Millions of travelers choose Japan as their ideal international destination each year, and many of these travelers opt for travel in spring. One of the most stunning times of the year, Japan is filled with color and life in spring as winter loses its grasp and spring is welcomed in by millions and millions of beautiful pink blossoms.
While many consider the beauty of Washington DC when the cherry blossoms are blooming, these trees are just a taste of what their original homeland has to offer the lover of spring and cherry blossoms. Festivals and flowers fill the landscape of Japan including Kawazu, Tokyo and Kyoto. However, even if you miss the cherry blossoms, spring is just the beginning. Flowers and gardens are just a part of the tradition and beauty of this ancient civilization.
Gardens have been a part of Japans history for generations. Built by monks, aristocrats, warriors and politicians, the evolution of these gardens can even reflect periods by their style, shape and plant type. For example, during the late Heian Period, Pure Land Buddhism was popular which meant that gardens were built to resemble a Buddhist Paradise featuring a large pond, lotus flowers and islands. Tea Gardens were quite popular in the Azuchi Momoyama Period in the late 1500’s and early 1600’s and these are characterized by a stepping stone path, a tea house, lanterns and beautiful flowering plants and shrubs.
Attractions, festivals and destinations which are ideal for the flower lover include the following:
Matsumae-koen Park – Plum and Cherry blossoms in Spring in Hokkaido and is best viewed in late April to late May.
Hirosaki-koen Park – Cherry trees in the Tohoku area. Actually offers almost 3,000 trees of a wide variety, most of which are cherry and are best viewed in Spring.
Ueno-Onshi-koen Park – Located in Tokyo, this park and the Shinjuku Gyoen Park are some of the first parks designated in Japan and home to many other popular attractions in addition to the beautiful flowering trees in spring.
Throughout the year, many other areas offer stunning floral views including Furano in summer, Nasu-kogen Highlands in late spring and many more. No matter what time of the year, something is blooming somewhere in this stunning and diverse country. Embrace natures beauty in Japan when you travel.
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