) in bloom. The flowers are usually at their most beautiful in June. Below is a list of some of the best locations to see them. Hondoji, Chiba TOKYO Nezu Museum, Minato Ward Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, Bunkyo … More Iris Gardens in & around Tokyo
One of Tokyo’s most popular cherry blossom viewing walks is the path around the moat near Yasukuni Shrine, that passes Chidorigafuchi Cemetery and enters Kitanomaru Garden. A section of the path is also lit up at night. If you take this walk, be sure to walk all the way to the back of Yasukuni Shrine. … More Self-guided Tokyo Sakura Walk: Chidorigafuchi
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